Avowed is the Best RPG Since Skyrim—Here’s Why

Avowed delivers a streamlined yet immersive RPG experience, blending deep storytelling with action-focused gameplay in a stunning fantasy world. Players shape their journey through impactful choices, engaging quests, and a refined combat system with diverse playstyles. By cutting out unnecessary complexity, Avowed offers a rich, satisfying adventure without an overwhelming time commitment.

Avowed is the Best RPG Since Skyrim—Here’s Why

Microsoft’s first major game release of the year is an RPG masterpiece

In 2011, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim captivated a wide audience by simplifying the complexities of traditional role-playing games. It masked deep RPG mechanics with intuitive gameplay and first-person action, offering an accessible yet immersive experience.

Fast-forward to today, and Avowed achieves something similar. While some players struggle to engage with intricate RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 or Pillars of Eternity, which feature detailed lore, strategic combat, and extensive playtimes, Avowed streamlines these elements into a dynamic, action-driven experience. Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, it delivers the depth of a classic RPG but within a more approachable, roughly 50-hour adventure.

A Living, Breathing World

Players take on the role of an imperial envoy sent to The Living Lands, a wild and diverse frontier. The locals often view the envoy as a colonizer, tensions are rising between imperial forces and resistance fighters, and a mysterious plague is spreading across the region. Meanwhile, an authoritarian order of paladins loyal to the empire is tightening its grip, and a cryptic, god-like voice reaches out to the protagonist upon arrival.

Fortunately, the journey isn’t a solitary one. The player quickly meets allies, including former pirate Kai, and builds a crew. The story is rich and politically charged, yet accessible even for those unfamiliar with Pillars of Eternity lore, thanks to in-game books and a helpful glossary feature during conversations.

The game’s world is visually stunning, taking players through medieval villages, underground temples framed by waterfalls, eerie farms tended by undead laborers, and ruins from lost civilizations. Whether it’s the crashing waves of the coastline, bioluminescent fungi in dark caves, or lush forests under starry skies, Avowed is a feast for the eyes.

Meaningful Choices and Impactful Quests

Like any great RPG, the heart of Avowed lies in its quests and player choices. Despite being structured as large, interconnected levels rather than a fully open world, the game offers a robust, engaging experience with high-quality storytelling.

A core theme is the protagonist’s role in the region: will they enforce imperial rule, challenging local customs and aligning with the oppressive paladins? Or will they resist, fighting for the freedom of The Living Lands? The game explores themes of compassion, tolerance, and justice, but players can also embrace a more ruthless path, shutting down conversations and ruling with an iron fist.

Side quests and hidden secrets abound, rewarding players with rare gear and narrative depth. For instance, stopping a rogue faction’s plot might prevent the destruction of an entire city later in the game. Characters react dynamically to player choices, and even minor interactions, such as overhearing banter from villagers or crew members, add to the game’s richness.

A Refined Combat System

Unlike many RPGs, Avowed excels in combat, making battles feel weighty and satisfying. Enemies react viscerally to attacks, whether by collapsing, disintegrating, or being sent flying. Players have numerous ways to approach combat, with an arsenal that includes swords, axes, spears, shields, flintlock pistols, magic wands, spell books, and powerful two-handed weapons like bows and arquebuses.

Players can customize two loadouts and switch between them instantly, allowing for strategic combat adaptability. The game’s stamina and magic systems are also fine-tuned for fun rather than frustration—while stamina still limits heavy attacks, sprinting remains free, avoiding unnecessary restrictions.

Weapons and armor can be upgraded using resources gathered from the world, and Avowed makes sure progression feels rewarding rather than punishing. Players can freely break down weapons for materials, preventing investment in gear from feeling like a wasted effort. Unique weapons also bring special effects—some poison enemies, while others deal extra damage to foes with full health—allowing for strategic synergy in combat.

A Streamlined, Engaging RPG

Avowed stands out by cutting out unnecessary complexity while retaining the depth and immersion RPG fans crave. Unlike games that scale enemies to match the player’s level, Avowed encourages natural progression—challenging areas signal that players should slow down and explore more. Returning to earlier zones makes players feel powerful, effortlessly defeating foes that once posed a threat.

Some RPG enthusiasts may prefer sprawling, never-ending adventures, but Avowed offers a complete and satisfying experience without demanding an enormous time investment. It distills the best aspects of classic RPGs into a concentrated, well-paced journey—perhaps the most enjoyable since Skyrim.