11 Tips for Dragon Age: Inquisition

Dragon Age: Inquisition is an expansive role-playing game with rich storylines, deep character development, and challenging combat mechanics. As you venture through the world of Thedas, the decisions you make affect not only the outcome of the game but also the way your allies and enemies interact with you. Whether you’re new to the series or returning for another playthrough, there are several tips and tricks that can make your journey easier and more enjoyable. This guide will provide you with essential strategies to enhance your experience, from battle tips to choosing the right companions. With these 11 tips for Dragon Age: Inquisition, you’ll be well-prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead.

1. Focus on Crafting Early

Crafting in Dragon Age: Inquisition is crucial for building powerful gear and upgrades. Gathering materials early and often will allow you to craft the best armor, weapons, and potions in the game. While exploring, be sure to pick up crafting components such as herbs, metals, and monster parts. Don’t overlook upgrades—you can enhance your weapons and armor to make them more potent. Be strategic about your crafting to ensure that your party is always well-equipped for the challenges ahead.

2. Diversify Your Party Composition

Choosing the right party members for each mission is essential in Dragon Age: Inquisition. Each character has unique abilities that complement different playstyles. A balanced party typically consists of a tank, a healer, and damage dealers, but your choice of companions should depend on your preferred playstyle. For example, if you prefer a more defensive approach, a warrior like Cassandra or Blackwall might be a good choice. If you’re focused on ranged attacks and magic, characters like Solas or Varric could be invaluable assets.

3. Master Tactical Combat

Tactical combat is one of the most exciting aspects of Dragon Age: Inquisition, but it can be difficult to master. Take the time to pause the action during combat and give your party members specific orders. This can help you control your positioning, avoid dangerous enemy moves, and use your abilities more effectively. Learn to manage your cooldowns and positioning, and always be prepared for unexpected threats. Pausing the game allows you to plan your strategy in the midst of chaotic battles.

4. Build Relationships with Companions

In Dragon Age: Inquisition, your companions are more than just allies—they’re also integral to the narrative. By engaging in conversation and completing personal quests, you can strengthen your relationships with them. The stronger your bond with a companion, the more powerful they become in battle. Additionally, their unique perspectives on the world will enrich the storyline and offer insight into their pasts. Building relationships is key to unlocking special abilities and gaining critical support throughout your journey.

5. Prioritize Side Quests

While the main story is certainly engaging, side quests provide many rewards that will benefit you in the long run. Don’t rush through the main quest—take the time to explore side content for experience points, rare loot, and additional lore. Completing side quests also unlocks new regions to explore and offers deeper insight into the world of Thedas. These quests often provide opportunities to interact with your companions and improve your relationships. Additionally, you’ll encounter various challenges that will better prepare you for the main story.

6. Invest in Your Character’s Strengths

As you progress through Dragon Age: Inquisition, you’ll have the opportunity to customize your character’s abilities and skills. Focus on improving the skills that suit your playstyle. If you prefer a direct combat approach, you may want to invest in melee damage or tanking abilities. Magic users should focus on boosting spellcasting and crowd control. Consider the abilities that complement your role in the party and enhance your combat effectiveness.

7. Explore the Hinterlands First

The Hinterlands is the first major area you will encounter in Dragon Age: Inquisition, and it serves as a great starting point for leveling up your character. Take the time to explore every nook and cranny, as it’s filled with valuable resources, quests, and hidden treasures. Completing quests here will help you gain valuable experience and gear. Additionally, this area introduces you to the game’s mechanics, allowing you to practice combat and exploration in a relatively safe environment. Don’t rush through this area; take your time to enjoy everything it has to offer.

8. Use Rifts to Gain Valuable Resources

Rifts are scattered throughout the world of Dragon Age: Inquisition, and closing them provides numerous benefits. Not only do you gain valuable resources, but you also increase your influence with your companions. Rifts are also a great way to improve your combat abilities and gain rare items. Make sure to tackle rifts whenever possible, especially in the early stages of the game, as they provide great rewards. Additionally, completing rifts unlocks fast travel points that make navigating the world easier.

9. Keep Your Inventory Organized

As you collect various items throughout the game, it’s easy for your inventory to become overwhelming. Organizing your inventory is essential for maintaining a manageable load and ensuring you don’t miss out on valuable loot. Always sell or dismantle unnecessary items to free up space. Focus on keeping the best armor, weapons, and crafting components in your inventory, and be strategic about what you carry. An organized inventory will help you spend less time sorting through items and more time fighting enemies.

10. Don’t Underestimate Enemies’ Weaknesses

In Dragon Age: Inquisition, each enemy type has specific weaknesses that can be exploited to gain an advantage in battle. Take the time to analyze your enemies and identify their vulnerabilities. For example, certain enemies are weak to fire or ice attacks, while others may be susceptible to specific types of physical damage. Use this knowledge to equip your party with the right abilities and weapons for each encounter. Exploiting weaknesses will make battles much easier and ensure that you defeat your foes more efficiently.

11. Take Your Time and Explore

One of the best things about Dragon Age: Inquisition is its massive, open world. Exploration is not only enjoyable, but it also rewards you with loot, resources, and side quests that further enrich your experience. Don’t rush through the game; take your time to explore the world at your own pace. There are countless secrets to discover, and each new location brings opportunities to learn more about Thedas and its inhabitants. Explore every corner, and you’ll be rewarded with a richer and more satisfying experience.

Best Companions to Focus On

1. Solas – Strong magic user with a unique perspective on the world.
2. Vivienne – Great for support roles and magical combat.
3. Dorian – Ideal for a mix of offensive and defensive magic.
4. Cassandra – Excellent for tanking and frontline combat.
5. Blackwall – Provides strong defense and tanking abilities.
6. Varric – Great for ranged combat and storytelling.
7. Iron Bull – Powerful warrior with an engaging personality.

Best Crafting Materials to Collect

1. Inferno Materials – Crucial for crafting fire-based gear.
2. Abyssal Crystal – Needed for powerful magical upgrades.
3. Steel – Vital for creating high-damage weapons.
4. Dragon Bone – Essential for crafting unique and powerful armor.
5. Silk – Used for crafting light and flexible armor.
6. Templar Steel – Used to craft specialized defensive gear.
7. Elemental Essence – For crafting elemental attacks and magical items.

Pro Tip: Always take advantage of crafting stations and upgrade your gear regularly to keep up with the increasing difficulty of enemies as you progress.

“In Dragon Age: Inquisition, the journey is just as important as the destination. Every quest, every choice, and every companion you meet shapes your story.”

Dragon Age: Inquisition is an expansive game with a world filled with complexity and nuance. These 11 tips will give you a strong foundation to enjoy the game to its fullest. Take the time to explore, master your combat techniques, and build relationships with your companions. By following these strategies, you’ll be prepared to face whatever challenges come your way. Don’t forget to bookmark this guide and share it with fellow players on social media for even more tips and strategies.