In a significant move for console gaming, Microsoft has confirmed that another of its former Xbox exclusives is making the jump to rival hardware. The acclaimed role-playing game Avowed will launch on the PlayStation 5 next month, almost exactly one year after its debut on Xbox and PC.
Launch Details and Anniversary Celebration
Avowed is scheduled to release on PlayStation 5 on February 17, 2026, following its initial launch on February 18, 2025. The game is available to pre-order digitally on the PlayStation Store for £39.99. To mark the occasion, developer Obsidian Entertainment is rolling out a substantial anniversary update that will be available for players on all platforms, including PC and Xbox.
This update introduces several highly requested features that promise to enrich the experience for both new arrivals and returning veterans. The headline additions are:
- A New Game+ mode, allowing players to restart their adventure while retaining progress.
- A comprehensive photo mode for capturing the game's vivid landscapes and action.
- A brand-new weapon type to master.
- A completely new playable race, offering fresh narrative and gameplay perspectives.
Exploring the Living Lands
Created by the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas, Avowed is a first-person RPG set within the rich fantasy universe of Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity series. Players assume the role of an envoy, a 'Godlike', dispatched to the mysterious Living Lands to investigate a spreading magical plague.
The game is praised for its deep role-playing foundations, offering a choice of three distinct classes that significantly alter gameplay style. Interaction with a cast of witty characters and meaningful dialogue choices that shape quest outcomes are central to the experience. Combat is versatile, blending swords, spells, and even early firearms.
Despite a quiet awards season in 2025, the game was well-received, holding a strong Metacritic score of 80%. Critics and players alike highlighted its solid mechanics and immersive world-building.
The Broader Trend of Cross-Platform Releases
This PS5 launch is part of a clear and growing strategy from Xbox to bring its software to a wider audience. Avowed follows other former exclusives in making the transition, and it has been confirmed that the iconic Halo franchise will also debut on PlayStation later this year with Campaign Evolved.
For now, the PS5 version appears to be digital-only, with no physical pre-orders listed. This contrasts with the Xbox release, which had a Steelbook edition, though it too only contained a digital download code.
For RPG fans, especially those without an Xbox, Avowed's arrival on PS5 represents a major opportunity. Enhanced by a year of updates and this substantial anniversary package, it offers a deep, fantasy adventure that many have likened to the experience offered by titles like The Elder Scrolls. With Obsidian's renowned pedigree in storytelling and world-building, it stands as a compelling addition to the PlayStation library.
