When it comes to RPGs, crafting systems can be hit or miss. Some feel immersive and meaningful—like the hands-on alchemy and blacksmithing in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Others? They often feel like unnecessary busywork that slows down the adventure.
That’s the situation many players found themselves in with Avowed.
Why Avowed’s Upgrade System Frustrated Players
At launch, Avowed introduced a gear progression system that required players to continually upgrade their weapons and armor using specific materials. Unlike many RPGs where crafting is optional, Avowed made upgrading essential. If you didn’t invest resources into your gear, your favorite equipment quickly became ineffective in tougher regions.
According to gameplay director Gabe Paramo at Obsidian Entertainment, the team didn’t expect such strong pushback.
The intended design was straightforward: complete content, improve your equipment, then tackle more challenging encounters. A clean gameplay loop. However, the reality didn’t match expectations.
Because Avowed features open-area exploration, many players prioritized discovery. They ventured into new zones eagerly—only to hit a wall. The issue wasn’t enemy difficulty. It was that their gear couldn’t keep up unless they paused their adventure to grind materials and upgrade.
That friction interrupted the sense of freedom the game was meant to deliver.
A “Tight” Economy That Felt Too Restrictive
Player feedback pointed to several pain points:
- Upgrade materials were too scarce
- Merchant prices felt inflated
- Gear variety seemed limited
- Progression felt abrupt instead of gradual
In short, the in-game economy felt restrictive. Players weren’t struggling because combat was unfair; they were struggling because the systems supporting progression felt rigid and unforgiving.
Paramo acknowledged that the frustration was impossible to ignore. The community made it clear that the upgrade system wasn’t enhancing the experience—it was getting in the way of it.
What Changed in the Anniversary Update?
With the anniversary update for Avowed, Obsidian reworked progression to be far more flexible and player-friendly.
Here’s what’s new:
1. A Smoother Progression Curve
The sharp, step-based power jumps have been replaced with a more gradual growth system. Upgrading no longer feels like hitting a binary wall where your gear is either viable or useless.
2. Custom Difficulty Modifiers
Players can now adjust various world settings, including merchant pricing and upgrade material costs. This gives players control over how strict—or forgiving—the economy feels.
3. Easier Access to Workbenches
Previously, players had to return to camp to improve their gear. Now, workbenches are placed throughout the world, allowing upgrades on the go. This small but impactful change keeps exploration flowing.
4. Additional Content
The update also adds New Game Plus, new playable races, and a new weapon type. While these additions are exciting, the real headline is the rebalanced progression system.
A Better Balance Between Freedom and Structure
The original vision aimed for a tight, rewarding loop. But in an open exploration RPG, too much rigidity can undermine player freedom.
Now, Avowed gives players more agency. You can still engage deeply with its systems—but you’re less likely to feel punished for chasing adventure instead of micromanaging materials.
For many RPG fans, that shift makes all the difference.
The anniversary update is available now, and it signals that Obsidian is listening closely to its community. By smoothing out progression and reducing economic friction, Avowed is evolving into a more satisfying experience for explorers and completionists alike.
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