In a lively rapid-fire interview with MinnMax’s Ben Hanson, Avowed game director Carrie Patel tackled a whopping 175 questions about the much-anticipated RPG by Obsidian Entertainment. As we inch closer to its February 18, 2025, release on Xbox Game Pass, this chat unveiled a host of intriguing insights about the game, from its mechanics to performance expectations, and even some surprise guest appearances. Let’s dive into the juicy bits of this conversation.
## Avowed Isn’t a Full Open-World Experience
While many might assume Avowed is fully open-world, Patel clarified it’s more of an “open-zone” adventure. While open-world titles let you roam freely across the map, open-zone games guide you through specific areas one at a time. For instance, moving from Dawnshore to Emerald Stair ramps up the combat intensity, making it vital to boost your weapons and armor before you proceed. Patel likened Avowed’s scope to The Outer Worlds, and its largest town will be bustling with about 100 characters to interact with. And for fans of Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity, there’s a bonus: familiar faces will make appearances in this interconnected universe.
## Performance and Frame Rates on Xbox
One of the highlights from the interview was the confirmation that Avowed will operate at up to 60 frames per second on the Xbox Series X. While this was the only console confirmed during the conversation, leaks from Insider Gaming suggest Xbox Series S users will have options for 30 and 40 FPS, giving them more choice even on the smaller console.
## New Game Plus and the Future
Eager to play again with a new twist? Avowed will feature a New Game Plus mode, allowing players to carry over their progress. Plus, the game comes with a clearly marked “point of no return,” so players won’t accidentally miss out on quests or explorations. When asked about sequel possibilities, Patel hinted that decisions made in Avowed could influence future games, with a tantalizing “Hypothetically, yes.” Although there’s no official word on downloadable content yet, she dropped a playful “maybe” to keep us guessing.
## Companion Dynamics and Build Freedom
“When it comes to companions, you’ve got control over how they fight, what powers to upgrade, and even their look with skins in the Premium Edition.” For Game Pass users aiming for an early taste, a $24.99 upgrade grants five days of early access from February 13. The game promises build variety, enabling players to mix things up with combinations like a wand and a pistol. And if you’re looking for some chaotic fun, dual-wielding maces might just be your thing.
## Dialogue Options: Unleash Your Inner Villain
Avowed’s dialogue system is poised to tickle your mischievous side. “You can be a pretty sassy little jerk—it’s fun,” Patel teased. Players can even align with the villain of the story for a truly evil playthrough experience.
## Extra Time Means Extra Polish
The decision to delay Avowed from 2024 to 2025 gifted Obsidian the opportunity to refine the game further. Patel mentioned improvements in balancing difficulty levels and tweaking upgrade costs as some of the benefits from this additional development window.
## Stay Tuned for Our Full Review
Some of us are already diving into Avowed and are excited to bring you a detailed review alongside handy guides to help you conquer the Dreamscourge. Mark your calendars for February 13!
## Watch the Full MinnMax Interview
For those who want the complete scoop, the full interview with MinnMax is available. Dive into the engaging session and catch all the rapid-fire insights from Patel herself.
