Avowed lacks some key traditional RPG elements. But here’s why players say that’s actually a good thing

Avowed is finally out and available to everyone, with pre-ordering players having the chance to explore the world of Eora in first person a tad earlier than others. Thus, sentiments around the game have already formed, with some believing Avowed‘s lack of traditional RPG elements actually makes it great.

A series of threads on Reddit and other platforms have cropped up since the game launched in early access on Feb. 13, culminating with the game’s official launch today. In one discussion, a player argued how Avowed feels like an “RPG in Arcade Mode,” explaining how it “streamlines fun,” not hanging up players on things like searching for ammo for ranged weapons or a thievery system. They added how the game is beyond accessible, with tediousness and proper RPG elements left out in favor of simple, addicting fun. Those responding to the thread generally agreed with OP’s views, with one player saying how they hate when “half [of] their gameplay is managing inventory and tedious puzzles.”

In another thread also posted on Feb. 18, a player indicated how Avowed‘s lack of a proper thievery system doesn’t make much of a difference, comparing the game to The Witcher 3, which was quite similar in this regard. That game did actually have a stealing or theft system, with guards turning hostile if you steal in front of them, but it was so rare that one could go hundreds of hours without ever encountering it. In Avowed, NPCs will react to your ill-gotten gains, but that’s about it, and the original poster felt this doesn’t take away from the experience whatsoever.

Others were inclined to agree, with some believing that in-game circumstances explain the lack of a theft system well. Not only are you sent by an Emperor as his official Envoy, you are a mutated Godlike being with trees or mushrooms growing out of your head, and it only makes sense that people would tolerate you given who you actually are and how you look to them. A sly comment or two is the most an inhabitant of Eora can do, as your status and power are beyond any guardsman’s authority.

Avowed generally doesn’t feature many RPG elements, doing away with many role-playing aspects and focusing primarily on allowing you to have fun. The story, visuals, and combat are all great and follow the Obsidian formula well, which, as it has done in the past, incorporates those elements from Bethesda titles that we all love so much—and that’s good enough for many players.