BioWare’s Dragon Age Inquisition offers a wide array of companions, each with unique skills, abilities, and personalities. Optimizing your companions’ builds is essential for success in the game’s challenging encounters. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you create the best companion builds for your Inquisition party.
Cassandra Pentaghast:
- Role: Tank/DPS
- Specialization: Templar (DPS), Champion (Tank)
- Best Build: Templar (DPS)
Cassandra excels as a damage dealer with her Templar specialization. Focus on abilities that enhance her damage output, such as "Divine Strike" and "Holy Smite."
Varric Tethras:
- Role: Rogue/DPS
- Specialization: Artificer (DPS), Assassin (DPS)
- Best Build: Artificer (DPS)
Varric’s Artificer specialization grants him powerful crossbow attacks and explosive traps. Prioritize abilities that increase his critical chance and damage, such as "Crossbow Mastery" and "Bianca’s Embrace."
Solas:
- Role: Mage/DPS
- Specialization: Rift Mage (DPS), Necromancer (DPS)
- Best Build: Rift Mage (DPS)
Solas’s Rift Mage specialization allows him to unleash devastating elemental attacks. Invest in abilities that enhance his damage output and control, such as "Fade Cloak" and "Stone Breath."
Dorian Pavus:
- Role: Mage/Support
- Specialization: Necromancer (Support), Spirit Healer (Support)
- Best Build: Necromancer (Support)
Dorian’s Necromancer specialization grants him powerful crowd control abilities and passive bonuses to his party. Focus on abilities that enhance his survivability and support capabilities, such as "Raise Dead" and "Veilstrike."
Blackwall:
- Role: Tank
- Specialization: Templar (Tank), Champion (Tank)
- Best Build: Champion (Tank)
Blackwall is a sturdy tank with the Champion specialization. Max out his abilities that increase his defense and survivability, such as "Shield Wall" and "To the Death."
Sera:
- Role: Rogue/DPS
- Specialization: Tempest (DPS), Artificer (DPS)
- Best Build: Tempest (DPS)
Sera’s Tempest specialization makes her a formidable melee fighter. Focus on abilities that enhance her mobility and damage output, such as "Blade Rush" and "Spinning Blades."
Vivienne:
- Role: Mage/DPS
- Specialization: Knight-Enchanter (DPS), Necromancer (DPS)
- Best Build: Knight-Enchanter (DPS)
Vivienne’s Knight-Enchanter specialization grants her powerful magical attacks and defensive abilities. Prioritize abilities that enhance her damage and survivability, such as "Energy Barrage" and "Barrier."
Iron Bull:
- Role: Tank/DPS
- Specialization: Reaver (DPS), Berserker (DPS)
- Best Build: Reaver (DPS)
Iron Bull’s Reaver specialization makes him a high-risk, high-reward damage dealer. Focus on abilities that increase his damage output and allow him to sustain his health, such as "Dragon Rage" and "Blood Frenzy."
Cole:
- Role: Rogue/Stealth
- Specialization: Assassin (Stealth), Tempest (DPS)
- Best Build: Assassin (Stealth)
Cole’s Assassin specialization makes him an excellent scout and stealth assassin. Prioritize abilities that enhance his stealth capabilities and damage output, such as "Shadow Strike" and "Mark of Death."
Leliana:
- Role: Rogue/DPS
- Specialization: Bard (DPS), Arcane Archer (DPS)
- Best Build: Bard (DPS)
Leliana’s Bard specialization grants her powerful buffs and area-of-effect attacks. Focus on abilities that enhance her party’s damage output and control, such as "Inspire" and "Song of Courage."
Equipment and Upgrades:
In addition to companion builds, equipping your companions with the best gear and upgrades is crucial. Prioritize items that enhance their core attributes, skills, and abilities.
Recommended Gear for Companions
Companion | Recommended Gear |
---|---|
Cassandra | Stone Blade, Templar’s Coat |
Varric | Bianca, Legionnaire’s Plate |
Solas | Staff of Creation, Rift Mage Robes |
Dorian | Necromancer’s Blade, Spirit Healer’s Robes |
Blackwall | Vanguard’s Shield, Champion’s Armor |
Sera | Tempest’s Blade, Tempest Armor |
Vivienne | Knife of Mercy, Knight-Enchanter’s Robes |
Iron Bull | Reaver’s Axe, Berserker’s Armor |
Cole | Assassin’s Blade, Shadow Stalker’s Armor |
Leliana | Bard’s Bow, Ranger’s Armor |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I respec my companions’ builds?
A: Yes, you can respec your companions’ builds by visiting the Skyhold’s Undercroft.
Q: Which companion is the best overall?
A: The best companion depends on your playstyle and party composition. Cassandra and Blackwall are solid tank choices, while Varric and Solas excel as DPS. Dorian and Vivienne provide valuable support abilities.
