Dragon Age: Veilguard: Release Date, Plot, Companions, Characters, Gameplay Features

Fans are eagerly anticipating this new installment, and BioWare has already begun to reveal details about the plot and gameplay. One of the key innovations is that all companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard can be romantically involved and are canonically pansexual, which has sparked both excitement and criticism in the community. In this article, we’ve gathered all the known information about the upcoming game, so we invite everyone interested in BioWare's forthcoming release to read on.

Plot, Game World, and Combat System

The game begins with the main character interrupting a ritual, leading to significant changes in the lore. Blood magic is excluded due to the risk of possession, and Solas ends up trapped in the Shadow while the ancient elven gods are released. Solas communicates with the main character, influencing the plot based on the player's choices.

The game features a central location called the Beacon, an old refuge of Solas. This place, rich in artifacts and frescoes, will be a key area for exploration and interaction. There is no open world in the game. Instead, several large, hand-crafted locations are available for exploration. Each zone will have a fog of war that dissipates as you explore.

The combat system focuses on action RPG with the option for tactical pause. Players can choose three active skills during missions, and companions will have their own abilities that can be used in combat.

Release Date, System Requirements, Platforms, and Price

The exact release date has not been provided by BioWare, but it is confirmed to be in fall 2024. The game will be available on familiar next-generation consoles: XBOX, PlayStation 5, and of course, PC, where it can be purchased on Steam.

Currently, there is no precise information on the game's price, but it is unlikely BioWare will underprice their AAA game. However, there are attractive discounts available for the entire franchise in anticipation of the new release, and the franchise can be purchased on Steam for around $10.

Unfortunately, the system requirements, like the price, are not yet known. It is anticipated that the system requirements will be similar to those of Baldur's Gate 3, so a PC close to current standards, starting with an i5 10th generation and graphics cards around the RTX 3060, will likely be required.

Other Interesting Details About Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Companion Relationship Levels and Skills

BioWare has introduced a new Relationship Levels system. Each companion has a relationship level with the main character, Rook. This level affects their personal feelings and skills. Your choices, dialogues, and actions towards companions will alter this level. Increasing the relationship level unlocks skill points that can be used to develop companion abilities. This system adds depth to interactions and makes each encounter with Rook unique.

Diverse Romantic Lines

Romantic lines in Dragon Age: The Veilguard will be varied. For instance, the romance line with Bellara runs parallel to the main story and lasts longer. Another companion may never have been in a relationship before, making each romance unique. Interestingly, if the player does not develop romantic relationships, some companions may start seeking each other. This dynamic adds an additional level of complexity to the game.

Return of Playable Origins

One of the favorite features from Dragon Age: Origins — playable origins — is making a return in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Fans are excited that this feature will be included. There will be six different backstories to choose from:

• Veilwalkers
• Grey Wardens
• Shadow Dragons
• Fate Lords
• Mourners
• Antivan Sparrows

These backstories will influence how players encounter Varric and interact with The Veilguard. Fans hope these origins will be fully playable, adding replay value and immersion to the game.

Various Gameplay Options

Fans have suggested various gameplay features they would like to see in The Veilguard. Popular requests include dual-wielding, spirit healers, and werewolves. These features will add variety to combat and character builds. Many also hope that mages will once again be able to heal, a feature that was missing in Inquisition.

Inclusive Character Customization

BioWare emphasizes inclusivity in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The game will offer hundreds of sliders for character customization and gender-neutral pronoun options. This focus on inclusivity extends to difficulty levels. Players can choose between standard modes like Narrator, Adventurer, and Nightmare. There will also be an Unbound difficulty mode, which allows players to customize their experience with various parameters, including path indicators, aiming assistance, and the option to disable character death. These options will help players of all abilities enjoy the game.