Dragon Age: The Veilguard Choices Guide
BioWare’s highly anticipated fantasy RPG series, Dragon Age, is back with a new installment titled “The Veilguard.” This latest addition to the franchise is set to revolutionize how players carry over their choices from previous games. In the past, players were able to import their world state from previous games, such as Dragon Age II and Inquisition, to maintain continuity in their playthroughs. This allowed players to see the impact of their decisions, whether big or small, on the game world. However, with The Veilguard, BioWare is taking a different approach by simplifying the process and focusing on key decisions that will shape the player’s experience in the new game.
During an interview with IGN, creative director John Epler shed light on the rationale behind the decision to streamline the choices in The Veilguard. He emphasized the importance of representing these key decisions meaningfully, ensuring that past player choices and world states are integrated in a way that does not contradict previous events. The Veilguard is set in the northern regions of Thedas, a departure from the southern settings of the previous games. This shift allows for a fresh start and a clean slate for the development team, as the events in the south are not directly relevant to the story of The Veilguard.
Epler highlighted the team’s commitment to honoring player choices and maintaining continuity in the Dragon Age universe. While not every decision from previous games will be directly referenced in The Veilguard, the team aims to avoid invalidating any choices made by players. This approach mirrors the handling of past decisions in Dragon Age: Inquisition and Dragon Age II, where not every choice from the previous games was directly addressed but was still acknowledged in the overarching narrative.
Character Creator and Key Decisions
In a recent gameplay demo of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, players were introduced to the character creation process, which plays a crucial role in carrying forward key decisions from previous games. Players start by creating their new hero, Rook, the protagonist of The Veilguard. Following this, players are prompted to recreate the Inquisitor, the main character from Dragon Age: Inquisition, and provide details about their story to ensure continuity in the new game.
One of the key decisions that players must make relates to the romantic relationships of the Inquisitor in Dragon Age: Inquisition. This choice directly impacts the relationships that Rook will have in The Veilguard, as romantic entanglements from the past may influence future interactions and storylines. While The Veilguard offers more freedom in romance options, certain restrictions from Inquisition, such as gender-specific relationships, will carry over to the sequel.
Another important decision point stems from the events of the Trespasser DLC in Dragon Age: Inquisition. Players are asked to choose whether the Inquisitor disbanded the Inquisition or surrendered control to the Chantry at the end of the expansion. This decision has far-reaching consequences and will shape the organization’s role in The Veilguard, impacting gameplay and narrative elements.
Confronting Solas
The final key decision players must make revolves around the character Solas, a pivotal figure in the Dragon Age universe. In the Trespasser DLC, the Inquisitor is faced with a moral dilemma regarding Solas’s plans to tear down the Veil and restore the elven race to its former glory. Players must decide whether the Inquisitor will stop Solas by any means necessary or seek to save him from his destructive path. This decision reflects the Inquisitor’s stance on Solas’s actions and sets the stage for potential conflicts and resolutions in The Veilguard.
The confrontation with Solas and the implications of this decision are central to the narrative of The Veilguard, as players navigate the complex relationships and allegiances that define the Dragon Age universe. The repercussions of this choice will reverberate throughout the game, shaping the interactions between characters and influencing the overarching storyline.
With Dragon Age: The Veilguard set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on October 31, players can look forward to a rich and immersive gaming experience that builds upon the legacy of the franchise. The seamless integration of past player choices and world states ensures that each player’s journey is unique and personalized, reflecting the depth and complexity of the Dragon Age universe.
As players prepare to embark on a new adventure in The Veilguard, the choices they make will not only impact their own story but also shape the future of Thedas. By embracing the legacy of past games while forging a path forward, BioWare continues to deliver captivating storytelling and compelling gameplay experiences that resonate with fans of the Dragon Age series.
