Hey gamers, are you ready to dive into the world of Eora? Avowed, the highly anticipated fantasy RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, has been on everyone’s radar since its announcement. But when exactly can you get your hands on it? Let’s unravel the mystery of the Avowed release date together!
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Obsidian’s previous work like Pillars of Eternity or just someone looking for a fresh, immersive RPG experience, this guide has got you covered. We’ll walk through everything from the game’s announcement history to the reasons behind its delays, the platforms it’s launching on, and even some juicy details about what to expect when you finally get to play. So, grab a snack, settle in, and let’s get started!
Introduction to Avowed: A New Adventure Awaits
If you’re not already familiar, Avowed is a first-person fantasy RPG set in the world of Eora—the same universe as the beloved Pillars of Eternity series. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios, this game promises to take you on an epic journey through the mysterious and untamed Living Lands.
You’ll step into the shoes of an envoy from the Aedyr Empire, sent to investigate a plague that’s threatening to tear the island apart. But here’s the twist: you’ve got a personal connection to this land, and there’s an ancient secret that could change everything. Sounds intriguing, right?
Now, I know what you’re thinking—when can I actually play this game? The road to Avowed’s release has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with delays and date changes that have left fans on the edge of their seats. But don’t worry, we’ve got the latest scoop, straight from the devs themselves.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly when Avowed is dropping, how you can get early access, and what to expect when you finally boot it up. Let’s kick things off by looking back at how this whole journey began.
Announcement History: From Teaser to Turmoil
Avowed was first revealed way back in July 2020 during the Xbox Games Showcase, and let me tell you, it was love at first sight for many gamers. The teaser trailer showed off a shadowy figure wielding a sword and casting spells, with a voiceover hinting at a world full of magic, danger, and ancient secrets.
It was short but sweet, and it left us all wanting more. At the time, there was no release date in sight—just the promise of a new RPG from the masters at Obsidian. Fans of Pillars of Eternity were especially excited, knowing that Avowed would be set in the same rich universe.
Fast forward to 2023, and we finally got our first proper look at the game during the Xbox Games Showcase. This time, we saw actual gameplay footage, including combat with swords, bows, and magic, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Living Lands.
The trailer confirmed that Avowed would be a first-person experience, which was a departure from the isometric view of Pillars of Eternity. It also gave us a release window: 2024. Gamers everywhere marked their calendars, eagerly awaiting the day they could explore Eora in a whole new way.
But then, in a twist that no one saw coming, Obsidian accidentally leaked a more specific release date in a blog post. They mentioned November 12, 2024, as the big day, but quickly edited it out. Oops!
This slip-up sent the gaming community into a frenzy, with everyone speculating whether November 12 was the real deal or just a placeholder. Obsidian stayed tight-lipped, but the excitement (and confusion) was palpable.
Finally, during the Xbox Developer_Direct in early 2024, Obsidian officially announced that Avowed would be launching in Fall 2024. Phew, we had a season! But as we all know, game development can be unpredictable, and sometimes, things don’t go according to plan. That brings us to the next chapter in the Avowed saga: the delay.
Reasons for the Delay: Why the Wait?
Let’s be honest—delays in the gaming world are about as common as respawning enemies. But when it comes to a game as highly anticipated as Avowed, every extra day feels like an eternity. So, why did Obsidian push the release date back from 2024 to 2025? Well, according to the developers, it’s all about making sure the game is the best it can be.
Obsidian explained that they needed more time to polish the game and ensure it meets the high standards fans expect. They also wanted to avoid a crowded release window. Let’s face it, the end of 2024 was packed with big titles, and by moving Avowed to early 2025, Obsidian is giving the game some breathing room to shine on its own. Plus, it means they can focus on ironing out any bugs or issues, so when you finally play, it’s as smooth as a well-cast spell.
I’ve seen some fans express disappointment over the delay, but most seem to understand that it’s better to wait for a polished game than to rush into a buggy mess. And honestly, I couldn’t agree more. We’ve all been burned by hyped-up releases that didn’t live up to expectations, so a little extra time in the oven is probably a good thing. It shows that Obsidian cares about delivering quality, and that’s something worth waiting for.
Official Release Date: Mark Your Calendars
Alright, enough with the suspense—let’s get to the good stuff. The official release date for Avowed is February 18, 2025. Yep, you heard that right. After all the rumors, leaks, and delays, we finally have a concrete date to look forward to. Whether you’re planning to play on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, or through Xbox Game Pass, February 18 is the day you’ll be stepping into the Living Lands.
But wait, there’s more! If you’re the type who can’t wait to get your hands on the game (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), there’s an option for early access. By pre-ordering the Premium Edition of Avowed, you can start playing up to five days early, on February 13, 2025.
That’s right—you can be exploring Eora while everyone else is still counting down the days. The Premium Edition also comes with some extra goodies, like premium skin packs and access to the Avowed Digital Artbook and Soundtrack. So, if you’re a superfan or just really impatient, this might be the way to go.
For those of you who are Xbox Game Pass subscribers, you’re in luck too. Avowed will be available on Game Pass from day one, meaning you can play the full game without paying extra, as long as your subscription is active. It’s one of the perks of being part of the Game Pass family, and it’s a great way to try out the game if you’re on the fence about buying it outright.
Platforms and Availability: Where Can You Play?
