Guide to Difficulty Levels in Avowed

Guide to Difficulty Levels in Avowed

Venturing into the Living Lands of Eora in Avowed promises an action-packed experience, brimming with formidable foes like massive spiders, goblin-inspired bandits, and an overwhelming number of bears—a veritable challenge for even the most seasoned explorers. For some players, these encounters can feel daunting, especially given the price tag attached to the game.

Each player has a unique approach to gaming, and that may involve mitigating the potential frustrations associated with combat mechanics and intricate puzzles. This is where Avowed‘s array of difficulty settings comes into play, allowing you to customize your adventure.

Avowed offers five distinct difficulty levels: Story Time, Easy, Normal, Hard, and Path of the Damned. Each setting varies in terms of challenge and complexity, with Path of the Damned firmly positioning itself as the ultimate test, featuring tough enemies reminiscent of the Soulslike genre, and demanding mastery of your character’s build and gameplay style.

To assist you in selecting the most suitable difficulty for your adventure, this guide outlines the key differences among the settings.

Understanding the Difficulty Settings in Avowed

Official artwork depicting figures from the opening scene of Avowed

With five tailored difficulty levels in Avowed, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. To simplify your decision, here’s a concise breakdown of each difficulty, followed by a detailed look into the gameplay experience they offer.

Difficulty

Description

Story Time

Prioritizes exploration and narrative over combat, providing a simplified gameplay experience.

Easy

Offers a low-stress experience with reduced combat challenges, perfect for newcomers.

Normal

The game’s recommended starting point, offering a balanced mix of strategy and gameplay.

Hard

This level ramps up the difficulty significantly, requiring optimization of character stats and abilities.

Path of the Damned

Features enemies that hit harder while you deal less damage, necessitating a deep understanding of game mechanics.

Implications of Each Setting for Players

Choosing Story Time equates to an ultra-casual experience where combat becomes merely a background feature. The focus here is on the storytelling elements, allowing players to traverse Eora with minimal challenge and enrich their understanding of the game’s lore.

In contrast, Easy maintains some combat intensity but presents it in a more manageable fashion, catering to those new to RPGs. There’s absolutely no shame in opting for this mode; it can be a perfect choice for players with limited time, such as busy parents, who still wish to appreciate the full scope of the game.

Many players will likely land on Normal as their introductory difficulty. Serving as the standard experience, this mode offers fair playing ground, allowing for a blend of challenge without overwhelming the player. While I found it generally agreeable for gameplay, it featured just enough challenge to keep things engaging.

For those with previous experience in Obsidian Entertainment’s well-crafted RPGs, Hard emerges as the logical next step. This mode places emphasis on skill—both in terms of character optimization and strategic mastery of combat interactions. However, be prepared; this mode does steeply increase the pressure from enemies too.

I attempted the daunting Path of the Damned, and the difficulty spike from Hard is significant. Enemies, even weaker ones, pose a serious threat, demanding excellent tactical planning in every encounter. Companions become invaluable in this mode, as their abilities can help mitigate damage while allowing you to execute spells or ranged attacks safely.

Strategies for Conquering Path of the Damned

A nighttime view of a city in Avowed

If you’re seeking a genuine challenge, Path of the Damned presents the ultimate test. Here are several strategies that may prove beneficial:

  • Stockpile health potions: Debuffs on this difficulty pack a hefty punch; being on fire or electrified could mean game over.
  • Enhance your gear: Found materials and purchased items can significantly elevate your defensive and offensive capabilities; ensure your weaponry is competitive with your foes.
  • Boost your Arcane Veil: Enhancements here not only reduce damage but can also reflect incoming projectiles, a must-have against ranged attackers on this difficulty.
  • Utilize Giatta: Her healing ability can be pivotal; invest in her skills for a healthier party during battles.
  • Proceed with caution: After attempting Path of the Damned, I found it arduous and frustrating, often feeling like difficulty was prioritized over enjoyment. Proceed with caution!

Adjusting Difficulty Settings

Avowed difficulty settings menu

To modify your difficulty in Avowed, pause the game and select the Pause Menu. Proceed to Settings, navigate to Game, and then General Game Settings. You’ll find the option to change your Difficulty level there.

Adjusting your difficulty mid-game typically does not impact your save data, although it may affect available achievements.

Selecting Your Ideal Difficulty Setting

First-person view of a bow and arrow in Avowed

Feel free to choose whichever difficulty appeals to you, but if you prefer a straightforward approach while diving into the game, consider these recommendations:

  • Casual gamers: Opt for Story Time or Easy to focus on narrative and exploration without the burden of combat.
  • Seasoned RPG players: Start on Normal. If you find it too simple, then raising the difficulty to Hard creates an engaging challenge.
  • Achievement hunters: For those eager to demonstrate skill, Path of the Damned will provide the tough challenge you crave.

Remember, unless you’re streaming your gameplay, no one is monitoring your progress in Avowed. So, don’t hesitate to lower the difficulty if you’re facing a challenging section, like the Dreamthrall Elder Brown Bear fight. Experiment with settings to find the most enjoyable experience for you!

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