Avowed has quickly become one of the most anticipated fantasy RPGs in recent years. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind Pillars of Eternity and The Outer Worlds, the game promises a rich, story-driven experience set in the world of Eora. As excitement builds, many players keep asking the same question: Is Avowed multiplayer, or is it strictly a single-player experience? Here’s a deep dive into Avowed’s game modes, co-op possibilities, and what players can realistically expect at launch.
TLDR: Avowed is a single-player only RPG at launch, with no multiplayer or co-op modes confirmed. Obsidian has designed the game as a narrative-driven, immersive fantasy experience focused on player choice and world-building. There are no competitive or online features announced. Players should expect a traditional, story-rich solo adventure rather than a shared multiplayer journey.
Is Avowed Multiplayer or Single-Player Only?
The short and clear answer is this: Avowed is single-player only. Obsidian Entertainment has built the game from the ground up as a solo role-playing experience. There are no confirmed multiplayer modes, co-op features, live-service mechanics, or shared-world systems planned for launch.
This design decision aligns closely with Obsidian’s history. The studio is widely respected for crafting deep, narrative-focused RPGs where player decisions have significant consequences. Games like Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds thrived on their immersive single-player design, and Avowed appears to continue that tradition.
Rather than splitting focus between multiplayer systems and storytelling mechanics, Obsidian has concentrated on:
- Branching dialogue choices
- Companion relationships
- Exploration of the Living Lands
- Meaningful story consequences
- Deep combat customization
Everything about Avowed suggests a crafted, personal RPG journey rather than a cooperative or competitive experience.
Why Avowed Is Focused on Single-Player
Modern RPGs often experiment with multiplayer components, but Avowed leans into classic, story-driven design principles. There are several likely reasons behind this decision.
1. Narrative Depth Over Online Systems
Heavy narrative games require tight control over pacing and player choices. Multiplayer elements can complicate storytelling, especially when different players make conflicting decisions. By keeping Avowed single-player, Obsidian ensures that:
- The world reacts directly to your decisions
- Story branches remain cohesive
- Character relationships feel personal and reactive
- Immersion is not interrupted by external players
This focused approach allows for deeper character development and a more responsive world.
2. Technical and Design Focus
Adding multiplayer support isn’t a minor feature—it fundamentally changes development priorities. Networking systems, server infrastructure, balance adjustments, and synchronization mechanics all require substantial investment. By avoiding multiplayer, Obsidian can allocate resources to:
- Enhanced AI behavior
- Detailed environments
- Polished combat systems
- Complex quest design
In short, Avowed’s single-player-only structure may actually improve overall quality and polish.
Will There Be Co-Op in Avowed?
As of launch information, there is no co-op mode in Avowed. This includes:
- No online co-op
- No split-screen multiplayer
- No drop-in/drop-out systems
- No shared campaign play
Some fans initially speculated that Avowed might include optional co-op, especially given trends in modern RPGs. However, official communications and developer presentations have consistently described the game as a single-player fantasy RPG.
That means players should not expect to explore dungeons or battle enemies alongside friends at launch.
What Game Modes Are Available at Launch?
While multiplayer modes are absent, Avowed offers a robust single-player experience with multiple difficulty and gameplay customization options. At launch, players can expect:
Story-Driven Campaign
The main game mode centers around a narrative campaign set in the Living Lands, a region within the world of Eora. Players take on the role of an envoy investigating a mysterious plague-like threat.
The campaign emphasizes:
- Dialogue-driven storytelling
- Faction interactions
- Moral choices
- Exploration
Difficulty Options
While details may vary, players can reasonably expect multiple difficulty settings, similar to other Obsidian RPGs. These settings typically allow players to adjust:
- Enemy damage output
- Player survivability
- Combat challenge level
This ensures both casual players and hardcore RPG veterans can tailor their experience.
Companion System
Although there is no multiplayer, Avowed does include AI-controlled companions. These party members:
- Fight alongside the player
- Offer unique abilities
- Participate in dialogue
- React to story decisions
Companions effectively provide a sense of team dynamics without introducing human co-op mechanics.
How Combat Works Without Multiplayer
Combat in Avowed is designed for immersive first-person action blended with RPG mechanics. Players can combine:
- Melee weapons like swords and axes
- Magic spells cast from grimoires or hands
- Ranged options such as bows or firearms
This layered system allows experimentation and character specialization.
Without multiplayer balancing concerns, developers have more flexibility to design powerful spell combinations and creative builds. The experience remains centered on player agency rather than competitive fairness.
Will Multiplayer Be Added Later?
Currently, there are no announced plans to add multiplayer post-launch. While it’s theoretically possible through expansions or updates, such a significant shift would require major redesigns.
Historically, Obsidian’s RPGs have not pivoted into multiplayer after release. Therefore, players should approach Avowed expecting a complete, standalone single-player RPG.
If anything, post-launch support is more likely to include:
- Story expansions
- Additional quests
- Quality-of-life updates
- Balance adjustments
How Avowed Compares to Other RPGs
Players often compare Avowed to titles like Skyrim, Dragon Age, or Elden Ring. Among those:
- Skyrim launched as single-player only
- Dragon Age focuses primarily on solo storytelling
- Elden Ring includes optional online interactions
Avowed appears closest to Skyrim and Dragon Age in structure—a fully realized, offline RPG experience that prioritizes immersion over social systems.
What Players Should Expect at Launch
At launch, players can confidently expect:
- A polished single-player RPG
- No multiplayer or co-op modes
- Strong narrative focus
- Companion-based party support
- First-person immersive combat
- Choice-driven storytelling
There will be no PvP arenas, no matchmaking systems, and no online hubs. The game is meant to be experienced alone—at your own pace—without the need for internet-driven mechanics.
For many RPG fans, this is actually a welcome design choice. In a market saturated with live-service games and online ecosystems, Avowed offers something increasingly rare: a self-contained fantasy adventure built around storytelling and player freedom.
Final Thoughts
Avowed is single-player only at launch, with no multiplayer or co-op support planned. Obsidian has fully committed to creating a narrative-rich RPG experience that emphasizes exploration, character development, and meaningful choices.
While some players may wish for shared adventures with friends, the absence of multiplayer allows for deeper immersion and stronger storytelling. Those seeking a classic, story-driven fantasy RPG will likely find Avowed exactly what they’re looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Avowed multiplayer?
No. Avowed is a single-player only RPG with no multiplayer modes available at launch.
Does Avowed have co-op?
No. There is no online or local co-op support in the game.
Can you play Avowed with friends?
No. The game does not support cooperative or competitive multiplayer features.
Is there PvP in Avowed?
No. There are no player-versus-player systems in Avowed.
Will multiplayer be added in the future?
There have been no announcements regarding multiplayer additions. The game is designed as a standalone single-player experience.
Does Avowed have companions?
Yes. The game features AI companions who join the player during the campaign and participate in combat and story interactions.
Do you need an internet connection to play Avowed?
An internet connection is not required for core gameplay, as the experience is entirely single-player focused.
What kind of game is Avowed?
Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG set in the world of Eora, emphasizing player choice, exploration, and deep storytelling.