Marius, the skilled ranger companion in Avowed, offers valuable training that enhances your character’s stats. By building a strong bond with him and engaging in his training sessions, you can permanently boost Dexterity, Constitution, or a mix of both. This guide will walk you through recruiting Marius, initiating his training, and selecting the best stat bonuses to maximize your character’s survival and agility in the Living Lands.
How To Get Marius As A Companion
Marius becomes available shortly after arriving in Dawnshore, following an event that takes you to a rather eerie location. Upon returning, you’ll encounter Marius during a potential tavern brawl as part of the main story quest, “An Untimely End”.
How Marius Can Train/Help You
As a survivalist, hunter, and tracker, Marius’ skills play a crucial role in Avowed’s exploration. Players can rely on him to help locate valuable items and plants throughout The Living Lands. His survival expertise is reflected in his ranger archetype, allowing him to pick off enemies from a distance and use the environment to control the battlefield. He’s one of the most valuable companions you’ll get if you build him properly.
After spending time talking to Marius and taking him through a few combat encounters in Avowed, he can grant you permanent Attribute points. You can choose between +2 Dexterity, +2 Constitution, or +1 to both, giving you a small but valuable power boost.
Marius’ Abilities in Avowed
When you recruit a new companion in Avowed, you can view their abilities in the companion screen under the upgrade section. Each companion has three active abilities and one passive ability, with the first active ability unlocking automatically.
In addition to their combat skills and upgrades, companions also possess a unique exploration ability. Marius’ special ability is particularly useful, as it reveals all enemies, collectibles, and treasures within a small activation radius. Here’s what you can expect from Marius:
Binding Roots
When activated, Marius summons roots from the ground at the target location, immobilizing an enemy for eight seconds. Upgrades allow this ability to trap multiple enemies and apply stun or bleed effects.
Heart Seeker
As a skilled archer, Marius fires a powerful arrow that guarantees a hit and deals significant damage. Upgrades enhance its effectiveness by increasing damage against low-health enemies and reducing cooldown time. Additionally, the Twinned Shot upgrade enables the arrow to strike a second enemy after hitting the primary target.
Shadow Step
Activating this ability allows Marius to teleport to three random enemies, slashing them with his dagger before returning to his original position. Upgrades can double the number of attacks, increase overall damage, and even enable Marius to instantly eliminate the most stunned enemies.
Wounding Shots (Passive)
Once unlocked, this passive ability allows Marius’ attacks to inflict bleed on enemies. Upgrades further enhance its effects by slowing enemies, reducing their damage output, and increasing the damage they take.
Marius’ Abilities and Upgrades
Now that you’re familiar with Marius’ abilities, it’s crucial to know which upgrades to prioritize when you earn companion ability points for him, as these points are quite rare and valuable.
Binding Roots (Unlocked by default)
- Grasping Roots
- Constricting Roots
- Thorny Roots
Wounding Shots
- Exposing Shots
- Maiming Shots
- Impending Shots
Shadow Step
- Assassinate
- Shadow Mastery
- Devastating Blow
Heart Seeker
- Quick Draw
- Twinned Shot
- Sharpshooter
In addition to possessing one of the most useful special abilities in the game, Marius combines high damage output with strong support utility, making him one of the most versatile companions. If you’re playing as a fighter or tank, you can prioritise his DPS abilities, while Ranger or Wizard builds may benefit more from his support skills.
This versatility allows Marius to excel in almost any situation. He pairs well with Kai, helping to divert enemy attention, or with Giatta, who can sustain him in battle. No matter how you use him, Marius remains a valuable asset until you unlock your fourth companion.
