How Avowed Makes Its Side Quests Worthwhile

It can be rather difficult for an RPG to make its side quests worthwhile, especially the larger its world becomes and, therefore, the need for more content increases. As the need for more content increases, so too does the likelihood of that content’s quality dropping. Fortunately, Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed isn’t open world, meaning it has more liberty to feature side quests that are weighty and meaningful, rather than optional content that is merely there to compensate for the size of its world. That’s not to say that Avowed doesn’t have plenty of side quests for players to complete, as it certainly does, but simply to emphasize the advantage it has over other modern RPGs and open-world games.

Most of Avowed‘s side quests aren’t just filler content designed to give players more to do in the Living Lands, as they generally factor into the game’s world-building, and players can often reap the rewards of completing these quests both instantly and gradually, materialistically and narratively. In other words, there is more than one reason to complete a side quest in Avowed, and players can ensure they will be sufficiently rewarded for doing so, making venturing off the beaten path a frequent and arguably necessary venture.

Avowed’s Side Quests Are More Than Worth It

Avowed’s Side Quests Offer Valuable Rewards

As they can expect from side quests in most games, players will receive valuable rewards upon completing Avowed‘s optional content. Of course, the standard reward is money, but even that is a highly sought after resource in the game, as it can be extremely expensive to purchase, craft, and upgrade gear in Avowed, especially in the late game. Money can also be used to purchase consumables and upgrade materials, the latter of which is one of the most integral parts of Avowed‘s gameplay. As such, doing side quests can be worth it for the money alone.

Apart from the monetary rewards Avowed‘s side quests offer, however, players can expect to earn powerful Unique weapons and armor by completing the game’s optional quests as well. These pieces of gear are, as their name suggests, one of a kind, and are more powerful than almost anything players can craft in Avowed. If players are looking to collect every Unique weapon, gear piece, and item in Avowed, they should prioritize completing the game’s side quests.

The Ripple Effects of Avowed’s Side Quests Are Undeniable

Avowed‘s side quests often offer less tangible rewards as well, making its Living Lands feel more like a living world than a game with a checklist of activities to complete. The ripple effects of completing side quests in Avowed are undeniable, as the choices players make during these quests (and completing them in general) often come back to either help or hurt them later on. For example, choosing to help a pair of NPCs in Avowed who are in need of assistance might cause them to show up later in the game with an additional reward for the player.

In short, Avowed sets itself apart by ensuring that its side quests serve a greater purpose than mere busywork, integrating them seamlessly into its narrative and gameplay. Instead of feeling like checklist objectives, these quests offer both tangible and intangible rewards that reinforce the game’s world-building and sense of player agency. Whether it’s obtaining powerful gear, acquiring resources, or bearing witness to the long-term consequences of past decisions, every side quest in Avowed contributes to a more immersive, and truly fuller experience.

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Systems

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Released

February 18, 2025

ESRB

Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence

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Publisher(s)

Xbox Game Studios

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