Dragon Age: The Veilguard doesn’t tell you every detail right away. Here are 8 hidden things in the game that you need to know.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard surprises players with some hidden things that are not introduced right away or even on the way. Part of the immersive experience in a video game is figuring out these things on your own.
However, some features are better to know as a beginner to save precious time. We have compiled a list containing 8 details the game doesn’t already tell you. This list ranges from gameplay secrets to plot points that you may miss if you plan to play the game only once.
Note that the following list is not ranked in any way. The list doesn’t contain all the things that are hidden in plain sight. However, we have tried our best to prioritize the details that you should absolutely know about.
1. Timed Conversations and Quests
Long-term RPG fans are aware that not all quests can last forever. There are many modern-day RPGs out there that let you complete every quest even after you complete the game. However, BioWare didn’t give this leverage to Dragon Age players. You need to complete certain quests before progressing further into the story to not miss out on 100% completion. So, take your time in the world of Thedas and complete each side quest as they pop up.
Similarly, as you open the map menu, the game highlights each companion’s location, which otherwise would have been a hidden thing. It also tells you whether they have something new to discuss. Usually, they have a speech bubble with an exclamation if there is something new you can converse over. On the other hand, if the speech bubble has clock hands inside it, try making it a priority because that quest or dialogue can expire as you progress through the main story.
2. Toggling Gear Appearance
Every gear on your character screen that you equip can either be turned on or off. This is a cosmetic, hidden detail that the game doesn’t directly tell you. See the eye icon near each gear piece? You can toggle it on or off based on your preference. So, if you find an intimidating-looking helmet for the battle but also like seeing Rook’s face in conversations, toggle the helmet off to let it disappear during conversations without taking it off.
You can also change skins for particular gear pieces. For example, if you like a sword for its stats but not its looks, toggle off the skin using that eyeball icon and switch the cosmetic appearance with something else.
3. You Can Make Good Use of Valuables in the Game
A valuable serves exactly the same purpose as you might think. You have to get rid of it to make the most out of it. The only proper and profitable way of using a Valuable is by selling them to a Faction Merchant. These are not like your regular merchants. Apart from gold, a Faction Merchant also offers you loyalty or strength points based on which Faction camp you are in.
Some items are more valuable to one faction than others. So, check all camps when you wish to empty your inventory and sell these valuables based on gold value and loyalty points. We prefer to prioritize loyalty points because gold is not that scarce if you are an explorer. Moreover, loyalty or strength points are essential if you are looking to secure the best ending in the game. This is next on the list.
4. The Game Has Hidden Endings
Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers not one but multiple endings. The RPG element in the game allows you to explore the story in your own way. If BioWare ends up making a sequel in the series, they might have to declare an ending canon. But for now, whatever you choose will be canon in your Thedas.
The game doesn’t label any ending as ‘bad’ or ‘good’. However, we consider the ‘best’ one to be where there are minimum casualties with only one companion death, and the worst ending is where the maximum casualties occur. There is a trophy/achievement for the best ending as well. The combination of the people who are alive in the end can be a little subjective though. The game also has a secret ending that you can unlock following our guide to all the endings.
5. Keep Your Romance Partner a Priority
Dragon Age kept its romance afloat. You can romance companions who are already in your party. It’s not that difficult to start a love life in Thedas if you know what to say and how to spend time with a character. However, one thing that the game doesn’t tell you is that you always need to prioritize them while making decisions.
Consideration is a love language, and The Veilguard takes it seriously. If you make harsh decisions against the partner that you are trying to romance, they will return with their personality hardened. Their bond progress will slow down, and they will be much harder to romance. However, some decisions are integral to make. So, make sure that you weigh the pros and cons.
6. Not All Abilities Need a Recharge
The ability wheel in a battle in The Veilguard can turn the tides. The abilities that you use usually need a recharge. These come with a timer and can’t be used before the cooldown has been completed. It is a classic RPG mechanic to keep things balanced so as to not let you wreak havoc on your enemies.
You should also note that not all the abilities in the game require a cooldown. Obstacle abilities are one example. If you need a specific ability from a companion, feel free to use it in quick succession. Moreover, if somebody is not in your party at the moment, they can still help you out with certain obstacles.
7. Unlocking Weapon Perks
There are no elaborate lessons on unlocking perks in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Almost every weapon you equip will have a certain perk. To check whether it’s locked or unlocked, hover over the item on your character screen. If the perks below the stats are locked, they are unavailable and need to be unlocked to tap into their full potential.
You can do so by finding a duplicate of the same item and/or buying the same item from a faction merchant. Upgrading the weapon is a bit different. If you wish to upgrade the weapon and have already unlocked its perks, save your gold and don’t go to the merchant. Instead, visit the Caretaker.
8. Beacons Are Your Best Friends
Trust us when we tell you that you wouldn’t want to spend your gaming hours hiking in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Fast traveling in the game is neither hidden nor forbidden. Everyone unlocks the feature after Chapter 2. However, the Beacon system is a little more complex.
To activate a Beacon, you just need to walk close to it. However, if you ignore it completely, the Beacon may not get activated. For example, if it’s located on another floor or behind a wall that is out of your reach. In such cases, the game marks the dormant Beacon on your map for you to activate when you return later. A benefit of the Beacon is that it acts as a checkpoint. If Rook dies in battle, they will spawn with their allies at the Beacon nearest to the last location. You can also use Beacons to switch your party members whenever you like.
There are still many hidden details that you can explore and uncover during your playthrough in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Keep this list in mind when you jump in next and you might discover something we missed!
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