It has been exactly one year since Avowed first transported players to the Living Lands on Xbox and PC, but for PlayStation 5 owners, the wait has arguably been worth every second. Launching today, February 17, 2026, the PS5 version of Obsidian Entertainment’s fantasy RPG arrives not as a simple port, but as a fully realized, polished gem. Bundled immediately with the massive Anniversary Update, this release offers a level of technical refinement and content depth that the original launch simply couldn't match. From the immersive DualSense feedback to the game-changing inclusion of New Game Plus, the Avowed PS5 review verdict is clear: this is the definitive way to experience Eora.
The Anniversary Update: A Massive Day-One Upgrade
While Xbox players had to wait a year for these features, PS5 players get the complete package right out of the box. The Anniversary Update is a substantial overhaul that addresses nearly every critique leveled at the game’s initial 2025 release. Most notably, the update introduces three new playable races—Aumaua, Orlan, and Dwarves—which fundamentally change how you interact with the world. Playing as an Orlan, for instance, actually lowers your first-person camera perspective, offering a literal new angle on exploration that affects combat spacing and environmental interactions.
The addition of New Game Plus is another highlight, allowing veterans to carry over their character builds and gear into a more challenging world. This mode isn't just a victory lap; it introduces "remixed" enemy encounters with unique modifiers, forcing you to adapt your strategies. Coupled with the new Quarterstaff weapon type, which adds fluid, monk-like melee options for mage builds, the combat sandbox feels significantly deeper and more responsive than the version that launched last year.
Avowed PS5 vs Xbox Performance: A Technical Triumph
Technically, the PlayStation 5 port is a marvel of optimization. Obsidian has clearly used the last 12 months to refine the Unreal Engine 5 implementation. In our testing, the PS5’s Performance Mode holds a rock-solid 60 FPS in areas that previously caused stuttering on the Xbox Series X, particularly in the dense fungal forests of the Emerald Stair. The image quality in Quality Mode is equally impressive, utilizing a sharp 1440p internal resolution upscaled to 4K that brings the vibrant, alien colors of the Living Lands to life with startling clarity.
Loading times also see a tangible improvement. Thanks to the PS5's SSD architecture, fast traveling across the map is nearly instantaneous—often clocking in 2-3 seconds faster than on the Series X. While both consoles now run the same patched version of the game, the PS5 version feels slightly snappier in menu navigation and asset streaming, eliminating the texture pop-in that occasionally plagued the original release.
DualSense Integration: Feeling the Magic
The true differentiator, however, is the DualSense controller support. Obsidian has gone all-in on haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, adding a tactile layer to the Avowed PlayStation 5 gameplay experience. You can feel the crackle of a fire spell charging in your right hand, with the trigger tightening as the spell builds intensity. Blocking with a shield now provides a heavy, dull thud through the controller’s grips, while parrying—a mechanic that has been tightened significantly in this update—delivers a sharp, satisfying click that confirms a successful deflection. These sensory details make combat feel weightier and more impactful than on any other platform.
Combat Refinements and Gameplay Depth
Speaking of combat, the "revamped" mechanics included in this release transform the game's feel. The updated parry system is a game-changer; properly timing a block now not only negates damage but inflicts high stun values on enemies, opening them up for brutal new finisher animations. This system rewards skill and timing over button mashing, bringing Avowed closer to the tactical depth of best-in-class melee action games.
Difficulty customization has also been expanded. Players can now tweak specific variables—such as enemy aggression, health pools, and parry windows—independent of the standard difficulty presets. Whether you want a narrative-focused journey or a punishing survival experience, the game now bends to your playstyle rather than forcing you to adapt to it.
Verdict: Worth the Wait?
For PlayStation owners who watched from the sidelines last year, Avowed on PS5 is a triumph. By launching with the Anniversary Update content, refined performance, and meaningful DualSense features, it instantly cements itself as one of the best RPGs of 2026. It avoids the growing pains of the original release and delivers a polished, feature-rich adventure that highlights Obsidian Entertainment at the peak of their powers. If you have yet to step into the Living Lands, there has never been a better time—or a better place—to start.
