The long wait for news about the nextDragon Agegame is finally over. Some of the first information revealed is that there will be seven companions inDragon Age: The Veilguard. This means thatDragon Age: The Veilguardwill have the smallest group of companions in aDragon Agegame to date, comparable to the firstMass Effect’s six. Furthermore, rather than bringing three companions with them as a party on quests and to explore Thedas, players will only be able to bring two companions with them at a time.
BioWare hasn’t revealed the reasons behind these changes, and being limited in bringing two party members on quests will likely dramatically change strategy and combat. Seven companions will likely also change therogue-mage-warrior composition ofDragon Age: The Veilguard’s party, making it a very different game from its predecessors. However, everyDragon Agegame has changed its formula in similar ways, and the decrease in companions could be a very good sign from BioWare in the confidence ofDragon Age: The Veilguard.
Reasons for a Smaller Party in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
PreviousDragon Agegames have had the following number of companions:
Dropping the companion count by as much as three may seem like a bad move, but it’s one that some have advocated for in bothDragon Ageand other similar games, such asBaldur’s Gate 3which had ten possible companions. Having so many companions offers variety, but resources when designing and creating a video game are limited, and some characters will often have stories that aren’t as fulfilling as others. Some companions inBaldur’s Gate 3have significantly less content than others, with Wyll being a prominent example alongside Karlach, whose story sometimes feels unfinished at times.
The Best Part of a Smaller Roster in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Limiting the number of companions to seven hits the sweet spot of providing variety, while being able to give each character the resources, time, attention, and content that they deserve. Shortening the party roster by just two means that the resources that would have gone to other companions will now be used to create richer, interactive, and fulfilling stories. This will likely also lend itself toDragon Age: The Veilguard’s combat system, which BioWare has confirmed to be limited to just two party members alongside the player character.
A Few Fantastic Characters Over Many Unfinished Ones
What’s also encouraging about the decision to keep the companion count at seven is that it signals a confidence from BioWare inDragon Age: The Veilguardthat has been sorely needed. Rather thanfloodingDragon Age: The Veilguardwith many charactersin the hopes that some of them will resonate, the move to limit the number indicates BioWare’s confidence in the writing and design of what is to come. Character stories are one of the core components of BioWare games, and this move could hail the developer’s return to form.
After the critical reception toMass Effect: AndromedaandAnthem,BioWare needsDragon Age: The Veilguardto succeedon a number of counts. Creating beloved characters is one of the best places to reignite faith in its fans, and to bring in new players passionate about the world, the characters, and the lore.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
WHERE TO PLAY
Enter the world of Thedas, a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in conflict and secret magics. Now, a pair of corrupt ancient gods have broken free from centuries of darkness and are hellbent on destroying the world.Thedas needs someone they can count on. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight to stop the gods from blighting the world. But you can’t do this alone – the odds are stacked against you. Lead a team of seven companions, each with their own rich story to discover and shape, and together you will become The Veilguard.
