Dragon Age The Veilguard: Beginners Guide

The world of Thedas is about to welcome its latest chapter, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and the excitement among RPG fans is palpable. With its release date inching closer, there’s a lot to unpack about what this latest instalment in BioWare’s beloved series has in store for us. Whether you’re a seasoned Dragon Age veteran or a newcomer to the franchise, this game promises to deliver an immersive, unforgettable experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the essential details, from gameplay mechanics and classes to companions and storylines. Let’s dive into the world of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and see what awaits us.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard The Long-Awaited Release

BioWare has taken its time with Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and for good reason. With a massive game world, intricate storytelling, and deep character development, the creators wanted to ensure that everything was perfect. According to BioWare, the development of the game took longer than expected because of the complexity involved, including recording over 700 characters and 140,000 lines of dialogue. This attention to detail shows their commitment to creating a truly epic RPG.

But the wait is almost over. Set to launch on October 31, 2024, Dragon Age: The Veilguard will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Mark your calendars because this Halloween, Thedas opens its doors once again.

Why the Excitement? New Features and Returning Favorites

What makes Dragon Age: The Veilguard so exciting? For starters, BioWare has listened to fan feedback from previous installments and made significant improvements. Let’s take a closer look at what fans can expect.

1. Web-Like Skill Trees Inspired by Final Fantasy

Skill trees in RPGs can make or break a character’s development, and BioWare isn’t taking any chances. Drawing inspiration from the popular skill systems in Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy XII, the new “web-like” skill trees allow players to build their characters in unique ways. Whether you’re focused on combat, magic, or rogue-like precision, the progression system offers a range of possibilities that cater to every playstyle.

2. No Microtransactions – A Breath of Fresh Air

In an era where microtransactions often mar the gaming experience, The Veilguard will come as a relief to many. BioWare has confirmed that the game won’t include pesky microtransactions or unnecessary account linking. This decision aligns with their goal of providing a polished, story-driven RPG experience that doesn’t interrupt gameplay with constant payment requests.

A Closer Look at the Game’s Protagonist

Every Dragon Age game has had a strong, memorable protagonist, and The Veilguard will be no different. In this game, players will step into the shoes of Rook, a customizable hero who is destined to battle on the frontlines against Solas, one of the series’ most iconic villains.

Character Customization Like Never Before

BioWare is pushing the boundaries of character creation with the most extensive options seen in any of their games. You can tweak Rook’s physical appearance, choose their pronouns, and even decide on tattoos and hairstyles. This level of customization allows you to truly make Rook your own, reflecting not only your playstyle but also your personality.

Choose Your Class: Warrior, Rogue, or Mage?

Just like in previous Dragon Age titles, The Veilguard offers players three distinct classes: Warrior, Rogue, and Mage. Each class has special abilities and weapons tailored to different combat styles.

• Warrior: The tank of the battlefield, capable of withstanding heavy damage. You’ll have the option to wield a sword and shield or go for powerful two-handed weapons for devastating strikes.
• Rogue: If you prefer speed and precision, the Rogue is your best bet. Choose between bows for long-range attacks or dual swords for swift, lethal melee combat.
• Mage: Masters of elemental magic, Mages can unleash fire, ice, and lightning upon their enemies. Whether from a distance or up close, their spells can control the battlefield and deal massive damage.

Each class also offers specializations, giving players even more ways to tailor their character to their preferred combat style. The new action-oriented combat system ensures that each fight feels intense and dynamic, with real-time decision-making playing a crucial role.

Gameplay: A More Action-Packed Dragon Age

The combat system in The Veilguard represents a significant evolution from previous Dragon Age games. While still grounded in the tactical roots of the series, combat will be more action-oriented, allowing players to control their character directly during battles. This shift toward real-time action enhances the immediacy of the fights and keeps the adrenaline pumping.

But it’s not just about the action. As always, Dragon Age games are known for their dialogue and player choices. You’ll still be able to shape the course of the story through your decisions, including choosing dialogue options that can dramatically alter the outcome of quests and relationships. BioWare has also confirmed that the dialogue wheel familiar to fans will return, giving players the freedom to steer conversations in their preferred direction.

Seven Factions – Choose Your Allegiance

One of the most intriguing aspects of The Veilguard is the introduction of seven factions. These factions play a critical role in shaping your journey through Thedas. When creating your character, you’ll choose one of these groups, each offering unique dialogue options and impacting how the world responds to you.

Here’s a quick rundown of the factions:

• Grey Wardens: The legendary order sworn to fight the Darkspawn and stop the Blight. If you’ve played previous games, you’re familiar with their noble (and often tragic) history.
• Veil Jumpers: New to the Dragon Age universe, this faction is made up of explorers who brave dangerous elven ruins. They are willing to face reality-warping magic to uncover ancient secrets.
• Shadow Dragons: A resistance movement seeking to overthrow the corrupt rulers of Tevinter and end the region’s long-standing tradition of slavery.
• Lords of Fortune: Adventurers and treasure hunters from Rivain, known for their daring exploits and near-miraculous escapes from danger.
• The Mourn Watch: Elite necromancers from Nevarra who have deep ties to the world of spirits and the undead. Their connection to the supernatural makes them one of the more mysterious factions.
• Antivan Crows: Famous assassins feared across Thedas, striking from the shadows with deadly precision.
• The Shadow Dragons: Fighters who champion justice and resist oppression, often fighting for a better future.

Your Companions: Old Friends and New Faces

No Dragon Age game would be complete without a colorful cast of companions, and The Veilguard promises to deliver. Players will be joined by seven distinct companions, each with their own skills, backstories, and personalities.

Meet the Companions:

• Lace Harding: A fan-favorite dwarf scout returning from Dragon Age: Inquisition.
• Darvin: A Grey Warden accompanied by a young griffin.
• Bellara: A Veil Jumper obsessed with uncovering Elvhenan secrets.
• Taash: A risk-taking Dragon Hunter from the Lords of Fortune.
• Lucanis: An Antivan Crow assassin with sharp skills but lacking in social graces.
• Emmerich: A necromancer with a skeletal assistant named Manfred.
• Neve: A cynical private detective fighting for justice.

Romance also plays a role in The Veilguard, as players can build deeper relationships with any of the companions, regardless of gender. As in previous games, your choices will affect how these romances develop, adding another layer of complexity to your journey.

Revisiting Thedas: A World Full of Exploration

The Veilguard will take players to some familiar locations in Thedas, but it will also introduce new areas that have long been hinted at in previous games. Minrathous, the capital of Tevinter, is one such place, known for its dark magic and towering structures. Other locations include Rivain and the Arlathan Forest, both rich with lore and mysteries to uncover.

While the game won’t be fully open-world like Dragon Age: Inquisition, it will feature mission-based levels with expansive areas to explore. This design decision was made to create a more focused and narrative-driven experience, with each location serving as a critical piece of the story.

With so much to look forward to, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated RPGs of 2024. Whether you’re here for the story, the combat, or the deep role-playing experience, there’s something for every type of player. As BioWare opens the gates of Thedas once more, we’re reminded why this series has remained a favourite among gamers for so long.

Ready your sword (or staff), and prepare for an epic adventure like no other!