Integrating Player Decisions into Avowed’s Combat Dynamics

“Flexibility in combat has always been one of our top priorities,” shares Gabe Paramo, the Gameplay Director. He goes on to highlight the variety of weapons players can use. “You can choose from a range of options including a one-hit dagger, a slow reloading arquebus, two-handed great hammers, and one-handed weapons like swords, pistols, and wands. Plus, we have a dual-wielding system that allows players to pair an off-hand weapon with a one-handed weapon, creating a versatile combat style.”

In my journey experimenting with different weapons, I was instantly drawn to the Grimoire—a magical weapon that lets you access spells even if your character isn’t primarily a magic user. I found that holding a Grimoire in one hand while swinging a sword with the other not only felt powerful but also made for some exciting combat combos. Players can find various Grimoires scattered throughout Avowed, each offering the chance to enhance or learn new spells. For instance, you could take a spell like “Fan of Flames” from a Grimoire, add it to your ability bar, and then charge into battle, flinging fireballs while wielding a massive hammer, no longer tethered to the spell book itself.

According to Paramo, “The most distinctive aspect of our game is how everything comes together seamlessly, giving players the freedom to swap and execute actions on the fly. Whether it’s choosing abilities from their skill trees, selecting different weapons, or performing a dodge, the system is designed for quick transitions. It’s a blend of familiar elements from other games, but we’ve made these interactions more fluid and distinct.”