Obsidian's Avowed has officially entered its advanced access phase, inviting eager players to explore the mystical expanse of the Living Lands. As adventurers delve into this new world, they're not only encountering magical items and facing various dangers but also stumbling upon unexpected elements of romance.

In the lead-up to Avowed's release, Obsidian had made it clear that the game would not include a traditional romance system. Instead, the focus was to be on fostering "thoughtful relationships" with companions. Game director Carrie Patel shared her perspective on this decision in an interview with IGN:

"We are building thoughtful relationships with our companion characters," Patel explained. "Ultimately, I personally am a fan of making that an option, but I feel like if you're going to do it, you really, really have to commit and make sure that you're giving all to fulfilling that in a way that feels both true to the character, but also creates an engaging player experience. So not something we're doing for Avowed, but I wouldn't say never."

However, early feedback from players and reviewers participating in the advanced access phase has revealed a twist. Contrary to the initial statements, it appears that at least one companion, Kai, shows romantic interest in the player's character. Spoilers Ahead for those who wish to remain unspoiled about specific interactions with Kai, please proceed with caution.