Q: How do I unlock companion specializations?
A: Companion specializations are unlocked through a series of quests. Refer to the in-game Codex for details on how to obtain each specialization.
Additional Tips:
- Experiment with different companion builds to find what works best for your playstyle.
- Pay attention to your companions’ dialogue and personal quests to unlock additional abilities and bonuses.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust your companions’ builds as you progress through the game and encounter new challenges.
Conclusion:
Optimizing your companion builds is essential for success in Dragon Age Inquisition. By following the recommendations in this guide, you can create a formidable party capable of handling any encounter the game throws at you. Remember to experiment and tailor your companions’ builds to suit your preferred playstyle and party composition.
BioWare Dragon Age Origins: Best Armor
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Helm of Honnleath (DLC: Return to Ostagar): Provides high defense, stamina, and mana regeneration.
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Dragonbone Mail (DLC: The Golems of Amgarrak): Exceptionally strong heavy armor with high defense and damage resistance.
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Cailan’s Armor (DLC: Return to Ostagar): Commemorates the slain king, providing a balance of defense, offense, and charisma bonuses.
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Warden Commander’s Armor (Endgame reward): The ultimate reward for completing the main campaign, offering unparalleled defense and unique enchantments.
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Blood Dragon Armor (DLC: The Stone Prisoner): A unique heavy armor set that grants fire resistance and damage bonuses against dragons.
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Vigilance’s Keep Commander’s Plate (DLC: Awakening): A heavy armor set acquired from completing the expansion’s main quest, providing high defense and resistance to critical hits.
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Full Sovereign’s Plate (DLC: Awakening): The most powerful heavy armor in the game, offering unparalleled defense, damage mitigation, and immunity to knockdown effects.
BioWare Dragon Age Inquisition Armor
BioWare’s Dragon Age Inquisition introduces a robust armor system that allows players to customize their characters’ appearance and stats.
- Customization: Players can mix and match armor pieces from different sets to create diverse and visually distinctive outfits. Each piece offers unique stat bonuses, allowing for strategic combat optimization.
- Tiered System: Armor is divided into tiers, with higher tiers providing progressively better stats. Players can upgrade their armor by crafting or looting improved pieces.
- Materials and Crafting: Armor can be crafted using materials found throughout the world. Players can also upgrade their armor at blacksmiths to enhance its durability and appearance.
- Armor Runes: Runes can be socketed into armor to further enhance its stats. Runes provide various bonuses, such as increased attack power, resistance to specific damage types, or enhanced skill cooldowns.
- Influence on Gameplay: Armor plays a significant role in combat. Heavier armor provides more protection but restricts movement, while lighter armor allows for faster agility. Players must choose armor that balances defense, mobility, and their preferred combat style.
BioWare Dragon Age Origins Architecture
The architecture of BioWare’s Dragon Age Origins is heavily influenced by medieval European settings, with various influences from Celtic, Gothic, and other architectural styles.
- Ferelden: The human kingdom of Ferelden features a mix of stone and wood buildings, with strong influences from Celtic and Gothic architecture.
- Orzammar: The dwarven city of Orzammar is built within the depths of mountains, with elaborate stone and metal structures inspired by medieval castles and cathedrals.
- Brecilian Forest: The forest is dotted with ruins and structures that combine Celtic and elven elements, with ancient trees and natural formations playing a significant role.
- Denerim: The capital city of Ferelden blends Gothic and Renaissance styles, with imposing fortifications, towering spires, and intricate stonework.
- Tower of Ishal: This ancient elven stronghold showcases a unique blend of organic and geometric shapes, with flowing arches and intricate carvings reminiscent of art nouveau.
BioWare Dragon Age Inquisition Console Commands
Console Activation:
- PC: Press the tilde (~) key.
- Xbox: Hold both triggers (LT and RT) for 10-15 seconds.
- PlayStation: Hold both L2 and R2 buttons for 10-15 seconds.
Syntax:
runscript <script name> [parameters]
Useful Console Commands:
- ToggleDebugCamera: Enables a free-moving camera.
- tpt [map_name] [x] [y] [z] [yaw] [pitch]: Teleports player to specified coordinates on a map.
- GiveXP [amount]: Adds specified amount of experience points.
- AddItem [item_name] [quantity]: Gives player specified item.
- SetVariable [variable_name] [value]: Sets a game variable to the specified value.
- LevelUp [level]: Increases player level to the specified level.
- KillAllEnemies: Kills all nearby enemies.
- AddPartyMember [party_member_name]: Adds specified party member to the active party.
- Resurrect [party_member_name]: Resurrects a fallen party member.
- CompleteQuest [quest_name]: Completes a specified quest.
Note: Console commands can be used to modify the game, but they can also cause issues or corrupt save files. Use them with caution and only when necessary.
