Anticipation is mounting for Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed and Warhorse Studios’ Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, two of the most eagerly awaited RPGs set to make waves in 2025. Although they may seem to offer vastly different journeys, there’s an intriguing symmetry between them. Avowed invites players to explore the enchanted lands of Eora, grappling with a mysterious corruption. Meanwhile, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 continues Henry’s saga amidst the historical tumult of 15th-century Bohemia. While their settings present stark contrasts, both games are built on similar foundations.
Examining Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 reveals a shared core philosophy in their approach to gameplay. These RPGs embrace the essence of old-school role-playing, a quality many feel modern titles like Starfield struggle to match. At their heart, these games are driven by compelling narratives, political intrigue, and richly developed characters, reminiscent of vintage RPGs that put storytelling at the forefront.
A testament to their classic approach, both titles prioritize player agency, a defining trait of traditional RPGs. Players can steer their narratives in personalized directions and shape the dynamics of their interactions with in-game characters. Furthermore, both games create expansive worlds where exploration, character interaction, and storytelling are as crucial as combat proficiency.
Although their core RPG elements are akin, Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 diverge significantly in their worlds. Avowed embraces the magic and myth of high fantasy, encompassing divine beings and epic lore. This infusion of fantasy extends into gameplay, where players wield both conventional and magical weaponry. Conversely, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 remains grounded in historical authenticity, providing a formidable representation of medieval conflict and focusing on a hero more ordinary—a blacksmith honing his craft rather than wielding supernatural abilities.
Ultimately, both Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offer a nostalgic return to rich storytelling, vital decision-making, and immersive worlds that old-school RPG enthusiasts crave. Where Avowed enchants with magical wonders, Kingdom Come delivers a gritty realism, each title providing a distinct yet equally compelling role-playing experience.