The Ultimate Guide to Unlocking Endless Adventure in Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age: Origins is a captivating dark fantasy game that perfectly blends humor and replayability. Renowned for their intricate character development and impactful moral choices, BioWare shows their exceptional storytelling skills through this masterpiece. However, the true charm of Dragon Age: Origins goes beyond these surface-level aspects.

The game offers six unique protagonist origin stories that entice players from the very beginning, as the Warden's background plays a crucial role throughout the entire journey. In addition, the game rewards players who strive for completionism in the most satisfying ways. Very few games prioritize world-building as much as Dragon Age: Origins, seamlessly integrating it with diverse gameplay mechanics. It is an extraordinary gem that never loses its allure for anyone who becomes enamored with the franchise.

12 A Unique Spin On Fantasy

Dragon Age breaks away from traditional fantasy tropes when it comes to races, classes, and the social dynamics of its world. Players who are familiar with RPGs will quickly realize that this game defies the norms and expectations typically associated with the genre.

In Dragon Age, elves are not depicted as ethereal and immortal beings. Instead, they have their own unique characteristics and role within the game's world. Similarly, dwarves are portrayed as politically cunning and ruthless, challenging the traditional portrayal of dwarves in fantasy.

As players explore the game, they will encounter various factions and characters such as the Qunari, Mages, Templars, the church, the king, and even creatures from the Fade, the realm of demons. The order in which these elements present themselves is unpredictable, keeping players on their toes and overturning any preconceived notions they might have had about the game's world.

Origins immerses players in a captivatingly broken world that defies expectations and challenges the conventions typically associated with fantasy RPGs.

11 An Abundance Of Skills Will Keep It Interesting

The Warden's companions possess various teachable specializations, while additional ones can be obtained from non-player characters throughout the game. These skill sets are tailored to complement specific classes, resulting in players having access to certain abilities while missing out on others.

Although the tactics system in Origins may not be widely favored, it can become a source of enjoyment once players become acquainted with the distinctive way skills and timing work together in the game. While it may be less advantageous in the early stages, it progressively becomes more valuable with each subsequent playthrough.

10 The Loot Lust Is Savage

In Origins, players will encounter a myriad of exceptional weaponry, armor sets, and skill and equipment combinations. This vast selection provides countless opportunities to equip the Warden's companions with the finest items, while simultaneously enticing players to explore alternative classes.

Throughout the game, the party may stumble upon remarkable artifacts such as the sacred armor of a renowned figure from Ferelden's past or a mystical relic with enchanting abilities. No matter the source, a tantalizing assortment of coveted treasures awaits. For those enthralled by the allure of loot and other forms of gratification, Origins offers a truly gratifying experience.

9 The Challenge Isn't Just In The Difficulty Setting

The plot of the game poses a considerable challenge to Wardens who lack sensitivity or behave rudely. The personality and choices of the Warden have the ability to either unlock new opportunities or close them off. The way the main plot points in Origins are designed, with a semi-open world approach, has the power to completely transform a player's experience.

For players who are new to the game, it's easy to unintentionally make things much harder for themselves. One common mistake is heading straight to Orzammar after Lothering, which leads to a grueling gameplay experience! However, there are many other aspects that can change significantly based on the Warden's chosen path or their support of different non-player characters.

8 Companions, Not Henchpeople

In Dragon Age, unlike many other RPGs, the party members are not simply following the main character around. This franchise is known for its companions who have their own lives and relationships that don't revolve solely around the Warden.

The game offers a wealth of scripted party banter, which means that it will take multiple playthroughs to experience them all. The Warden's companions have strong opinions about almost everything, and this is evident in their conversations with each other as well as their reactions to quest events.

7 There's No Pleasing Some People

It can be challenging to oppose the desires of beloved characters due to their origins. The diversity in opinions, beliefs, and motivations of both comrades and non-playable characters leads to constant uncertainty regarding the loyalties and priorities of the Warden. However, it is truly worthwhile to witness the wide array of reactions they produce!

While it is not impossible to manipulate the system and earn complete approval from every companion, particularly with the assistance of the Feastday Gifts and Pranks DLCs, true aficionados of RPGs would be missing out if they did not indulge in the darker aspects of Origins. They should test themselves by deliberately making enemies of all.

6 Learn The Dogma, Then Question Everything

The story commences in Ferelden, the protagonist's birthplace. However, as the narrative of Origins unravels, the Warden's ingrained teachings are confronted by conflicting myths and doctrines. The uncertainty that emerges allows for the seamless roleplaying of unwavering or evolving beliefs.

Within the fabric of all Thedasian cultures lie numerous enigmatic phenomena, imperceptible to insiders. The plot intensifies following the main character's acceptance into the esteemed Order of the Grey Wardens, where their duty is to protect against the paramount enigma of all: the Blight.

5 The Relevant Lore Keeps Coming

In Thedas, the multitude of races gives rise to diverse interpretations of accepted history. Each race has its own rich lore to be explored, adding a personal touch to important plot developments for each main character.

While the main character's role as a Grey Warden is pivotal, Origins recognizes the significance of their ancestry. It acknowledges that characters may not be acquainted with every culture or region, yet there remains a distinct perspective shaped by their society and beliefs, offering a unique understanding of the Warden's journey.

4 Player Foresight Unlocks A New World

Choosing a different class with access to new abilities certainly has its advantages. However, Origins takes player agency within the plot to a whole new level, offering so much more. With the ability to have foreknowledge of events and make choices, players can truly customize their Origins experience and see the effects of their decisions unfold.

Of course, it's important to acknowledge that not all choices can be fully explored in just one playthrough. Nevertheless, the game provides plenty of enticing hints about the potential impact of choosing a different path, background, or personality. This leaves players wondering about the exciting possibilities that could arise from making alternative choices.

3 The Warden Is The Perfect Role To Play

In Thedas, there are few groups as adaptable and resourceful as the Grey Wardens. This unique quality guarantees that the life of a Warden is constantly on the move, often overlooked, yet undeniably significant, all according to a deliberate plan.

Within the intricate fabric of Thedas' history and diverse cultures, the Grey Wardens are just a single thread. The concept behind their existence is intriguing: the Warden is both a courageous outsider and a potential wielder of great power. Declining the task at hand is simply not an option, but the player holds the key to how the Warden will attain that influence.

2 The Warden's Legacy Is A Slow Burn

Origins offers players a multitude of choices that have a significant impact on the game's outcome. While it is possible for players to still access the crucial endgame decisions regardless of their choices, certain play styles may make one ending more appealing to the player's current version of the Warden than the other available options.

In Origins, there are no inherently negative endings. However, certain choices may align more effectively with the Warden's gameplay style throughout the entirety of the game. Additionally, the outcomes of these choices differ significantly enough to justify multiple playthroughs.

1 The Continuity Of Dragon Age

All Dragon Age games are intricately connected when it comes to the impact of choices on the overall franchise. However, it is important to note that each game also stands alone as a unique and independent story. As the narrative progresses, subsequent heroes not only acknowledge but also experience the consequences of the choices made by their predecessors.

Engaging with any new installment of the Dragon Age series provides a compelling incentive to revisit Origins. This particular game lives up to its title, serving as the epic groundwork for a marvelous franchise that holds boundless possibilities.

Dragon Age: Origins is available on PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Mac OS X.