Choosing the right build in *Avowed* can significantly impact your early game experience, enabling you to tackle enemies efficiently while ensuring your survival. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of close combat, the precision of long-range attacks, or the strategic depth of spellcasting, these builds will set you up for success from the outset.

Two-Handed Brawler (War Hero Build)

The *Two-Handed Brawler* is the embodiment of brute strength. Ideal for those who relish in dealing massive damage and bulldozing through foes, this build centers on high-impact two-handed weapons. It's a straightforward yet devastating approach that excels in *Avowed*'s early stages.

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

• Might (3) – Amplifies melee damage output.
• Constitution (3) – Enhances health and overall durability.
• Dexterity (2) – Boosts attack speed and dodging capabilities.
• Resolve (2) – Minimizes the effects of enemy stuns and knockbacks.

Your primary abilities should revolve around charging into combat, amplifying your damage, and sustaining health during battles. The Charge ability is pivotal, allowing you to surge into fights and crush opponents before they can react. Complement this with Bleeding Cuts for sustained damage and Toughness to increase your maximum health, transforming you into an unstoppable juggernaut.

For weaponry, the Horsecutter two-handed sword or the Drawn in Winter axe are top choices. Both deliver devastating blows, ensuring quick and brutal encounters. This build is perfect for players who thrive on high-risk, high-reward melee combat, aiming to dispatch enemies swiftly before they can retaliate.

Stealth Ranger (Vanguard Scout Build)

The *Stealth Ranger* is tailored for those who value mobility and precision from a distance. This build emphasizes the use of bows, firearms, and stealthy maneuvers, perfect for evading damage while landing critical hits. Unlike the Two-Handed Brawler, the Stealth Ranger focuses on strategy, patience, and maintaining distance.

To maximize your effectiveness, concentrate on these stats:

• Perception (3) – Enhances ranged accuracy and critical hit chances.
• Dexterity (3) – Increases movement and attack speed.
• Might (2) – Boosts the power of ranged weapons.
• Resolve (2) – Improves resistance to stuns and knockbacks.

With these attributes, you'll be able to deliver lethal headshots while staying agile. Key abilities to master include Tanglefoot to immobilize enemies, Marksmanship to amplify your bow and gun damage, and Shadowing Beyond for temporary invisibility, ensuring you remain out of harm's way.

Opt for a bow or arquebus for long-range engagements, and carry a pistol with a melee weapon as a backup for close encounters. This build is ideal for players who enjoy sniping foes undetected and then disappearing into the shadows. The best weapons can be found scattered across *Avowed*'s expansive world.

Frost Wizard (Arcane Scholar Build)

For those who prefer to dominate the battlefield with magic, the *Frost Wizard* offers a powerful early-game build. This setup focuses on freezing enemies, delivering high burst damage, and controlling the flow of combat. It demands precise positioning and efficient resource management, but when executed well, it's one of the game's most potent configurations.

To excel as a Frost Wizard, prioritize these attributes:

• Intellect (3) – Enhances the effectiveness of spells.
• Perception (3) – Boosts accuracy and critical hit chances for spells.
• Dexterity (2) – Speeds up spellcasting.
• Resolve (2) – Reduces interruptions while casting.

Your spell arsenal should focus on applying Frost Accumulation to slow and eventually freeze enemies, making them vulnerable. Essential spells include Chill Blades for close-range freezing, Blast of Frost, and Bristling Frost for area-of-effect frost damage. If an enemy is frozen, using the Charge ability (from the Fighter tree) will shatter them, inflicting additional damage.

Equip a wand and a frost-based grimoire to maximize your magical prowess. Wands allow you to attack even when out of Essence, while a strong grimoire provides access to potent frost spells. This build is perfect for players who relish controlling the battlefield and dealing significant damage through magic.

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 prioritizes quick strikes, effective blocking, and endurance in combat rather than sheer damage.

Focus on these attributes to optimize your performance:

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

Your core abilities should include Charge to close gaps quickly, Shield Bash to stagger foes, and Constant Recovery for passive health regeneration. This combination allows you to control the pace of battles while maintaining your health.

For weapons, a one-handed sword or axe paired with a shield is optimal. The shield provides additional defense while enabling consistent damage output. This build is ideal for players who desire a well-rounded playstyle capable of handling both offensive and defensive situations.

Which Build Should You Choose in Avowed?

If raw melee power is your goal, the Two-Handed Brawler is your best choice. For those who favor stealth and long-range combat, the Stealth Ranger is the way to go. If you're drawn to the art of magic and battlefield control, the Frost Wizard will suit you well. And for a balanced approach that combines attack and defense, opt for the Melee Fighter.

Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you find most enjoyable. *Avowed*'s combat system is designed to be engaging and versatile, so tailor your build to the elements that captivate you the most.

*Avowed is now available on PC and Xbox.*