What the exclamation mark (!) means next to companion health bars in Avowed

Your companions are there to aid you in battle on your adventure across the Living Lands of Avowed. With their unique abilities that can heal, deal damage and help you access little hideaways, they're a crucial part of the experience that play a big part in your quest to end the mysterious plague known as the Dreamscourge. At times, you may notice an exclamation mark (!) next to your companion's health bars in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. Here's what that ! means next to companion health bars in Avowed. Where are companion health bars and the '!'? Each of your companions has a health bar and a unique icon in the bottom left-hand corner of your HUD. The little emblem just indicates which health bar belongs to which companion, but at times an exclamation mark will appear. Screenshot by Destructoid The game doesn't make it immediately clear what the little symbol that comes and goes means. However, it's quite important if you want to dive into the lore and learn more about the allies on your adventure. What do the exclamation marks mean by companion health bars in Avowed? The '!' indicates that there's a new conversational cutscene for you to enjoy with that companion. You can start these at any time by going to your Party Camp (the pink Adra icons on your map). Once here, walk over to them, and press X. You'll see the exclamation mark in a speech bubble above their head here, too. Screenshot by Destructoid This should immediately start the conversational cutscene. It's often about a recent turn of events in the main quest, or a decision you made in a side quest. For example, when I decided to confront the smugglers in the 'Escape Plan' side quest towards the beginning of the game, Kai told me he thought I was very brave for doing so. Some of these conversations are a little more interesting than others. Still, if you want to build a better relationship and learn more about your companions, you'll want to take the opportunity to talk with them whenever you see that exclamation mark appear. Screenshot by Destructoid The exclamation mark may not immediately go away after you talk with them once. This is because they have something else they want to comment on. Continue speaking to a companion until the '!' disappears from next to their icon in your HUD and you'll know you've heard everything they have to say. That's everything you need to know about the exclamation mark for each of your companions in Avowed. For more on the game, be sure to check out our coverage on where to find the Dawnshore cartographer and Emerald Stair cartographer, the best background to pick, and how to get Adra. The post What the exclamation mark (!) means next to companion health bars in Avowed appeared first on Destructoid.

Feb 13, 2025 - 19:03
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What the exclamation mark (!) means next to companion health bars in Avowed

The companions Yatzli and Giatta fighting alongside each other in Avowed

Your companions are there to aid you in battle on your adventure across the Living Lands of Avowed. With their unique abilities that can heal, deal damage and help you access little hideaways, they're a crucial part of the experience that play a big part in your quest to end the mysterious plague known as the Dreamscourge. At times, you may notice an exclamation mark (!) next to your companion's health bars in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. Here's what that ! means next to companion health bars in Avowed.

Where are companion health bars and the '!'?

Each of your companions has a health bar and a unique icon in the bottom left-hand corner of your HUD. The little emblem just indicates which health bar belongs to which companion, but at times an exclamation mark will appear.

The HUD in Avowed showing the exclamation marks next to companion icons on the left side of the screen.
Screenshot by Destructoid

The game doesn't make it immediately clear what the little symbol that comes and goes means. However, it's quite important if you want to dive into the lore and learn more about the allies on your adventure.

What do the exclamation marks mean by companion health bars in Avowed?

The '!' indicates that there's a new conversational cutscene for you to enjoy with that companion. You can start these at any time by going to your Party Camp (the pink Adra icons on your map). Once here, walk over to them, and press X. You'll see the exclamation mark in a speech bubble above their head here, too.

Marius with an exclamation mark above his head in Avowed at the party camp
Screenshot by Destructoid

This should immediately start the conversational cutscene. It's often about a recent turn of events in the main quest, or a decision you made in a side quest. For example, when I decided to confront the smugglers in the 'Escape Plan' side quest towards the beginning of the game, Kai told me he thought I was very brave for doing so.

Some of these conversations are a little more interesting than others. Still, if you want to build a better relationship and learn more about your companions, you'll want to take the opportunity to talk with them whenever you see that exclamation mark appear.

The main character having a conversation with Marius after interacting with him at the party camp in Avowed
Screenshot by Destructoid

The exclamation mark may not immediately go away after you talk with them once. This is because they have something else they want to comment on. Continue speaking to a companion until the '!' disappears from next to their icon in your HUD and you'll know you've heard everything they have to say.

That's everything you need to know about the exclamation mark for each of your companions in Avowed. For more on the game, be sure to check out our coverage on where to find the Dawnshore cartographer and Emerald Stair cartographer, the best background to pick, and how to get Adra.

The post What the exclamation mark (!) means next to companion health bars in Avowed appeared first on Destructoid.