Best Of 2025: Avowed's Most Controversial Feature Is Also One Of Its Best

"Obsidian's Avowed is one of the better action-RPGs released in 2025. While it doesn't reinvent any particular wheel, it benefits from an engaging campaign, fun combat systems, and charming characters. Aside from the occasional bug--a common element of Obsidian's open-world games--and an overabundance of homicidal bears, I liked nearly everything about the game. That includes Avowed's most controversial game mechanic: enemy respawns, or the lack thereof."

"When it comes to RPGs, players often think of a few key elements. Some sort of leveling system, quest-granting NPCs, obtainable loot that bolsters certain "builds" or playstyles--you know, the basics. One feature that's common but maybe not as notable, considering its use in other genres, is respawning enemies. Players often expect areas to repopulate with baddies whenever they return to a given location. Avowed isn't about that life though--at least, not entirely."

Avowed is a strong 2025 action-RPG with an engaging campaign, enjoyable combat, and memorable characters, marred occasionally by bugs and many aggressive bears. The game changes the usual RPG expectation by largely preventing enemies from respawning: most killed foes remain dead, so cleared areas stay empty on return. This design reduces opportunities for experience and loot farming, which frustrated players during the pre-patch upgrade grind. However, permanent kills also make the world feel more reactive and consequential, rewarding exploration without repetitive combat and reducing repetitive encounters for players seeking variety.

Read at GameSpot