Choosing the right build in *Avowed* can significantly impact your early game experience, enhancing your ability to efficiently tackle enemies while ensuring your survival. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of close combat, the precision of long-range attacks, or the power of magical spells, these builds will set you up for success from the start in *Avowed*.
Two-Handed Brawler (War Hero Build)

The *Two-Handed Brawler* build is designed for players who relish in brute strength and direct confrontation. Ideal for those who want to dominate the battlefield with sheer force, this build focuses on wielding high-damage two-handed weapons to obliterate foes. It's a straightforward yet devastating strategy, perfect for navigating the early stages of *Avowed*.
To optimize this build for maximum damage and resilience, prioritize the following attributes:
- Might (3) – Enhances melee damage output.
- Constitution (3) – Boosts health and overall durability.
- Dexterity (2) – Increases attack speed and improves dodging.
- Resolve (2) – Minimizes the effect of enemy stuns and knockbacks.
With these stats, you'll deal formidable blows and endure enemy attacks. Focus your abilities on charging into combat, amplifying your damage, and regaining health during battle. The Charge ability is crucial as it allows you to swiftly engage enemies and deliver devastating attacks before they can react. Complement this with Bleeding Cuts to inflict ongoing damage and Toughness to enhance your maximum health, making you a relentless force on the battlefield.
For weapons, consider the Horsecutter two-handed sword or the Drawn in Winter axe, both known for their powerful strikes, ensuring quick and brutal encounters. This build suits players who thrive on a high-risk, high-reward approach to melee combat, aiming to dispatch enemies before they can retaliate.
Stealth Ranger (Vanguard Scout Build)

The *Stealth Ranger* build is tailored for those who prefer a more strategic and elusive approach, focusing on ranged attacks and stealth. This build excels in precision, patience, and keeping adversaries at a distance, perfect for players who enjoy sniping and evading.
To maximize this build's potential, focus on the following attributes:
- Perception (3) – Enhances ranged accuracy and critical hit probability.
- Dexterity (3) – Improves movement and attack speed.
- Might (2) – Increases the power of ranged weapons.
- Resolve (2) – Provides resistance against stuns and knockbacks.
These stats enable you to land lethal shots while maintaining agility. Key abilities should include Tanglefoot to immobilize enemies, Marksmanship to boost your bow and gun damage, and Shadowing Beyond for temporary invisibility, ensuring enemies rarely close in on you.
For weapons, opt for a bow or arquebus for long-range engagements, and carry a pistol along with a melee weapon as backup. This build is perfect for those who relish in taking down enemies from afar and then disappearing into the shadows. Explore *Avowed* to discover some of the best weapons hidden in various treasures across the game world.
Frost Wizard (Arcane Scholar Build)

For those who prefer to dominate the battlefield with the power of magic, the *Frost Wizard* build is the ideal choice. This build centers on freezing enemies, delivering high burst damage, and maintaining control over combat scenarios. It demands strategic positioning and efficient resource management but, when executed correctly, it's among the most potent setups in the game.
To harness the full potential of this build, focus on these attributes:
- Intellect (3) – Enhances spell effectiveness.
- Perception (3) – Improves accuracy and spell critical hit chance.
- Dexterity (2) – Speeds up spellcasting.
- Resolve (2) – Reduces interruptions during spellcasting.
Your abilities should revolve around applying Frost Accumulation to slow and eventually freeze enemies, turning them into easy targets. Chill Blades are essential for close-range freezing, while Blast of Frost and Bristling Frost deliver massive area-of-effect frost damage. Once an enemy is frozen, using Charge from the Fighter tree will shatter them instantly, 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 perfect for players who enjoy controlling the battlefield and unleashing devastating magical attacks.
Melee Fighter (War Hero Build)

The *Melee Fighter* build offers a balanced approach, blending offensive and defensive capabilities. It's ideal for players seeking versatility, focusing on quick strikes, effective blocking, and enduring longer battles rather than just dealing raw damage.
To craft this well-rounded build, prioritize these attributes:
- Might (3) – Boosts melee damage.
- Perception (3) – Enhances accuracy and critical spell damage.
- Dexterity (2) – Increases attack speed.
- Resolve (2) – Prevents interruptions during spellcasting.
With these stats, you'll deliver solid hits and maintain resilience in combat. Your core abilities should include Charge to close distances quickly, Shield Bash to stagger enemies, and Constant Recovery for passive health regeneration, ensuring you can manage fights while staying healthy.
For weapons, a one-handed sword or axe paired with a shield is recommended. The shield provides additional defense while allowing you to deal consistent damage. This build is perfect for players who value a balanced playstyle, capable of handling both offensive and defensive roles effectively.
Which Build Should You Choose in Avowed?
Selecting the right build depends on your preferred playstyle. If you crave raw melee power, the Two-Handed Brawler is your choice. For those who enjoy stealth and ranged combat, the Stealth Ranger is ideal. If controlling the battlefield with magic appeals to you, go with the Frost Wizard. And for a versatile mix of offense and defense, the Melee Fighter is the way to go.
Ultimately, the best build is the one you find the most fun. *Avowed*'s combat system is engaging and diverse, so tailor your build to the elements of the game you enjoy the most.
*Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.*