When Avowed first launched on Xbox and PC last year, it was a game of contradictions: a mesmerizing journey through the Living Lands hamstrung by floaty combat and technical hiccups. Fast forward to February 2026, and Obsidian Entertainment has not only brought their fantasy epic to PlayStation 5 but has paired it with a massive Avowed Anniversary Update that fundamentally transforms the experience. After spending 40 hours with the Avowed PS5 review build, it is clear that the wait was worth it—this is the definitive way to play one of the best action RPGs 2026 has to offer.
Performance: The Living Lands Have Never Looked Better
The most immediate question for many potential players concerns Avowed PS5 performance. I am happy to report that the days of shimmering textures and inconsistent frame rates that plagued the initial Series X launch are largely behind us. On PS5, the game offers a rock-solid 60 FPS Performance Mode that sacrifices very little in terms of visual fidelity. The neon-hued flora of the Living Lands pops with incredible clarity, and the spell effects—once a source of frame drops—now sizzle across the screen without a stutter.
What truly elevates the PlayStation version, however, is the DualSense implementation. Obsidian has done a stellar job mapping the weight of Eora’s weaponry to the controller. You can feel the tension in the triggers when charging a wand blast, and the haptic feedback differentiates the dull thud of a mace against a shield from the sharp resistance of a sword parry. These sensory details ground the experience, addressing one of the biggest complaints about the original release: the lack of physical feedback.
Combat Overhaul: Fixing the "Floaty" Feel
The Avowed Anniversary Update is not just a content drop; it is a mechanical rescue mission. At launch, combat was criticized for feeling weightless—enemies acted like sponges, absorbing hits with little reaction. Obsidian took this feedback to heart. The overhaul introduces a new "impact system" where enemy animations now properly reflect the force of your blows. Hit a Xaurip with a two-handed hammer, and they will visibly stumble or get knocked back.
Smarter Enemies, Better Brawls
The AI has also received a significant lobotomy reversal. Enemies no longer wait politely to be slaughtered; they flank, use environment traps, and coordinate attacks. This forces players to utilize the full breadth of the spell-and-sword combat system. Switching between grimoires and melee weapons feels fluid, and the new parry windows are tighter, rewarding skill over button mashing.
New Playable Races: A Roleplayer’s Dream
Perhaps the most exciting addition for lore enthusiasts is the inclusion of Avowed new playable races. Originally limited to Humans and Elves, the character creator has been expanded to include Aumaua, Dwarves, and Orlans. This isn't just a cosmetic skin swap; Obsidian has retroactively added dialogue reactivity for these races throughout the campaign.
Playing as a towering Coastal Aumaua changed how NPCs in the port city of Paradis treated me, opening up intimidation options that weren't there for my Human Envoy. Conversely, running a stealth build as a diminutive Orlan unlocked unique pathways in dungeons that larger characters simply cannot access. These additions bring Avowed closer to the depth of its spiritual predecessor, Pillars of Eternity, and offer a compelling reason for returning players to start a fresh save file.
Verdict: Xbox Games on PlayStation Find a New Home
As the latest in a growing line of Xbox games on PlayStation, Avowed sets a high bar for cross-platform ports. It feels right at home on the console, utilizing the hardware features to enhance immersion in ways the original release didn't. While the main story remains a tighter, more focused narrative than the sprawling open worlds of its competitors, the density of choice and consequence is where Obsidian shines.
With the Anniversary Update addressing the combat complaints and the PS5 hardware polishing the technical edges, Avowed has finally reached its potential. It is a vibrant, reactive, and punchy RPG that demands your attention. Whether you are a newcomer to Eora or a returning Envoy, the Living Lands are finally ready for you.
