Avowed’s Anniversary Update & PS5 Launch: A New Chapter for RPGs?
Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed has marked its first anniversary with a substantial update and a long-awaited arrival on PlayStation 5. This dual release isn’t just about adding content; it signals potential shifts in how RPGs are developed, updated, and consumed. The update addresses community feedback and expands the game’s appeal, even as the PS5 launch broadens its audience significantly.
Expanding Character Creation & Player Agency
One of the most significant additions is the introduction of three new playable species: Dwarves, Orlans, and Aumaua, joining Humans, and Elves. This expands character customization options, allowing players to more deeply embody their role within the Living Lands. The ability to change species mid-game via the Magic Mirror in the Party Camp is a particularly innovative feature, offering unprecedented player agency. This level of flexibility is a departure from traditional RPGs where character creation is a one-time decision.
Beyond species, stat bonuses tied to both background choices and species further enhance build variety. Humans receive bonuses to Might and Resolve, Elves to Dexterity and Perception, Aumaua to Might, Dwarves to Might and Constitution, and Orlans to Perception and Resolve. This system encourages experimentation and caters to diverse playstyles.
New Game Plus & Quality-of-Life Improvements
The Anniversary Update introduces a New Game+ mode, extending the game’s lifespan for dedicated players. This mode increases enemy difficulty while raising the player attribute cap from 15 to 30, allowing for more powerful character builds. Alongside this, a suite of quality-of-life improvements has been implemented, including expanded skill trees, the ability to skip certain dialogue, enemy respawning, and improved lighting. A Photo Mode has also been added, catering to the growing trend of in-game content sharing.
PS5 Launch & Performance Considerations
Avowed’s arrival on PlayStation 5 brings the game to a wider audience, complete with all previous updates. The PS5 version offers three performance modes: quality (30fps), balanced (40fps for 120Hz displays), and performance (60fps). Initial reports suggest the Xbox Series X version generally maintains its target resolution more consistently, while the PS5 version with VRR implemented can achieve faster performance. The PS5 Pro version appears to offer minimal enhancements compared to the standard PS5 and Xbox Series X versions, capping resolutions at 1440p and 1080p respectively.
The Future of RPG Updates & Cross-Platform Availability
The Avowed anniversary update exemplifies a growing trend in the gaming industry: substantial post-launch support. Rather than releasing separate sequels, developers are increasingly opting to expand and refine existing games through major updates. This approach fosters player loyalty and provides a continuous stream of revenue. The simultaneous release on Xbox, PC, and now PlayStation 5 demonstrates the increasing importance of cross-platform availability, maximizing reach and potential player base.
However, community reception to the update has been mixed, with some players expressing a desire for more significant changes to core gameplay mechanics like combat and character progression. This highlights the challenge of balancing community expectations with development resources.
FAQ
Q: What new races are available in the Avowed Anniversary Update?
A: Dwarves, Orlans, and Aumaua have been added as playable races.
Q: Can I change my character’s race after starting the game?
A: Yes, a Magic Mirror in the Party Camp allows you to change your species at any time.
Q: What is New Game+?
A: New Game+ allows you to replay the game with your existing progress, increased difficulty, and a higher attribute cap.
Q: Is Avowed available on all major platforms?
A: Yes, it is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, and via Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Q: What performance modes are available on PS5?
A: Quality (30fps), Balanced (40fps), and Performance (60fps) modes are available.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different species and background combinations to discover unique character builds and playstyles.
Explore the Living Lands and share your adventures! What are your thoughts on the Avowed Anniversary Update? Let us know in the comments below.
