Obsidian Entertainment’s action RPG Avowed launched on PS5 on February 17, 2026 — almost exactly one year after its original Xbox Series X|S and PC debut. What was once a console exclusive is now available to PlayStation players, and it arrives with significant improvements.
What’s New: The Anniversary Update
The PS5 launch coincided with a free “Anniversary Update” (version 2.0) released across all platforms. The additions are substantial:
- 3 new playable races: Aumaua, Dwarves, and Orlans, each with unique camera heights and minor stat differences
- New weapon type: The Quarterstaff, a bludgeoning weapon with wand-style stun finishers designed for an “archmage fantasy”
- New Game+ mode with custom difficulty modifiers
- Photo Mode
- Magic Mirror: Character re-customization at camp
- DualSense haptic feedback on PS5
Note that the new races don’t get unique dialogue — Obsidian stated there were “no dedicated narrative people available” for that work. It’s a minor blemish on an otherwise generous update.
Performance on PS5
Avowed offers three graphics modes on PS5, matching Xbox Series X:
- Quality: 30 FPS at dynamic 1440p, upscaled to 4K
- Balanced: Mid-to-high 40s FPS
- Performance: Mid-60s FPS at dynamic 1080p
Digital Foundry notes that PS5 has a slight performance advantage in higher frame rate modes due to better VRR implementation, while Xbox Series X tends to be slightly sharper visually. PS5 Pro support is minimal — resolution caps mirror the Series X, with Obsidian not pushing the Pro hardware further.
The Price Is Right
Here’s the best part: Avowed launches on PS5 at $49.99 — a permanent $20 cut from the original $69.99 launch price. The Premium Edition is $59.99 (down from $89.99), including a digital artbook, soundtrack, armors, and companion skins.
Is It Worth It?
Avowed sits in the high 70s on Metacritic — a “good, not great” RPG. Combat and world design earn praise, while story and companion depth draw some criticism. At $50 with the Anniversary Update content, it’s a much easier recommendation than it was at $70 a year ago. If you’re an RPG fan on PlayStation who’s been curious, this is the time to jump in.
