Let’s be real—RPG fans are eating well in 2025. Between Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, there’s no shortage of deep, immersive worlds to get lost in. But let’s face it: most of us don’t have infinite time, and picking where to invest our precious gaming hours is a legit struggle. If you’re stuck deciding which of these RPGs deserves your attention first, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down.

Time Commitment – Are You in for the Long Haul?

If you’ve got limited time, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II might feel a bit overwhelming. The original game was already notorious for its hyper-realistic mechanics, steep learning curve, and slow-burn storytelling. The sequel isn’t much different—it’s an 80+ hour commitment (and that’s if you’re not a completionist).

Avowed, on the other hand, is looking to be a more contained experience. While we don’t have final playtime numbers, Obsidian’s track record suggests a solid 30-40 hour RPG. That’s still a commitment, but way more digestible than KCD2’s sprawling medieval saga.

Winner: Avowed for those with limited time, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II if you want an RPG to consume your life.

Casual vs. Hardcore Appeal – How Deep Do You Want to Go?

Let’s not sugarcoat it—Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is hardcore as hell. If you’re not ready for painstakingly realistic combat, survival mechanics, and a world that does NOT hold your hand, this game will slap you in the face and take your lunch money. If you are ready for that, it’s one of the most immersive RPG experiences out there.

Avowed, while still an RPG, is far more approachable. If you’ve played The Outer Worlds, you know what to expect—deep RPG mechanics, but with streamlined systems that won’t require you to spend hours mastering medieval swordplay. If you want a deep yet digestible RPG, Avowed is the move.

Winner: Avowed for casual RPG players, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II for those who want a challenge.

Expansive rocky terrain filled with lush flora and ancient ruins in Avowed, showcasing the game's fantasy world and atmospheric landscapes — Image: Avowed

Solo vs. Multiplayer – Who’s Coming With You?

Both games are strictly single-player, so if you’re looking for co-op or multiplayer action, you’re out of luck.

But if we’re talking solo experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II makes you feel alone in the world—and that’s by design. It’s meant to be gritty, immersive, and punishing. Meanwhile, Avowed, being more of a high-fantasy adventure, will have companions and more guided storytelling to keep things moving.

Winner: Tie—it depends on whether you want a solitary medieval struggle (KCD2) or a more traditional RPG experience with companions (Avowed).

Live-Service vs. One-Time Experience – Will the Game Keep Evolving?

Neither game is a live-service title, so there’s no battle passes or constant updates to keep up with. However, we all know how RPGs get expanded with DLCs, and both of these games will likely get big expansions post-launch. Avowed might take the Outer Worlds approach with solid DLC additions, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance II could add massive expansions like its predecessor.

Winner: Tie—both will likely get solid post-launch content.

A peaceful riverside scene in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, featuring horses, a campsite, and lush greenery in a medieval open-world setting. — Image: Kingdom Come Deliverance II

Monetization Impact – How Much Will You Have to Pay?

Neither game is riddled with microtransactions (thank the RPG gods), but Avowed has a major advantage—it’s on Xbox Game Pass. If you’re already subscribed, it’s essentially free at launch, making it an easy pick-up.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, however, will require a full purchase. If you’re already deep in Game Pass and want the cheapest option, Avowed is the way to go.

Winner: Avowed (thanks, Game Pass).

Gameplay – How Do They Actually Feel to Play?

This is where the games are night and day.

Avowed plays like an Obsidian RPG meets Elder Scrolls—first-person magic, melee, and deep storytelling, with streamlined mechanics that make it more approachable than a hardcore sim.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is grounded in brutal medieval realism. Combat is slow, strategic, and punishing. No magic, no fantasy—just raw, authentic medieval life.

If you want fast-paced action-RPG combat, Avowed is your game. If you want gritty, tactical sword fights where one mistake means death, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is for you.

Winner: Depends on if you want a fantasy RPG (Avowed) or hardcore realism (KCD2).

TLDR – Which One Should You Play First?

Short on time? Play Avowed first—it’s a shorter RPG.
Want a hardcore challenge? Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the move.
Casual RPG player? Avowed is more forgiving.
Hardcore immersion seeker? KCD2 all day.
Already on Game Pass? Avowed is free.
Prefer magic and fantasy? Avowed.
Want realism and deep mechanics? KCD2.

Final Verdict: If you’re strapped for time and want a quicker, more accessible RPG, go with Avowed. If you’re ready for a brutal, immersive medieval sim, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the way to go. Either way, both of these RPGs are worth playing—just depends on what kind of adventure you’re looking for.

So, What’s Your Pick?

Are you diving into the mystical world of Avowed, or committing to the gritty realism of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II? Let us know in the comments! And if you want more RPG breakdowns, stick with Pocket Indie Games.

Related Topics: Should You Play?

Should You Play: Avowed or Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?