Avowed: Complete Beginner's Guide

Getting Started in Avowed

You begin by shaping the Envoy and choosing a rough focus — fighter, mage, or ranger — but nothing is locked: you can blend all three and respec cheaply later, so pick what sounds fun. Early on, explore thoroughly; the Living Lands hide loot and shortcuts up ledges and down side paths. Talk to everyone, since Obsidian quests often open alternate solutions through dialogue and your background.

Core Mechanics to Master

The combat core is the two-loadout system: assign a weapon/spell setup to each loadout slot and swap between them instantly mid-fight. This lets you, say, open with ranged spells then swap to sword-and-shield when enemies close. Manage your Essence (mana) for spells and your stamina for dodges and power attacks. Parrying and dodging matter against tougher foes. Companions have activated abilities — trigger them to combo with your own.

Best Beginner Build

A forgiving starter is a hybrid melee-mage: one loadout with a one-handed weapon and shield for survivability, the other with a wand and a damage spell (and a heal/utility spell) for range and crowd control. This covers every situation while you learn enemy patterns. Invest early ability points in your primary damage line plus one defensive/utility skill, and don't hesitate to respec when a region's enemies demand a different approach.

Essential Tips & Tricks

1. Build two contrasting loadouts and swap constantly mid-fight.
2. Respec freely to counter enemies that are giving you trouble.
3. Explore vertically — the best loot is off the main path.
4. Manage Essence and stamina; don't spend your dodge budget recklessly.
5. Use companion abilities to combo and control crowds.
6. Talk your way through quests — dialogue often unlocks better outcomes than combat.

First Major Boss: The Dreamscourge Bear / Region Guardian

Avowed's early boss-tier encounters are large, corrupted beasts with heavy telegraphed swings and a charge attack. The key is mobility: keep your stamina topped up so you can dodge the charge, then punish the long recovery with your melee loadout before swapping to ranged when it repositions. Target any glowing corrupted weak points for bonus damage. Use a companion's crowd-control ability to interrupt its big wind-up, and quaff or cast a heal during the gap after its slam. Don't stand still trading blows — circle, dodge, and exploit the openings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to have played Pillars of Eternity?
A: No. Avowed stands alone, though Pillars fans will recognize the world of Eora and its lore.

Q: Is it open world?
A: Not in the sprawling sense — it's several dense, handcrafted regions rather than one giant map.

Q: Can I change my build later?
A: Yes. Respeccing is cheap and encouraged, so experiment freely.