The wait is finally over. Following a year of anticipation, Avowed has officially arrived on PlayStation 5 this week, bringing Obsidian Entertainment's rich, magical world of Eora to a new audience. Launching alongside the massive Anniversary Update 2.0, the PS5 version isn't just a port—it's the definitive way to experience the Living Lands, complete with New Game+, expanded character races, and immersive DualSense support. Whether you're a veteran RPG fan or a newcomer to first-person fantasy, mastering the elements is key to survival.

From crafting the ultimate Battlemage to deciphering the game's intricate parry system, the learning curve can be steep. We've compiled the essential Avowed PS5 tips you need to dominate combat, optimize your console's performance, and uncover the secrets hidden within the Living Lands.

1. Master the Battlemage with the New Quarterstaff

While players on other platforms have had a year to experiment, PS5 owners get immediate access to the Quarterstaff weapon class introduced in the Anniversary Update. This is arguably the best starting point for a high-damage Battlemage build. Unlike standard swords or wands, the Quarterstaff is designed specifically to bridge the gap between melee aggression and magical utility.

For an optimal start, invest your initial attribute points into Intellect and Might. Intellect increases your Essence pool—vital for casting spells—while Might scales your melee damage. The Quarterstaff's unique moveset allows you to perform sweeping physical attacks that naturally flow into close-range magical bursts. Look for the Stormcaller’s Staff early in the game; its innate shock enchantment pairs perfectly with the new "Arcane Veil" ability, letting you tank hits while dishing out area-of-effect electrical damage.

2. Exploit Elemental Combos: The Freeze & Shatter Meta

Combat in Avowed is more than just swinging weapons; it's a playground of physics and chemistry. One of the most potent Avowed elemental combos available to early players is the "Freeze and Shatter" technique. This relies on the interaction between cold spells and heavy physical impact, a mechanic that feels incredibly satisfying with the PS5's haptic feedback.

To execute this, equip a Grimoire in your off-hand capable of casting Cone of Cold or Binding Frost. Once an enemy is frozen solid (indicated by a distinct cracking sound and a halt in animation), immediately switch to a heavy weapon like a hammer or use a charged heavy attack with your main hand. This triggers a "Shatter" effect, dealing massive critical damage that ignores armor. It’s particularly effective against the armored Saurian warriors found in the Shatterscarp region, turning tedious fights into quick victories.

3. Perfecting the Parry Window with DualSense Haptics

Many new players assume blocking is enough, but parrying is the true key to combat flow. However, there is a catch: Parry is an unlockable skill, not a default ability. You must spend a skill point in the Ranger skill tree to unlock it—yes, even if you are playing a fighter or mage.

On PlayStation 5, the Avowed parry timing is communicated through the DualSense controller. When an enemy winds up a heavy attack, you’ll feel a subtle tension in the trigger button (L2). The moment that tension releases or snaps is your cue to block. A successful parry will trigger a distinct, sharp vibration pulse that differs from a standard block, staggering your opponent and opening them up for a critical counter-attack. If you are struggling with the timing, try practicing on the skeletons in the starter dungeon, as their telegraphs are slow and exaggerated.

4. Best Avowed PS5 Performance Settings

The Living Lands are visually dense, filled with swaying flora and particle-heavy magic effects. To get the most responsive experience, diving into the Avowed PS5 performance settings is crucial. The game offers three modes: Quality (30 FPS), Balanced (40 FPS for 120Hz displays), and Performance (60 FPS).

For a combat-heavy game like this, we strongly recommend the Performance Mode. The jump to 60 FPS significantly reduces input latency, making those tight parry windows much easier to hit. While Quality mode offers slightly sharper shadows and distant foliage, the fluidity of combat in Performance mode outweighs the visual gains. If you have a 120Hz compatible TV, the Balanced Mode is a fantastic middle ground, offering a crisper image than Performance mode while maintaining a responsive 40 FPS target that feels smoother than standard 30 FPS.

5. Uncovering Living Lands Secrets: God Totems & Hidden Caves

Exploration in Avowed is rewarded with more than just loot; it grants permanent stat buffs. Keep an eye out for God Totem fragments scattered across the map. These aren't just collectibles—finding enough of them unlocks passive bonuses related to specific deities, such as increased fire resistance or faster stamina regeneration.

One specific secret to look for early on is the Waterfall Cave in the Emerald Stair region. Just after you arrive in the region, look for a waterfall splitting a mossy cliff face. Most players walk right past it, but swimming through the veil of water reveals a hidden cache containing a rare ring that boosts your movement speed—an invaluable asset for traversing the open zones before you unlock fast travel points. Don't rely solely on quest markers; the best gear is often found by simply asking, "I wonder if I can climb that?"