Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a 2024 fantasy role-playing game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. Released on October 31 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, it is the fourth mainline Dragon Age game and follows Dragon Age: Inquisition. During development, BioWare presented it under the title Dragon Age: Dreadwolf before announcing the final name in June 2024.

The story begins with Solas, the elven figure known as the Dread Wolf, attempting a ritual that could tear down the Veil separating the physical world from the Fade. Varric Tethras recruits the player character, Rook, to stop him. Interrupting the ritual releases two imprisoned elven gods, Elgar’nan and Ghilan’nain, who become the central threat. Rook must assemble a team to confront them while dealing with Solas, whose actions and knowledge remain crucial to the crisis.

Rather than returning to the southern regions that dominated much of the earlier games, The Veilguard explores northern Thedas. Its locations include the Tevinter city of Minrathous, the Antivan city of Treviso, Arlathan Forest, and the Grand Necropolis in Nevarra. Rook’s base is the Lighthouse, situated in the Fade. The game also features the Crossroads, a network of paths linking different areas.

Seven companions can join Rook: Harding, Neve Gallus, Bellara Lutare, Lucanis Dellamorte, Davrin, Taash, and Emmrich Volkarin. Harding previously appeared in Inquisition; the others make their mainline debuts here. Their backgrounds connect the party to organizations across northern Thedas, including the Grey Wardens, Antivan Crows, Veil Jumpers, Lords of Fortune, and Mourn Watch. Each companion has a personal storyline, and each can be romanced by Rook.

Players create Rook as a human, elf, dwarf, or qunari and choose a warrior, rogue, or mage class. They also select one of six faction backgrounds, which affects some dialogue and relationships. Combat is more action-focused than in earlier entries: players control Rook directly, bring two companions into the field, and can pause to issue ability commands. Companion quests, faction strength, and choices made during the campaign influence the concluding mission.

The Veilguard closes a major storyline set in motion by Inquisition’s 2014 ending and expanded in its Trespasser downloadable content. Its focus on Solas gives returning players a continuation of that conflict, while Rook and the northern setting provide a new perspective on Thedas.