Obsidian was 'surprised' that Avowed players bounced off one of the RPG's most important systems: 'That frustration came through loud and clear'
PC Gamer
by Fraser Brown February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Obsidian Entertainment faced significant backlash after the launch of *Avowed* due to its rigid upgrade system, which required players to continuously use materials to keep their gear viable. Many players found this process cumbersome, especially in an open-world game where exploration was a key feature. Gabe Paramo, the game's gameplay director, admitted that the team was surprised by the strong negative reaction. The issue stemmed from the fact that upgrading became a mandatory part of progressing through the game, often interrupting players' desire to explore freely.
The upgrade system in *Avowed* initially forced players to prioritize resource management over exploration, creating a bottleneck in their gameplay experience. Players felt frustrated when they couldn't keep up with the required upgrades while delving into new areas or engaging in side quests. This feedback was clear and couldn’t be ignored, leading Obsidian to address these concerns in the game's anniversary update.
In response, Obsidian made several key changes. They introduced a more gradual progression system, allowing players to upgrade their gear without feeling rushed or constrained by resources. New workbenches were added throughout the world, enabling players to upgrade items on the go without needing to return to camp. Additionally, merchant prices and upgrade material costs were adjusted to provide more flexibility and reduce the economic strain on players.
These updates aim to smooth out the progression curve and make the game feel more balanced overall. By giving players the freedom to explore and progress at their own pace, *Avowed* now offers a more enjoyable and less frustrating experience. This shift highlights Obsidian’s commitment to listening to player feedback and improving the game to better align with what its community desires.
The changes in the anniversary update also include new races, weapons, and a New Game Plus mode, further enhancing the game's replayability and depth. These adjustments not only address immediate concerns but also set a precedent for how developers can adapt their games based on player experiences, ultimately creating more engaging and satisfying RPGs.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/19/2026