Right out of the gate, Xbox Game Studios and Obsidian Entertainment’s latest offering, Avowed, is making quite a splash with its sales figures. As I’m putting this together, Avowed has snagged the top spot for sales on Steam in the U.S., and it’s holding strong within the top five globally. Keep in mind, this data doesn’t account for players diving into Avowed through Blizzard’s Battle.net on PC or those using the Xbox PC app. Plus, there’s a whole audience playing on the Xbox Series X|S consoles that isn’t reflected here either.
Currently, the game’s availability is a bit exclusive since only those who pick up the Premium Edition on Steam can jump in immediately. However, Xbox Game Pass subscribers aren’t left out in the cold; they can grab the Premium Upgrade separately for early access. This strategy is something we’re seeing more frequently with Xbox’s first-party titles over the last few years, and it’s a trend set to continue into 2025 with other games like Compulsion Games’ South of Midnight and id Software’s DOOM: The Dark Ages.
Let’s dive into what makes Avowed special. Returning to the world of Eora is undoubtedly a highlight. Obsidian, known for crafting deep and engaging role-playing games, has outdone themselves again. The name Avowed is already becoming synonymous with gripping RPG experiences. I must admit, I’m having an absolute blast with this one. The combat system shines when you start combining spells with a variety of weapons. Once I finish my first playthrough, I’m already planning on starting over with a fresh character to explore different choices and try out new gear—something I rarely do after completing an RPG.
If you’re on the fence about giving it a go, I highly recommend reading through our full Avowed review. My colleague, Zachary Boddy, captured it well, saying, “Returning to the world of Eora from an all-new perspective has provided dozens of hours of joy. My journey through The Living Lands has been filled with exploration, vibrant combat, engaging dialogue, and captivating storylines. Avowed is simply a joy, ranking as one of the most unforgettable first-party Xbox games I’ve played recently, joining the likes of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.”
Mark your calendars: Avowed officially launches on February 18, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, accessible through Steam, the Xbox App, and Battle.net. Being an Xbox first-party game, it lands in the standard edition on day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Preordering the Premium Edition grants early access starting February 13. For more details, don’t forget to check out our Avowed preorder guide.
