As BioWare’s highly anticipated Dragon Age: The Veilguard approaches, many newcomers to the series may be wondering how to catch up on the lore before diving into the new game. While BioWare claims that you can play The Veilguard without prior knowledge of the series, it is recommended that players at least experience Dragon Age: Inquisition beforehand.
Inquisition, released in 2014, serves as a direct lead-in to the events of The Veilguard. The character Solas, featured in the gameplay trailer for the upcoming game, plays a significant role in Inquisition, setting the stage for the conflicts to come. Understanding Solas’ backstory and his relationships with other characters is essential for fully appreciating The Veilguard.
Despite concerns about open-world elements in Inquisition, players can streamline their experience by focusing solely on the main story missions and companion quests. By doing so, the game can be completed in a relatively short 30-40 hours, making it an accessible entry point for newcomers.
In addition to playing Inquisition, it is highly recommended that players explore the game’s DLC content, particularly the Trespasser expansion. This final DLC chapter bridges the gap between Inquisition and The Veilguard, providing important context and setting the stage for the sequel.
While Inquisition is considered the minimum requirement for understanding The Veilguard, dedicated fans may benefit from playing through all three main Dragon Age games. Each installment offers a unique gameplay experience and protagonist, contributing to the rich tapestry of lore that shapes the world of Thedas.
For those looking to delve deeper into the series before The Veilguard’s release, the following titles and DLC packs are essential:
– Dragon Age: Origins
– Dragon Age: Origins — Awakening Expansion
– Dragon Age: Origins — Witch Hunt DLC
– Dragon Age II
– Dragon Age II — Legacy DLC
– Dragon Age: Inquisition
– Dragon Age: Inquisition — Trespasser DLC
While there is no definitive consensus on the best entry in the Dragon Age series, each game plays a crucial role in building the world players will explore in The Veilguard. By immersing themselves in the lore and character development of the previous games, players can enhance their overall experience and fully appreciate the depth of the Dragon Age universe.