Obsidian Entertainment recently rolled out Update 1.2.3 for their action RPG, Avowed, which aims to smooth out the bugs and enhance the gaming experience. Launched earlier this month, Avowed has garnered generally favorable reviews, currently boasting a solid score of 81 on OpenCritic. Although praised for its story, immersive world, and engaging gameplay, the game was initially marred by a slew of bugs. Thankfully, Obsidian is committed to fixing these issues to ensure a seamless experience for players.
With the arrival of Update 1.2.3, several pesky glitches have been addressed, particularly those that disrupted key questlines like "A Path to the Garden" and "Message from Afar." In addition to quest fixes, the update delivers gameplay tweaks, such as adjusting the Arcane Veil’s damage reduction and cooldown, and vital improvements to companion AI. Many players had voiced concerns about unreliable companion behavior during battles, so this update is a welcome change. Audio issues have also been tackled, ensuring game sounds now perform as the developers intended.
This latest patch follows a comprehensive Day One patch that tackled early access feedback by resolving numerous bugs and refining gameplay elements like equipment tiers. Despite its bumpy start, Avowed quickly rose to prominence, becoming a top seller on Steam. Given its availability through Xbox Game Pass, its commercial success despite the $70 price tag for Steam players is impressive.
While free updates may not bring new features like a New Game Plus mode, Obsidian has hinted that based on Avowed’s ongoing success, we might see some paid DLC content in the future.
Looking at the detailed patch notes for Update 1.2.3, the improvements cover a wide array of fixes:
Crashes & Major Issues:
- Addressed crashes related to GameThread timing, ladder mechanics, and PC session disconnection.
- Improved overall stability by fixing rare rendering-related crashes.
Quests & Area Design:
- Fixed several quest progression issues in “A Path to the Garden” and “Dawntreader.”
- Corrected timing and progression for various quests, ensuring players have a smoother narrative experience.
Gameplay and Balance Updates:
- Rebalanced Arcane Veil’s properties and refined environmental interactions like electrified water.
- Companion behaviors in combat are now more dependable, resolving previous AI inconsistencies.
Audio and Visual Enhancements:
- Music volumes have been adjusted to better fit key story moments across various locations.
- Fixed sound inconsistencies ensuring that abilities play audio effects accordingly.
UI and Control Improvements:
- Enhanced UI indicators and resolved issues with incorrect on-screen notifications.
General Fixes:
- Numerous bug fixes improve player movement, camera functionality, and crafting experience.
Avowed, set in the intriguing realm of Eora, brings players into the heart of the Living Lands teeming with adventure and peril. As an envoy from Aedyr, players are tasked with investigating a mysterious plague and uncover a deep-seated secret that could unravel the very fabric of the world. This first-person RPG from Obsidian offers a compelling narrative filled with difficult choices and narrative consequences.
In summary, while Avowed encountered some early turbulence, Obsidian’s prompt updates and patches have ensured it remains a vital part of many gamers’ libraries, promising further expansions based on its ongoing popularity.
