Avowed's map that mimics the Outer Worlds could solve a major RPG problem

Declared is shaping up to be another strong entry in Obsidian's catalog, and the company's history could help the game's success. When it comes to the game map, Declared it would be best to take inspiration from the planets of The outer worlds.

Ever since its announcement, Declared drew strong comparisons to existing games. It is confirmed to take place in the same world as Pillars of Eternity franchise, so naturally fans can expect a similar experience. Others were quick to point out that the fancy setting brought back memories of Skyrim. Others described the game as a fantasy version of Obsidian The outer worldswhich might not be a bad way to play. Based on what has been revealed about Declaredhis approach to map design, influence from The outer worlds could help succeed.

Avowed's map progression may be his secret weapon

In a landscape where open world maps have become the standard, it can be difficult for games to challenge this design philosophy, but Declared seems to follow a different path. Just like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, DeclaredHis map deviates from the norm by opting for an “open area” method. A similar method was used in Obsidian's science game, planet hopping, The outer worlds. The idea is that there will be one large map for players to explore, but the map will be divided into different areas to be unlocked as the game's story dictates.

In The outer worldsthese areas took the form of different planets. Each planet was explorable and had its own lore, enemies, and quests, but players could only travel there after reaching a certain point in the story. It seems that Declared he could use this idea in his fantasy world, where different areas include different story elements and different self-contained areas to explore.

The outer worlds map layout helped structure the RPG content

This map design worked well The outer worlds because it helped solve a problem that many RPGs face. Developers can never be sure what players will do, so it can be difficult to cram them into certain places when the story needs them there. In a genre with plenty of side quests and enemies to distract from the narrative, it's easy for players to focus on those elements of the game. The result is often that when players return to the story, they are way overleveled and the game becomes too easy.

The open zone system solves this by giving players the same freedom, just in multiple smaller zones at different points throughout the game rather than all at once. Of course, there are downsides DeclaredIts open area map like limitations on what can be included in small spaces, but Obsidian has experience walking that line.

Obsidian can learn from previous titles

What Declared has in her favor is that, after The outer worldsObsidian has experience designing this type of map. The fantasy setting may not fit as naturally as the value of a solar system's planets, but the experience of designing under these past constraints can only help Obsidian achieve better success next time.

Declared seems to draw inspiration from many of Obsidian's past success stories. For example, the premise of Declared has striking similarities to Tyrannyanother Obsidian game from 2016. Tyranny it also saw the player take on the role of a royal assistant who had been sent into danger by their ruler. Connect everything using Pillars of Eternity world as a setting, Obsidian has placed itself perfectly in its comfort zone.

Declared I hope he also takes notes from Skyrim based on Obsidian's mention that the game will have easy-to-miss secrets, interactions, and easter eggs for players to discover. Emulating the success of other games in the genre and the developer's past successes, Declared it could have what it takes to stand out from the crowd when it launches in early 2025.