Best Early Builds in Avowed

Choosing the right build in *Avowed* can significantly enhance your early game experience, allowing you to tackle enemies more effectively while maintaining your survival. Whether you're drawn to the brute force of close combat, the precision of long-range attacks, or the strategic power of magic, these builds will give you a solid foundation to start your journey in *Avowed*.

Two-Handed Brawler (War Hero Build)

The *Two-Handed Brawler* build is designed for players who love to dominate with sheer power. If you're all about dealing massive damage and bulldozing through foes, this is your go-to build. It emphasizes high-damage two-handed weapons, allowing you to hit hard and withstand enemy attacks. This straightforward yet effective strategy excels in the early stages of *Avowed*.

To optimize this build for both damage and durability, focus on:

• **Might (3)** – Enhances melee damage output.
• **Constitution (3)** – Boosts health and overall resilience.
• **Dexterity (2)** – Improves 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 crucial as it allows you to swiftly engage enemies and deliver devastating blows before they can react. Combine this with Bleeding Cuts for sustained damage over time and Toughness to increase your maximum health, turning you into an unstoppable force.

For weapons, the Horsecutter two-handed sword or Drawn in Winter axe are top choices. Both deliver powerful hits, ensuring quick and brutal encounters. This build suits players 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* build is perfect for those who prefer mobility and precision, striking enemies from a distance. This build focuses on bows, firearms, and stealthy movement, enabling you to avoid damage while landing critical hits. It's a stark contrast to the Two-Handed Brawler, emphasizing patience and keeping enemies at bay.

To maximize this build's effectiveness, prioritize:

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

With these stats, you'll be able to deliver deadly headshots while maintaining agility. Key abilities should include Tanglefoot to immobilize enemies, Marksmanship to enhance 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 engagements, and carry a pistol with a melee weapon as backup for close encounters. This build is ideal for players who enjoy sniping enemies undetected and then disappearing into the shadows. You can discover some of the best weapons hidden in various treasures throughout *Avowed*.

Frost Wizard (Arcane Scholar Build)

For those who wish to control the battlefield with potent magic, the *Frost Wizard* build is the best choice for the early game. It focuses on freezing enemies, delivering high burst damage, and maintaining control over combat. This build demands careful positioning and resource management but, when executed well, is one of the most powerful setups in *Avowed*.

To excel as a Frost Wizard, prioritize:

• **Intellect (3)** – Enhances 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 targets. Chill Blades are essential for close-range freezing, while Blast of Frost and Bristling Frost deliver 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 grimoire provides access to powerful frost spells. This build is perfect for players who enjoy controlling the battlefield with magic, locking down groups of enemies while dealing significant damage.

Melee Fighter (War Hero Build)

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

To optimize this build, focus on:

• **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.

For 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, opt for the Stealth Ranger. If magic and battlefield control are your forte, the Frost Wizard is the way to go. And for a balanced mix of attack and defense, the Melee Fighter is your best bet.

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

*Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.*