Every Choice in Avowed Has Consequences: Unraveling the Terrible Aftermath

I wrapped up playing Avowed last night, and even after all the intense battles and stunning visuals, what’s stuck with me are the choices I faced during some pretty ordinary dialogues.

If you’re new to games by Obsidian, or fans of Pillars of Eternity know what’s coming. Here’s a tip: when you get to those critical moments in Avowed, stand firm in your decisions.

Avowed isn’t shy about putting you in tough situations. You might find a town in distress and be presented with options that could lead to significant harm to its people. Do you act to help but risk killing some? Or choose a safer route that might endanger others? Each choice feels personal, and there’s no perfect answer. In fact, every option has its drawbacks.

No matter the path you take, people will suffer, and some party members might even turn against you. I spent my final hours in Avowed with allies angry at my decisions, even after I saved their city. In their eyes, I was still the villain.

This world is messy. A dying island, plagued and haunted, leaves every choice feeling heavy and burdensome.

The choices you make do matter. They shape the fate of gods, cities, and nations. Yet, what’s more important is how you deal with the consequences of your choices. The world will change regardless—it’s up to you to live with those changes.

Here’s a crucial point about Avowed: it’s not for those who like to reload saves to get things “right.” There is no clean slate. Casualties are inevitable. You’ll need to choose who faces the consequences and come to terms with that. The right choice is the one that sits well with you.

That’s what I love most about Avowed. It doesn’t just ask you to pick a side—it invites you to reflect on why you made those choices in a chaotic world. It’s a bit of a Rorschach test for your own values and decisions.