Avowed’s Anniversary Update Introduces Exciting New Features
Avowed’s latest update, affectionately dubbed the anniversary update, brings a wealth of enhancements to the gaming experience. Among the notable additions are new stat bonuses, customizable difficulty modifiers, a New Game Plus mode, and the introduction of a new staff weapon type. Perhaps the most striking feature, however, is the inclusion of three new playable races, expanding the options available to players.
For those who have yet to delve into the world of Avowed, it may come as a surprise that until this update, players were limited to choosing between humans and elves. This marks a significant shift from Obsidian’s previous titles set in the Eora universe, particularly the Pillars series, which was celebrated for its extensive character creation options.
In a recent discussion with RPG Site, gameplay director Gabe Paramo shed light on the challenges faced in introducing these new races. “It was actually quite difficult,” he remarked, acknowledging the considerable effort required from the gameplay engineers and character artists. They worked diligently to ensure that all character customization options functioned seamlessly across the new races and that in-game interactions remained coherent, regardless of the player’s height or proportions.
Despite the technical achievements, Paramo noted a limitation in the narrative aspect of the update. The writing team, primarily focused on the PS5 port and gameplay adjustments, did not include dedicated narrative personnel for this update. Consequently, players will not find unique dialogue choices tied to their selected race, which may disappoint those who cherish immersive storytelling.
However, players can still expect meaningful mechanical distinctions tied to their race choice, as each new race offers different gameplay attribute bonuses. This addition ensures that while the narrative depth may be lacking, the gameplay experience remains enriched.
While the update may not fully align with the expectations of players seeking intricate roleplaying opportunities, it undeniably enhances the overall experience for Avowed enthusiasts. Best of all, these significant new features are available at no additional cost, marking a generous gesture from the developers a year after the game’s initial launch.
Avowed’s anniversary update is now live, inviting players to explore the new possibilities that await them in this expansive world.
