The latest addition to the beloved franchise, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, successfully continues the series’ tradition of crafting epic narratives. Players assume the role of Rook, who, alongside an array of allies, embarks on a perilous journey to save Thedas from impending doom. The game’s expansive world is teeming with lore, making it easy for players to overlook subtle details during their initial adventure. For dedicated fans, however, delving into the more intricate features and quests will enrich their experience and offer new insights upon subsequent playthroughs.
[Spoiler Alert: This article contains major plot revelations from Dragon Age: The Veilguard.] The intricate storyline presents an ambitious challenge to players as Rook navigates various faction dynamics and world-saving missions. While the primary quest is undeniably gripping, the narrative also contains many hidden nuances and unmarked quests, encouraging exploration for those eager to uncover every aspect.
10 Elgar’nan Wears A Wig
Elgar’nan’s Vanity Enhances His Persona
As one of the game’s primary antagonists, Elgar’nan, the ancient elven deity of vengeance and the sun, strikes an imposing presence. However, an amusing piece of lore reveals that Elgar’nan is constantly sporting a wig. While this detail isn’t explicitly stated in the game itself, it appears in The Art of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, explaining how an ancient elf’s hair loss symbolizes age. This comedic tidbit not only injects personality into Elgar’nan but also reframes his character when revisiting the game.
9 Davrin’s Past Encounter with Stalgard
A Friendly Reunion Outside Kal-Sharok
One of the joys of assembling a party in any RPG lies in the unique interactions that occur during quests. Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers a diverse cast of seven companions, allowing for various combinations during missions. For instance, taking Davrin along with Harding to Kal-Sharok yields an engaging exchange with Stalgard, showcasing both Davrin’s fluency in dwarven language and a hint of familiarity between the characters, suggesting prior encounters.
8 Companions Indicate When They Wish to Speak
Look for Icons or Lights Outside Their Rooms
Building relationships with companions remains a staple of the Dragon Age series. In The Veilguard, characters express their desire to chat at designated times, signaled by visual cues throughout the Lighthouse. Players can check the map for a speech bubble icon over a companion’s portrait or observe spinning lights outside their rooms, indicating they have new dialogue to share. This approach streamlines the interaction process and preserves immersion.
7 Companion Insights Reside Within the Codex
Discover Their Backstories, Relationships, and More
While the game restricts conversation opportunities with companions to specific times, it enhances storytelling depth through the codex. This device serves not only to provide world-building lore but also contains rich entries about companions, including diary snippets and their interpersonal dynamics. Dragon Age: The Veilguard utilizes the codex more heavily than its predecessors, proving essential for those seeking a deeper understanding of characters.
6 An Unmarked Quest Unlocks a Unique Achievement
A Subtle Yet Missable Wetlands Quest
Upon defeating two Blighted dragons in the Hossberg Wetlands, Rook gains access to a hidden grove featuring flourishing blue flowers. Collecting these blooms unlocks The In Peace achievement, which at the time of writing has been attained by just 5.4% of Steam players. Discover additional flower patches located in the Old Crossroads and Solitude’s Edge, and return them to the Blighted Shallows to finally secure the rare achievement.
5 Lavendel is Adorned with Blossoms
A Symbol of Renewal and Hope
After successfully gathering the flowers, Rook’s return to Lavenel brings a stunning transformation. Formerly shrouded in gloom, the town now evokes a sense of renewal with blossoms adorning buildings and the central statue. This visual change symbolizes the resilience of life amidst despair, offering the inhabitants a glimmer of hope in the wake of hardship.
4 Mysterious Candlehop Quest
An Adventurous Tour in Minrathous
In Minrathous, players may stumble upon an amusing unmarked quest revolving around magical candlehops. Initiated within the Shadow Dragon’s safehouse, Rook can discover seven of these little messengers throughout the city. While the origins of these magical beings remain mysterious, they share a playful camaraderie with the Shadow Dragons and leave behind encouraging messages, leading players to various loot treasures.
3 Hooting Activates Arlathan’s Owl Statues
Embrace the Quirkiness of Arlathan Forest
Dispersed throughout the enchanting Arlathan Forest are peculiar owl statues that promise secret rewards. To activate these statues, players simply need to hoot at them—an entertaining puzzle that yields loot upon successful interaction. Discover five such statues scattered across the forest, although be prepared for the challenges they may bring.
2 The Return of the Echo in the Well
Encountering the Echo Once More in Crossroads
The Echo emerges as a disturbing presence during Rook’s initial foray into Hossberg Wetlands, leading players to grapple with its ominous nature. Interestingly, this malevolent entity re-emerges later in the game, giving Rook a chance to face it again. After accessing the Heights of Athim area, players can find the Echo in the exposed well, allowing for closure by defeating this formidable foe.
1 Choosing Diplomacy with the First Warden
The Benefits of Choosing Words Over Violence
In a pivotal moment during the battle of Weisshaupt, players must decide how to handle the volatile First Warden. Opting for dialogue instead of forceful action pays off later in the game, particularly during Davrin’s quest involving the rescue of griffons. A successfully reasoned encounter earlier offers Rook a substantial new opportunity to aid Isseya, demonstrating how choices resonate throughout the game’s narrative.