A recent report from Bloomberg suggests that Obsidian Entertainment, the acclaimed studio behind Fallout: New Vegas, is shifting gears to develop a new entry in the Fallout series. While many fans have spent over 15 years pining for a true spiritual successor to New Vegas, this exciting development comes with a bittersweet caveat. The project is reportedly filling the void left by the cancellation of a planned Avowed sequel, a casualty of widespread restructuring and layoffs at Obsidian and its parent company, Xbox.
Released just last year, Avowed carved out its own niche as a vibrant action-RPG set in Eora, the expansive fantasy world established in the Pillars of Eternity franchise. With its blend of first- and third-person gameplay, diverse class-based combat, and richly populated environments, it offered a unique escape. The news that we may not return to Eora is disheartening, but for those craving a similar experience, several stellar titles from the past decade are ready to fill the gap. Here are our top recommendations for games that capture the spirit of Avowed.
1
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Image: Capcom
Where to play: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Switch 2
As the Arisen, you navigate a breathtaking, seamless open world teeming with forests, shifting deserts, and dangerous coastlines on a collision course with a world-ending dragon. The game shines through its “Pawn” system—AI companions that join you in exhilarating, large-scale monster encounters. With a deep vocation system that allows for diverse combat styles and a world that rewards exploration and side-questing, it is an essential play. The upcoming Dark Arisen expansion, launching October 8, 2026, promises to further expand the horizon with the frigid Norgan region and fresh threats.
2
The Outer Worlds
Image: Obsidian Entertainment/Private Division
Where to play: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Switch
While Obsidian didn’t always have the keys to the Fallout kingdom, they successfully utilized their expertise to craft a sharp, satirical, and highly reactive sci-fi sandbox. The Outer Worlds mirrors the design philosophy of their previous work, focusing on player agency, witty dialogue, and well-written companions. With two significant narrative expansions—Murder on Eridanos and Peril on Gorgon—and a polished Spacer’s Choice Edition, the game offers a refined experience that serves as the perfect bridge to the upcoming sequel.
3
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Image: BioWare/Electronic Arts
Where to play: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Stepping into the boots of the Inquisitor, you lead a band of legends tasked with sealing rifts and halting a demonic incursion. The game balances high-stakes political intrigue with massive, diverse landscapes. Whether you prefer visceral real-time action or a more methodical tactical approach, the gameplay adapts to your style. The Game of the Year Edition is the definitive way to experience the journey, bundling all major expansions—Jaws of Hakkon, The Descent, and Trespasser—for a truly gargantuan adventure.
4
GreedFall
Image: Spiders/Focus Home Interactive
Where to play: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One
GreedFall captures the classic “BioWare-style” RPG magic better than perhaps any other game in its weight class. As a diplomat navigating the colonial tensions of the island of Teer Fradee, your choices in dialogue and alliance-building carry genuine weight. Despite its ambition occasionally exceeding its technical polish, the depth of its quest design and the strength of its world-building make it a standout title for any fan of choice-driven narratives.
5
The Technomancer
Image: Spiders/Focus Home Interactive
Where to play: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Set against the rugged, brutal backdrop of a colonized Mars, The Technomancer emphasizes player flexibility. Whether you prioritize diplomatic solutions, stealthy trickery, or raw, electrifying combat, the game provides the tools to survive. It features a robust crafting system and a challenging combat loop that rewards players who take the time to master their chosen skill trees. It is a gritty, atmospheric experience that feels like a hidden gem for those who enjoy challenging RPG mechanics.
6
Elex 2
Image: Piranha Byte/THQ Nordic
Where to play: Mac, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One
As a final farewell from Piranha Bytes, Elex 2 is a bold experiment in world-building, blending post-apocalyptic science fiction with high fantasy. Jax, the protagonist, returns to a world where factions are at war and an alien threat looms. With a jetpack that turns exploration into a vertical delight and companions who dynamically react to your moral compass, it offers a distinct, hand-crafted RPG experience that remains memorable long after the credits roll.
7
Fatekeeper
Image: Paraglacial/THQ Nordic
Where to play: PC (Early Access)
For those nostalgic for the first-person immersion of Skyrim, Fatekeeper is an indie passion project worth watching. Developed by a lean, 13-person team, it focuses on delivering a dense open world, rewarding exploration, and a flexible skill system. While it is currently in Early Access, the core design philosophy honors the legacy of open-world fantasy classics, offering a budget-friendly way to jump into a new, evolving world.
While the uncertainty surrounding the future of Avowed is a blow to the gaming community, Obsidian Entertainment’s pedigree remains unmatched. As we look forward to their next foray into the Fallout wasteland, there is a wealth of fantastic RPGs available today to keep the spirit of adventure alive.
Source: Polygon
