Avowed received the 2.0 Anniversary Update (February 2026), introducing three new playable races: Dwarf, Orlan, and Aumaua. If you’re starting a new character or replaying via New Game Plus, choosing the right race can influence your build, combat feel, and first-person perspective. This guide dives into every race, their confirmed effects, lore context, optimal builds, and gameplay tips.
What Changed in the 2026 Anniversary Update?
The 2.0 Anniversary Update added:
Three new playable races: Dwarf, Orlan, Aumaua
Expanded New Game Plus support
Additional character customization, including Magic Mirror for appearance updates
Adjusted camera heights for each race, subtly affecting first-person perspective
These changes make replaying the game more engaging, with new strategic and visual considerations.
How Race Affects Your Character in Avowed
Confirmed Attribute & Bonus Notes
Each race now provides hard-coded starting bonuses (based on player and community reports):
Dwarf: Defensive-oriented
Orlan: Precision and crit-focused
Aumaua: Strength and two-handed weapon potential
Racial Passive Bonuses
Affect combat efficiency, skill synergy, and roleplay immersion
Each race interacts differently with the Magic Mirror, New Game Plus, and first-person camera feel
Roleplay & Camera Influence
Race choice now changes camera height: shorter Orlans feel closer to the ground, taller Aumauas have a “birds-eye view”
This alters visual perspective in combat and exploration, giving each race a distinct feel
Dwarf – Defensive Specialist or Frontline Bruiser?
Lore Overview
Dwarves hail from the rugged Living Lands, famed for craftsmanship, resilience, and endurance.
Confirmed Features
Slightly taller than Orlans but shorter than Aumauas (camera feel is low-to-mid)
Known for survivability and defensive playstyle
Best Builds
Heavy tank with sword-and-shield
Battlemage or defensive spellblade
Melee-focused pocket builds for NG+ encounters
Pros & Cons
Pros: Forgiving for beginners, high defensive reliability
Cons: Less agile, slower spellcasting and mobility
Orlan – Precision, Stealth & Hybrid Play
Lore Overview
Orlans are small, agile, and dexterous — ideal for stealth, critical hits, and hybrid playstyles.
Confirmed Features
Lower camera height, giving an immersive ground-level feel
Advantageous for aiming ranged attacks and critical hit strategies
Best Builds
Rogue/stealth-focused
Spellblade burst DPS
Hybrid gunslinger builds for experienced players
Pros & Cons
Pros: High burst damage, superior agility
Cons: Lower health, requires precision play
Aumaua – Power & Intimidation
Lore Overview
Aumaua are large, imposing, and built for raw strength and presence in combat.
Confirmed Features
High camera height — provides a literal elevated perspective
Naturally suited for two-handed weapons and aggressive melee
Best Builds
Two-handed melee DPS
Frontline tanky-damage soak
Late-game damage-oriented NG+ builds
Pros & Cons
Pros: High damage potential, strong presence in combat
Cons: Less suited for stealth or finesse strategies
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Race | Playstyle | Best For | Camera Height | Combat Role | Difficulty Curve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwarf | Tank | Survivability | Low-Mid | Defensive / Battlemage | Easy |
| Orlan | Agile DPS | Stealth/Hybrid | Low | Crit-focused / Ranged | High |
| Aumaua | Power DPS | Melee builds | High | Heavy DPS / Two-Handed | Medium |
| Human | Balanced | Flexible | Mid | Versatile | Medium |
| Elf | Spell / DPS | Magic / Ranged | Mid | Wizard / Gun Mage | Medium |
Best Race for Each Build Type
Tank Builds: Dwarf
Rogue/Stealth Builds: Orlan
Frontline DPS: Aumaua
Spellblade/Hybrid Builds: Dwarf or Orlan
NG+ Veterans: Choose based on preferred combat style and camera feel
The Height Factor: How Race Changes Your Gameplay
The 2.0 Anniversary Update makes camera height a gameplay consideration:
Orlan: World feels massive, better for aiming and stealth positioning
Aumaua: Elevated perspective, easier to see over enemies and environmental hazards
Dwarf: Balanced perspective, feels grounded and tanky
This subtle feature affects how players perceive enemy positioning, environment, and combat flow without altering core stats.
Can You Change Your Race Later?
✅ Confirmed: Use the Magic Mirror at camp to update your character’s appearance and race mid-playthrough
You are no longer locked into your initial choice — ideal for testing builds or experimenting with NG+ strategies
FAQ
Q: What is the best race in Avowed?
A: Depends on your build — Dwarf for tanks, Orlan for agile crit builds, Aumaua for melee DPS.
Q: Do races affect stats?
A: Race affects starting attributes and passive bonuses; camera height and first-person feel also vary.
Q: Can I change my race later?
A: Yes! Use the Magic Mirror at camp to swap race, appearance, and racial bonuses anytime.
Q: Are new races available on PS5?
A: Yes — the 2.0 Anniversary Update launched across PS5 and Xbox with full support.
Q: How does camera height impact gameplay?
A: Shorter or taller races change perspective in first-person view, affecting stealth, aiming, and environmental navigation.
Final Verdict – Which Race Should You Choose?
New Players: Dwarf — forgiving, defensive, great for learning combat mechanics
Min-maxers / Crit Builds: Orlan — small hitbox, precision-focused, great for high-skill play
Frontline Melee / Heavy Damage: Aumaua — high strength, elevated camera, powerful melee presence
NG+ Veterans: Pick the race that complements your endgame build and preferred camera perspective
Race choice in Avowed now influences not just appearance and lore, but combat perception and gameplay feel, making this guide essential for both newcomers and veterans navigating the 2026 update.
👉 Next recommended reads:
- Avowed New Game Plus (2026) Guide
- Avowed 2026: PS5 vs Xbox Series X
- Avowed: Best Light, Medium, Heavy Armor Guide
- Obsidian Entertainment Official Website - Game info & updates
- Xbox Game Pass Info - Free Anniversary Update access for Game Pass members
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