Originally envisioned as an expansive open-world experience akin to Skyrim, Avowed has evolved into a semi-open world format, featuring interconnected large levels. This shift, however, does not detract from its essence, as the game embodies a blend of the immersive worlds found in both Skyrim and Pillars of Eternity. For enthusiasts of these franchises, Avowed promises a compelling experience.
Developed by Obsidian, the game targets a performance window of 30 frames per second (fps) for the Xbox Series X/S version. While this doesn’t directly imply that the PC version will mirror the same limitations, early impressions suggest that Avowed does not prioritize ultra-high frame rates. Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, the game offers the option to switch to Lumen instead of path-traced global illumination. Testing indicates that Lumen operates in ‘software RT’ mode, which allows users without ray-tracing-capable GPUs to enable the feature, albeit with less visual accuracy compared to hardware-accelerated options.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-test-pc-specs”>Test PC specs
- Acer Nitro V 15 (Gaming mode), Ryzen 7 7735HS, GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop, 16 GB DDR5-4800
- Core i7 9700K (65 W), Radeon RX 5700 XT, 16 GB DDR4-3200
- Ryzen 5 5600X (65 W), Radeon RX 6750 XT, 32 GB DDR4-3200
- Core i5 13600K (125 W), Radeon RX 7800 XT, 32 GB DDR5-6400
- Ryzen 9 9900X (120 W), GeForce RTX 4070 Ti, 32 GB DDR5-6000
- Core Ultra 7 265K (250 W), GeForce RTX 4080 Super, 48 GB DDR5-8000
Benchmark tests were conducted in Claviger’s Landing, an early seaport location that showcases a range of graphical demands, from intricate building geometry to expansive water reflections. While other regions in Avowed may present greater challenges, this area serves as a solid indicator of the game’s overall performance.
Interestingly, one notable testing platform, the Asus ROG Ally X, encountered issues. The game initially ran smoothly but crashed upon changing graphics settings. Despite efforts to rectify the situation, including reinstalling the game, benchmark runs on this device remained incomplete. In contrast, the review code for Avowed was generally stable, with only minor glitches, including an occasional ‘falling through the floor’ bug and some initial shader compilation crashes that were resolved on subsequent attempts.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-low-quality-preset”>Low quality preset
Starting with the Low quality preset, the initial visuals of Avowed appear decent, even when captured at 4K and displayed at 1080p for size efficiency. However, the model and shadow pop-in is quite pronounced, making this setting less than ideal for most players. While the average performance at 1080p and 1440p is satisfactory on the Core i7 9700K and RX 5700 XT, the Low preset is better suited for basic gaming setups.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-medium-quality-preset”>Medium quality preset
Transitioning to the Medium quality preset significantly enhances the visual experience, with richer colors and reduced shadow pop-in. However, some animation triggers remain noticeably abrupt, such as distant flags that only animate when approached. This approach seems to be a method to alleviate CPU load, but it could benefit from refinement.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-high-quality-preset”>High quality preset
The High quality preset strikes a balance between visual fidelity and performance. At 1080p, the test PCs generally achieve acceptable frame rates, although the 1% lows leave something to be desired. Interestingly, gameplay feels smoother at lower frame rates, suggesting that the game was designed with a 30 fps target in mind. While the experience is generally pleasant, lower-tier PCs may experience stuttering during traversal, likely due to asset loading.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-epic-quality-preset”>Epic quality preset
Utilizing the Epic quality preset reveals Avowed at its most visually impressive, with minimal pop-in and enhanced water effects. However, the performance on weaker systems can suffer, leading to lag and stutters, particularly on devices with limited VRAM. The ray tracing option, while theoretically enhancing graphics, does not yield significant improvements in the tested scenarios.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-lumen-ray-tracing”>Lumen ray tracing
Activating ray tracing through Lumen in ‘software RT’ mode does not significantly burden the tested PCs. While some marginal improvements in lighting and shadowing are noted, the overall visual enhancements may not justify the performance trade-offs, particularly given the excess bloom effect observed.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-upscaling-performance”>Upscaling performance
Avowed incorporates various upscaling technologies, including Nvidia’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR. However, the implementation appears subpar, with FSR failing to enhance performance meaningfully and, in some cases, degrading visual quality. DLSS offers better results but still falls short of expectations, particularly in terms of frame generation.
In summary, while Avowed presents a captivating gameplay experience reminiscent of classic RPGs, it grapples with performance inconsistencies and graphical shortcomings. Players are advised to focus on the High preset for optimal enjoyment, steering clear of upscaling options unless equipped with a compatible GeForce RTX card. Ultimately, the game’s enjoyment may hinge more on subjective feel than on rigid performance metrics.
