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Discover how to create the best Stealth build in Avowed, with recommendations for skills, attributes, weapons, companions and leveling progression!
Avowed is a first-person RPG developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, the game occurs in the Living Lands, where you uncover a hidden mystery. Players assume the role of an envoy from Aedyr, sent to investigate a rising supernatural threat.
Avowed offers deep and engaging gameplay, featuring action-oriented combat that blends melee, ranged, and magic-based abilities. Players can dual-wield weapons, cast spells dynamically, and tailor their character’s abilities to suit their preferred playstyle. In this guide, we’ll cover the key elements of a strong stealth build and how to get the best possible start in the game.
Everything You Need To Know About Stealth Build Guide in Avowed
The stealth build emphasizes burst damage while being hidden. With this build, we will focus on range attacks with the Bow because the passives reward damage for “unaware” enemies, giving you the highest possible damage in the game. Moreover, you can stealth on demand with the skill Shadowing Beyond, though it has a high essence cost.
The stealth build will start slow, but the ultimate burst damage assassin after mid to late levels. You’ll want to start combat off from stealth, pre-buff with two skills, and then unload on your primary target. The Bow’s passives make this build unique, which boosts critical chance and damage to unaware targets. Combining a bow with dual wield daggers or a sword gives you the ultimate range or melee stealth character. However, understand that the build will feel squishy at lower levels until you get a companion healer unlocked, bear skill, and some passives.
| Stealth Build Pros | Stealth Build Cons |
|---|---|
| High Burst Damage | Low Survivability |
| Invisibility | Essence Dependent |
| Great Mobility | Weak in Prologue Fights |
Stealth Build Features & Mechanics
Below are the essential best Stealth build features and mechanics for Avowed:
- Background: Vanguard Scout
- Attribute Points: Perception, Might, Dexterity
- Weapon Choices: One hand and Shield, Bow
- Best Skills
- Shadowing Beyond
- Sniper
- Marksmanship
- Flurry of Blows
- Bear Ally
- Recommended Companions: Kai, Giatta
- Best Consumables: Beetle Pie, Magran’s Blessing
Related:
Background
The Vanguard Scout is the best background for a Stealth build because you start with a bow, which helps with your range stealth progression early. Note that backgrounds mainly influence dialogue and story, and weapons can be found and changed out at any time. However, if you feel strongly about your character’s background story, feel free to deviate from this selection. Character creation is where you set your background and it cannot be changed. Below is the Vanguard Scout Description:
Vanguard Scout: Born to humble beginnings and driven to desperation by famine, your life was destined to end on the executioner’s block until the Emperor spared you. More at ease in the wilderness than at court, your cleverness and observant nature have made you one of the Emperor’s most trusted operatives. Whether tracking prey or spying on enemies, your skills are put to work both inside and outside of the throne room.
Attribute Points
Perception and Might (strength) are the best attribute points for the Stealth build because they both increase your overall damage. Perception specifically increases critical hit change and max range. Thus, you can remain undetected at further range with a higher burst potential. Might is helpful because it boost damage overall and carrying capacity. Lastly, invest some points into Dexterity for movement speed and action speed (attacks). Look to boost intelligence and resolve via permanent bonuses with companions or through food and consumables.
Below are all six attributes and their relevant stats in Avowed:
- Might – affects Damage and Carry Capacity
- Constitution – affects Maximum Health, also Poison and Bleed Resistance
- Dexterity – affects Attack Speed and Action Speed
- Perception – affects Critical Hit Chance and Maximum Range
- Intellect – affects Maximum Essence and Elemental Resistance
- Resolve – affects Maximum Stamina and Second Wind Efficiency
Weapon Choices
Bow and Daggers are the best choices for weapons for stealth because bows have a unique passive attacking unaware enemies while daggers give an increased critical chance. Both of these weapons provide the most burst damage possible at range. The bow can also aim for weak points in stealth and capitalize on two forms of increasing damage without any passives or bonuses.
Early in Avowed, you can dual-wield swords as they are more common. Moreover, if you struggle with survivability in melee range, feel free to equip a sword and shield until you unlock more passives.
