Avowed, the highly anticipated RPG developed by Obsidian Entertainment, immerses players not just with its engaging quests and lore but also through its intriguing treasure map system. These optional objectives present gamers with the chance to discover unique gear and accomplish notable achievements, making the exploration of the expansive game world even more rewarding.
Treasure maps within Avowed function as fascinating puzzles, each containing cryptic drawings rather than detailed instructions. "Treasure maps are optional objectives in Avowed... Each treasure map is less a 'map' and more a hastily and inscrutably sketched drawing pointing toward a vague location," reported by GameSpot. Players can approach these clues with creativity and intuition, searching for treasures buried across various terrains.
Across the stunning landscapes of Avowed, there are twelve treasure maps total, each located within four diverse regions: Dawnshore, Emerald Stair, Shatterscarp, and the fiery Galawain’s Tusks. Each map serves as both a challenge and opportunity, allowing players to obtain some of the most coveted gear available. According to reports, "if you solve all 12 maps, you’ll earn the 'Pathfinder' achievement (and get some of the best gear in the game along the way)." This incentive to explore and challenge oneself adds layers to the gameplay experience.
Starting with Dawnshore, players will discover three treasure maps: Captain Henqua’s Spoils, which leads to the Wind and Wave shield; Intimidated Feline Codpiece, granting the Stelgaer’s Pride armor set; and Woedica’s inheritance, yielding Strangler’s Gloves. Each location is crafted to challenge even the most seasoned explorers, often requiring creativity and thoughtful strategy to reach and extract the treasure.
Next, the Emerald Stair maps similarly reward players with unique gear. The Earthly Aegis points toward Nature’s Ward, the Painter’s Regret leads to the Painter’s Brush trinket, and Practical Pockets directs players to the Hjilde’s Handy Hide armor set. These immersively placed challenges offer not just rewards but enrich the player's adventure, encouraging interactions with the game’s environment.
Shatterscarp introduces the Dead Man’s Mail map, guiding players to the Necropants armor set; the Robe of the Arcane Cheater leads to the Robes of Surpassing Brilliance; and Seafarer’s Boots sends players toward the Wavebinder’s Boots. These quests often involve traversing perilous bridges and exploring hidden caves, adding depth to the overall narrative of the quest.
The final region, Galawain's Tusks, presents three maps: Ancient Arrowhead, The Blade That Hungers, and My Loyal Shield. The Ancient Arrowhead treasure map, for example, points players toward mountains south of Solace Keep, rewarding them with the Scout’s Reach trinket. The Blade That Hungers directs players to find the Umbral Needle dagger, and My Loyal Shield leads to Time’s Tarnish shield at Ekida ruins. Galawain's Tusks, the largest area, features more extensive land and unique environmental challenges—players may find themselves lost amid the sprawling volcanoes, hidden caverns, and challenging terrains.
Those careful enough, eager explorers, and puzzle-solvers will find the treasure maps hidden across Avowed provide ample opportunities to not just recover gear but to experience the beauty of the game's world. Each treasure map—intricately woven with clues—allows players to engage with the environment and ensures the adventure remains both varied and compelling.
The design and intricacies of Avowed’s treasure maps highlight the careful crafting of the game itself, showcasing both challenge and reward harmoniously. So, gear up adventurers—there’s ample treasure out there waiting to be discovered!