Avowed is poised to be one of the most anticipated role-playing games (RPGs) of 2025, joining the ranks of another exciting project from Obsidian Entertainment: a sequel to the highly praised The Outer Worlds. Intriguingly, Avowed can also be regarded as a spiritual successor, as it exists within the same universe as Obsidian’s cherished CRPG series, Pillars of Eternity. Both franchises are celebrated for their extensive narratives, intricate character development, and deep world-building elements.
This connection may lead potential players to question whether they need to familiarize themselves with both entries of the Pillars of Eternity series before diving into Avowed. Given its status as one of the most eagerly awaited RPGs of the upcoming year, many fans are eager to jump in without the commitment of lengthy gameplay sessions in the prior titles. Fortunately, Obsidian Entertainment has addressed the necessity of playing Pillars of Eternity prior to experiencing Avowed.
Avowed as a Standalone Experience
Connections to the Pillars of Eternity Universe
While Avowed does contain several nods to the lore and characters from Pillars of Eternity, its creators have articulated that it stands firmly on its own. Throughout Avowed, players will encounter references to historical events and characters from the Pillars of Eternity narrative. However, these elements are woven into the storytelling in a manner that does not rely on prior knowledge. Obsidian has confirmed that Avowed is entirely accessible as an independent experience.
In a discussion with GamesRadar, Carrie Patel, the director of Avowed, emphasized that though there are interconnections, comprehending them is not mandatory to enjoy the game. She mentioned that the design goal was to ensure newcomers could engage with Avowed without feeling overwhelmed by backstory or complex lore, while still rewarding long-time fans of the Pillars of Eternity series with familiar concepts. Patel stated:
“You really don’t need to know anything about the previous Pillars games, and you certainly don’t need to have played them to enjoy Avowed. For players who have, there are certainly some familiar concepts, bits of world-building, and even a few returning characters that they might recognize, but we wanted to make sure that players coming to it for the first time will have a good time.”
Thus, it is not a prerequisite to have played either of the Pillars of Eternity games before embarking on Avowed. Newcomers can comfortably engage with the central storyline without feeling lost in the intricacies of the past. Nonetheless, fans of the original series are likely to find their experience enriched by a prior playthrough of the Pillars of Eternity games.
Maximizing Enjoyment: Playing Pillars of Eternity First
Recognizing the Familiar: A Wealth of References
While prior experience with the Pillars of Eternity games isn’t essential, it is undoubtedly beneficial. Players who immerse themselves in this universe beforehand will likely find a deeper appreciation for the world and its characters. Additionally, many characters recognized by fans will appear in Avowed, which could leave newcomers feeling disconnected. Knowledge of key world-building elements could enhance understanding, leading to a richer gameplay experience.
Although Avowed is designed to be enjoyed without background knowledge, those who have explored the lore of Pillars of Eternity will benefit from a more nuanced appreciation of Underpinnings and subtleties. Obsidian Entertainment intentionally chose to weave Avowed within the existing universe, leveraging the extensive lore already established instead of building anew, similar to their approach with The Outer Worlds. Eager players can now access the Pillars of Eternity series on multiple platforms, making it easier than ever to prepare for Avowed.
For those interested in exploring both Pillars of Eternity games, they should be prepared for a considerable time investment—approximately 40 hours for the first installment and 42 hours for its sequel, Deadfire. Completing all challenges across both titles may amount to around 120 hours of gameplay, as indicated by How Long To Beat. This substantial time commitment is something players must consider when deciding whether to delve into these earlier games before Avowed.
Source: GamesRadar, How Long To Beat
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