Dragon Age: The Veilguard changes the way some side missions work

Later this fall, BioWare and EA’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard will finally give gamers a look at how the world of Thedas has changed in the decade since Dragon Age: Inquisition. But if the latest extended gameplay preview is any indication, Thedas hasn’t changed for the better. The game’s storytelling itself, however, appears to have been refined.

Via IGN, The Veilguard co-directors Corinne Busche and John Epler hosted a 22-minute gameplay video that takes place deep into the story. In this side mission, the player character, Rook, agrees to help his companion, Davrin, complete a personal mission of revenge. The directors also tackle two additional side missions to acquire medical supplies for the Grey Wardens and track down a few of their missing members. This was meant to illustrate that these missions are more organically placed within the story, rather than unrelated events.

Furthermore, the Crossroads is no longer a place of refuge thanks to the war between the game’s antagonist, Solas, and the gods. Rook and his companions must fight their way through the area before arriving at Hossberg, an area that has been overrun by the Blight.

Thanks to the Blight, the Darkspawn enemies in this preview are much more formidable, with Rook even dying at one point before being revived. The directors noted that they’re giving the companions more autonomy in their character arcs, as evidenced by Davrin splitting from the player’s party to confront his arch-nemesis, the Gloom Howler.

Among other details, faction shops, including the Grey Warden’s, can be upgraded to give players more attractive rewards. The areas are also designed to be revisited after missions, if gamers are interested in seeking out hidden secrets and treasures.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard will be released on October 31 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.