In 2026, Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed is no longer the upcoming RPG that had fans debating its scale. It launched in February 2025, and players have spent over a year exploring the world of Eora. Yet a 2024 Gamescom preview remains remarkably prescient. That early hands-on session revealed a classless system, strong storytelling, and a stark divide between combat styles. The previewer—a self-described fan of Obsidian's more intimate RPGs like The Outer Worlds and Pentiment—walked away with mixed feelings. Melee felt like a chore, but magic? Magic was the bee's knees.
Barbarian Boredom: When Melee Misses the Beat
The preview began early in Avowed's story during a sidequest. The protagonist, known as the Convoy, ventured into a cave to find an Aedryan expedition team. Although Avowed is 'classless,' the demo offered three pre-set builds: Barbarian, Ranger, and Mage. The previewer, calling themselves the most boring RPG player in the world, picked the melee-focused Barbarian. Bashing enemies is usually their bread and butter. But this time, the combat felt clunky and outdated—like a Skyrim hangover that Obsidian had spent years trying to shake.
To be fair, the first-person melee worked. It had a dodge button and special abilities, making it slightly more involved than The Elder Scrolls. But it lacked personality and depth. The colourful caves and green-skinned companion Kai could not paper over the cracks. Even commanding Kai in battle felt basic. The enemies hit hard, yet the gameplay loop was by the numbers. For a studio known for narrative flair, the Barbarian build was a wet blanket.
Obsidian's Storytelling Hasn't Missed a Beat
Where Avowed shone in that preview was its writing. The previewer was not familiar with the Pillars of Eternity world, but Obsidian made the lore digestible. Conversations offered a push-button explanation for unfamiliar terms. Characters felt relatable, and the dialogue landed with a funny, human touch. Deep in the cave, the Convoy met a wounded expedition member named Caedmon. He lamented that he was going to die a virgin. The protagonist suggested Kai help him out. It was a perfect blend of levity and world-building.
That tone carried into a meeting with a golden, god-like figure. He was trying to revive a fallen deity using an ancient artefact and tasked the Convoy with finding it. The previewer instantly suspected him of murdering the rest of the expedition. A few steps later, their dead bodies proved the hunch right. It was classic Obsidian: morally grey, sharply written, and full of narrative hooks.
Mage Build: The Only Way to Play
After finishing the demo as a Barbarian, the previewer had time to spare—being a 'pro gamer' and all—so they replayed it as a Mage. That is when Avowed finally clicked. Instead of whacking enemies and hoping for the best, the Mage blasted spells from a wand, summoned elemental weapons from thin air, and applied powerful buffs. An icy spear and a fiery axe made short work of skeletons, spiders, and lizards. The wand felt better than any axe. Combining simple ranged shots with a flurry of magic opened up combat's potential. It felt appropriate for the magical, mythical world of Eora.
The sidequest's combat rooms became far more interesting. The Mage could attack from afar or wade in with summoned weapons. The Barbarian had only one note: smash. The Mage had a whole symphony. Avowed's combat still seemed like one of its weaker parts compared to its stellar narrative, but the Mage build stopped it from letting the side down. It was far and away the best way to play.
The 2026 Verdict
Now that Avowed has been out for over a year, that preview's wisdom holds up. Players who bounce off melee combat should not throw in the towel. Roll a Mage. The classless system lets anyone mix and match, but the early game heavily favours ranged magic. Here is a quick comparison from the preview:
| Build | Feel | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Barbarian | Clunky, outdated, Skyrim-like | 😴 |
| Mage | Dynamic, versatile, satisfying | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Obsidian has always been at its best when games are intimate and narrative-driven. Avowed may not be The Outer Worlds, but its characters and storytelling are top-notch. The combat? That depends on your build. In 2026, the mage remains the smart choice. It is not just easier—it is more fun. And in an RPG, fun is the name of the game. So if you are late to the party, do not be a boring Barbarian. Grab a wand, summon a fiery axe, and give Eora the magic it deserves.