It’s Time to Give 2025’s Most Underrated RPG Another Try

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2025 was an incredible year for role-playing games. We saw the release of standout titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the latter of which proved to the wider gaming world what JRPG fans already knew – that the genre is capable of amazing things. Even more experimental games, such as The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy, pushed boundaries, though it didn’t always receive the attention it deserved. With so many high-quality RPGs launching in 2025, it’s not surprising that some excellent games were overlooked.

2025 had a surprising number of excellent, but overlooked, RPGs – so many that it’s easy to have missed some. Luckily, one of those games is gaining popularity again, and I think it deserves the attention. That’s why I highly recommend Avowed, the fantasy RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, to everyone. Especially since 2026 hasn’t offered many strong RPGs yet, it’s a great time to appreciate everything Avowed does well.

Avowed Deserved Better In 2025

It feels a little hypocritical to now praise Avowed when I recently welcomed the cancellation of The Outer Worlds 2, believing it signaled the end of mediocre RPGs – and I included Avowed in that assessment, a view I still hold. Avowed, especially considering current expectations for the genre by 2025, doesn’t quite measure up. More importantly, it doesn’t live up to the quality of previous games within its world or to the standards set by Obsidian Entertainment themselves. Fans are still hoping for another game as good as Fallout: New Vegas, and Avowed unfortunately doesn’t come close.

Despite its flaws, Avowed is a solid game. While the execution isn’t perfect, it’s packed with creative ideas and a combat system that’s better than most RPGs of its size. In fact, the combat is what really makes Avowed stand out and might even explain some of the harsh initial reactions. Whether you’re casting spells or fighting with a sword, the combat feels impactful, fast-paced, and beautifully animated. It has a satisfying weight to it that many other RPGs, including Avowed’s biggest influence, Skyrim, lack.

While the parts of the game outside of fighting aren’t always the main focus, they’re still very interesting and add a lot to the overall experience. Exploring the world feels truly worthwhile, especially because Avowed is a gorgeous game with breathtaking scenery – some of the best you’ll find in a fantasy RPG. You’ll constantly discover new quests and equipment, making every moment feel valuable. Although the conversations aren’t the game’s strongest point, the characters are enjoyable and create a surprisingly lively group of companions. There’s a lot to appreciate in Avowed, and a recent free update has made it even better.

Avowed Is Worth Playing In 2026

The recent big update for Avowed fixed many of the issues players had when the game first came out. It was enough to bring me back after a break, and I recommend others who were disappointed before give it another try now. While Obsidian Entertainment still has things to improve – and some aspects are too fundamental to change – the updates have really highlighted what Avowed does well, resulting in a much more solid and fun RPG.

If you didn’t play Avowed when it first came out, now is a great time to start. The game has been significantly improved, with many of the initial issues fixed. You’ll finally get the experience that was advertised, and it should meet your expectations for a game made by Obsidian Entertainment. It’s not flawless, but if you’ve been looking for something like Skyrim, Avowed now delivers. You’ll find a lot to enjoy, especially if you prioritize gameplay over a groundbreaking story, much like many Skyrim players do.

While Avowed isn’t without its flaws – which is common for many surprisingly great games – it’s a good time to check it out, especially with its lower price and availability on PlayStation 5. It’s a fun way to pass the time while we wait for Crimson Desert. Even if you wait for a sale – and there are always plenty happening – Avowed delivers a satisfying fantasy RPG experience. It’s familiar and cozy, but also adds enough new elements to feel fresh and worthwhile, without being overly complicated.

Are you planning to play Avowed? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-24 22:15