Dragon Age: The Veilguard, formerly known as Dreadwolf, is the fourth installment in the Dragon Age series. Slated for a Fall 2024 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, the game shifts focus from the antagonist Solas to the player character and their companions.
This will be the first game after ten years without a Dragon Age title and development hell the series entered. The entire concept was changed too many times, but we now have a clearer picture on the upcoming title, so here is everything we know so far on the Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is an Action RPG
Dragon Age: The Veilguard will turn more to action combat than any other franchise game. Dragon Age: Origins now feels like a standalone game, though it introduced the Fade and demons from the realm that could take over the living world of Thedas. Nevertheless, players can now choose between three classes, Warrior, Rogue, and Mage, the standard for an RPG. However, what sets The Veilguard apart is the many sub-classes and another set of different origins.
These origins are deeply cut into every character and steer the wheel on how combat is performed. Each has different specializations, but the main player won’t be able to control any of the companions but only build on the relationship with them to launch their special powers. It’s pretty dull, but BioWare opted for more action than strategy in this sequel.
Party is Limited to Two Companions
The game has seven companions and all are romanceable. The good thing is that companions can develop romance between themselves and between the main character. This adds another aspect to the game as developers went full freedom ahead this concept. However, unlike in previous installments, The Veilguard will let players take only two companions with them on the adventure. Some of these characters include, Varric Tethras from Dragon Age 2 and Scout Harding from Dragon Age: Inquisition.
Development Changes
The Veilguard has gone through several concept phases and changes. Initially thought as a live-service Dragon Age game, the idea was then submitted to a total overhaul in 2018 following the demise of another live-service game from the same developer, Anthem.
This pivot led to a focus on single-player experience and a departure from multiplayer features present in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
The game’s title was changed from Dreadwolf to The Veilguard to better reflect the story’s emphasis on the player character and companions rather than the antagonist Solas.
Furthermore, while the company agreed on concept and story, multiple delays and layoffs within the studio happened and hindered the game’s development. Nevertheless, despite these setbacks, BioWare is committed on pushing out Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Story and Setting
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is set ten years after the events of Dragon Age: Inquisition. The game will feature those sandy green and full atmospheric purple and dark colors all over its hauntingly beautiful universe as Solas tryies to open Fade and release the demons. Solas is an elf and companion in Inquisition, but he is revealed to be the ancient god of Fen’arel and wants to destroy the Veil, which separates the world from the Fade.
Players assume the role of Rook, a customizable protagonist who becomes the leader of the Veilguard, a group formed to oppose Solas. The game promises to explore the consequences of Solas’ actions and the impact on the world of Thedas.
The game introduces new locations beyond familiar territories, such as the Tevinter Imperium and the mysterious Arlathan forest.
Official Release Date
While the official release date for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, some hints and insights have been given. EA has narrowed the release window to the third quarter of its 2025 financial year which runs from October 1 to December 2024. With Dragon Age: Origins and Inquisiton released in the month of November 2009 and 2014, the next mainline title in the beloved franchise might follow the tradition.
Until that happens, stay tuned for more Dragon Age: The Veilguard news.