Dragon Age has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver captivating narratives throughout its four main entries. Players have been enchanted by tales of diverse groups facing overwhelming challenges, sparking a desire for continued adventures. Fortunately, alongside its remarkable games, the franchise offers an array of engaging downloadable content (DLC) for its first three installments, extending the excitement of the characters’ journeys.
From the onset, Dragon Age has enriched its universe with a variety of add-ons, including comprehensive story expansions and cosmetic enhancements. Although the latest installment, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, lacks additional DLC, it does provide exclusive armor as a pre-order incentive and a complimentary Mass Effect-themed update. This article focuses solely on DLCs featuring narrative elements. Notably, smaller yet enjoyable expansions, like the Feastday Gifts from Origins and cosmetic decorations in Inquisition, also contributed to the overall experience.
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The Darkspawn Chronicles – Dragon Age: Origins
A Look Into A Dark Alternative Timeline
The Darkspawn Chronicles presents a unique take on the Dragon Age universe, exploring a scenario where the Warden dies at Ostagar. Players experience the events from the perspective of the Darkspawn as they lay siege to Denerim during the game’s climax. Although it’s entertaining to follow the Archdemon’s directives and unleash chaos across Ferelden, it can be morally complex to face beloved characters in combat. Nonetheless, this DLC is a noteworthy experience for fans to explore at least once.
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The Golems Of Amgarrak – Dragon Age: Origins
A Dark Story Filled With Dwarven Lore
Set in the aftermath of Origins, The Golems of Amgarrak invites players to assist Jerrik Dace on a mission to uncover the fate of the Amgarrak Thaig and its infamous golem experiments. Funded by House Tethras, this effort marks the first reference to Varric’s lineage within the series.
However, complications arise as the disturbing truth about the creation of the golems comes to light; the bodies of casteless dwarves serve as their foundation. This DLC blends a dark narrative with challenging gameplay, especially in its notorious boss fight against the Harvester.
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Leliana’s Song – Dragon Age: Origins
A Look at Who Leliana Was Before The Game
Leliana’s Song offers a glimpse into the bard’s past, exploring her life in Orlais prior to her involvement with the Warden and Alistair. This narrative unfolds during Leliana’s final mission with her mentor, Marjolaine, and provides important context for their interactions in Origins. Following a betrayal, Leliana gains an unexpected ally in Revered Mother Dorothea, who later becomes the next Divine. This prequel effectively deepens the player’s understanding of Leliana and her motivations.
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The Exiled Prince – Dragon Age 2
A New Companion & Quests Throughout The Game
The Exiled Prince, available from the launch of Dragon Age 2, was met with a mixed reception. This DLC introduces Sebastian Vael, a new companion and potential romantic interest, who is the last surviving member of a noble family from Starkhaven. Each act features quests that allow Hawke to assist Sebastian in uncovering the truth behind his family’s tragic fate, thus intertwining his narrative with the main storyline. Despite some perceptions of Sebastian as preachy, his character adds depth to the player’s experience.
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The Stone Prisoner – Dragon Age: Origins
A New Companion & Dwarven Lore
Similar to The Exiled Prince, The Stone Prisoner adds another compelling party member: Shale, a witty stone golem. Shale’s unique perspective brings refreshing dialogue and humor to the team dynamics. For those invested in dwarven history, this DLC is invaluable, expanding on the lore of the First Blight and the downfall of the dwarven thaigs. Moreover, Shale features prominently during the party’s expedition into the Deep Roads and their encounters with Paragon Caridin.
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Return To Ostagar – Dragon Age: Origins
Brief But Heartbreaking To Gain Closure
Return to Ostagar revisits the critical location where the Warden’s journey began, providing additional context and emotional depth to the storyline. This poignant DLC grants closure regarding Loghain’s actions and further explores King Cailan’s political maneuvers, enriching the overall narrative.
