Avowed's Design: Why Fun Trumps Realism in Modern RPGs

In the world of action RPGs, there's often a huge emphasis on 'immersion.' But what if the pursuit of realism actually gets in the way of having a good time? 🤔 That's the question at the heart of Obsidian's Avowed, a game that has sparked plenty of debate since its 2025 release. While some players lament its lack of certain immersive features found in titles like Skyrim, a closer look reveals a game that makes a series of deliberate design choices. These choices aren't oversights; they're a calculated effort to strip away the frustrating busywork that can bog down even the most epic adventures. Avowed might ask you to suspend your disbelief a little more, but in return, it delivers a smoother, faster-paced, and ultimately more engaging experience from start to finish. Isn't the point of a game to be, well, fun to play?

🏹 Unlimited Ammo: The Ranger's Dream Come True

Remember the classic Skyrim stealth archer build? It's iconic, but let's be honest: managing your arrow supply was a total chore. Every battle ended with you running around like a loot goblin, trying to scoop up every arrow you fired. Fast-traveling to town just to buy more? Been there, done that. By the end, many players just switched to magic or melee to avoid the hassle.

Avowed looked at this problem and said, 'Nah.' The game features no ammo management for bows or guns whatsoever. You can fire to your heart's content without ever worrying about crafting, looting, or buying a single bullet or arrow.

Is it realistic? Not at all. Is it a blast? Absolutely. This one change completely reframes your combat choices. Picking between a rifle and a greatsword is no longer a question of resource management ('Do I have enough bullets?') but purely one of playstyle ('What feels awesome right now?'). It encourages experimentation and keeps you in the action. For players who always wanted to be a pure archer or gunslinger but hated the inventory micromanagement, Avowed is a dream come true.

⏰ No NPC Schedules: Goodbye, Waiting Simulator

Another common point of comparison is NPC behavior. In many immersive sims, NPCs have full daily schedules. Shops close at night, characters go home to sleep, and you might find yourself staring at a 'CLOSED' sign. Proponents say it makes the world feel alive. But let's ask the real question: How often does this actually add to the fun?

Avowed streamlines this by having NPCs, especially key vendors and quest-givers, generally be where you need them, when you need them. No more using the 'Wait' function for 12 hours just because you arrived in town at 2 AM.

Critics call this less immersive. But is constantly fast-forwarding time any more believable? In practice, those 'immersive' schedules often lead to player behavior that's anything but realistic—like the Dragonborn standing motionless in the town square for half a day. Avowed cuts out this artificial downtime, keeping the pace of your adventure snappy. You're always progressing, always moving forward. This feels like a conscious choice from Obsidian, a studio that has implemented NPC schedules in past games like Fallout: New Vegas. They didn't forget; they chose fun over friction.

✨ Glowing Loot: See the Good Stuff Instantly

Okay, this might be the most controversial one for immersion purists, but it's also one of Avowed's biggest time-savers. Nearly every lootable object in the game has a subtle glow or shimmer around it. Even better, chests glow in different colors based on the rarity of the contents inside. See a golden glow? That's a legendary chest worth your time and lockpicks.

This system completely eliminates the 'search every drawer and cupboard' gameplay loop that some RPGs thrive on. Avowed respects your time by immediately signaling what's worth interacting with. Now, before you say this ruins the thrill of discovery, hear this: the game literally gives you the option to turn Loot Shimmer off in the settings. You can have your hardcore, pixel-hunting experience if you want it. But the fact that it's on by default tells you everything about the game's design philosophy: prioritize a smooth, enjoyable flow.

Speaking of lockpicks, Avowed handles those beautifully too. Instead of a tedious minigame with shrinking sweet spots, it uses a simple, elegant system: if you have enough lockpicks for the lock's difficulty level, you open it. Done. It's another example of removing an unengaging obstacle between you and the fun part (getting the loot!).

🎮 The Big Picture: Engagement Over Everything

So, what's the final verdict on Avowed's approach? The game makes a strong case that 'immersive' does not automatically mean 'better.' In the pursuit of creating a believable world, many games accidentally introduce layers of tedium—managing hunger, repairing gear, waiting for shops to open, scrounging for ammo. These systems can create a sense of verisimilitude, but they often come at the cost of pacing and pure enjoyment.

Avowed asks: what if we just... didn't include those things? What if we designed a game where you're always playing, always progressing, and always equipped to tackle the next challenge?

The result is an RPG that feels refreshingly streamlined. It's a game built for the player who wants to dive into a great story, explore a fascinating world (the Living Lands of Eora), and engage in dynamic combat without constant interruptions for inventory management or mundane tasks. In 2026, with so many games vying for our attention, this respectful approach to the player's time is more valuable than ever.

In the end, Avowed proves a crucial point: a game world doesn't need to simulate every minor detail of reality to be captivating. By focusing on engagement, pacing, and player agency, it creates an experience that is consistently fun and rewarding. Sometimes, the most immersive thing a game can do is get out of your way and let you play. And honestly, isn't that why we're all here? 😉