Enemy Weak Points
Weak points are diamond shapes on the targets that can increase your overall damage against the target. Mostly, they are headshot areas, but depending on the creature, they can be various locations like the tail, back, etc. The Bow weapon excels at hitting weak shots due to it’s range, which can be extended with the perception attribute.
Therefore, attempt to use the Bow while aiming down sights and target the weak point for increased damage. If you struggle with aiming, take the passive Steady Aim, which slows time by 25% while aiming down sights.
Stealth
The stealth mechanic in Avowed requires you to crouch around covered grass. Look for tall bush and crouch, which should show a “hidden” text at the bottom center of you User Interface. Once hidden, you can then hold down he Bow for increased damage. Moreover, you can sneak up on unsuspecting targets in melee range and use the Divine Thorn godlike ability. This Divine Thorn (one-shot) ability also works with the Ranger skill Shadowing Beyond. Therefore, don’t rely just on weeds to enter stealth, but use this ability.
Skill Selection
Starting at level 2, you gain one skill point per level. Our guide walks you through the most important selections from level 1 to 30. This stealth build mainly focuses on burst damage, thus the Ranger skill tree is optimal to focus on. However, in Avowed you can mix and match skills from different trees and reset at any time with gold.
Levels 1-10 Skills
The most important part of the early levels in Avowed is gaining access to skills necessary for crowd control and stealth. Tanglefoot roots targets, allowing you to keep your distance, while Shadowing Beyond grants stealth on demand. However, your essence and recovery are likely to be low; therefore, rely on food and consumables for generation rather than potion spamming.
Below is a list, in order, of the skills for the Best Stealth Build for Avowed from levels 1 to 10:
| Level | Skill Name | Tree | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | None (no points) | ||
| 2 | Tanglefoot Rank 1 | Ranger | Summon vines to root enemies in place for 8 seconds |
| 3 | Evasive Rank 1 | Ranger | Reduces the stamina cost of dodge by 25% |
| 4 | Survivalist Rank 1 | Ranger | Food restores 20% more health and essence and bonus effect duration are increased by 20% |
| 5 | Shadowing Beyond Rank 1 | Ranger | Channel the beyond, becoming invisible and draining essence until your next combat action |
| 6 | Steady Aim Rank 1 | Ranger | holding power attack with bow slows time by 25% |
| 7 | Parry Rank 1 | Ranger | Time a perfect block against a melee attack to knock the enemy back and gain an immediate counter-attack |
| 8 | Shadowing Beyond Rank 2 | Ranger | While invisible, gain increased stealth attack damage and move speed |
| 9 | Marksmanship Rank 1 | Ranger | increases damage with bows and guns by 25% |
| 10 | Built to Destroy | Fighter | destroying things restores health and essence |
Levels 11-20 Skills
From levels 11 to 20, focus on passives and the Bear Ally skill. This ability summons a bear and with rank 2, will taunt enemies and hold aggro. At this point, you can drop Kai as a companion and use a more offensive one, or maintain two tanks. However, the Bear creates such a powerful distance it’s hard to pass up. Lastly, the skill Blood Magic can be used if you are healing with Giatta. It’ll allow you to spam abilities at the cost of health. Make sure you always have regeneration food running to counter the health depletion.
