Choosing the right build in *Avowed* can significantly impact your early game experience, helping you manage enemies effectively while maintaining your survival. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of close combat, the precision of long-range attacks, or the power of spellcasting, these builds are designed to give you a strong start in *Avowed*.
Two-Handed Brawler (War Hero Build)

The *Two-Handed Brawler* is perfect for players who relish in sheer force. This build focuses on dealing massive damage with two-handed weapons, allowing you to bulldoze through enemies. It's an effective approach for the early stages of *Avowed*, combining high damage with sufficient resilience.
To optimize this build for maximum damage and durability, focus on:
- Might (3) – Increases melee damage output.
- Constitution (3) – Enhances health and overall tankiness.
- Dexterity (2) – Boosts attack speed and dodging capabilities.
- Resolve (2) – Reduces the effect of enemy stuns and knockbacks.
Might amplifies your melee damage, Constitution fortifies your health, and Dexterity aids in quicker attacks and evasion. Key abilities for this build include Charge, which allows you to rush into combat and attack before enemies can react, Bleeding Cuts for sustained damage over time, and Toughness to increase your maximum health. For weapons, opt for the Horsecutter two-handed sword or Drawn in Winter axe, both of which deliver devastating blows, ensuring fights are swift and decisive. This build is ideal for those who enjoy a high-risk, high-reward melee style, focusing on rapid enemy takedowns.
Stealth Ranger (Vanguard Scout Build)

For players who prefer a more strategic approach, the *Stealth Ranger* build is ideal. It emphasizes mobility, precision, and long-range attacks, allowing you to pick off enemies from a distance while minimizing damage taken. This build is perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of stealth and critical hits.
To maximize your effectiveness with this build, prioritize:
- Perception (3) – Increases ranged accuracy and critical hit chance.
- Dexterity (3) – Enhances movement and attack speed.
- Might (2) – Boosts the power of ranged weapons.
- Resolve (2) – Improves resistance to stuns and knockbacks.
Perception improves your critical hit chances, Dexterity increases your agility and evasion, and Might enhances your ranged damage. Essential abilities include Tanglefoot to immobilize enemies, Marksmanship to amplify your bow and gun damage, and Shadowing Beyond for temporary invisibility. For weapons, a bow or arquebus is ideal for long-range engagements, while a pistol and melee weapon serve as effective backups. This build is perfect for players who relish in sniping enemies from the shadows and then disappearing without a trace. Explore the world of *Avowed* to discover the best weapons hidden in treasures scattered throughout.
Frost Wizard (Arcane Scholar Build)

If controlling the battlefield with potent magic is your style, the *Frost Wizard* build is your best early-game choice. It focuses on freezing enemies, delivering high burst damage, and managing combat scenarios. This build demands strategic positioning and effective resource management, but when executed correctly, it's among the most powerful in *Avowed*.
To harness the full potential of this build, concentrate on:
- Intellect (3) – Enhances spell effectiveness.
- Perception (3) – Improves spell accuracy and critical hit chance.
- Dexterity (2) – Speeds up spellcasting.
- Resolve (2) – Reduces interruptions during casting.
Intellect boosts your spell power, Perception increases critical hit chances, and Dexterity accelerates your casting speed. Key abilities include applying Frost Accumulation to slow and freeze enemies, Chill Blades for close-range freezing, Blast of Frost, and Bristling Frost for area-of-effect frost damage. If an enemy is frozen, using Charge from the Fighter tree can shatter them, dealing additional damage. For weapons, carry a wand and a frost-based grimoire; the wand allows you to attack even when out of Essence, while the grimoire provides access to powerful frost spells. This build is perfect for players who enjoy dominating the battlefield with magical prowess.
Melee Fighter (War Hero Build)

The *Melee Fighter* build offers a balanced approach, blending offense and defense for players seeking versatility. Unlike the Two-Handed Brawler, this build emphasizes quick attacks, blocking, and endurance over sheer damage output.
To craft this well-rounded build, focus on:
- Might (3) – Increases melee damage.
- Perception (3) – Enhances accuracy and critical spell damage.
- Dexterity (2) – Boosts attack speed.
- Resolve (2) – Prevents interruptions during casting.
Might amplifies your melee damage, Dexterity enhances your speed, and Resolve makes you more resistant to stuns and knockbacks. Core abilities should include Charge to close gaps quickly, 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, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities. This build suits players who prefer a balanced playstyle, capable of handling both attack and defense effectively.
Which Build Should You Choose in Avowed?
If you crave raw melee power, the Two-Handed Brawler is your go-to. For those who enjoy stealth and precision from a distance, the Stealth Ranger is the perfect fit. If you're drawn to the strategic control of magic, the Frost Wizard will serve you well. And for a balanced approach that covers both offense and defense, the Melee Fighter is the best choice.
Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you find most enjoyable. *Avowed*'s combat system is engaging and versatile, so tailor your build to the aspects of the game that you love most.
*Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.*