The wait is finally over. Following the blockbuster launch of Avowed on PlayStation 5 on February 17, players across the globe are stepping into the Living Lands for the first time. After a year of Xbox exclusivity, Obsidian Entertainment’s fantasy RPG has arrived on Sony’s console with full DualSense support and 4K optimization. But the Living Lands are unforgiving to the unprepared. Whether you're a veteran of Pillars of Eternity or a complete newcomer, this Avowed beginner guide will help you survive the Dreamscourge. From crafting the best Avowed starting builds to uncovering hidden secrets in the opening hours, here are the essential tips you need to know.

1. Master the Freeform Dual-Wielding System

Unlike many RPGs that lock you into rigid classes, Avowed combat mechanics explained simply come down to what you are holding in your hands. The game allows for complete freedom in dual-wielding, which is crucial for adapting to PS5 gameplay. You can wield a sword in your right hand and a magical grimoire in your left, or go full chaos with a pistol and a wand.

For PS5 players, pressing Triangle instantly swaps between your two weapon loadouts. We recommend setting up one loadout for range (like a bow or dual wands) and one for close-quarters (sword and shield or heavy axe). Note that parrying is disabled when dual-wielding two offensive weapons (like a sword and dagger); you must rely on dodging in these setups. If you prefer a defensive playstyle, keep a shield or an empty off-hand to utilize the block and parry mechanics effective against heavy hitters.

2. The 'Freeze and Shatter' Magic Combo

Magic in Avowed is elemental and interacts heavily with the environment. One of the best Avowed magic and melee tips for early dominance is the "Freeze and Shatter" combo. Use a grimoire spell like Bristling Frost or a frost-enchanted wand to freeze enemies solid. Once they are frozen, switch to a heavy melee weapon (Might-based) and strike them.

This triggers a massive damage multiplier and often instantly kills lower-level mobs. This synergy is perfect for Avowed best starting builds like the Battlemage, allowing you to control the battlefield while dishing out high physical damage. Pay attention to the DualSense haptic feedback; you'll feel a distinct "crack" vibration when a frozen enemy shatters.

3. How Grimoires Actually Work

New players often find Grimoires confusing. In Avowed, a Grimoire is not just a stat stick; it is a weapon that contains specific spells. When you hold a Grimoire in your off-hand, you gain access to the spells written inside it without spending skill points to learn them. This allows you to test high-level magic early.

However, if you want to cast a specific spell like Fireball while holding a shield or a two-handed hammer, you must spend points in the Wizard skill tree to "learn" the spell permanently. For a versatile build, keep a Grimoire equipped in your secondary loadout to access utility spells like Arcane Veil without investing heavily in the Intellect attribute.

4. Decode the Skull Difficulty System

The Living Lands do not scale with your level in the traditional sense. As you explore, you will encounter enemies and quests marked with Red Skull icons. This is a warning you should heed. One skull means a tough fight; two or three skulls mean you are severely under-leveled and will likely be one-shotted.

If you hit a wall in the main story, wander off the beaten path. Avowed Living Lands secrets are often hidden in caves or underwater (yes, you can swim and dive). Finding higher-tier loot in these side areas is the fastest way to remove those skulls. Look for "Fine" or "Exceptional" quality weapons in the Dawnshore region to power spike early.

5. Best Early Game Weapons in Dawnshore

Speaking of loot, there are two unique weapons you can grab almost immediately upon reaching the first major hub, Dawnshore. These are essential for how to play Avowed on PS5 efficiently in the early game:

  • Last Light of Day (Sword): Found during the "Dawntreader" side quest. It deals bonus fire damage, making it perfect for fighting the corrupted flora and fauna of the Living Lands.
  • Caeroc's Pride (Pistol): A guaranteed drop from the Tempestuous Luandi bounty. This pistol has high shock damage and is ideal for a Gunslinger build.

Don't hoard your upgrade materials. Use them on these unique weapons at the forge to carry you through the first 10-15 hours of gameplay.

6. Optimize Your Attributes (And Don't Fear Respecs)

Character creation can be paralyzing, but Avowed is forgiving. You can respec your attributes and skills at any time for a small gold fee. However, understanding the core stats is vital for Avowed PS5 tips and tricks:

  • Might: Increases all damage (melee, ranged, and magic). Essential for everyone.
  • Dexterity: Increases attack speed and casting speed. Crucial for dual-wielders.
  • Perception: Increases range and critical hit chance. vital for Gunslingers and Archers.

For a balanced first run, we recommend a "Spellblade" spread: High Might, Medium Intellect, and Medium Constitution. This allows you to survive mistakes while hitting hard with both steel and spell.

7. PS5 Exclusive Features & Settings

Playing on PlayStation 5 offers some unique advantages thanks to the hardware. The adaptive triggers provide resistance when drawing bows or charging heavy wand attacks, giving you a tactile cue for perfect timing. We recommend keeping the "Trigger Effect Intensity" to Strong for the best immersion.

Additionally, Avowed offers a Performance Mode (60 FPS) and a Fidelity Mode (30 FPS) on PS5. Given the fast-paced nature of combat—especially if you are playing a dodge-heavy Rogue build—we strongly suggest sticking to Performance Mode. The fluidity of 60 FPS makes timing your dodges against unblockable red-circle attacks significantly easier.