Below is a list, in order, of the skills for the Best Stealth Build for Avowed from levels 11 to 20:
| Level | Skill Name | Tree | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Arrow Deflection | Ranger | Melee weapons block arrows or similar projectile when parrying |
| 12 | Piercing Thrust Rank 1 | Ranger | power attacks with daggers, swords, and spears deals +25% damage |
| 13 | Finesse Rank 1 | Ranger | increaes damage with one-handed melee weapons by 25% |
| 14 | Survivalist Rank 2 | Ranger | Unlock recipes for strong healing food |
| 15 | Bear Ally Rank 1 | Ranger | Summon a bear ally to aid you in battle 30 seconds |
| 16 | Critical Strike Rank 1 | Ranger | increases your critical hit chance by 10% |
| 17 | Sniper Rank 1 | Ranger | Increases range weapon damage against unaware enemies by 25% |
| 18 | Bear Ally Rank 2 | Ranger | Your bear ally roars when summoned, taunting enemies and increase damage it deals |
| 19 | Blood Magic Rank 1 | Wizard | when essence is depleted, you may continue casting by reducing your health 150% of your essence cost |
| 20 | Flurry of Blows Rank 1 | Ranger | gain maximum attack speed, rapid stamina regerantion, and increase move speed for 10 seconds |
Levels 21-30 Skills
The final levels in the stealth build focused on Flurry of Blows. This ability is one of the most overpowered once you reach rank 2, granting you lifesteal with weapons. With rank 3, you gain 15 seconds with a short cooldown. Therefore, you want to pre-buff every fight using this before entering stealth or initiating combat. The Godlike abilities also have a buff skill, and both can be combined for insane damage.
Below is a list, in order, of the skills for the Best Stealth Build for Avowed from levels 21 to 30:
| Level | Skill Name | Tree | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Flurry of Blows Rank 2 | Ranger | Flurry of blows grants lifesteal to your weapon |
| 22 | Flurry of Blows Rank 3 | Ranger | increases duration by 5 seconds |
| 23 | Staggering Shot Rank 1 | Ranger | Power attacks with bows and guns deal +40% stun |
| 24 | Marksmanship Rank 2 | Ranger | increases damage with bows and guns by 40% |
| 25 | Critical Strike Rank 2 | Ranger | increases your critical hit chance by 15% |
| 26 | Inspiring Triumph Rank 1 | Fighter | Killing enemies restores 10% of your companions maximum health |
| 27 | Sniper Rank 2 | Ranger | Increases range weapon damage against unaware enemies by 35% |
| 28 | Sniper Rank 3 | Ranger | Increases range weapon damage against unaware enemies by 40% |
| 29 | Critical Strike Rank 3 | Ranger | increases your critical hit chance by 20% |
| 30 | Marksmanship Rank 3 | Ranger | increases damage with bows and guns by 50% |
Best Stealth Skills Explained
Flurry of Blows, Bear Ally, and Shadowing Beyond are the best skills for the Stealth build. Flurry of Blows grants life steal, making every hard-hitting attack heal you. You can combine with Blood Magic from the Wizard tree to gain essence at the cost of life. This combo allows you to free-cast abilities constantly while killing enemies and replenishing lost life.
Bear Ally is the best defensive skill for a Stealth Build because rank 2 grants an AOE taunt when summoned. You can use the bear pre-emptively or reactively to shed attackers from you. Keep your distance by dodging at an angle, and aim for the headshots while the bear holds aggro.
Shadowing Beyond grants immediate stealth, and the godlike passive can be used regardless if you’re in stealth by crouching. Meaning, this skill can be used to one-shot enemies without tall grass.
Additionally, look to take skills that increase critical chance, bow damage, and damage to unsuspecting targets like Sniper, Marksmanship, and Critical Strike.
Companions
The best companions for a stealth build in Avowed are Kai and Giatta because they fulfill the roles of healer and tank. Kai can hold aggro on taunt multiple enemies, keeping them from attacking you. Moreover, you want to reduce his cooldowns on Fire and Ire so he always has the most damaging target taunted. Also upgrade his Leap to AOE Leap of Pride so he can taunt multiple targets at once.
Giatta’s healing is potent, and you should fire increase Acceleration because it doesn’t require you to be near her for healing. Evade Attacks will reduce damage as well, giving a massive defensive boost.
If your survivability is high, swap Kai for Yatzli
| Skill 1 | Skill 2 | Skill 3 | Skill 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire and Ire | Unbending Defense | Leap of Daring | Second Wind |
| Quick Reload | Iron Will | Leap of Pride | Refreshing Wind |
| Skill 1 | Skill 2 | Skill 3 | Skill 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purification | Barrier | Acceleration | Reconstruction |
| Essence Shielding | Greater Barrier | Evade Attacks | Overcharge |
Stealth Gameplay & Tips
The most important part of playing a stealth build in Avowed is triggering the stealth mechanic via tall weeds and crouching or the Shadowing Beyond skill. Tall weeds won’t be found in tight spaces. Moreover, you must crouch many feet away from the target. Look for the eye above their head to determine if you’re detected. You will see a hidden UI element, which means you gain bonus damage when attacking. In melee range, sneak up beyond to trigger the godlike passive Divine Thorn. At range, aim for weak points to do optimal damage.
