Combat can be a tricky thing to get right in a fantasy RPG. There are usually a ton of different weapon types and potential builds that players can use at any given time in a fantasy RPG, and it can be hard to make each possible combination feel equally impactful when it comes to damaging an enemy. That’s especially true of lower-level weapons presented to the player at the start of the game. But Avowed manages to strike a rare balance.
From its very first encounter, Avowed‘s combat feels satisfying. Enemies react to each strike, as does the player’s camera and character model when they’re hit, and players need to actively dodge to avoid oncoming attacks, all of which helps to make Avowed‘s combat feel responsive. Naturally, Avowed‘s combat grows increasingly satisfying the more the player levels up and finds more powerful weaponry, but even at its most basic level, Avowed‘s combat feels good, and there’s one key mechanic that deserves to become an RPG staple.
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Avowed’s Loadout Feature Is Now a Must-Have for Future RPGs
Avowed’s Loadout Feature Explained
In Avowed, players are given the ability to swap between two weapon loadouts at any point during gameplay. Players can swap loadouts with a simple tap of the “Y” button on console, and a brisk tap of “Left Alt” on PC.
Players can customize their loadouts at any time using Avowed‘s character screen. Each loadout consists of a left-hand slot and a right-hand slot, and players are free to mix and match any available weapons.
Avowed’s Loadouts Encourage Experimentation and Strategy
Avowed‘s loadout system is a rather simple addition, but it has a surprisingly significant impact on gameplay. The ability to swap weapons on the fly encourages players to be a bit more creative with their loadouts than they normally might be in other RPGs. For instance, players could use a set of dual pistols to weaken their opponents at range, and then instantly swap to a grimoire and sword to freeze their approaching foe and smash them into pieces.
This also feeds into Avowed‘s difficulty. When playing on higher difficulties, players won’t be able to just hack away at their opponents and walk away victorious. Instead, players need to make sure they’re using the most of their kit at all times. That includes the use of both loadouts. While Avowed‘s dual loadout system can be used to achieve some creatively gruesome kills like the one just mentioned, it can also be used strategically so that players are making efficient use of their stamina and Essence consumption.
Similarly, Avowed‘s loadout system encourages players to experiment with weapon types that they might not usually pick up in an RPG. Players can stick with a tried-and-tested weapon combo for their primary loadout, but choose something experimental and new for them with their secondary loadout, knowing they’re able to swap back to something they’re more comfortable with immediately. This goes hand-in-hand with Avowed‘s approach to classes, with players being able to invest in all of the game’s skill trees simultaneously to create a wholly unique build.
- Released
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February 18, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence
- Publisher(s)
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Xbox Game Studios
