Avowed on PS5: What to Expect from the RPG's Multiplatform Launch and Anniversary Update

Obsidian Entertainment's acclaimed fantasy RPG Avowed is coming to PlayStation 5 on February 17, 2026, launching simultaneously with a major free 'Anniversary Update' for all platforms. This move transforms a former Xbox and PC exclusive into a definitive, expanded edition for a new audience. For RPG enthusiasts, this date is pivotal: PlayStation players gain access to a celebrated Obsidian title, while the existing community receives a wealth of new content designed to significantly enhance the experience. The journey to the Living Lands is about to welcome more travelers, and the adventure has never been more feature-rich.

The Announcement: Avowed's Journey to PlayStation 5

The confirmation, reported by outlets like Push Square, sets a concrete date for a widely anticipated expansion. Avowed will arrive on PS5 nearly a year after its original debut on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass in 2025. This move is emblematic of a broader, ongoing trend where traditional platform exclusives are increasingly evaluated for multiplatform potential, a strategy aimed at expanding player bases and extending a game's commercial lifespan.

Crucially, the PS5 launch is not an isolated event. It will be day-and-date with the release of a major free anniversary update for the game on all platforms—Xbox, PC, and now PS5. This synchronized rollout ensures the entire player community advances together and strategically positions the PS5 version as the launch of the most complete edition of the game available. It’s a win-win announcement that delivers meaningful new content to existing players while introducing a polished, full package to a new audience.

Deep Dive: The Anniversary Update's New Features

The anniversary update is far more than a bundle of bug fixes; it's a substantial content infusion designed to enrich the core game. For all players, February 2026 will feel like a fresh start.

• New Game+ Mode: The addition of a New Game+ mode is a critical feature for any RPG focused on replayability and deep player investment. It allows veterans to restart their adventure while retaining hard-earned abilities, items, or progression, enabling new build experimentation and higher-difficulty challenges. This feature directly responds to the community's desire to continue engaging with Eora's systems long after the credits roll.
• Photo Mode: In an era where player expression and community sharing are paramount, a Photo Mode is an essential tool. Given that reviews praised Avowed for its "detailed" and "vibrant" environments, this feature will empower players to capture and share the stunning vistas of the Living Lands, the intricate details of its dungeons, and their most epic combat moments.
• Expanded Character Creation: This is arguably the update's most transformative addition. The original release limited players to a human protagonist. The anniversary update unlocks three new playable races from the Pillars of Eternity lore: the formidable Aumaua, the shrewd Orlan, and the sturdy Dwarf. This expansion doesn't just offer cosmetic variety; it is poised to deepen role-playing possibilities and could potentially influence dialogue, world interactions, and companion relationships, bringing the game closer to the rich racial tapestry of its CRPG origins.
• New Weapon Type: While details are scarce, the introduction of a new weapon type is expected to open fresh tactical avenues for Avowed's praised "flexible" combat system. Whether it's a new class of melee instrument, a unique magical focus, or an unconventional ranged option, this addition will encourage players to revisit and rethink their approach to the game's satisfying blend of swords, spells, and guns.

Avowed 101: World, Story, and Gameplay for Newcomers

For PlayStation players entering the world of Eora for the first time, Avowed offers a distinct flavor of fantasy RPG. Developed by the revered team at Obsidian Entertainment, masters of narrative depth and reactive worlds, the game is a first-person action RPG set in the same universe as the acclaimed Pillars of Eternity series. It launched in 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and via Xbox Game Pass.

You are an envoy of the powerful Aedyr Empire, sent to investigate a mysterious spiritual plague in the remote, wild region known as the Living Lands. The core gameplay loop masterfully blends investigation-based storytelling—where your choices and discoveries genuinely matter—with dynamic, first-person combat. This isn't a rigid class-based system; it's a "flexible" playground where you can seamlessly switch between melee weapons, destructive and utilitarian magic, flintlock guns, and shields mid-fight. You are joined by fully realized companion characters, each with their own motivations and insights, who contribute to both the narrative and combat.

Upon its original 2025 launch, critics largely agreed that Obsidian had delivered a "solid, entertaining RPG." Reviews highlighted its engaging script, satisfying and adaptable combat, and the compelling detail of its world. It carved out a niche as a focused, narrative-driven adventure rather than a sprawling 200-hour epic, a design choice that resonated with many seeking a rich but more concise fantasy experience.

What This Means for Players and the Industry

The multiplatform launch of Avowed, coupled with a major free update, creates a unique and positive scenario for all involved parties.

For existing Xbox and PC players, the anniversary update acts as a generous second wind. It provides compelling reasons to return, experiment with new races and weapons, and experience the story anew in New Game+. It’s a clear gesture of support that adds lasting value to their initial investment.

For new PS5 players, they are effectively receiving a "definitive edition" on day one. They bypass any early post-launch patches and jump directly into the most feature-rich, polished version of the game, complete with all the enhancements born from a year of community feedback and developer refinement.

From a strategic industry perspective, this move by Obsidian and Microsoft is a calculated effort to maximize Avowed's reach and longevity. It acknowledges that in today's market, a dedicated fanbase can be cultivated across platforms. The analysis note pointing to a "mixed sentiment" score of 0.99 upon the game's original release suggests that while well-received, there was room for growth. This substantial, free update is a direct and powerful method to address critiques, re-engage lapsed players, and present a renewed, more compelling product to a massive new audience on PlayStation.

February 17, 2026, marks a win for RPG fans regardless of their platform allegiance. Avowed on PS5 transcends the label of a mere port; it arrives as the definitive version of Obsidian's first-person fantasy adventure, enriched and expanded by a year of evolution. This event reflects the modern gaming landscape, where expanding access to great experiences is increasingly prioritized. The gates to the Living Lands are opening wider, and the journey within has never looked more inviting.

Tags: Avowed, PS5, Obsidian Entertainment, Action RPG, Pillars of Eternity