Dragon Age: The Veilguard marks the latest chapter in BioWare's renowned fantasy RPG series, scheduled for release in 2024. As the fourth installment in the Dragon Age saga, it continues the narrative from its predecessor, Dragon Age: Inquisition, which was released in 2014. Initially unveiled in 2020, following a teaser at The Game Awards in 2018, the game was originally titled Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. However, just days before BioWare unveiled the official cinematic trailer and a 20-minute gameplay reveal in June 2024, the title was changed to Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Despite lingering questions about this highly anticipated RPG, the release of both trailers indicates that as the Fall 2024 launch approaches, BioWare is prepared to unveil more details about The Veilguard. Curious about what lies ahead in Thedas? Here's a comprehensive overview of everything we know about Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Set for release on October 31, 2024, Dragon Age: The Veilguard will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. While specific PC requirements are sparse, the Steam store page suggests that a 64-bit processor and operating system will be necessary. The game's first public appearance was under the title Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, a nod to Solas, an elf companion from Dragon Age: Inquisition. Solas, revealed to be the ancient god Fen'Harel (known as the Dread Wolf) at the end of Inquisition, is central to the game's narrative.
The title change to The Veilguard was explained by executive producer Gary McKay, who emphasized that the new name better reflects the game's focus on the player-character and their seven NPC companions, rather than the antagonist. The Veilguard is set in Tevinter, the oldest human-inhabited nation in Thedas, known for its reverence for magic and its history of elf enslavement. The game's cinematic trailer and gameplay reveal showcased the nation's capital, Minrathous, which is in chaos due to Solas' attempt to dismantle the Veil, a barrier between the mortal world and the Fade.
The Veilguard centers on the aftermath of Dragon Age: Inquisition, particularly Solas' quest to tear down the Veil. The gameplay trailer depicts the player-character and their companions striving to thwart Solas' plan, with Varric, a former Inquisition member, attempting to dissuade Solas from his destructive mission. The game introduces a new player-character, Rook, who can be extensively customized. Unlike Inquisition, The Veilguard features a smaller party size, with only two companions joining the player at a time.
The Veilguard's character creation tools are highly detailed, allowing players to customize Rook's race, gender, class, specialization, and faction. The game introduces a new ability wheel for issuing commands to companions during combat. Decision-making in The Veilguard is more contextual, with choices potentially leading to serious consequences for companions. Preorders for Dragon Age: The Veilguard are available, offering various editions with unique benefits.
