Every Avowed guide you need to navigate the Living Lands

Avowed screenshot showing the lush fantasy realm called The Living Lands, with the protagonist looking at a lush cave powered by magical energy
(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

Our Avowed guide is building up to provide a complete overview of everything you need to know, as you take on the role of the Envoy of Aedyr and journey across the Living Lands within the Pillars of Eternity universe in the world of Eora. A mysterious plague known as the "Dream Scourge" is spreading through the population, so it's up to you to investigate what's happening and find a way to stop it before it's too late. Below we have Avowed guides covering the basics to set you on your way, along with explainers for the main mechanics, locations for significant collectibles, and a lot more – so choose a section to get started.

Note that although they are kept to a minimum, there may be minor spoilers for certain aspects of Avowed contained in the guide descriptions that follow.

Avowed basics guides

Avowed screenshot depicting combat with a corrupted plague bear, the protagonist wielding a sword and a magical spellbook

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

If you're just starting out, then we have several useful Avowed guides you can read before you even set foot in the Living Lands for the first time:

  • If you're wondering how long is Avowed then we've got details of how much time it will likely take you to finish your adventure, whether you power through the story or tick off every side quest along the way.
  • For those subscribed on either Xbox or PC, it's good to know that Avowed is on Game Pass and can be downloaded for free right now.
  • Not sure how to begin your journey? We've put together some essential Avowed tips to get you going on the right track.

Avowed character guides

How to change appearance in Avowed

(Image credit: Obsidian)

The first thing you'll do in Avowed is visit the character creator, to determine the look and background that applies to your Envoy of Aedyr. The choices you make here will carry across your entire playthrough and have lasting consequences, so here are some pointers for setting up your character and levelling them up:

  • While initially setting up your character, it pays to know about how Avowed attributes and backgrounds work so you can steer your build in the preferred direction to match your playstyle.
  • The background you choose during this process will also determine which of the Avowed starting weapons you're assigned, so we'll explain if you're getting a sword, a spear, or something else.
  • If you want to change appearance in Avowed then we have an explainer on using transmogrify to alter the look of your clothing, as well as assigning new outfits to your companions – but once you've left the character creator you won't be able to change your physical appearance, so make sure you're happy before committing.
  • As you begin to level up your character the different Avowed skill trees will come into play, and we have a breakdown of everything you need to know about the Fighter, Ranger, Wizard, and Godlike branches.

Avowed general guides

Avowed Party Camp

(Image credit: Obsidian)

These general Avowed guides will help you get to grips with the standard mechanics in use during your adventure, so you can travel efficiently and get the best out of the companions who join you along the way:

  • If you're concerned about spending too much time walking around the Living Lands, then don't worry as Avowed fast travel will let you jump between beacons in an instant.
  • You can also set up an Avowed Party Camp wherever you see the large Adra Waystones, providing another fast travel point as well as a base of operations where you can heal yourself and upgrade items in Avowed.
  • As you progress through the story you'll unlock various Avowed companions to travel and fight alongside you, so we've got the lowdown on all of them – as well as details on how to set up an Avowed romance with one in particular.

Avowed choices

Free Ilora from Fort Northreach Jail in Avowed

(Image credit: Obsidian)

You'll face a number of choices during the course of your journey in Avowed, which can shape your playthrough and the development of your character. Although it's not always obvious during conversations that you're actually making important decisions, we've picked these out as the ones to watch for:

  • Early in your journey, you'll have the choice to free Ilora in Avowed or leave her in the Northreach Jail cell.
  • Once you arrive in Paradis, speaking to Dehengen near the docks will start the Avowed Cabin Fever side quest, where you need to decide how she solves her xaurip problem.
  • While investigating the Strangleroot, you'll have to choose whether to help The Voice in Avowed or reject the deal, which has a significant consequence for your Godlike Abilities.

Avowed collectibles

Avowed Totem of Rightful Rulership in camp

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

There are various collectibles in Avowed that are strewn across the Living Lands, which can be highly beneficial if you track them down. Whether you're assembling totems or following treasure maps, here's where to look:

Avowed review

Kai and Gianna battle xaurips in Avowed

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

In our Avowed review, we called it an unforgettable return to form for Obsidian Entertainment, and said: "Avowed fills a first-person void within the fantasy RPG genre, but it also stands as an immersive spin on Pillars of Eternity without losing any of the stellar storytelling and worldbuilding that Obsidian Entertainment is known for."

© 12DOVE. Not to be reproduced without permission.

Iain Wilson
Guides Editor

Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as ‘Mr Trophy’, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has over 750 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.

Read more
Avowed screenshot depicting combat with a corrupted plague bear, the protagonist wielding a sword and a magical spellbook
11 Avowed tips and tricks for beginners in the Living Lands
Kai and Gianna battle xaurips in Avowed
Avowed review: "No Skyrim, but an unforgettable return to form for Obsidian Entertainment"
The Big in 2025 image for Avowed, showing a montage of fighting and exploring with the RPG, including first-person combat with a skeleton, and Kai slashing enemies
Avowed is an RPG that's both the culmination of everything Obsidian has done before, and also an evolution of it: "There's really not a whole lot of our regions that's off limits to the players"
Avowed builds wizard throwing a fireball in a bear's face.
Best Avowed builds for fighting in the Living Lands
Kai and Giatta battle Xaurip in Avowed
I get why Obsidian doesn't like The Elder Scrolls comparisons, but Avowed is the first RPG to have its hooks in me this deep since Skyrim took over my life 14 years ago
A massive fireball explosion engulfs Chieftain Grithin in Avowed
In 14 years I couldn't get through Skyrim, but smashed through Avowed in a weekend thanks to its bite-sized exploration and high-impact combat
Latest in RPGs
A Dragon Age character stares out against a blue background.
BioWare makes a return to Dragon Age: The Veilguard with a surprise PC update, months after layoffs and a seemingly final patch
Baldur's Gate 3 the vampire Astarion covered in blood
Baldur’s Gate 3 Astarion actor Neil Newbon warns games industry that "AI will have deep ramifications" if not properly regulated: "I believe in experiencing life and art through human expression, not software"
Yasuke riding through a village looking for Knowledge in Assassin's Creed Shadows
Assassin's Creed Shadows' prologue is the most gripping in franchise history, but I'm fixated on the tiny details
Naoe perched in front of a castle in Assassin's Creed Shadows
I've spent 20 hours in Assassin's Creed Shadows chasing drip and decor, and it's proving to be my biggest source of motivation in the RPG
Cabernet screenshot showing vampire protagonist Liza sucking someone's blood
Cabernet is the kind of vampire RPG I've been looking for since Masquerade Bloodlines, and I'm already plotting my next run 6 hours in
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
While Bethesda celebrates The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion's 19th birthday with a "Happy Anniversary" post, fans of the RPG had more in mind: "It would be perfect to... announce something"
Latest in Guides
FC 25
FC 25 Dreamchasers tracker and full UEFA promo guide
Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe "justice must be served" or "killing them isn't justice" Yaya and Mistumune choice
Should you side with Mitsumune or Yaya in Assassin's Creed Shadows?
Pokemon TCG Pocket Shiny Cards
How to get Shiny Pokemon in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Assassin's Creed Shadows money naoe and merchant
How to get money in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Pokemon TCG Pocket Shining Revelry
Pokemon TCG Pocket Shining Revelry release date and details
Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe in outfit
Best Assassin’s Creed Shadows armor for Naoe and Yasuke