We know playable races in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, but what could that choice mean for the protagonist and the story?
According to Michael Gamble, you can play as an Elf, Dwarf, Qunari, or Human. Michale Gamble is a reliable source and one of BioWare’s Mass Effect developers actively interacting with fans about upcoming studios’ big titles every occasion. As a result, there is no surprise that such an important for players piece of early information comes from him. On the official Dragon Age: The Veilguard, we can also find companions representing all the mentioned races. Sadly, during the gameplay reveal, we only saw the human protagonist.
In this guide, we list all playable races, explain their background, and discuss how this early game’s choice may influence the gameplay, story, and protagonist in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, before known as Dreadwolf.
All Playable Races in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
There are four playable races in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Elf, Dwarf, Qunari, and Human. In The Inquisition, players can choose their protagonist’s looks and background by selecting one of four races, which also determines their origins and story before the game’s events.
In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, one of the biggest changes is the return of character backgrounds in character creation. Rather than the background being primarily tied to the character’s race like in previous games, in the new Dragon Age, it’s a separate choice of faction you can make. As a result, some of the protagonist’s origin elements will likely be similar regardless of your chosen race.
Based on the revealed gameplay, one of the main characters’ available backgrounds is a member of the Shadow Dragons faction, which we don’t know much about. Shadow Guard is mentioned as a secret group operating in Tevinter that helps those in need. It’s also possible that they cooperate with the Antivian crows.
All playable races in Dragon Age: The Veilguard:
- Elf
- Dwarf
- Qunari
- Human
Developers confirmed that race will play a huge role in dialogue trees and dialogue choices. Sometimes, those will be different for an elf character in specific conversations than for other races. Each race has unique dialogues in specific situations. Also, NPC characters and the world can react or comment on your protagonist’s race, background, or class to create as much immersion as possible.
Elf
Elves in Dragon Age are known for their grace, agility, and pointed ears. Historically, they lived as immortals in a harmonious, nature-connected society called Elvhenan. After the Tevinter Imperium conquered them, the Tevinter enslaved them and eroded their culture. In the Inquisition, we learned that for their fall, responsible is one of the Elven gods, who created the veil and separated magic (the Fade) from the material world (Thedas).
Today, elves often live as marginalized city-dwellers, called “city elves,” or in nomadic tribes known as the “Dalish,” who strive to preserve their ancient heritage. In Tevinter, where Dragon Age: The Veilguard takes place, this race is mostly enslaved and treated as second-category citizens. Elves typically have slender builds, keen senses, and a deep connection to magic and the Fade.
Elven Vallaslins’ design changed over time in Dragon Age, and in the Veilguard, we will see some new creations alongside those we already know. Some characters, such as the new companion Davrin, will have a unique personalized Vallaslin design.
As an elf, the protagonist would face a world filled with prejudice and marginalization. Especially in human-dominated areas and Tevinter, where ruling mages have no respect for the elven race. City elves often endure harsh conditions in ghettos, while people view Dalish elves, who live in isolated clans, with suspicion and fear. In contrast, many of Theda’s residents see elves as equal and recognize the need to change this social dynamic. However, this background gives the protagonist a unique perspective and a deep connection to magic, the Fade, and Solas’ plans to bring elves to former glory. Which can be both a source of strength and mistrust from others.
Dwarf
Dwarves are a sturdy, resilient race from the underground kingdom of Orzammar, known for their mining prowess and skilled craftsmanship, particularly with stone and lyrium. Unlike other races, dwarves have no natural connection to the Fade, making them resistant to magic and unable to be mages themselves. They are shorter in stature, muscular, and often wear beards, regardless of their sex.
Dwarven society rigidly structures itself into castes, with a significant divide between the noble houses and the casteless, who struggle to survive in the lower parts of their underground cities. As a result, many dwarfs leave the Orazamr and deep roads and leave on the surface.
A dwarven race protagonist in Dragon Age: the Veilguard, would bring craftsmanship or knowledge of lyrium depending on their origin before the game’s events. In the surface world, dwarves are often seen as skilled tradespeople and warriors. Yet, they may struggle with their homeland’s rigid caste system and societal expectations. When playing as a dwarf, you cannot pick the mage class.
Qunari
The Qunari are a tough race with distinctive large builds, horns, and often gray skin. They come from the distant lands of Par Vollen and Seheron, governed by the strict philosophical code of the Qun. This code dictates every aspect of their lives, from social structure to personal roles. The Qunari are known for their discipline, martial skills, and unique approach to magic, which they view with suspicion. The Qunari prioritize order and purpose above all else, despite their imposing appearance and stern demeanor.
The Qun dictates that they must control and enslave all mages, regardless of race, due to the danger they pose. As a result, during the Dragon Age: the Veilguard, Qunari fights a years-long war with the Tevinter Imperium, where mages rule. Tal-Vashoth are qunari who abandoned the Qun philosophy and are often hunted by their own race. There are often qunari mages who want to escape the society that treats them as living weapons, not even citizens.
As a Qunari, the protagonist would be an imposing figure, often met with fear or hostility due to their race’s association with the militaristic and strict Qun. Their distinctive appearance, with large builds and horns, can intimidate others, leading to a degree of isolation. Interactions with other races might be challenging, as the Qunari are often misunderstood or outright distrusted, especially in Tevinter. However, this can start interesting storytelling possibilities.
Human
Humans are the most populous and politically dominant race in Thedas, with diverse cultures and kingdoms spread across the continent, such as Ferelden, Orlais, and the Tevinter Imperium. They are versatile in their abilities and social roles, ranging from warriors and mages to traders and nobles. Humans typically have a wide range of physical appearances and ethnicities. Known for their ambition, it has led to significant achievements and numerous conflicts within their race and with others.
A human protagonist would generally find it easier to navigate the social and political landscapes of Thedas, given the races’ dominance. With this race, especially if you choose a mage, in Tevinter, it can provide significant advantages in interactions and quests. However, this privilege might also come with expectations and prejudices against other races. All will depend on details in their background in Dragon Age: The Veilguard and their race role in the story.
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