BioWare Dragon Age Origins Combat
Dragon Age Origins features a real-time tactical combat system where players control a party of four characters. Each character has their own abilities and skills, and players can pause the game to issue commands or use abilities. The combat is turn-based, with each character taking their turn in a predetermined order. During their turn, characters can perform a variety of actions, including attacking, casting spells, using items, or moving. The combat system is designed to be both challenging and rewarding, and players must use strategy and teamwork to succeed.
The game also features a number of different difficulty levels, which can be adjusted to suit the player’s skill level. Additionally, there is a variety of combat options available, including the ability to customize the AI behavior of party members. This allows players to tailor the combat experience to their own preferences.
BioWare Dragon Age Inquisition Crafting
Dragon Age Inquisition features a deep crafting system that allows players to create their own weapons, armor, and more. Here’s a summary of the crafting system:
- Materials: Crafting requires gathering various materials found in the game world, such as ores, herbs, and leather.
- Schematics: Schematics are blueprints that provide instructions on how to craft specific items. They can be found throughout the game or purchased from vendors.
- Workbenches: Crafting takes place at workbenches located in camps and outposts. Different workbenches specialize in different types of crafting (e.g., armor, weapons, potions).
- Crafting Abilities: Crafting skills are acquired by leveling up and investing points in the "Crafting" skill tree. These abilities enhance the quality and efficiency of crafting.
- Tiered Items: Crafted items come in different tiers (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, and Legendary). Higher-tier items require more materials and have better stats.
- Customization: Players can customize the appearance of crafted items by applying various skins, tints, and runes.
BioWare Dragon Age Origins Crafting
In BioWare’s Dragon Age Origins, crafting provides a valuable opportunity to create custom gear and improve your characters’ abilities.
Crafting System:
- Materials: Collect materials by looting enemies, gathering plants, and mining ores.
- Crafting Recipes: Access recipes through books or by leveling up crafting skills.
- Craft at Workbenches: Locate workbenches in major settlements and some quest locations.
- Crafting Categories: Crafting is divided into five categories: Weaponsmithing, Armoring, Jewelry Crafting, Runecrafting, and Poisoncrafting.
Benefits of Crafting:
- Custom Gear: Create tailored weapons and armor that suit your playstyle.
- Enhanced Stats: Add bonuses to gear using runes and upgrades.
- Unique Items: Craft exclusive weapons and armor that cannot be found elsewhere.
- Gold Saving: Save money by crafting your own gear instead of purchasing it.
BioWare Dragon Age Inquisition Character Creation
Dragon Age Inquisition offers extensive character creation options that delve into personal origins, race, class, and appearance.
Origin: Players can choose from four distinct origins: Human (Mage, Rogue, or Warrior), Elf (Mage or Rogue), Dwarf (Warrior or Rogue), and Qunari (Warrior). Each origin provides unique background lore and starting abilities.
Race: The game features four playable races: Human, Elf, Dwarf, and Qunari. Each race has its own physical attributes, cultural nuances, and racial abilities.
Class: Players can select from three base classes: Mage, Rogue, and Warrior. Each class has its own unique skill trees and combat style. Combinations of these classes (subclasses) are also available, such as Knight-Enchanter (Mage/Warrior) or Artificer (Rogue/Mage).
Appearance: Comprehensive customization options allow players to tailor their character’s physical features, including hair, facial structure, body type, and tattoos. Extensive wardrobe options, armor sets, and accessories further personalize the character’s appearance.
BioWare Dragon Age Origins Characters
Dragon Age: Origins features a diverse cast of characters who play pivotal roles in the epic fantasy RPG.
- Alistair Theirin: A young Grey Warden and the illegitimate son of King Maric Theirin. Known for his unwavering loyalty and charming personality.
- Morrigan: A powerful witch and apostate. Independent and enigmatic, she possesses ancient knowledge and a dark destiny.
- Leliana: A skilled bard and former spymaster for the Orlesian Chantry. Her wit and compassion complement her deadly abilities.
- Sten: A Qunari warrior loyal to the Qun. A strict and honorable fighter, he offers a unique perspective on the world.
- Wynne: A human mage and former Circle apprentice. Wise and experienced, she provides guidance and healing to the party.
- Zevran Arainai: A Crow assassin from Antiva. Charming and deadly, his past haunts his present.
- Oghren: A dwarf warrior known for his formidable strength and crude humor. A loyal companion despite his reckless nature.
- Anders: A powerful mage and healer. An idealistic rebel, he opposes the oppressive nature of the Chantry.
- Nathaniel Howe: A skilled ranger and the son of Arl Howe, a traitor who murdered Alistair’s father. Haunted by his past, he seeks redemption.
- Justice: A spirit of vengeance imprisoned in a sword. A mysterious and conflicted entity that influences Anders’ actions.