Obsidian’s Avowed has arrived, and while it has stirred some divisive opinions, it’s undeniably finding its audience. If you’re just stepping into the Living Lands, there are many aspects the game doesn’t make clear. This guide covers ten crucial tips that will help you avoid common pitfalls, maximize progression, and optimize your gameplay experience. Whether you’re new to RPGs or a seasoned veteran, these insights will ensure you stay ahead of the curve.

1. Always Break Down Your Gear – AB, Always Be Breaking

One of the most critical mechanics in Avowed is gear breakdown. Many players have unknowingly handicapped themselves by selling weapons instead of dismantling them.

Why? Because progression isn’t just about leveling up—it’s about upgrading your weapons. Enemy scaling is based on armor tier, not level. If you’re using a tier 2 weapon against a tier 3 enemy, your attacks suffer a brutal 35% damage penalty. Since crafting materials are scarce, keeping weapons up to par is vital.

• Prioritize breaking down weapons and armor for crafting materials.
• Focus on upgrading one or two primary weapons. Don’t spread materials too thin across multiple weapons you rarely use.
• Break down unique weapons you don’t need. They provide essential upgrade materials for the ones you actually use.

Ignoring this can result in a punishing difficulty spike 10-15 hours into the game. So, dismantle and upgrade consistently to stay ahead.

2. Don’t Stick to Kai – Get Giatta ASAP

Kai, your starting companion, might be a fan favorite thanks to his Mass Effect Garrus-like voice, but he’s far from the strongest choice for your party.

• Marius (Second Companion): A damage-dealer with treasure-finding abilities. A useful addition early on.
• Giatta (Third Companion): Hands down, the most powerful support character in the game.

Giatta, found in the Emerald Stair, provides essential healing abilities like Reconstruction (restores health and grants temporary overhealing) and Barrier (damage reduction). Late-game battles practically require her, making her an invaluable ally you should recruit as soon as possible.

3. Always Carry a Common Spell Book

Even if you’re a melee or ranged build, never discard or sell your common-level spell book. Why? Because it provides unparalleled utility for exploration.

• Flamethrower spell: Burns cobwebs and vines blocking paths.
• Lightning spell: Activates electrical switches.
• Ice spell: Freezes bodies of water, creating traversal opportunities.

Rather than carrying multiple elemental weapons, a simple spell book covers all these functions without the need for upgrades or skill point investment.

Additionally, always keep grenades on hand—they are easy to craft and allow you to break down destructible walls without using up valuable spell slots or resources.

4. Combining Spells and Spell Books for Stronger Magic

The Wizard skill tree allows you to learn spells, but why bother when you can just cast from a spell book? The secret is spell amplification.

• If you learn a spell and cast it through a spell book, you’ll cast a Level 2 version of that spell.
• Level 2 spells provide extra effects, not just more damage. For example, Ice spells at Level 2 cause Bleed.
• Spell books lower Essence cost and reduce cooldowns, making them superior to manual casting.

While the game gives you the option to cast spells without a book, it’s almost always a waste. Use books whenever possible for maximum efficiency.

5. Manage Your Money Carefully – Don’t Waste It on Weapons

Money is extremely scarce in Avowed. While it’s tempting to buy cool-looking weapons from vendors, don’t do it.

• Only buy essentials: Lockpicks and crafting materials. Vendors rarely carry many, but when they do, buy them out.
• Selling weapons? Be selective. If a weapon gives crafting materials you don’t need, sell it. Otherwise, break it down.
• Don’t expect to afford everything later. Even with careful money management, you’ll struggle to buy endgame gear. Avoid wasting early-game funds.

6. Need Gold? Bounty Boards Are the Best Income Source

Unlike many RPGs, enemies don’t drop gold in Avowed. Your best bet for making money? Bounty Boards.

• Located in major towns, these offer repeatable contracts that reward cash and unique gear.
• Early-area bounties pay 500 gold, with rewards increasing per zone.
• Bounty targets are in treasure-filled locations, meaning you’ll often find valuable loot in the process.

Without a grindable gold system, Bounties are the best consistent money-making method in Avowed.

7. Find Powerful Early-Game Gear

The first zone, Dawnshore, hides some fantastic early-game equipment.

• Wayfarer’s Ring (Health + Essence Regen from food & potions) – Found on a skeleton north of Watcher’s Mirror.
• Boots of the Bricklayer (Increased Dodge Distance & Carry Capacity) – Hidden in Pargrun Cache Ruins, east of Strangleroot Cave.
• Ring of Slow Essence (Slow Essence Regeneration) – Found in a secret wall near the Ruinous Cavern exit.

These items are easy to miss but provide strong passive bonuses that stay relevant for much of the game.

8. Quest Choices Have Ripple Effects Across the Game

Unlike some RPGs where quests exist in isolation, Avowed features interconnected storylines where your decisions in one quest affect others.

Example: Helping Ilora in the tutorial unlocks peaceful resolutions later. If you free her, she intervenes during a smuggler quest, avoiding a battle. These choices create unique story branches, so take time to explore side content—it might pay off later.

9. Sometimes, Running Away Is the Best Option

Unlike many RPGs, fighting enemies in Avowed barely rewards XP. The best way to level up is through completing quests, not grinding. If an enemy isn’t blocking progress, consider running past them.

Additionally, avoiding fights can unlock unique quest outcomes. In Emerald Stair, if you don’t attack tree guardians, their queen grants you a key item without combat—and all tree enemies become non-hostile, letting you loot freely.

10. Talk to Companions for Free Stat Boosts

Companion conversations aren’t just for lore—they provide permanent stat boosts.

• Talking to companions unlocks training sessions where they offer free +2 stat bonuses.
• Since Avowed caps at Level 20, small stat boosts make a big difference.
• Listen to the mysterious voice in your head—completing these encounters grants substantial buffs like +10% Max Health.

Checking for exclamation marks in camp ensures you never miss these valuable bonuses.

---

By following these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to handle everything the Living Lands throws at you. Avowedoffers depth that isn’t always obvious, and these tips will keep you ahead of the curve. What’s been your biggest challenge so far? Let us know in the comments!