Avowed Romance Options: Can You Build Relationships in Obsidian's New RPG?

 

Avowed Romance Options: Can You Build Relationships in Obsidian's New RPG?

Avowed, the highly anticipated RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, is set in the mystical world of Eora, particularly in the Living Lands. The game has captured the interest of RPG fans with its immersive storytelling, deep character interactions, and dynamic combat mechanics. But one burning question remains: Does Avowed have romance options like other popular RPGs? Let’s dive deep into the details and explore how relationships work in Avowed.

Avowed’s Release Date and Setting

Avowed is officially set to release on February 18, 2025 [XBOX.COM]. The game takes players into the Living Lands, an exotic and mysterious part of Eora, the same world from the Pillars of Eternity series. With breathtaking environments, complex lore, and compelling character development, Avowed promises an engaging experience for RPG lovers. While players will encounter various factions, allies, and adversaries, many are curious about whether they can build deeper relationships, including romance, within the game.

Does Avowed Have Romance?

The short answer is no, Avowed does not feature romance mechanics. Unlike RPGs such as Baldur’s Gate 3, The Witcher 3, or Mass Effect, where players can form romantic relationships with companions, Avowed takes a different approach.

Carrie Patel, the game’s director, has clarified in interviews that the decision to exclude romance was intentional. She explained that while romance in RPGs can be meaningful and immersive, it requires significant development resources to be done properly. Instead, Obsidian chose to focus on deep platonic relationships between the protagonist and their companions, allowing players to form strong bonds without the inclusion of romantic elements. [GAMERANT.COM]

Companion Relationships in Avowed

While romance may not be an option, Avowed does offer an intricate companion system. Players will meet several companions throughout their journey, each with unique backgrounds, personalities, and storylines. These companions will react dynamically to player choices, creating an organic and engaging relationship-building experience.

In Avowed, companions will:

• Engage in meaningful conversations that reveal more about their past and motivations.

• React to player decisions, forming strong alliances or potential rivalries.

• Offer quests that expand on their personal stories and backgrounds.

• Assist in combat with unique skills and abilities that complement different playstyles.

Why Did Obsidian Exclude Romance?

Obsidian’s decision to exclude romance is not due to a lack of interest in relationship-building but rather a design choice focused on storytelling depth. Many RPGs with romance mechanics often risk implementing them in a way that feels forced or underdeveloped. By avoiding romance, Obsidian ensures that all players experience rich, well-developed companion interactions without the expectation of romantic outcomes. [GAMESRADAR.COM]

Additionally, this approach allows the game to emphasize strong friendships, mentor-like relationships, and deep loyalty dynamics, creating a more inclusive experience for all players, regardless of their preferences regarding in-game romance

What This Means for RPG Fans

For fans who enjoy romance mechanics in RPGs, the absence of such features in Avowed might be disappointing. However, it’s essential to recognize that deep and engaging character interactions are still a core part of the game. Players can expect intense friendships, dramatic story arcs, and powerful emotional moments that rival those found in romance-heavy RPGs.

Additionally, the lack of romance allows Avowed to stand out as a unique experience, focusing on exploration, world-building, and tactical gameplay rather than romantic subplots.

Final Thoughts

While Avowed does not include romance mechanics, it still offers an incredibly immersive RPG experience. The game focuses on meaningful relationships, engaging companion stories, and impactful choices, ensuring that players remain invested in their journey through the Living Lands. Whether you're an RPG veteran or a newcomer to Obsidian’s storytelling style, Avowed promises a world filled with rich lore, complex characters, and thrilling gameplay.

Are you excited to explore the Living Lands and form deep bonds with your companions? Let us know in the comments below!