Avowed has five character backgrounds, each of which adds a specific +2 attribute bonus: Arcane Scholar boosts Intellect, Court Augur boosts Resolve, Noble Scion boosts Perception, Vanguard Scout boosts Dexterity, and War Hero boosts Constitution. Choose based on the attribute that best suits your planned build and the character concept you want to roleplay; none is established as mandatory for a particular build.
All Avowed backgrounds and their bonuses
| Background | Attribute bonus |
|---|---|
| Arcane Scholar | +2 Intellect |
| Court Augur | +2 Resolve |
| Noble Scion | +2 Perception |
| Vanguard Scout | +2 Dexterity |
| War Hero | +2 Constitution |
Obsidian describes the background bonus as an addition to build variety. The bonuses are starting points for character planning, not evidence that a background locks you into a class or complete build. Obsidian’s 2026 Anniversary Update announcement also says species choices now provide attribute boosts, so your background is one part of character creation rather than the only source of starting attributes.
Which background should you choose?
Match the bonus to the attribute you want to emphasize, then weigh that against the roleplaying identity you prefer. There is no universally best option established by the available official information.
- Choose Arcane Scholar for +2 Intellect.
- Choose Court Augur for +2 Resolve.
- Choose Noble Scion for +2 Perception.
- Choose Vanguard Scout for +2 Dexterity.
- Choose War Hero for +2 Constitution.
What is not confirmed about backgrounds?
The official information cited here confirms the names and attribute bonuses, but does not establish each background’s starting equipment, the full scope of its dialogue effects, or whether you can change it after character creation. Treat those details as unconfirmed rather than relying on assumptions when choosing.
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#1 Best Overall
- Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger.
- Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment.
- Explore an island home to many different environments and landscapes, each with their own unique ecosystem
- Mix and match swords, spells, guns, and shields to fight your way
- Companions from a spread of species will fight alongside you, with their own unique set of abilities.
Because these bonuses were described in Obsidian’s 2026 Anniversary Update, they reflect that update’s information; future patches could change the mechanics.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- L'édition Premium SteelBook comprend: le jeu de base Avowed, jusqu'à 5 jours d'accès anticipé, le SteelBook Avowed, la carte des Terres Vivantes, deux packs de skins Premium et l'accès à l'Artbook numérique Avowed et à la bande-son originale
- Vous êtes l'envoyé d'Aedyr, une terre lointaine, missionné pour enquêter sur les rumeurs selon lesquelles une épidémie se propagerait dans les Terres Vivantes, une île pleine de mystères et de secrets, de dangers et d'aventures, de choix et de conséconsés. quences, et d'une nature sauvage
- Explorez une île qui abrite de nombreux environnements et paysages différents, chacun avec son propre écosystème unique
- Mélangez et associez des épées, des sorts, des armes et des boucliers pour vous frayer un chemin
- The compagnons d'un large éventail d'espèces se battront à vos côtés, avec leurs propres capacités uniques
Rank #3
- Premium Edition includes: Avowed base game, Premium Skin Packs: 2 sets of bonus skins for each of your companions, and access to Avowed Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack
- Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment.
- Explore an island home to many different environments and landscapes, each with their own unique ecosystem.
- Mix and match swords, spells, guns, and shields to fight your way.
- Companions from a spread of species will fight alongside you, with their own unique set of abilities.
Rank #2
- Requires base game, Game Pass Ultimate, or PC Game Pass Membership (Sold Separately)
- Premium Upgrade includes: Premium Skin Packs: 2 sets of bonus skins for your companions, and access to Avowed Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack
- Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment.
- Explore an island home to many different environments and landscapes, each with their own unique ecosystem.
- Mix and match swords, spells, guns, and shields to fight your way.
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