One Combat Element from Avowed That Should Become a Standard in RPGs

Getting combat right in a fantasy RPG is no small feat. These games often offer a plethora of weapon types and potential character builds, each bringing unique strategies to the battlefield. Ensuring that every combination feels impactful and balanced can be especially challenging, particularly when dealing with the basic weapons available to players early in the game. However, Avowed manages to nail this delicate balance.

From the outset, Avowed’s combat system is nothing short of satisfying. Each enemy reacts visibly to your strikes, and when you’re hit, your character’s camera and model visibly register the impact. This responsiveness is further enhanced by the need for players to actively dodge incoming attacks. As players advance, leveling up and discovering more powerful weapons, the combat only gets more rewarding. Yet, even with just the starter gear, it feels robust, thanks in part to one standout mechanic that could well become a staple in future RPGs.

Avowed does something truly remarkable with its loadout feature, which is straightforward to use and incredibly impactful on gameplay. Players can switch between two weapon configurations at any time, with just a quick button press. On a console, this is achieved by tapping “Y,” and on PC, a quick press of “Left Alt” does the trick.

In Avowed, customizing your gear is a breeze. Players have separate slots for the left and right hands, offering the freedom to mix and match weapons in any combination that suits their playstyle. This system encourages players to explore various strategies. Imagine softening up foes from a distance with a pair of pistols before swapping to a grimoire and sword combo to freeze and shatter your enemies up close.

This flexible loadout system also plays a critical role when tackling the game on higher difficulty levels. Gone are the days of mindlessly hacking your way to victory; mastering your character’s full kit, including both loadouts, becomes essential. Whether you’re pulling off elaborate takedowns or managing your resources like stamina and Essence, the dual loadout system provides the tools for both inventive and efficient gameplay.

Furthermore, Avowed’s loadout mechanic invites players to experiment with weapon types they might usually overlook. It’s easy to stick with a reliable setup in your primary loadout while using the secondary for more experimental weapons, knowing you can quickly revert if things get hairy. This complements Avowed’s class system, which allows players to invest across different skill trees to craft a truly unique character build.

Avowed’s attention to detail and innovative mechanics make it a standout title in the RPG genre. Whether it’s the reactive combat or the versatility offered by its loadout system, Avowed sets a new standard for what players can expect from future role-playing games.