There are some game genres out there that are easier to hop into blind than others, but I think most would agree that RPGs, in general, are pretty hard to grasp if you go into these grandiose adventures under-prepared.
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Sometimes, all players want is to explore without fighting. These games offer that exact experience.
You need to understand various complex systems, weigh up different stats and perks, manage a team of companions, and this only really scratches the surface. So, as you might expect,Dragon Age: The Veilguardcan be daunting for new players.
However, if you’re willing to take a moment to get to grips with the various systems on offer and learn a few handy hints and tips, you’ll put your best foot forward and become a god-slaying leader of men in no time at all. So, here are a few essential tips to get you off to a flying start.
13Pick A Class That Suits You
Before you jump into the game proper, you’ll have two major choices to make that will define your adventure, and one is the class you choose to play as. Thankfully, there aren’t loads you’ll need to weigh up, as you’ll only need to choose between aMage, Warrior, or Rogue class type.
To put it in simple terms, this will essentially mean you’ll need to choose a playstyle that relies primarily on melee combat, ranged projectiles, or magical spells.
So you’ll want to choose the class that will fit your playstyle best. Casual hack-and-slash fans will prefer the warrior class, turn-based fans will want to lean toward the mage, and those who love archery mechanics and dynamic movement in combat will want to choose the Rogue class.
Each class also has different options on each respective skill tree with a unique core and specializations, so consider checking out each of these to see what fits best with your preferences.
12Choose Your Faction Wisely
Alongside your Class, you will also need to choose your faction, which decides your character’s background. This will mean you gain reputation easier with your home region’s people, and will also mean that you gain a damage bonus when fighting against your homeland’s natural enemy.
However, the real draw of each faction is the third perk on each list, which will offer helpful upgrades early on in the game.
These range from additional health potion slots, to easier takedown opportunities. So, in short, you’ll want to ponder each faction and decide which one is the best fit for you.
11Search Everywhere, Pick Up Everything
Right from the beginning of the game, you’ll notice that the streets are littered with all sorts of little trinkets and coin purses that you may pick up. These tend to be hidden behind barrels and debris, or in rooms on the natural path of progression.
So, it’s best to get in the habit of exploring each branching path and finding these resources, as they will prove vital down the line.
You’ll be able to get coins early on, resources needed for weapon and merchant upgrades, valuable trinkets that can be sold for cash, and even some gear that can make you more formidable in battle.
So, don’t just make a beeline for the next story quest. Look around a little; you might like what you find.
10Consider Dialogue Choices Carefully
Just in case you somehow forgot, this is a Bioware game, and Bioware is known for actually making that tired cliché ‘your choices matter’ actually ring true.
This means that when a vital decision pops up, you’ll need to make judgment calls that may have lasting consequences. You might end up losing favor with party members, and you may affect the various regions you visit poorly or positively. Really, it’s up to you, depending on how you carry yourself.
So, this means that when you’re addressing your team and working through quests, you need to take a moment to predict the impact of each answer and choose the one that you feel will give you the desired outcome.
After all, the last thing you need is anotherMass Effect 3’Suicide mission' scenario on your hands.
9Prioritize Party Members That Compliment Your Build
As you unlock more party members for your ragtag team of misfits, you’ll want to start choosing who you take on your travels more carefully.
You will only be able to take a maximum of two characters with you at any one time. This means you will increase their bonds and skills faster than others. So, you’ll want to take along someone that suits your playstyle.
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Just because a game looks wholesome, doesn’t mean it always is.
For example, if you like to lean into Necrosis damage, then Emmrich is probably your best bet.
Whereas, if you’re someone who likes the security of a healer with great ranged abilities, then Harding is probably more your speed. Take the time to look at their skills and abilities and choose the character that will blend best with you in the long run.
8Consider Your Skill Tree Specialization
When you begin your adventure, your skill tree will be bare, and you’ll want to just focus on filling out your main core to get some killer abilities on deck.
However, after you manage that, you’ll want to start looking toward the three main specialties your class offers. Each will have a distinct style that will lean into a particular combat mechanic.
For example, with the rogue class, you will either be able to lean into a more dynamic melee DPS specialist role, a grenadier role, or a crafty ranged attacker role.
Skill points aren’t as easy to come by as you might think, and you’ll only really be able to access one specialty for the vast majority of the game. So it’s best to choose the one you want ahead of time and plan your route to get there.
You can respec your character at any time, so if you ever want to work towards a new specialist role, you can do so.
7Lean Into Ranged Combat Early On
As you might have gathered, spells, melee, and ranged combat are the three pillars of kicking ass inDragon Age: The Veilguard.However, in the early stages, where good weapons are hard to come by, and spells have large cooldown times, ranged attacks are your best friend.
Provided you have the skill and precision to find and execute Weakpoint shots with ease, you’ll find that these attacks melt enemy health bars like ice cream on a hot summer’s day.
As the game progresses, you will find that spells do take over in terms of powerful options, but if you build into archery, you’ll find that this combat focus will serve you well throughout the entire game.
6Make Use of Companion Abilities
In a game that is designed to offer such fluid and engaging hack-and-slash combat, it can be tempting to stay in real-time, and button-mash your way to victory. But I assure you, that’s not the most effective way to succeed.
You see, the various abilities on offer provide devastating blows, powerful buffs, and much more, making them vital resources in battle.
Plus, if you have party members with attacks that have synergy, you’ll be able to use these at the same time to create a combo attack, which creates an AOE effect.
Which, in a game with limited AOE options, is a real game changer. So, don’t be afraid to pause the action and utilize the combat menu, as this more measured and planned approach could be your way to turn the tide.
5Enhance and Enchant Your Gear
As you work your way through the early game, you will eventually unlock a Spirit guide that will be accessible via the Lighthouse hub, and they will give players the opportunity to upgrade their weapons, armor, and accessories.
You may think, ‘I’ll probably find better gear, so why bother?’. But in the early game, options aren’t plentiful, and it’s actually a better option to pick the gear you like and upgrade it as you go.
These upgrades will be limited by the amount of Mementos you find on your travels, as you will need to upgrade your Caretaker Spirit by gathering and delivering these items.
However, provided you are diligent when exploring, you will be able to enhance and enchant your gear well beyond its base stats in no time.
4Upgrade Merchants For Better Options
We mentioned that you can gain reputation with certain factions in the game, and this is very important if you want access to their respective merchant’s exclusive gear.
Each region’s faction will have a merchant in their base near where you spawn in from fast travelling or via the Crossroads, and only through upgrading said merchant will you be able to buy all their wares.
To do this, you need to collect certain resources from around the world. Plus, you will also need to complete quests and help each faction to earn enough reputation with them to even allow for such an upgrade.
So, be sure to do some region-specific side-quests and collect resources on your travels because otherwise, you might miss out on some great loot.
