Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are Two Sides of the Same Coin

Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed and Warhorse Studios’ Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are undoubtedly two of the most anticipated games of 2025, and while they appear to be different experiences entirely, they are effectively two sides of the same coin. Avowed takes players to the Living Lands of Eora, where they have been tasked with investigating a plague-like corruption spreading across the land. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, however, continues the story of Henry from the first game, and is set in early 15th-century Bohemia during a civil war. Needless to say, they have some key differences.

While Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are obviously different in many ways, they are also fundamentally the same in one very big way. The way each of these games is presented to players — in their characters, narrative, and worldbuilding — is the primary factor that distinguishes one from the other. However, beneath the surface, embedded within the foundation of their gameplay, is a unique characteristic that not only makes them more alike to each other than one might think but also makes them distinctive experiences in the modern gaming industry.

Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Are the Same Houses Built Differently

Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Are Both Old-Fashioned RPGs

Where Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are alike is in their approach to the RPG genre. Specifically, at their core, both Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are old-fashioned RPGs that possess the depth that many modern RPGs, like Starfield and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, have been accused of lacking. Firstly, both Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are steeped in rich history, with political intrigue, strong storytelling, and fulfilling characterization being three of their standout features. These have long been considered key elements of old-school RPGs, and it’s refreshing to see such an open embrace of such characteristics in modern gaming.

Secondly, Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 emphasize player agency, another hallmark quality of traditional RPGs. Throughout each story, players will be presented with opportunities to drive the narrative forward the way they see fit, or to mold and shape their relationships with NPCs in the same way. Thirdly, each game seems to prioritize worldbuilding and immersion above even gameplay to create environments where exploration, dialogue, and role-playing are just as important as emerging victorious in combat.

Avowed Is High Fantasy, Whereas Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Relies on Real History

While their similarities are a significant part of their DNA, however, Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 still differ from one another considerably — primarily in their presentation. Avowed embraces high-fantasy tropes, like magic, gods, and mystical lore. This also affects its gameplay, which sees players using a mixture of real weapons, like swords and bows, with fictional combat tactics, like magic spells. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, on the other hand, grounds itself in realism, relying solely on history to not only tell its story but also impact its gameplay. In other words, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offers a challenging take on medieval combat, alongside a normal, non-heroic protagonist with no special abilities aside from his skill as a blacksmith.

At their deepest level, Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are a return to the rich storytelling, meaningful player choices, and immersive worldbuilding that have defined the best RPGs of the past. However, while Avowed relies on its high-fantasy, magical approach, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 depends wholly on historical realism, offering an experience entrenched in authenticity. In other words, old-school RPG fans might find something to love in both titles, even though each one applies a different approach.