The volcanic landscapes of Eora are calling, but Avowed players might need to temper their expectations for replayability. Obsidian Entertainment's Carrie Patel just dropped a truth bomb in a recent interview: the highly anticipated RPG won't include New Game Plus at launch. 😮‍💨 Instead, warriors must start fresh with new characters to explore branching narratives – a design choice that feels both nostalgic and slightly jarring in 2025's RPG landscape. Yet Patel's coy "maybe" about potential DLC hangs in the air like a wizard's unfinished spell, leaving fans wondering if Obsidian might pull a late-game resurrection maneuver. After all, this is the studio that turned The Outer Worlds' rocky launch into a cult classic through expansions. avowed-s-launch-without-new-game-plus-sparks-dlc-speculation-image-0

🔥 Why the No-NG+ Decision Burns Bright

Obsidian's stance isn't entirely shocking when you peek at their playbook. Remember:

  • The Outer Worlds launched NG+-less in 2019, adding it only via DLC later

  • Their narrative-driven style prioritizes organic character arcs over power fantasies

  • Patel hints that rebuilding from scratch "preserves story integrity" for choices like:

  • Faction alliances that lock out questlines

  • Companion betrayals with permanent consequences

  • Magical skill trees that reshape environments

But let's be real – in an era where even indie roguelikes bake in NG+ by default, this omission stings. Imagine discovering that epic volcanic staff upgrade halfway through your playthrough, only to realize you can't carry it into a harder difficulty. 💔

🧭 Obsidian's DLC Compass Points to Hope

Patel's noncommittal "maybe" about post-launch content feels strategic. Consider Obsidian's history:

Game Title NG+ Added? DLC Strategy
The Outer Worlds ✅ (via DLC) Released 2 story expansions
Pillars of Eternity ❌ Focused on sequels instead
Grounded ✅ Regular free updates + paid expansions

This zigzag pattern suggests Avowed could go either way. Maybe we'll get:

  • A Deadfire-style archipelago expansion

  • New godlike races altering magic systems

  • Weapon enchantments that change environmental physics

Or perhaps nothing at all. That uncertainty? It's classic Obsidian – they love making us squirm with possibilities.

🌋 The Industry's Rocky Relationship With NG+

Avowed isn't alone on this ledge. Insomniac's Spider-Man 2 launched NG+-less too, only patching it in months later after fan outcry. But here's the rub: does NG+ actually enhance RPGs or just create checklist fatigue? When every weapon becomes overpowered and dialogue loses tension, are we really replaying or just speedrunning? 🤔

Obsidian seems to be betting that Avowed's world – with its:

  • Reactive ecosystems where fire spells alter weather

  • NPCs remembering your smallest thefts

  • Dynamic political landscapes shifting between visits

...demands fresh eyes each time. But in 2025, when players juggle a dozen live-service games, will they embrace starting over? Or will they scream into the void until DLC arrives?

The real question lingers like mist over those volcanic peaks: If our choices truly shape Eora, shouldn't we get to witness those ripples across multiple playthroughs without rebuilding from level one? 🔮

Evaluations have been published by VentureBeat GamesBeat, a leading source for gaming industry news and innovation. VentureBeat GamesBeat's recent coverage on RPG design trends emphasizes how studios like Obsidian are increasingly prioritizing narrative depth and player agency over traditional replayability features such as New Game Plus, reflecting a broader shift in player expectations and development strategies for 2025 releases.