Yesterday, Bioware posted a brand new blog titled Progression & Companions along with accompanying videos which provide an in-depth look at Rook's skill tree, the ways Items can be enhanced and customized through crafting and enchantment, and how Rook's companions can develop through personal quests and skill point allocation.
Skill Tree Progression
Rook can reach a max level cap of 50. Experience points can be earned from killing enemies and exploring the world, however players will get the biggest bang for their buck from completing quests.
When Rook levels up, players will be able to spend a Skill Point in the Skill Tree. There are many possible options to choose from, with the types of skills denoted by the shape:
- Large circle: Class (core skills and weapon proficiencies)
- Diamond: Ability (can be assigned to an Ability slot)
- Medium circle: Major Passive or Ability Upgrade (adds effects or modifies existing Abilities or stats, like guaranteeing a critical hit on knockdown or extending range)
- Small hexagon: Trait (modifies existing class skill, like counter-attack, extending an attack combo or missile block/return)
- Small circle: Minor Passive or Stat Boost (increases efficacy of Abilities, Passive, or stats)
Players can build Rook to suit many play styles. If you find yourself regretting picking certain skills, it’s not a problem. Skill Points can be refunded (individually or the entire skill tree) at any time, with no resource costs, and spent elsewhere.Â
Item Progression
As with most RPGs, there will be a wide variety of equipment to discover or purchase throughout Thedas, including weapons, armor, and accessories. Each item features it’s own unique stats and attributes. Duplicate items found can empower weapons and armor to increase their stats and unlock additional properties.
The Lighthouse hub will feature a Caretaker’s Workshop to provide more upgrades and enchantments for Rook and their companions. The Caretaker’s Workshop can be upgraded to provide more varied enchantments as the player progresses. Each item or ability can have a single enchantment applied to it, and each enchantment can only be used on a single item or ability at a time.Â
While Rook will receive a starting appearance, based on their chosen faction, players won’t be locked into a particular style. Any visible Armor collected can be "˜transmogrify-ed' to resemble another that has been collected, via the Wardrobe in the Lighthouse.
Companions’ Progression
Finally, Rook’s Companions all feature their own level progression system. Each member of the Veilguard will receive 2 Skill Points for each level gained. Companions can gain experience from personal quests as well as through unique conversations and decisions with them.
Rook will be able to take two Companions on missions. Companion gear can also be upgraded and enchanted at the Caretaker's Workshop. Companions also have Primer and Detonator abilities that can combine with each other or Rook in combat. Each Primer has a matching Detonator. Using the correct combination, a Detonation will trigger – dealing increased damage across an area and increased stagger.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard will be released on October 31, 2024Â for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X.
