Avowed finally hits PlayStation 5 with massive anniversary update

Obsidian Entertainment's fantasy RPG Avowed has launched on PlayStation 5 today, according to Xbox Wire's announcement. The release coincides with a major anniversary update that adds three new playable races, New Game+ mode, and Photo Mode — marking the game's largest content drop since its initial release a year ago.

Three new races expand character creation

The anniversary update introduces Dwarves, Orlans, and Aumauan as playable races alongside the existing humans and elves. Each brings unique characteristics: Dwarves are described as "stout and well-traveled", Orlans feature "two-toned skin, hairy, and big ears", whilst Aumauan are "large and uniquely strong".

Players mid-journey can access these new races through a Magic Mirror added to the Party Camp. This feature allows character modification without restarting, including race changes, new godlike variants, and fresh character presets. "A year after the initial launch, the Avowed team is capping its post-launch roadmap with a special anniversary update that goes live for all today," said Gabriel Paramo, Gameplay Director at Obsidian.

New Game+ mode adds replayability

The New Game+ feature allows players to carry over unlocked abilities (except godlike abilities), unique weapons, armour, and enchantments into a fresh playthrough. To balance the retained progress, enemies receive increased stats whilst players gain an expanded attribute points cap — raised from 15 to 30 for stats like Might, Constitution, and Dexterity.

Custom difficulty modifiers provide further control over the experience. Players can adjust enemy damage, health, and speed, or modify their own capabilities including damage output, health, magic resources, and carrying capacity. This follows Obsidian's pattern of extensive post-launch support, similar to their approach with other recent releases.

Photo Mode and quality-of-life improvements

The update introduces Photo Mode for capturing and sharing screenshots of characters, companions, and the Living Lands environment. A new quarterstaff weapon type joins the combat arsenal, fulfilling what the developers call "archmage dreams".

Additional improvements include enhanced lighting, the ability to skip previously unskippable conversations, and enemy respawning in certain areas. These changes build on a year of community-requested features including expanded fighter and ranger skill trees, arachnophobia mode, and enemies using player abilities.

PlayStation 5 launch details

Avowed's PS5 version includes all updates from the past year, offering newcomers the complete experience. The game remains available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Steam, Battle.net, ROG Ally handhelds, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. It's also included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscriptions.

Set in the Living Lands within the Pillars of Eternity universe, players take on the role of an Aedyran envoy investigating a spreading plague. The first-person fantasy action RPG emphasises player choice in combat, mixing swords, spells, guns, and shields with companion-based gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by

Share

Copied