Obsidian's Avowed has now entered advanced access, allowing eager players to explore the mystical Living Lands. As adventurers delve into this new world, they're not only encountering magical items and facing various dangers but also stumbling upon unexpected elements of romance.
In the lead-up to Avowed's release, Obsidian made it clear that the game would not include a traditional romance system. Instead, the focus was on fostering "thoughtful relationships" with companions. This was highlighted by Avowed's game director, Carrie Patel, in an interview with IGN. Patel explained, "We are building thoughtful relationships with our companion characters. Ultimately, I personally am a fan of making that an option, but I feel like if you're going to do it, you really, really have to commit and make sure that you're giving all to fulfilling that in a way that feels both true to the character, but also creates an engaging player experience. So not something we're doing for Avowed, but I wouldn't say never."
However, early access players and reviewers have discovered that romance might indeed be part of the experience. Spoilers Ahead: Some have reported romantic interactions with the companion Kai. If you wish to avoid spoilers, it's best to stop reading now.
***Warning!** Avowed spoilers follow:*