As someone who loves a good RPG but still somehow forgets the basics (who needs stamina management, right?), I get how intimidating jumping into Avowed can be. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
If you’re looking for Avowed beginner tips to make your first playthrough smoother (and, ideally, with fewer accidental fireball mishaps), you’re in the right place. These Avowed tips will help you navigate the world, master combat, and avoid rookie mistakes that might make you want to rage-quit.
Some of these tips are practical—where to go, what to prioritize—but others focus on mindset and strategy. Because Avowed isn’t just about swinging swords and hurling spells; it’s about playing smart. Let’s dive in!
Explore a lot
I know, I know—every RPG says this. But in Avowed, exploration isn’t just about filling out the map; it’s how you find better gear, hidden lore, and side quests that can completely change your experience. If you’re just sprinting from one main objective to the next, you’re missing half the fun (and probably some really good loot).
Check every corner, climb anything that looks climbable, and don’t be afraid to poke around in places that seem off-limits. Sometimes the best rewards are tucked away where you least expect them. Plus, talking to NPCs and investigating random ruins can lead to story moments you wouldn’t get otherwise.
Oh, and if something looks suspicious—like a weirdly placed bookshelf or a glowing rune on the wall—trust your instincts. The game wants you to snoop around.
Collect everything
If it’s not nailed down, it’s yours. That’s the golden rule of RPGs, and Avowed is no exception. Weapons, potions, crafting materials, random trinkets that might be useless but could secretly unlock something later—pick it all up.
You never know when that seemingly worthless item will come in handy. Vendors love to overcharge, so selling off junk is a great way to stack up some extra gold. And let’s be real—there’s nothing worse than realizing you could have brewed a lifesaving potion if only you’d grabbed that one ingredient earlier.
Just keep an eye on your inventory weight. If you’re constantly over-encumbered and moving at the speed of a snail, maybe—maybe—it’s time to part with a few things. But until then? Hoard away.
The great thing about Avowed is that most loot is completely weightless (other than weapons and gear), so you can carry as much of it as you want. But even if you somehow manage to get so encumbered that you’re slowed down, you can always send items to camp from basically anywhere.
Go to camp often
Your camp isn’t just a place to take a nap—it’s your home base, your strategy hub, and probably where your party members will drop their juiciest bits of dialogue. If you’re only stopping by when absolutely necessary, you’re missing out.
Resting at camp replenishes your health and abilities, which means you’re not going into battles half-prepared (or worse, completely out of spells). It’s also where you can manage inventory, check in with companions, and maybe even unlock important story moments. Some conversations and quests only trigger if you make the time to hang around, so don’t just treat it like a glorified inn.
Upgrade your gear
Looting is fun, but if you’re still rocking the same rusty sword you found an hour into the game, we need to talk. Avowed isn’t just about grabbing better weapons—it’s about upgrading and customizing them to match your playstyle.
Even a decent weapon can become a powerhouse with the right enhancements. And don’t sleep on armor upgrades—better protection means you’ll survive longer, which means you can take on tougher fights (and look way cooler doing it).
If you’re hoarding materials but never actually using them, now’s the time. Upgrades can make a huge difference, and you don’t want to realize too late that you could’ve been way stronger all along.
Bottom line? Keep your gear up to date, or prepare to suffer.
Keep an eye on the number of skulls
See an enemy with a bunch of skull icons next to their name? Yeah, that’s the game politely telling you to turn around and run.
In Avowed, skulls indicate enemy difficulty—more skulls mean more pain. If you charge in blindly thinking you can “just dodge-roll through it,” you’re in for a rude awakening (and a quick reload). Instead of throwing yourself at an overpowered enemy, take it as a sign to level up, upgrade your gear, and maybe come back later when you’re actually prepared.
That said, if you really want to fight something way out of your league, go for it—but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Listen to your companions
Your companions aren’t just there to swing swords and toss spells—they actually know things. Whether it’s a warning about a dangerous path, a hint about hidden treasure, or just some juicy world-building, paying attention to what they say can save you a lot of trouble.
If a party member suddenly suggests caution, maybe don’t charge in headfirst. If they comment on a weird-looking wall, maybe do take a closer look. Their dialogue isn’t just flavor text—it’s often the game subtly nudging you in the right direction.
Plus, interacting with them at camp and in the world can unlock new quests, deeper relationships, and even alternate story outcomes. So, if you’re the type to mash through dialogue, you might be missing out on some of the best parts of the game.
Moral of the story? Your companions are more than just walking skill trees—listen to them.
Form a strong party
Sure, you could just bring along the coolest-looking companions, but if your team is all style and no substance, you’re in for a rough time. Since Avowed only lets you take two party members with you, picking the right ones is crucial.
Think about your own strengths and weaknesses. If you’re a heavy-hitting warrior, maybe grab a spellcaster for ranged support and a rogue for sneaky solutions. If you’re more of a magic-user, you’ll probably want a tanky fighter to take the hits while you blast enemies from a safe distance. The right mix of skills can make fights easier, unlock new paths, and even change how certain quests play out.
Use your environment in battles (and otherwise)
In Avowed, the environment isn’t just there for decoration—it’s your secret weapon. Whether you’re in the heat of battle or simply exploring, always keep your surroundings in mind.
In combat, look for opportunities to use terrain to your advantage. High ground gives you a better vantage point, while tight spaces can trap enemies, making them easier to dispatch. You can also trigger explosive barrels, manipulate elemental effects, and even use environmental hazards to mess with your foes.
