In Avowed I keep falling into the same habit as Skyrim’s inescapable stealth archer, but I just can’t resist

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Each time I start playing Skyrim, I convince myself to approach things differently. Instead of using stealth with a bow and arrow against enemies, I aim to explore alternative weapons and character builds. However, before long, I end up resorting to my familiar tactic – taking out patrols of bandits silently from the shadows with precise shots, or striking down draugrs with arrows even before they rise from their resting places in tombs. Surprisingly, I’m adopting the exact same strategy in Obsidian Entertainment’s new fantasy RPG, Avowed.

In contrast to Bethesda’s style, the combat in this game offers a unique twist, much like Skyrim, it provides numerous choices. Despite the variety of weapons such as magic wands, grimoires, swords, and guns available, I find myself consistently drawn to the bow and using tall grass to execute surprise attacks from a distance. The world of Eora has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to combat, and battles in Avowed sometimes necessitate adjusting my equipment. However, my character is shaping up to be another skilled archer, as I’m increasingly drawn to taking enemies unawares from afar. To put it simply, even with a system designed for exploration, I simply enjoy catching opponents off guard from a distance.

Wrapped up in a bow

Initially, when I began playing Avowed, it felt reminiscent of my Skyrim habits. Right off the bat, you can choose among five distinct backgrounds that define your character’s past and highlight unique abilities they possess. Drawn by instinct, I opted for the Vanguard Scout, a character skilled in espionage, tracking, and well-versed in the wilderness, with high attributes in dexterity and perception. This set me on a path towards creating an effective Godlike ranger. The prologue introduces you to a beach where various weapons can be found as you make your way through it. Before long, I stumbled upon a bow, using it to take out some explosive plants and clear a path. From that moment, my destiny was set in stone.

Upon reaching the initial open area of Dawnshore, where I am accompanied by my robust blue ally named Kai, I finally have an opportunity to employ my well-established strategy. Scattered across the landscape are numerous points of interest and side quests, along with several enemy camps inhabited by reptilian adversaries. Conveniently, there is also plenty of tall vegetation that serves as a perfect cover for me. Typically, I aim to take down the most formidable foe or a healer early on to prevent others from realizing my presence. Once exposed, I then try to maintain a safe distance from other enemies.

Instead of Skyrim where you blend in after firing a shot, Avowed presents an immediate detection scenario. However, this is precisely where the loadout feature comes in handy for me on my Xbox controller. With a simple press of the Y button, I can switch from using a bow to an axe and shield when surrounded by enemies, ensuring I’m well-equipped for any situation. Interestingly, employing a ranged weapon supports Kai’s strength as a melee fighter quite effectively.

As a character imbued with divine favor from an unidentified deity and possessing a covert assassination skill akin to magic, you frequently employ a strategy of sneaking up on enemies for stealth kills before retreating to fire additional shots. Although the stealth aspect doesn’t quite match Skyrim’s level of satisfaction, your bow allows you to consistently exploit the environment by aiming at explosive barrels and flammable plants to deal damage to nearby targets. Despite some boss fights requiring a change in equipment, I welcome these moments because they challenge me to move beyond my bow’s potential when the situation demands it.

In Avowed, my journey is just beginning, yet I’m already loving the experience, especially with one of my preferred weapon types in a fantasy RPG. Some might say I’m missing out on experimenting with other options, but why change something that works? I plan to continue enhancing my ranger build to explore its full potential and see how devastatingly effective it can be in this new realm.

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2025-02-19 16:11