Step into the world of Avowed like never before-ditch the traditional first-person view and unlock a fresh perspective by switching to third-person. Whether you want to admire your character’s armor and spells in action or simply explore the vast landscapes with a wider view, toggling between perspectives is surprisingly easy. On PC, just hold down the U key; on Xbox or with a controller, press and hold the right stick (R3) to instantly switch your viewpoint and see your adventure from a whole new angle.
Update (Feb. 17): Added a second (faster) way to method to switch to third-person.
How to play Avowed in third-person
To play Avowed in third-person, you have two main options. You can toggle the view by holding down the right stick button (R3) on your controller for a few seconds, which switches the perspective instantly without navigating menus. On PC, pressing and holding the “U” key achieves the same effect. Alternatively, you can switch to third-person through the settings menu by pausing the game, going to Settings > Game > Camera, and enabling the “Third-Person View” option, then applying the changes. This flexibility allows you to enjoy a wider view of your character and surroundings while still being able to switch back to first-person for more immersive combat moments.
To play Avowed in third-person, there are two options:
- On an Xbox controller, press and hold the right thumbstick for a few seconds to change your perspective (thanks Twitter for the tip).
- Go to settings, then the “game” submenu and the “camera” section, then select “third-person view,” as shown in the screenshot above.
Switching to third-person in Avowed is a head-and-shoulders improvement over Obsidian’s own The Outer Worlds – even modders haven’t been able to square that circle. To date, there still isn’t a popular third-person mod for the game – a discussion point for the game’s community even years after the game’s release.
How well does third-person in Avowed work?
Third-person mode in Avowed offers a wider field of view and improved situational awareness, especially useful in combat scenarios involving multiple enemies or ranged attacks. It allows players to better track enemies and companions, making tactical maneuvers easier. Additionally, third-person perspective enhances exploration by revealing hidden paths and secrets that might be missed in first-person. However, some players find third-person combat less fluid, with the player character sometimes obscuring close-range attacks and animations feeling less smooth compared to first-person. Modders and players have found ways to improve the third-person experience by adjusting camera distance to keep the action closer and more engaging. Overall, while first-person offers more immersion and precision, third-person in Avowed works well for those who prefer broader awareness and character visibility.
The third-person mode in Avowed certainly functions smoothly enough. While climbing or jumping reveals your character is no Nathan Drake, you move smoothly enough on flat ground, including dodging during combat. The third-person reticle is the size of a pinprick, which would conceivably make looting a cumbersome action, but if you get close enough to the item you want to pick up, you’ll get the prompt regardless of how exacting your reticle placement is. Even ranged weapons, like pistols, bows, and wands, are just as precise in third-person as they are in first-person. (Plus, an early skill allows you to slow down time when aiming.)
That said, there’s admittedly a draw to the immersion of a first-person perspective. Though if you get motion sickness from playing first-person, we’d recommend reducing the “head bobbing strength” level by 50% or simply toggling off the “head bobbing” setting entirely. Both settings can be found directly below the third-person view setting.
How can I quickly switch to third-person in Avowed during gameplay
To quickly switch to third-person view in Avowed during gameplay, simply hold down the right stick button (R3) on your controller for a moment until the perspective changes. On PC, you can press and hold the U key to toggle between first-person and third-person views instantly. Alternatively, you can enable third-person mode through the in-game settings by pausing the game, navigating to Settings > Game > Camera, and turning on the Third-Person View option, then confirming the change.
What is the fastest way to toggle third-person in Avowed during combat
The fastest way to toggle third-person view in Avowed during combat is by holding down the right stick button (R3) on your controller for a moment; a single click won’t work-you need to hold it briefly to switch perspectives instantly. On PC, you can achieve the same quick toggle by holding the U key until the view changes. This method allows you to switch on the fly without pausing or navigating menus, making it ideal for seamless perspective changes even in the heat of battle.