But don’t stop there—your environment can also help you outside of combat. Some puzzles or quests can be solved by interacting with the world around you, whether it’s finding hidden paths or manipulating objects in a clever way.
So, next time you’re caught in a fight or trying to figure out where to go, take a moment to look around. You’d be surprised what the game gives you to work with.
Look for alternative routes
You don’t always have to charge straight into battle or tackle a quest through the obvious door. Sometimes, the best way to handle a situation is by finding a detour.
Whether it’s sneaking around to avoid a tough fight, finding a hidden entrance to bypass a locked door, or discovering an alternative path that leads to an easier route, exploring options can make a huge difference. These alternative routes might help you avoid unnecessary combat, give you a strategic advantage, or lead you to hidden rewards.
Looking for these shortcuts isn’t just about convenience—it’s often the key to completing tasks more efficiently and safely. So, before charging headfirst into a tough spot, take a moment to look around and see if there’s a better, easier way to go about it. Your task (and your health bar) will thank you.
Switch to a third-person POV
Avowed gives you the freedom to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives, and it’s a game-changer—literally. Whether you’re trying to avoid motion sickness or just prefer one view over the other for certain situations, the flexibility to choose is a huge plus.
If the first-person perspective feels a bit too immersive for comfort, or you just want a better view of the action, switching to third-person can make everything more manageable. It’s perfect for combat, letting you see more of your surroundings and keep track of enemies. But if you want to soak in the details of the world or feel more immersed, first-person is the way to go.
You’re not locked into one perspective, so feel free to switch depending on your needs—whether it’s for comfort, tactical advantage, or just a change of scenery. Both perspectives work great, and it’s all about what feels right for you.
Don’t skip cooking
It might seem tempting to skip over cooking and just rely on the usual potions and rations, but trust me—Avowed’s cooking system is a game-changer. Not only does cooking provide extra buffs and bonuses, but it’s also a great way to ensure your party stays healthy and ready for anything.
Cooking can give you everything from health regeneration to boosted stats, making it one of the easiest ways to prepare for tough battles or challenging quests. Plus, if you find rare ingredients while exploring, you can make some pretty powerful dishes that might just turn the tide in your favor.
It’s also a great way to unwind between quests—cooking up a nice meal can be surprisingly satisfying. So don’t just rely on basic healing items. Take the time to cook, experiment with recipes, and get the full benefit of the boosts they offer.
A chime will tell you where to find loot
You don’t have to search every nook and cranny blindly—there’s a little helper in the form of a chime. Whenever you’re near hidden loot, a distinct chime will play, giving you a heads-up that something valuable is nearby.
This little sound cue is your treasure-hunting best friend, especially when you’re exploring new areas or trying to find those hard-to-spot items. Keep your ears open, and when that chime rings, take a moment to look around—you might just stumble upon something useful, whether it’s a chest full of gold, rare crafting materials, or a weapon upgrade that could make your next fight a little easier.
There’s no shame in running
Let’s face it—sometimes the best option is just to run. Whether you’re facing an enemy that’s way out of your league or you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.
The thing is, Avowed is not feeding you enemies based on your level and abilities, so you may stumble into a situation you’re not quite ready for. The best thing you can do here is to just retreat. And the good news is that most often, when you run far enough, the enemies will leave you alone.
Running can save your resources, your party’s health, and your sanity. Sometimes, you just need to take a breather, reassess your strategy, or level up a bit before taking another crack at it.
So, no shame in retreating when the odds are stacked against you. There’s always another chance to come back stronger and smarter. And, hey, live to fight another day, right?
Diversify your arsenal
Sticking to just one type of weapon or attack style can leave you vulnerable in certain situations. The key to surviving (and thriving) is to diversify your arsenal.
Whether you’re wielding a sword, a bow, or casting spells, having a variety of options at your disposal will let you adapt to whatever the game throws at you. Ranged weapons can give you an edge when you need to keep your distance, while heavy-hitting melee weapons are perfect for getting up close and personal. And don’t forget about magical abilities—they can turn the tide of battle, especially when used creatively.
By keeping a mix of gear and abilities in your loadout, you’re always prepared for whatever you encounter. Switch things up based on your enemies, the environment, and your overall strategy.
Do side quests for more XP
Sure, the main story is compelling, but don’t ignore the side quests in Avowed—they’re not just fun distractions, they’re a goldmine for extra XP and rewards. These quests might lead you to hidden corners of the world, introduce you to fascinating characters, and give you the chance to level up faster than if you stick to the main objectives.
Not only will you earn XP, but side quests often unlock additional loot, new abilities, or secret lore that can make your journey even richer. Plus, they’re a great way to test out different strategies, gear, and companions without the pressure of a critical path.
So, instead of rushing past side content, take the time to dive into those extra quests. You’ll not only level up your character, but you might just uncover something you’d have missed otherwise.
Do the Bounties
If you’re looking for a way to earn extra gold and rewards, bounties are a must in Avowed. These are optional tasks that task you with hunting down specific enemies or targets scattered across the world. While they can be tough, they’re also incredibly rewarding.
Not only do you get a nice payday for each bounty you complete, but the variety of enemies you’ll face helps keep things fresh. Plus, it’s a great excuse to explore new areas and encounter some of the game’s more challenging foes.
Completing bounties is a great way to break up the main story, level up your character, and stock up on loot. So don’t ignore those bounty boards—they’re packed with opportunities to become stronger and richer.
