Discover How Game Plus Enhances Your Gaming Experience with These 10 Features

When I first stepped onto the shores of the Living Lands in Avowed, I knew this was going to be more than just another fantasy RPG. As someone who has spent over 200 hours across Obsidian’s previous titles, I was immediately struck by how Avowed builds on the legacy of Pillars of Eternity while carving out its own identity. One of the standout innovations that kept me hooked—and one I believe will redefine how we approach immersive RPGs—is the Game Plus mode. It’s not just a simple New Game+; it’s a thoughtfully crafted system designed to deepen your connection to the world, characters, and your own journey as a Godlike. Let me walk you through 10 features that make Game Plus in Avowed an absolute game-changer, especially for players like me who crave replayability and narrative depth.

First off, let’s talk about the seamless integration of progression. In my initial playthrough, I invested around 40 hours uncovering the mysteries of the plague and navigating the tensions between factions. When I jumped into Game Plus, I was thrilled to find that my character’s abilities, items, and even some key decisions carried over. This isn’t just a lazy reset; it’s a continuation. For instance, the glossary of important names and places—which I referenced constantly—retained entries I’d unlocked, saving me from repetitive exposition. That meant I could dive straight back into the intrigue, focusing on nuances I’d missed before. I remember stumbling upon a side quest involving the historical events referenced from Pillars of Eternity, and thanks to my prior knowledge, I negotiated a truce between two factions that I’d completely overlooked initially. It felt like I was peeling back layers of a rich, living world, and that’s where Game Plus shines: it rewards curiosity.

Another feature that blew me away was the dynamic difficulty scaling. Avowed’s combat can be brutal, especially when you’re facing those bloodthirsty, plague-ridden creatures. In Game Plus, the enemies aren’t just buffed up randomly; they adapt to your playstyle. I noticed this when my reliance on stealth in the first run led to smarter AI patrols in the second. It kept me on my toes, forcing me to experiment with new tactics. Combine that with the ability to retain all my unlocked skills, and I was able to tackle challenges I’d previously found overwhelming. For example, I’d estimate that the average player might face a 20-30% increase in enemy aggression, but it never felt unfair. Instead, it made every encounter feel fresh and strategic.

Now, let’s get into the narrative enhancements. As a Godlike, your unique facial features and backstory play a bigger role in Game Plus. The game introduces alternate dialogue options and quest resolutions that weren’t available before. I stumbled upon a subplot involving the distant monarch’s influence, where my Godlike heritage opened up a peaceful resolution I hadn’t even known existed. It’s details like this that make Avowed’s world feel alive and responsive. I’ve always been a sucker for games that respect player agency, and here, Game Plus delivers in spades. You’re not just replaying; you’re rediscovering the story through a new lens. I’d say this adds roughly 15-20 hours of additional content if you’re thorough, though your mileage may vary based on how much you explore.

What really sets Avowed’s Game Plus apart, though, is how it handles faction relationships. In the Living Lands, tensions are high, and your actions have ripple effects. In my first playthrough, I aligned closely with one group, but in Game Plus, I decided to play the field. The system remembered my previous alliances and adjusted NPC attitudes accordingly. I witnessed entirely new interactions, like a character referencing my past deeds in a conversation that felt organic, not forced. This isn’t just a checkbox feature; it’s woven into the fabric of the game. I spent hours just talking to inhabitants, and the glossary updates dynamically, providing context that enriched every encounter. It’s a small touch, but it makes the world feel cohesive and deeply immersive.

Of course, no Game Plus mode would be complete without quality-of-life improvements, and Avowed nails this. Fast-travel points remain unlocked, crafting materials carry over, and there’s even a new tier of loot exclusive to subsequent playthroughs. I found myself hunting for legendary items I’d only heard about in whispers, and the thrill of discovery was just as potent the second time around. From a practical standpoint, this saves players like me—who might not have 100 hours to spare—from grinding through repetitive tasks. Instead, you can focus on the good stuff: the story, the combat, and the sheer joy of exploration.

In wrapping up, I can’t overstate how much Game Plus elevates Avowed from a great game to an unforgettable experience. It respects your time, rewards your investment, and deepens the narrative in ways I haven’t seen since titles like The Witcher 3. If you’re on the fence about diving back in, trust me—it’s worth it. The 10 features I’ve highlighted here are just the tip of the iceberg; there’s so much more to uncover. So grab your gear, embrace your Godlike heritage, and see the Living Lands in a whole new light. You won’t regret it.