Avowed Unveils Update 1.2.3

Obsidian Entertainment has rolled out Update 1.2.3 for Avowed, addressing several glitches in the action RPG to enhance the player experience. This patch is a significant one, focusing on resolving questline issues, refining companion AI, and fixing audio bugs, which were rather jarring for players.

Despite grappling with bugs since its launch, Avowed has made quite the splash, quickly rising to a top-seller position on Steam, indicating a robust release even in the face of initial technical hurdles. This showcases the game’s underlying appeal and Obsidian’s steady commitment to improvements.

However, while fans eagerly await new features, Obsidian has confirmed there are no plans for a New Game Plus mode as of now. Nonetheless, they have left the door open for potential paid DLCs in the future, contingent on the game’s continued popularity.

The latest patch rectifies major questline interruptions, allowing players to fully enjoy quests like “A Path to the Garden” and "Message from Afar.” AI adjustments mean companions now provide more reliable combat support, addressing a frequent player concern. Plus, audio fixes have been made, enhancing the overall sound experience.

Coming off the back of an extensive Day One patch, Update 1.2.3 further tackles the niggles that have plagued this RPG. Despite these launch-time blemishes, Avowed’s success story is notable. It’s topped Steam’s U.S. sale charts, a remarkable feat given its availability on Xbox Game Pass, yet still commanding a premium price tag for Steam users.

While Avowed’s immediate future may not hold a slew of free updates, there is potential for the game to expand through DLCs. Obsidian’s approach appears to focus on polishing existing content and evaluating the potential for additions based on fan engagement and demand.

Here’s a closer look at Update 1.2.3’s patch notes:

Crashes & Major Issues: Resolved multiple crashes related to GameThread timing, exiting ladders, internet connection changes on PC, and rare rendering events.

Quests & Area Design: Progress issues resolved for several quests, including ensuring reward prompts and inventory updates occur correctly, and removing misleading quest icons.

Systems, Gameplay, and Balance Updates: Companion AI improvements for better combat assistance, and adjustments to the Arcane Veil’s effectiveness and cooldown. Combat and encounter tweaks ensure smoother, more consistent enemy interactions.

Audio Improvements: Adjustments to the mix to better match dramatic moments and environments, alongside specific sound effect fixes for abilities ensure a richer auditory experience.

Visual & Art Fixes: Enhancements to camera framing, fog, and lighting to improve visual storytelling and immersion.

User Interface & Controls: Streamlined interactions for smoother gameplay, including fixes for store screens, syncing messages, HUD indicators, and inventory management.

Avowed remains a captivating journey through the Living Lands, offering players a richly detailed world courtesy of the talented team at Obsidian. As players explore this fantasy realm, they are called upon to uncover deep secrets and navigate complex challenges, all within the vibrant universe first introduced by the Pillars of Eternity series. The journey is far from over, with both obstacles and opportunities lying in the wake of Avowed’s promising path forward.