Dragon Age: Veilguard Unlocks Secrets of Classes, Factions

Dragon Age: The Veilguard – A New Era of Action-Oriented Combat

Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers a significant departure from its predecessors, embracing a more action-focused combat system. This shift has sparked debate among fans, but the core Dragon Age elements remain, albeit adapted to this new style. Rook's background choice, impacting gameplay regardless of class, adds a unique layer of depth.

Nine distinct class specializations, intricately woven into the game's narrative, await players. Rook's connection to the Veil, for instance, prevents him from becoming a Blood Mage, while Tevinter Templars lack the magic-suppressing abilities of their southern counterparts. Each class (Warrior, Mage, and Rogue) boasts three specializations, unlocked through interactions with Northern Thedas' factions.

GameInformer interviews reveal a direct link between specializations and factions. The Mourn Watch of Nevarra, for example, could train Rook as a Reaper or Death Caller, depending on class. The Reaper, a new specialization, utilizes "night blades," while the Death Caller focuses on necromancy. Faction selection during character creation determines backstory, identity, and even the player's non-combat attire within the Lighthouse.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard Classes and Specializations:

Warrior:

• Reaper: A life-draining dark fighter, risking death for power.
• Slayer: A two-handed weapons expert.
• Champion: A sword-and-board defensive tactician.

Mage:

• Evoker: An elemental mage wielding fire, ice, and lightning.
• Death Caller: A necromancer specializing in advanced spirit magic.
• Spellblade: A close-range mage using magic-infused melee attacks.

Rogue:

• Duelist: A dual-bladed rogue delivering swift, precise strikes.
• Saboteur: An expert in traps and explosives.
• Veil Hunter: A ranged fighter using lightning magic and a bow.

While the initial specialization availability based on background remains unclear, each of the six factions will play a crucial narrative role. Choosing a faction grants three unique traits affecting both combat and non-combat gameplay. Selecting the Lords of Fortune, for example, boosts damage against mercenaries, improves takedowns, and increases reputation with the faction. While appearance can be altered via the Mirror of Transformation, background, lineage, and class remain fixed.

The Veilguard aims to avoid repetitive tasks, a common criticism of its predecessors. Instead of an open world, it employs focused mission structures reminiscent of classic BioWare titles. The success of these design choices will be revealed upon launch in Fall 2024.