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Top Ten Things We Wish We Knew Before Starting Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Dragon Age: The Veilguard plunges players back into the complex world of Thedas, combining fresh mechanics with a familiar dark fantasy vibe. But as with any Dragon Age title, it’s not always easy to know the best moves to make from the outset. Here’s a list of the top ten things that might save you some grief (and potions!) as you venture into BioWare’s latest epic.

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1. Choose Your Class Wisely and Commit to Your Build

When it comes to classes, The Veilguard keeps it simple: Warrior, Rogue, or Mage. But within each class are specializations that allow for vastly different playstyles. It’s important to think ahead, especially since you can see the skill tree’s full layout. Whether you lean into the Mage’s destructive power with the Spellblade specialization or the Rogue’s stealthy Duelist path, plan your build to suit your preferred approach – and don’t be afraid to respec if you’re experimenting.

2. The Lighthouse is More Than Just a Home Base

In classic Dragon Age fashion, you’ll have a central hub – this time, the Lighthouse in the Fade. It’s easy to overlook, but the Lighthouse is packed with hidden lore, side quests, and character interactions that add depth to your journey. It’s also where you’ll find upgrades and romance options. Make a habit of returning often, as your companions might have time-sensitive conversations that can lead to new story paths or upgrades.

3. Use Elemental Attacks to Exploit Boss Weaknesses

Elemental affinity is a huge deal in The Veilguard, especially in boss fights. Each companion brings a different elemental attack, such as Neve’s ice or Davrin’s fire. Switching up your team to match an enemy’s weakness can make high-level fights far easier, so don’t hesitate to rotate companions as needed. Even regular enemies have resistances and weaknesses, so knowing what element hits hardest can be a game-changer.

4. Explore Everywhere – Merchants Can Surprise You

Exploration is rewarded handsomely in The Veilguard, especially when it comes to merchants. Even the most unassuming trader might stock rare items, consumables, or permanent stat-boosting fruits. Visit every merchant in each town you pass through – Dock Town, in particular, has vendors with unique goods that you’ll want to snag. Never assume a shop’s inventory is unimportant; it might just hold that rare item you’ve been hunting for.

5. Pay Attention to Ogre Attack Patterns

If you’re new to The Veilguard, prepare yourself for a parade of Ogres. These hulking enemies have a distinct attack pattern that, once mastered, can make them much easier to deal with. Study their moves, especially if you’re tackling side content where Ogre variants are common. Being able to anticipate their swings and dodges will save you both health and sanity.

6. Shooting Ladders Instead of Finding Keys

It’s a minor trick, but one that might save you some frustration: some ladders in The Veilguard are held up by padlocked chains. Instead of searching for a key, you can just shoot the padlock with an arrow, causing the ladder to drop. This saves time and opens up new routes, especially when navigating higher areas.

7. Experiment Freely with Respec Options

BioWare has blessed us with a free respec system in The Veilguard, allowing you to adjust your skills as often as you like outside of combat. This lets you adapt your abilities to the demands of each quest or boss fight, whether you need to amplify your damage output or lean into a more defensive setup. Use this to your advantage, trying out different builds until you find the one that feels perfect.

8. Your Companions Are More Than Just Backup

Each companion in The Veilguard brings more than combat skills – they have unique side quests and storylines that unfold as your relationship grows. Completing their personal missions can yield powerful benefits, including rare items, additional lore, and even character-specific combat buffs. Take the time to dive into their stories, as these bonds will enrich your overall experience and may even affect the game’s ending.

9. Keep an Eye Out for the Eluvians for Fast Travel

Fast travel in The Veilguard is tied to the Eluvians (magical mirrors) scattered throughout Thedas. Clearing these areas in the Crossroads allows you to teleport between regions, but they’re not all active at first. Unlocking Eluvians requires combat and exploration, so prioritize them as they’ll save you a lot of travel time in the long run.

10. When All Else Fails, Let Your Allies Do the Heavy Lifting

Sometimes, it’s best to let your allies handle the hard work. In tough battles, go defensive – dodge, heal, and let your companions dish out the damage. With characters like Taash and Davrin holding the line, you can focus on survival and strategic hits instead of leading every attack. This strategy can be a lifesaver in fights where you’re outmatched and need to avoid unnecessary damage.

Final Thoughts

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a rich, expansive game with countless secrets and strategies to uncover. Armed with these tips, you’re ready to dive deeper into Thedas, prepared for the trials that await. Whether you’re here for the lore, the battles, or the character moments, these insights should help you navigate the challenges ahead.