When it comes to survivability, once you are detected, summon the Bear for an AOE taunt. If you don’t have the bear, dodge to the flank and create space, while rooting the target with tanglefoot. Have Kai taunt the enemy with Fire and Ire and use consumables food for passive bonuses and healing. Don’t rely just on potions; you will spend tons of gold on them.
Prioritize upgrading your Bow weapon with materials, and use melee weapon upgrades sparingly as you should be playing at range. Use light or medium armor, depending on the bonuses. Anything that boosts critical chance, critical damage, stealth damage, or essence regeneration is great at first.
At later levels, practice pre-buffing with Flurry of Blows and take talents for more critical chance and bow damage.
Weapons and Armor
Beginner Weapons and Armor
| Slot | Item | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon 1 | Last Light of Day | Restores health on kill |
| Off-Hand | Sheathed in Summer | 9% critical hit chance |
| Secondary Weapon | The Long Touch | +5% damage against full health enemies |
| Armor | Blackwing Armor | +30% Sneak Attack Damage |
| Gloves | Engwithan Gauntlets | -10% stamina cost while blocking |
| Boots | Boots of the Bricklayer | +15 carry capacity |
| Trinket | Night-Mistress’ Favor | Regen essence near companion |
| Ring | Wayfarer’s Ring | 20% health and essence from food |
| Ring | Vindictive Band | Crits deal poison damage |
Advanced Weapons and Armor
| Slot | Item | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon 1 | The Emperor’s Reach | Kills restore health, attack, and speed |
| Off-Hand | Sheathed in Summer | 9% critical hit chance |
| Secondary Weapon | Ancient Alacrity | Attacks slow enemies |
| Armor | Councilor’s Garb | +50% Sneak Attack Damage |
| Gloves | Gloves of the Strangler | +15% Sneak Attack Damage |
| Boots | Councilor’s Shoes | +2 Dexterity |
| Trinket | Cartographer’s Companion | +1 Dex, +2 Perception |
| Ring | Ring of Pain Amplification | +15% Critical damage |
| Ring | Ring of the Founder | +10% damage against targets with full health |
Consumables
Consumables are extremely powerful and can stack together like Beetle Pie and Magran’s Blessing. When both are consumed, you will gain 30% increased damage that stacks on top of other bonuses. You will need to unlock the Survivalist rank ability to gain access to better recipes. Rank 3 gives you powerful recipes and is worth considering. Stock up in towns because the supplies are very cheap, and often heal as good as a potion just slower. Therefore, pre-buff before big fights by loading up on consumables and having high regeneration.
FAQs about Stealth in Avowed
Does Avowed have a dedicated stealth system?
Yes, to stealth in Avowed, you need to crouch in tall grass. Your UI will show Hidden, and you gain bonus to attacks while stealth depending on your passives. You will need to remain undetected, therefore look for a diamond above the enemies head with yellow being alerted and red knowing being spotted. You can also gain access to a skill that grants stealth automatically called Shadowing Beyond.
Are there stealth-specific skills or perks?
Yes, the ability in the ranger skill tree Shadowing Beyond grants stealth automatically at the cost of essence. Additional, the Ranger passive Sniper increases range weapon damage against unaware enemies by 25%.
Is Bow a good choice for stealth builds?
Yes, the bow is the best weapon for stealth because the ranger skill Sniper increases damage for the bow attacking unaware targets.
Can you combine stealth with magic?
Yes, any class in Avowed can use stealth via Shadowing Beyond, including Wizards. Moreover, you can use the Blood Magic Wizard passive to keep your essence sustain high at the cost of draining your health.
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