Summary
Dragon Age: The Veilguardhas revealed a detailed breakdown of its character progression, talent system, and item upgrades. While much noise was made about the bold change in direction forDragon Age: The Veilguard, players have slowly warmed up to the action-based combat after a series of gameplay deep dives. The latest video featured a Qunari Mage, and though many agreed the Warrior showcase was their favorite, the best opportunity to test out the classes will undeniably be at launch.
While thecombat inDragon Age: The Veilguardis a radical departure fromOrigins, the build complexity is just as high (if not higher) due to the elaborate talent system for all three classes. Structured like a web or constellation, the talent tree inThe Veilguardstarts the player off in the middle, allowing them to work their way towards a class specialization, such as Death Caller for Mages or Veil Ranger for Rogues. These specializations are themed around a faction that players will get to meet over the course of their adventure in Northern Thedas.
However, this is just the tip of the iceberg forDragon Age: The Veilguard. The talent tree nodes are split into several categories, each providing different types of class progression for Rook. For example, abilities are represented by diamond nodes, whereas circle nodes represent major passives or ability upgrades. Even basic class skills can be modified and evolved, allowingDragon Ageplayers to truly customize their build beyond just picking one of thenine specializations inThe Veilguard.
Rune Enchantments Are Back in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
While Rook won’t employ the services of Sandal, enchantment is back all the same inDragon Age: The Veilguard. Whether by bartering with vendors or by looting chests, players will be able to improve their gear by melding an item with its duplicate – this can not only increase its stats, but can also unlock additional properties. For more complex upgrades, Rook can pay a visit to the Caretaker’s Workshop in The Lighthouse, a location in the Fade that also housesThe Veilguard’s companions.
The Caretaker can aid Rook in two ways: upgrading an item’s power, and applying an enchantment. While the former is straightforward, the latter is whereThe Veilguard’s itemization comes to shine. The Caretaker can be upgraded by collecting mementos found throughout Northern Thedas, which unlocks new enchantments in turn. These enchantments can be placed on both items and abilities, allowing Rook to fine tune theirclass inThe Veilguardeven further. It should be noted that each item or ability can only have one enchantment at a time.
The combat inDragon Age: The Veilguardwill revolve around a system that uses Primer and Detonator abilities, allowing any class or companion to have synergy – a clear evolution ofMass Effect 3. Players will be able to try all these features firsthand on June 18, 2025.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
WHERE TO PLAY
Enter the world of Thedas, a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in conflict and secret magics. Now, a pair of corrupt ancient gods have broken free from centuries of darkness and are hellbent on destroying the world.Thedas needs someone they can count on. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight to stop the gods from blighting the world. But you’re able to’t do this alone – the odds are stacked against you. Lead a team of seven companions, each with their own rich story to discover and shape, and together you will become The Veilguard.
