*Avowed* has just hit the shelves, and if you're an RPG fan or a curious newcomer, Obsidian's latest offering is designed to cater to you. Diving into RPGs can be daunting at first, but fear not—with these tips, you'll navigate *Avowed* like a seasoned adventurer.
Know the Basics
*Avowed* follows the traditional RPG formula where you'll earn XP through quests, vanquishing foes, exploring new areas, and more. As your XP accumulates, you'll level up, granting you attribute and ability points to customize your character. Whether you envision yourself as a formidable warrior or a mystical wizard, the choice is yours.
Attributes determine your character's strengths, and I often lean towards the scholar class for its rich lore. But *Avowed* is forgiving; if your build isn't working out, you can re-roll your points, making it incredibly beginner-friendly.
Explore Avowed's World
While *Avowed* isn't fully open-world, it balances structured story objectives with the freedom to explore. It's tempting to stick to the main quest markers, but remember, RPGs like *Avowed* thrive on exploration. Venturing off the beaten path can uncover valuable loot, resources, and side quests that offer easy XP.
Engage with the game's narrative through books and notes; Obsidian's storytelling is top-notch, and these items enrich your understanding of the world. Keep an eye out for treasure maps that lead to special gear or a hefty coin stash, essential for gearing up against tougher enemies. Exploring will also help you amass gold, crucial for acquiring better weapons and gear to keep you competitive in combat.
Stock Up On Health and Essence Potions
Combat in *Avowed* can be challenging, especially for newcomers. You'll need to manage both your physical and essence attacks while keeping an eye on your health and essence bars. Health and essence potions are your lifelines—health potions restore significant health, while essence potions replenish your essence bar. They're scattered throughout the world and sold by vendors in cities, easily identifiable by their bright red and pink hues, respectively.
Use these potions wisely. For minor health dips, consider using food found throughout the world. Some food and herbs can also cure ailments like poison, so save them for when you really need them. Only reach for the health potion when your health is critically low; it's not like *Call of Duty* where you reload after every encounter.
Give Your Companions Some Love
When you level up, don't just focus on your character. Your companions are integral to your success. Upgrading their abilities ensures they remain effective in combat and can even provide healing support. Neglecting them might lead to a tougher journey, so keep them strong to handle enemy swarms and bolster your party's strength.
Upgrade Your Gear
As you traverse *Avowed*'s world, you'll gather resources that can enhance your weapons and gear. At camp, you'll find a station to the left upon entering where you can perform these upgrades. Early on, you'll switch gear frequently, so be strategic about when to invest. Upgrading worthwhile gear boosts attack power, critical chance, and damage protection, significantly improving your combat prowess.
Have Fun and Play Your Way
The essence of RPGs like *Avowed* is to immerse yourself in another world. Whether you focus solely on the main storyline or delve into every side quest, the game is yours to explore. *Avowed* is about crafting your own narrative in the Living Lands, so enjoy it at your own pace and style.
And there you have it—a beginner's guide to thriving in *Avowed*. Now, go forth and conquer!
*Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.*
