It has officially been a year since we first stepped into the vibrant, soul-tangled wilds of the Living Lands, and Obsidian Entertainment isn’t letting the milestone pass quietly. To celebrate, they’ve dropped the Anniversary Update, a beefy patch that feels more like a “thank you” letter to the community. Whether you’re a hardened Envoy who finished the game months ago or a newcomer picking it up for the first time—perhaps on the newly released PlayStation 5 version—there is a ton of fresh ground to cover.
New Faces and Ancient Races
The biggest headline is undoubtedly the expansion of character creation. At launch, we were limited to Humans and Elves, but the update finally brings the rest of the “kith” to the party. You can now roll a stout Dwarf, a nimble Orlan, or a towering Aumaua. Each comes with its own attribute bonuses, like the +2 Might for Aumauans, allowing for much deeper build variety right from the jump. And don’t worry if you’re already halfway through a playthrough; a new Magic Mirror has been added to the Party Camp, letting you swap your species and look without having to restart your entire journey.
The Power Trip: New Game Plus and the Quarterstaff
For those who have already conquered the main story, New Game Plus is finally here. You can carry over your unlocked abilities, unique gear, and enchantments into a fresh run. To keep things spicy, Obsidian bumped the attribute cap from 15 to 30 and introduced enemy modifiers. You might run into a “Glass Cannon” bandit who hits like a truck but folds like paper, or a “Vindictive” boss that gets stronger as its health drops. If you’re looking for a new way to dish out damage, the update introduces the Quarterstaff, a bludgeoning weapon designed for the Archmage fantasy that features satisfying, wand-style stun finishers.
Play Your Way
Beyond the flashy new content, there are a lot of quality-of-life tweaks that make the world feel smoother. The lighting has received a significant visual polish, and the previously rigid gear upgrade system has been loosened up so you aren’t constantly starved for resources. There is even a new Photo Mode for the virtual photographers out there who want to capture the perfect shot of a Godlike sunset. It’s clear that Obsidian listened to the feedback, turning what was already a solid RPG into a much more refined, customizable experience.