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Mark Of The Assassin – Dragon Age 2
Fun But Sidelining Hawke Doesn’t Pay Off
Mark of the Assassin stands out as a unique DLC filled with rich storytelling, yet it feels somewhat detached from the main Dragon Age 2 narrative. Players have the opportunity to “remember”their involvement in a heist alongside Tallis in Orlais, leading them to picturesque locations outside of Kirkwall. Although it explores interesting aspects of Qunari lore, the DLC’s primary purpose is as a tie-in for the web series Dragon Age: Redemption, resulting in Hawke taking a backseat as the focus shifts to Tallis.
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Jaws Of Hakkon – Dragon Age: Inquisition
Fascinating Insight Into Avvar Culture
Jaws of Hakkon, the inaugural DLC for Inquisition, sets a high standard by following the Inquisitor in a quest to uncover the fate of the last Inquisitor, Ameridan. Players encounter Ameridan frozen in time, attempting to thwart an invasion led by an Avvar tribe and their god, Hakkon. This expansion offers a comprehensive look at Avvar traditions and their connections to the spirit world, while also featuring a beautifully crafted environment ripe for exploration.
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Warden’s Keep – Dragon Age: Origins
A Must-Play For Any Grey Warden Fans
Warden’s Keep sheds light on the history of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden, addressing their tarnished reputation. This DLC chronicles the rebellion of Ferelden’s last Warden Commander against the throne, providing significant insights into the organization’s complex legacy. Completing Warden’s Keep also introduces a Party Storage Chest at Soldier’s Peak, significantly enhancing inventory management and encouraging exploration through old-fashioned dungeon crawling.
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Awakenings – Dragon Age: Origins
Sets Up Characters & Concepts For Later Games
As the expansion for Origins, Awakenings bridges the gap between the first game and its sequel, DA2. The narrative follows Ferelden’s new Warden Commander on their quest to restore the Order’s influence while confronting a talking Darkspawn. Players can import their Warden character from Origins or choose an Orlesian alternative, with each corresponding differently based on their past decisions.
Awakenings is essential for introducing the idea of Darkspawn Tevinter priests, which is elaborated on in subsequent titles, alongside key characters like Anders and Justice, who play pivotal roles in DA2.
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Witch Hunt – Dragon Age: Origins
Eluvian & Morrigan Lore Galore
Witch Hunt serves as the concluding chapter of the Warden’s journey in Ferelden, centering around the quest to locate Morrigan. Although brief compared to other expansions, it is rich with lore concerning eluvians, Flemeth, and her motives throughout the series. Players who pursued a romantic relationship with Morrigan in Origins have the unique opportunity to either depart with her through the eluvian, adding to the emotional weight of the story.
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The Descent – Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dungeon Crawl Through The Deep Roads
The Descent, the second major DLC for Inquisition, complements Jaws of Hakkon by delving into dwarven culture. The Inquisitor investigates enigmatic earthquakes that unveil peculiar dwarven occurrences. With intriguing lore about the dwarves and Titans, The Descent also lays the groundwork for Harding’s companion quest in The Veilguard. While the gameplay is predominantly a linear dungeon crawl, its connection to the overarching plot remains tenuous, overshadowed by the rich lore.
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Legacy – Dragon Age 2
Hawke Blood Holds The Key To A Warden Secret
Legacy stands out as the most significant DLC for Dragon Age 2, crucially linking to the future of the franchise. This expansion sees Hawke confronting menacing forces targeting their family, leading them to an ancient Grey Warden prison and uncovering family secrets that intertwine with the Wardens’ history. Featuring challenging boss encounters and ample lore about the Wardens and Darkspawn, Legacy provides an essential narrative that enhances the overall experience, best enjoyed in Act 3 for optimal rewards.
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Trespasser – Dragon Age: Inquisition
Set Up The Future Of The Series
Trespasser, although met with mixed feelings from fans who wished it was included in the base game, stands as an exceptional DLC that ties up the narrative threads initiated in Inquisition. Set two years post-Inquisition, the Inquisitor faces potential Qunari threats while racing to stop Solas from dismantling the Veil. This DLC’s impact on the narrative trajectory of The Veilguard and the series as a whole is undeniable, making it an essential play.