
Choosing the right background in Avowed depends on both gameplay and role-playing preferences. While some backgrounds provide optimized starting stats for specific builds, their primary purpose is to enhance the storytelling experience.
This is a one-time choice, meaning once you select a background, there’s no going back. That’s why it’s important to choose wisely.
In this guide, we’ll explore every background and offer advice on which one might be the best fit for you.
What aspects do backgrounds influence?
Avowed offers five unique Backgrounds that shape your character’s backstory, starting attributes, and unique dialogue choices.
While these starting attributes can be modified, Backgrounds mainly serve as a way to enhance immersion and role-playing. You can respec your starting stats with a bit of coin whenever you please. Backgrounds primarily affect dialogue and immersion rather than restricting builds.
All backgrounds in Avowed
The table below shows off every background in Avowed, including their stats and a brief description of what they’re like:
Background | MGT | CONS | DEX | PER | INT | RES | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arcane Scholar | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | A brilliant scholar with deep occult knowledge and historical expertise. |
Court Augur | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | A mystic who rose from obscurity to become a trusted imperial advisor. |
Noble Scion | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | A noble-born individual who survived family scandal and adapted to court life. |
Vanguard Scout | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | A survivalist and tracker trusted for espionage and scouting. |
War Hero | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | A hardened veteran whose battlefield experience earned imperial favor. |
Best backgrounds for each build
The best background for you depends on which build you’re planning to rock in Avowed. Let’s explore each.
Best Ranger background
Rangers will benefit the most from the Vanguard Scout Background.
With 3 Perception to boost critical hit chance and ranged accuracy and 2 Dexterity for increased agility, it fits well with a long-range, precision-focused playstyle.
Additionally, this Background’s lore of tracking and espionage fits the Ranger’s roleplaying experience perfectly. To enhance survivability, players might consider adjusting Constitution to better withstand melee encounters. Trust me, I’ve gotten flattened by bears more times than I can count.
Best Fighter background
The War Hero Background is the ideal choice for a Fighter.
It offers 3 Might for powerful melee attacks, 2 Constitution for enhanced durability, and 3 Resolve to improve stamina and resistances.
This Background aligns perfectly with a battle-hardened warrior archetype. If you’re seeking to refine your build, you could increase Dexterity to improve attack speed and overall combat efficiency.
Best Wizard background
For a Wizard build, the best Background is Arcane Scholar.
With high Intellect (3), it allows frequent spellcasting, while Perception (2) enhances accuracy with wands and ranged spells.
This Background is well-suited for a character that embodies the role of a learned mage. For further optimization, you might consider shifting some Might points to Resolve for better survivability.
Best Fighter Wizard Hybrid background
For a Hybrid Mage, the Noble Scion Background is an excellent option.
It offers a balanced attribute distribution with no extreme strengths or weaknesses, which makes it ideal for an adaptable playstyle that incorporates both melee and magic. The Background aligns with the versatility of a spellsword or battle mage, providing flexibility in combat.
If a you want to lean more toward magic, you should increase Intellect, whereas if you want to favor melee combat you should invest in Might.
I want to give a special mention to the one background that didn’t make the cut for any build – Court Augur. Its dialogue options are fascinating and consistently provoke strong reactions from NPCs and companions. If the idea of a half-ranger, half-wizard hybrid appeals to you, this background can be a fun choice. Just be prepared to fine-tune your Constitution to make it work.