Last updated on March 5, 2026
Avowed was already one of last year’s standout role playing games on Xbox, and the new PlayStation port arrives in much better shape than I expected. The PS5 version launches alongside a huge anniversary patch, so what you download today is noticeably more polished than the game that shipped on day one. On Sony hardware I focused on PS5 Pro, since that is my main console, but I briefly tested the base PS5 as well.
Graphics modes and frame rate on PS5 and PS5 Pro
Avowed uses Unreal Engine 5 with Lumen lighting and Nanite geometry, and Obsidian offers three visual modes on PlayStation. Quality mode targets a 4K image and 30 frames per second on PS5 Pro, with all effects pushed high and very stable frame pacing. If you own a screen with variable refresh rate you can unlock the cap in the menu; in that configuration reviewers have measured something very close to 4K at 60 frames per second on PS5 Pro, which is arguably the best way to play.
Balanced mode is aimed at 120 hertz displays. It runs at a dynamic resolution that usually approaches 4K, with a 40 frames per second cap or a slightly higher unlocked frame rate if you prefer responsiveness over consistency. Visual differences compared with Quality are minor, mostly a small reduction in foliage density and texture detail, so this mode feels like a sweet spot for players on regular PS5 with fast TVs.
Performance mode drops resolution quite aggressively, often down to a sub 1440p image and sometimes close to 1080p, but in exchange the game locks to 60 frames per second and can go higher when uncapped. On PS5 Pro you really feel this in combat heavy areas or large outdoor spaces, where camera movement stays smooth even during busy fights. Digital Foundry notes that shadows can pop a little and some geometry appears less detailed than on Xbox Series X, yet overall the port is described as solid and conservative rather than broken.
Anniversary update and new RPG options
The PS5 release arrives with the big anniversary update included by default. That patch adds three new playable races to the character creator, expanding the original choice between humans and elves. You can now start as a Dwarf, an Orlan or an Aumaua, each coming with unique attribute bonuses and godlike visual variants that change both appearance and how certain builds feel in combat. If you are already deep into a save, the new Magic Mirror at camp lets you respec race and look without restarting.
The same update also introduces New Game Plus, a quarterstaff weapon type with powerful stun finishers, a full photo mode, respawning encounters, custom difficulty sliders, and a long list of bug fixes and quality of life tweaks. You can fine tune how much damage enemies deal, how tanky your character is, how aggressive AI becomes and even how expensive merchants are, which makes a second or third playthrough much more interesting. On PS5 this patch also improves load times and reduces stutter compared with the earlier Xbox launch build.
Overall experience on PlayStation
After several evenings with Avowed on PS5 Pro I came away pleasantly surprised. The game does not transform into a showcase for Sony’s enhanced console, and there is no ray tracing mode or exotic PSSR upscaling, but the fundamentals are strong. In Quality with the frame rate unlocked you get a sharp, richly lit image and fluid combat, while Performance mode is there for players who prioritise responsiveness over pixel count.
Most important, the anniversary update means PlayStation users skip the rougher launch period and jump directly into a more complete RPG, with extra races, better build variety and fewer bugs. Whether you play it through Game Pass on Xbox or buy it on PS5, Avowed is now a technically reliable open world fantasy game that should keep you busy until the next big Xbox published role playing release finally arrives.
