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Dragon Age: The Veilguardhas seven companions who all have their own character arcs that culminate in a final companion quest each. These quests are unrelated to the main storyline ofDragon Age: The Veilguard, and instead inform the greater world and lore ofDragon Agein general.
The stakes ofDragon Age: The Veilguard’s companionquests vary greatly, from determining the future of an entire species to one that wouldn’t be out of place in a camp horror movie. What makes a good companion quest involves the quality of the writing, what it reveals about the character it concerns, and the level design of the overall arc and quest over two story acts.
S-Tier Dragon Age: The Veilguard Companion Quests - Blending Lore and Character
Davrin’s story arcrevolves around his identity as a Grey Warden and how that identity evolves as their role changes with the deaths of the last Archdemons. Davrin’s role in defeating the Gloom Howler, who’s revealed to have been a hero of the Fourth Blight and a representative of what holding onto the past could become, as well as him learning to evolve, makes for intriguing lore and great character moments.
A-Tier Dragon Age: The Veilguard Companion Quests - Navigating Grief
Bellara’s arc of working through grief inDragon Age: The Veilguardand understanding how to honor the memory of the elves and their lost culture is told through the loss of her brother, his alliance with Anaris, and the Nadas Dirthalen. Anaris and the Forgotten Ones have long been referenced inDragon Age’s codex, and Anaris' appearance inDragon Age: The Veilguardhas massive implications. Bellara’s navigation of grief is touching, compassionate, and handled with care.
Emmrich’s companion quest has far more levity than the other companions, which is ironic as it directly deals with death and its existential implications. The humor hits at the right spots, the villain is delightful, and the emotional moments hit all the harder. Learning more about Nevarra is also interesting, andEmmrich’sVeilguardquest has one of the few major decisionsthat has a tangible impact on the character.
B-Tier Dragon Age: The Veilguard Companion Quests - Consequence and Focus
The outcome of Neve’s quest hinges on a decision made earlier in the game, which determines the role she’ll accept for herself, as Docktown’s protector or inspiration. Choosing to work for the Threads or independently to save Docktown’s ordinary workers is a simple choice, but Neve’s story, at its heart, is about showing players a different side of Minrathous.
Harding’s storyline includes a ton of lore about the dwarves and Titans—two groups that have been thoroughly neglected inDragon Age’s lore. Her companion quest includes a ton of new information, but the execution of it needed more polish, especially for a Dwarf Rook.
Taash’s companion quest as they navigated their identity, particularly their cultural crossroads and their relationship with their mother, had several high emotional points. Unfortunately, the introduction of the Qunari forces, their struggle with Rivain and Qunari culture, their mother’s acceptance, and their journey to discover their gender, meant that their personal quest lacked some much-needed focus.
C-Tier Dragon Age: The Veilguard Companion Quests - Drawn From Other Texts Without Payoff
Lucanis was introduced inTevinter Nights, with his grandmother, the First Talon, depicted as a stern disciplinarian. Several times inTevinter Nightsand inDragon Age: The Veilguardhe expresses doubts about wanting to become the First Talon.
So, when his character quest concludes with him becoming First Talon no matter what, and with his murderous cousin possibly freed or jailed, it can be disappointing for anyone who was invested in his arc that they didn’t have the choice tofree Lucanis from the Crows and his familial obligations. Understanding Lucanis' companion quest and its major players also means readingTevinter Nights, but doing so also means likely being disappointed in the outcome of his quest.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
WHERE TO PLAY
Enter the world of Thedas, a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in conflict and secret magics. Now, a pair of corrupt ancient gods have broken free from centuries of darkness and are hellbent on destroying the world.Thedas needs someone they can count on. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight to stop the gods from blighting the world. But you can’t do this alone – the odds are stacked against you. Lead a team of seven companions, each with their own rich story to discover and shape, and together you will become The Veilguard.
