I played Dragon Age: The Veilguard before release, and it was a wild ride. Still, there’s a lot I wish I knew going in. Here are some spoiler-free tips to help you get the most out of this epic journey.
Table of Contents
Combat Essentials
Combat in Dragon Age: The Veilguard isn’t just point-and-slash. Picture yourself on a medieval battlefield where you can actually send enemies flying into each other, creating chaos and clearing space. Knockbacks are your best friend if you’re a ranged fighter—especially by cliffs or obstacles. A well-placed shot with the rogue’s explosive trap? Instant kill.
Abilities with cooldowns are also your secret weapon. You might think dodging attacks is about timing, but activating an ability during an enemy’s attack gives you immunity. It’s clutch in high-stakes moments like a dragon bite. Longer abilities, like the Rogue’s Savitur Ultimate, give even longer immunity, so use those against bosses or crowds.
Strategic Skill Trees
When it comes to your skill tree, think of it like building a character from scratch. Early on, stick to skills you find fun or effective. Level 20 unlocks specializations, so don’t rush the edges too soon. Level 30 opens even more passives. You’ll adapt, maybe even reset a few times. Unique items might change your preferred playstyle entirely, so stay flexible.
Companion Conversations & Loyalty
BioWare fans know the routine: companions aren’t just tag-alongs; they’ve got deep stories and loyalty missions. After every side quest, check your map at the Lighthouse—icons over their portraits indicate conversations or side missions. Companion rooms glow when they have something to say. Dialogue-heavy? Sure. But worth it? Absolutely. You never know when a side conversation turns into a major game-changing quest.
Essential Gear Management
There’s one spot to prioritize— the Lighthouse caretaker’s workshop. It ranks up your item drops and is a massive help with power leveling. Items ranked up with the caretaker’s workshop get stronger as you progress. Higher-rank momentos increase what drops in the world. You’ll see faction shops selling these momentos as you move forward, so keep an eye on your resources.
Companions’ gear also levels up with your rank. The better your caretaker rank, the better the items that drop across the world. Enchantments are the cherry on top here—each gear piece gets one. Customization for your build is massive with these, letting you tailor your team’s stats for each challenge.
Faction System for Gear & Perks
There are six main factions here, each with a unique identity: Veiljumpers, Shadow Dragons, Mour Watch, Crow Lords, Lords of Fortune, and the iconic Grey Wardens. Missions and faction-specific objectives give you faction strength—keep racking this up for better items and unique abilities. You can also rank factions up by selling valuables to their vendors. Selling to your preferred faction helps you rank up faster.
Objective Management & Map Exploration
Objectives are only half the story; exploration fills in the rest. Chests, skill points, and health boosts await, but there’s also a lot of breakable terrain. Boarded-up areas, ladders, and treasure markers reward those who venture beyond the beaten path. The map pulses when treasure is nearby, and icon clues below the mini-map are valuable—don’t ignore them. Some paths only open up after you complete quests or encounter new things. There’s no need to scour every inch right away since you’ll revisit these areas regularly.
Enjoy Banter & Unfold Companions’ Stories
The dialogue and interactions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard are gold. Your companions banter as you walk, and even pause mid-fight if interrupted. A romance subplot or casual friendship makes the journey all the more enjoyable. And yes, if you’re not romantically involved with a companion, they’ll find someone else. The beauty here is the spontaneity.
Weaknesses vary; you’ll hear companions talking about what attacks work best against particular foes. Notice who’s in your party and make small choices in conversations that influence their approval. Approval unlocks abilities and powers in their skill tree, so bringing along different companions adds variety.
I could go on and on, but I think you get the gist. Dragon Age Veilguard is a beast of a game, but with these tips in your back pocket? You’re gonna crush it.