At the start of Avowed, you'll face a crucial decision: whether to free Ilora, a mysterious prisoner at Fort Northreach, or leave her behind. Your ultimate goal is to use her boat to reach Paradis. Here's a detailed look at the implications of freeing or leaving Ilora in Avowed.
Should You Free or Leave Ilora?
In Avowed, you have the freedom to shape your character's journey. However, freeing Ilora is highly recommended. Not only does it make navigating Fort Northreach easier, but it also unlocks a valuable side quest later in the game.
What Happens If You Free Ilora in Avowed?

Freeing Ilora in Avowed proves to be a beneficial choice. She aids you in defeating the enemies on the island, including the formidable boss, Steadman Ralke. Given that your character starts the game with limited strength and subpar equipment, Ilora's assistance significantly eases the challenges you face.
Moreover, freeing Ilora sets the stage for the "Escape Plan" side quest later in the game. Without spoiling the details, having Ilora on your side will simplify this quest considerably.
How to Free Ilora

To free Ilora, head to the Warden's Room, which she mentions holds the key to her cell. Navigate to the end of the hallway, climb the crates, and jump to the adjacent platform. Enter the passageway above and break through the boards on your right to access the Warden's Room. The key is conveniently located next to the door. Use it to unlock Ilora's cell, and don't forget to open the adjacent cell to obtain the Deerskin Gloves.
What Happens If You Don’t Free Ilora in Avowed?
Choosing not to free Ilora makes Fort Northreach much more challenging. You'll struggle more with the "Escape Plan" quest later on. Additionally, Ilora won't remain imprisoned; you'll end up confronting her during your escape, adding to the difficulty. On the flip side, defeating Ilora allows you to loot her body, providing you with various items as a grim reward for your harsh decision.
In conclusion, freeing Ilora in Avowed is the optimal choice, enhancing your gameplay experience and facilitating smoother progression through the game's challenges.
Avowed is available now.