Dragon Age: The Veilguard Reveals More Details About the Game\'s Classes and Factions

Dragon Age: The Veilguard: A Deeper Dive into Factions, Combat, and Character Customization

Dragon Age: The Veilguard isn't just about dialogue choices; your character's background significantly impacts gameplay, regardless of class. This installment marks a departure from the series' roots, embracing a more action-oriented combat system. While this shift has sparked debate among fans, core Dragon Age elements remain, albeit adapted to this new combat style.

The game boasts nine unique class specializations, each carefully integrated into the narrative and setting. Rook's connection to the Veil, for instance, prevents him from becoming a Blood Mage, while Tevinter Templars lack the magic-suppression abilities of their southern counterparts. Each class (Warrior, Mage, and Rogue) offers three specializations, unlocked through interaction with Northern Thedas' factions.

According to a recent GameInformer interview with John Elper, each specialization is tied to a specific faction. The Nevarran Mourn Watch, for example, might train Rook in the ways of the Reaper or Death Caller, depending on class. The Reaper, a new specialization, utilizes "night blades" instead of traditional Warrior weaponry, while the Death Caller focuses on necromancy. Faction selection during character creation determines backstory, identity, and even your non-combat attire within the Lighthouse.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard Classes and Specializations:

Warrior:

• Reaper: A dark fighter who drains enemy life, risking death for power.
• Slayer: A two-handed weapons expert.
• Champion: A sword-and-board tactician emphasizing defense.

Mage:

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

Rogue:

• Duelist: A swift, precise dual-blade wielder.
• 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 is yet to be confirmed, the six factions play pivotal roles in The Veilguard's narrative. Your chosen faction grants three unique traits impacting both combat and non-combat gameplay. Selecting the Lords of Fortune, for example, boosts damage against mercenaries, improves takedowns, and increases reputation with that faction. While the Mirror of Transformation allows appearance changes, background, lineage, and class remain fixed.

The Veilguard aims to avoid the repetitive fetch quests that plagued its predecessor. Instead of an open world, it focuses on structured missions reminiscent of successful BioWare titles. The game's design choices remain to be seen, but players won't have long to wait, with a planned Fall 2024 release.