Ilora's Fate in Avowed: To Free or Not?

At the start of Avowed, you're faced with a pivotal decision: whether to free a mysterious prisoner named Ilora from her cell at Fort Northreach or to leave her behind, with the ultimate goal of using her boat to reach Paradis. Here’s a detailed look at the consequences of freeing or leaving Ilora in Avowed.

Should You Free or Leave Ilora?

In Avowed, the freedom to role-play your character is paramount, yet the choice to free Ilora is highly recommended. Not only does this decision make Fort Northreach more manageable, but it also unlocks a significant side quest later in the game.

What Happens If You Free Ilora in Avowed?

Freeing Ilora in Avowed comes with immediate and future benefits. She'll assist you in defeating the enemies on the island, including the formidable Steadman Ralke. Given your character's initial lack of strength and subpar gear at the beginning of the game, Ilora's help significantly eases the challenge. Moreover, your act of kindness pays off later with the side quest "Escape Plan," where having Ilora's support simplifies the task considerably.

How to Free Ilora

To free Ilora, you need to retrieve the key from the Warden’s Room. Head to the end of the hallway, climb the crates, and jump to the platform across. From there, enter the passageway above and break through some boards on your right to access the Warden’s Room. The key to Ilora's cell is right by the door. Don't forget to unlock the adjacent cell to claim the Deerskin Gloves within.

What Happens If You Don’t Free Ilora in Avowed?

Choosing not to free Ilora makes Fort Northreach significantly harder to navigate. You'll face increased difficulty not only in the immediate area but also later during the "Escape Plan" quest. Additionally, Ilora won't remain imprisoned; you'll end up confronting her as an enemy, further complicating your escape. However, if you do take this route, you can loot her body afterward, gaining some valuable items at the cost of morality.

Ultimately, freeing Ilora in Avowed is the path that offers the most strategic advantages and aligns with a more rewarding gameplay experience.

Avowed is available now.