Best Early Builds in Avowed

Choosing the right build in *Avowed* is crucial for dominating the early game, allowing you to tackle enemies efficiently while maintaining your survivability. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of close-quarters combat, the precision of long-range attacks, or the mystique of powerful magic, these builds are designed to give you a strong foundation in *Avowed*.

Two-Handed Brawler (War Hero Build)

The *Two-Handed Brawler* is your go-to if you relish in brute force and dealing massive damage. Ideal for players who want to bulldoze through enemies, this build focuses on wielding high-damage two-handed weapons to hit hard and withstand enemy assaults. It's a straightforward yet devastating approach that excels in the early stages of *Avowed*.

To optimize your damage and durability, focus on these attributes:

• Might (3) – Enhances your melee damage output.
• Constitution (3) – Boosts your health and overall tankiness.
• Dexterity (2) – Increases attack speed and dodging capabilities.
• Resolve (2) – Reduces the impact of enemy stuns and knockbacks.

Your primary abilities should revolve around charging into battle, amplifying your damage, and recovering health during combat. The Charge ability is essential as it allows you to rush into fights and smash enemies before they can react. Combine this with Bleeding Cuts for damage over time and Toughness to increase your maximum health, turning you into an unstoppable force.

For weapons, consider the Horsecutter two-handed sword or the Drawn in Winter axe, both of which deliver devastating blows, ensuring quick and brutal encounters. This build is perfect for those who thrive on a high-risk, high-reward melee style, aiming to eliminate enemies swiftly before they can retaliate.

Stealth Ranger (Vanguard Scout Build)

The *Stealth Ranger* is the ideal choice for players who prefer mobility and precision, focusing on bows, firearms, and stealthy maneuvers. This build excels at avoiding damage while delivering critical hits from a distance, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more calculated approach to combat.

To maximize your effectiveness, prioritize these attributes:

• Perception (3) – Enhances ranged accuracy and critical hit chance.
• Dexterity (3) – Improves movement speed and attack speed.
• Might (2) – Boosts ranged weapon power.
• Resolve (2) – Helps resist stuns and knockbacks.

With these stats, you'll be able to land deadly headshots while maintaining agility. Key abilities should include Tanglefoot to root enemies, Marksmanship to increase bow and gun damage, and Shadowing Beyond for temporary invisibility, ensuring enemies rarely get close enough to harm you.

For weapons, opt for a bow or arquebus for long-range attacks, and carry a pistol with a melee weapon as a backup for close encounters. This build is perfect for players who enjoy sniping enemies from the shadows and then disappearing without a trace. You can discover some of the best weapons hidden in treasures scattered throughout *Avowed*.

Frost Wizard (Arcane Scholar Build)

For those who wish to dominate the battlefield with powerful magic, the *Frost Wizard* is the ultimate early-game build. This build focuses on freezing enemies, delivering high burst damage, and maintaining control over the fight. It requires strategic positioning and effective resource management, but when executed correctly, it's one of the most potent setups in the game.

To harness the power of frost, prioritize these attributes:

• Intellect (3) – Increases spell effectiveness.
• Perception (3) – Improves accuracy and spell critical hit chance.
• Dexterity (2) – Speeds up spellcasting.
• Resolve (2) – Reduces interruptions while casting.

Your abilities should focus on applying Frost Accumulation to slow and eventually freeze enemies, making them vulnerable to attack. Chill Blades is crucial for freezing enemies at close range, while Blast of Frost and Bristling Frost deal massive area-of-effect frost damage. If an enemy is frozen, using Charge (from the Fighter tree) will shatter them, dealing bonus damage.

For weapons, carry a wand and a frost-based grimoire. Wands allow you to attack even when out of Essence, while a good grimoire provides access to powerful frost spells. This build is ideal for players who enjoy controlling the battlefield with devastating magical attacks.

Melee Fighter (War Hero Build)

The *Melee Fighter* offers a balanced approach, blending offense and defense for players seeking versatility. Unlike the Two-Handed Brawler, this build emphasizes quick attacks, blocking, and outlasting opponents rather than sheer damage output.

To achieve this balance, focus on these attributes:

• Might (3) – Increases melee damage.
• Perception (3) – Improves accuracy and critical spell damage.
• Dexterity (2) – Enhances attack speed.
• Resolve (2) – Prevents interruptions while casting.

Your core abilities should include Charge to close gaps, Shield Bash to stagger enemies, and Constant Recovery for passive health regeneration. This combination allows you to control fights while maintaining your health.

When selecting weapons, a one-handed sword or axe paired with a shield is ideal. The shield provides additional defense while allowing you to deal consistent damage. This build is perfect for players who want a well-rounded playstyle capable of handling both offense and defense.

Which Build Should You Choose in Avowed?

If you crave pure melee destruction, the Two-Handed Brawler is your choice. For those who prefer stealth and ranged combat, the Stealth Ranger is the way to go. If you're drawn to magic and battlefield control, the Frost Wizard is your best bet. And for a balanced mix of attack and defense, the Melee Fighter is ideal.

Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you find fun. *Avowed*'s combat system is engaging and versatile, so tailor your build to the aspects of the game that you enjoy the most.

*Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.*