Now that we’ve got the release date locked in, let’s talk about where you can actually play Avowed. As a first-party title from Xbox Game Studios, Avowed is exclusive to Xbox and PC. That means you won’t find it on PlayStation or Nintendo Switch, at least not at launch. On the Xbox side, Avowed will be available on Xbox Series X and S. If you’re a PC gamer, you’ve got options too.
The game will be playable through the Xbox app on Windows, as well as on Steam and Battle.net. Plus, if you’re subscribed to PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can access it there as well. And for those who like to game on the go, Avowed will also be available via cloud gaming with Game Pass Ultimate.
One thing to note is that Avowed is optimized for Xbox Series X|S, so if you’re playing on console, you’ll get the best experience on the latest hardware. But don’t worry, PC players—Obsidian has made sure the game runs smoothly on a variety of setups, with support for ultra-wide displays and features to reduce input lag. So, no matter how you choose to play, you’re in for a treat.
Pre-order and Early Access: Get a Head Start
If you’re as excited about Avowed as I am, you might be wondering how to get in on the action as soon as possible. Pre-ordering is already live, and there are a few different options to choose from. The Standard Edition gets you the base game, which you can play starting on February 18, 2025. But if you want to jump in early, the Premium Edition is where it’s at. For a higher price, you get up to five days of early access, starting on February 13, plus some cool extras like skin packs for your character and companions.
Now, if you’re planning to play through Xbox Game Pass, you can still get in on the early access fun. By purchasing a Premium Upgrade Add-On, you can unlock early access and all the digital bonuses, even if you’re a Game Pass subscriber. Just keep in mind that if your subscription lapses, you’ll lose access to the game and its extras, so make sure to stay subscribed!
Pre-ordering also comes with the perk of pre-loading the game. That means you can download it ahead of time and be ready to play the second it unlocks. No waiting around for massive downloads on launch day—just pure, uninterrupted gaming bliss. The file size is pretty hefty, so it’s definitely worth getting that download started early.
Gameplay and Features: What to Expect
Alright, now that we’ve got all the logistical stuff out of the way, let’s talk about what really matters: the game itself. Avowed is shaping up to be an RPG fan’s dream, with a mix of fast-paced combat, deep lore, and meaningful player choices. If you’re familiar with Obsidian’s previous work, you know they’re masters at crafting immersive worlds and stories, and Avowed looks to be no exception.
First things first, the game is played from a first-person perspective, which puts you right in the action, whether you’re swinging a sword, casting a spell, or exploring the vibrant landscapes of the Living Lands. Speaking of which, the setting is one of the game’s standout features. The Living Lands is a wild, untamed island full of diverse biomes—from lush forests to arid deserts to sprawling caves. Each area is packed with secrets to uncover, enemies to fight, and NPCs to interact with.
Combat in Avowed is dynamic and flexible. You can mix and match weapons and magic to suit your playstyle. Want to dual-wield pistols? Go for it. Prefer a sword and shield? That’s an option too. And if you’re more of a magic user, there’s a wide variety of spells to choose from, including ones that freeze, burn, or entangle your foes. You can even combine spells with physical attacks for devastating effects. For example, freezing an enemy and then smashing them with a two-handed axe sounds like a winning strategy to me!
But it’s not all about fighting. Avowed also emphasizes player choice and consequence. Your decisions will shape the story, influence your relationships with companions, and determine the fate of the Living Lands. You’ll form deep bonds with your companions, each of whom has their own unique abilities and backstories. These companions will fight alongside you and offer their perspectives on the events unfolding around you.
One of the coolest things about Avowed is how it connects to the broader Pillars of Eternity universe. While you don’t need to have played the previous games to enjoy Avowed, fans of the series will find plenty of references and lore connections to appreciate. It’s like getting to explore a familiar world from a whole new angle, and I can’t wait to see how it all ties together.
Accessibility and Customization: Tailored to You
Obsidian has also gone the extra mile to make Avowed accessible to as many players as possible. The game includes a variety of accessibility features, like fully remappable controls and adjustable text sizes. This means you can tweak the game to fit your needs and playstyle, whether you’re a seasoned RPG veteran or a newcomer to the genre.
On the customization front, Avowed offers plenty of options to make your character your own. You can customize your appearance, backstory, and abilities. The game features skill trees that unlock as you progress, allowing you to tailor your playstyle to your preferences. Whether you want to be a stealthy archer, a spell-slinging mage, or a tanky warrior, there’s a build for you.
And let’s not forget about the companions. You’ll meet a diverse cast of characters, each with their own personalities and abilities. You can call on their skills in combat or chat with them to learn more about their stories. It’s these little details that make Obsidian’s games so special, and I have no doubt Avowed will deliver in spades.
Conclusion: Get Ready for an Epic Adventure
So, there you have it—everything you need to know about the Avowed release date and what to expect when the game finally drops. To recap: Avowed is launching on February 18, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass. If you can’t wait that long, you can get early access starting February 13 by pre-ordering the Premium Edition. The game promises to be a thrilling RPG experience, with fast-paced combat, meaningful choices, and a rich, immersive world to explore.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Obsidian or just looking for your next gaming obsession, Avowed is shaping up to be something special. So, mark your calendars, pre-order if you’re feeling fancy, and get ready to embark on an adventure like no other. The Living Lands are calling—will you answer?
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