Avowed Patch 1.5: Big Class Overhaul Explained

Obsidian Entertainment has not forgotten its game and it has rolled out Patch 1.5 for Avowed, and it's one of the game's biggest updates yet. This patch does more than just tweak numbers; it fundamentally reworks two core classes, introduces new abilities, adds powerful gear, and optimizes the game for Steam Deck users.

A full makeover for the Fighter

The Fighter skill tree has received a dramatic transformation, introducing a host of new active abilities that expand playstyle options. Among the standout additions is Driving Kick, an unblockable strike that can shatter enemy defenses and, with upgrades, cause explosive area damage. Another major ability, Barbaric Smash, delivers devastating single-target damage while consuming enemy Stun, granting a temporary power boost when foes fall.

For survivability and stamina management, Fighters now have Deep Breath, which completely restores stamina and reduces its cost by half, which is a game-changer for aggressive melee builds. Meanwhile, Reviving Exhortation is also new to the arsenal, allowing players to revive allies from range and provide them with a burst of temporary health.

The overhaul also includes fresh passive skills like Dual Wield Mastery, which enhances damage against stunned enemies, and Adrenaline, granting increased attack power and stability when health is low. Other notable passives like Bloodlust and Vanguard strengthen bleed effects and defensive resilience, rounding out the Fighter’s kit for more tactical flexibility.

Ranger evolves with stealth and utility

The Ranger class has been similarly revitalized with a mix of mobility, control, and ranged precision. Shadow Step introduces a teleport mechanic, letting Rangers blink behind enemies for lethal strikes, while headshot kills reset its cooldown for rapid follow-ups. Fan of Daggers adds a poison-based option, enabling quick status application and enemy slowdown.

Additional tools such as Smoke Bomb and Chilling Surprise enhance battlefield control, offering ways to disorient or freeze foes. Complementing these abilities are passives like Concussive Shot, Sharpshooter, and Deadly Poison, all designed to improve stuns, critical hit potential, and poison damage output.

More than class changes

Beyond class changes, Patch 1.5 introduces new unique weapons and armor scattered across the game's regions, ranging from exotic bows and arquebuses to brutal hammers and finely crafted robes. These items are designed to synergize with the updated class abilities, encouraging experimentation with hybrid builds.

The enemies haven't been left behind either. Many now can use additional skills, and some carry barriers, adding a fresh layer of challenge to encounters. This update ensures that combat feels dynamic and requires strategic adaptation.

Technical Improvements and Steam Deck Verification

On the technical side, Avowed now carries the coveted Steam Deck Verified badge. The patch introduces a dedicated 40 FPS mode, improved FSR and TAA settings, and several optimizations for smoother performance on handheld hardware. Players can also expect a variety of quality-of-life updates, including customizable map markers, expanded map visibility, and refinements to cooking and crafting systems. Localization has expanded as well, now supporting Japanese and Korean languages.

Free Respec and Future Content Teased

To help players dive into these sweeping changes, Obsidian has granted a free respecialization for all characters, which is perfect for testing out the new Fighter and Ranger abilities without penalty. Additionally, the studio teased upcoming features on a roadmap, including Photo Mode, New Game+, and an entirely new weapon type in future updates.

In short, Patch 1.5 is a complete redefinition of how Fighters and Rangers play. With new tools, enhanced gear, tougher enemies, and robust technical upgrades, now is the ideal time to revisit the game and explore the novelties. Remember that you can use our comparator to find the best discounts for Avowed.