Dragon Age: Inquisition, developed by BioWare, is a highly acclaimed role-playing game that offers players a rich and immersive experience. One of the key decisions players must make at the beginning of the game is choosing their character’s race. This decision can significantly impact the gameplay, as each race has its unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. In this article, we will delve into the world of Dragon Age: Inquisition and explore the different races available, helping you decide which one is best suited for your playstyle.
Introduction to the Races of Thedas
The world of Thedas, where Dragon Age: Inquisition is set, is inhabited by several distinct races, each with its own culture, history, and characteristics. The four main playable races in the game are Human, Elf, Dwarf, and Qunari. Each race has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which can affect the player’s experience throughout the game.
Human
Humans are one of the most versatile and balanced races in the game. They have no specific bonuses or penalties to their attributes, making them a great choice for players who want to create a well-rounded character. Humans also have access to a wide range of backgrounds and classes, allowing for a high degree of customization. One of the significant advantages of playing as a Human is their ability to fit into any role, making them a great choice for players who are new to the series or unsure of their playstyle.
Elf
Elves are a agile and nimble race, with bonuses to their dexterity and magic attributes. They are well-suited for roles that require quick reflexes and cunning, such as rogues and mages. Elves also have a unique ability called “Fade Resistance,” which reduces the damage they take from darkspawn attacks. However, Elves are also more susceptible to magic damage, making them a less desirable choice for players who plan to play as a tank or warrior.
Dwarf
Dwarves are a sturdy and resilient race, with bonuses to their strength and constitution attributes. They are well-suited for roles that require brute force and endurance, such as warriors and tanks. Dwarves also have a unique ability called “Stonefist,” which allows them to enter a state of fury in combat, increasing their damage output and resistance to damage. However, Dwarves are also slower and less agile than other races, making them less effective in roles that require quick movement and reflexes.
Qunari
Qunari are a tall and imposing race, with bonuses to their strength and magic attributes. They are well-suited for roles that require a combination of brute force and magical prowess, such as warriors and mages. Qunari also have a unique ability called “Bull’s Charge,” which allows them to charge forward in combat, knocking enemies back and stunning them. However, Qunari are also more likely to be perceived as outsiders by other characters in the game, making it more difficult to build relationships and alliances.
Choosing the Best Race for Your Playstyle
With so many options available, choosing the best race for your playstyle can be a daunting task. Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision:
Combat Style
If you prefer a more aggressive and melee-focused playstyle, Dwarf or Qunari may be the best choice for you. Both of these races have bonuses to their strength attribute, making them well-suited for roles that require brute force. On the other hand, if you prefer a more stealthy and agile playstyle, Elf may be the best choice for you. Elves have bonuses to their dexterity attribute, making them well-suited for roles that require quick reflexes and cunning.
Magic and Abilities
If you prefer a playstyle that focuses on magic and abilities, Human or Qunari may be the best choice for you. Both of these races have access to a wide range of magical abilities and spells, making them well-suited for roles that require a combination of magic and melee combat. On the other hand, if you prefer a more straightforward and melee-focused playstyle, Dwarf may be the best choice for you. Dwarves have a unique ability called “Stonefist,” which allows them to enter a state of fury in combat, increasing their damage output and resistance to damage.
Background and Class
Your character’s background and class can also play a significant role in determining the best race for your playstyle. For example, if you choose to play as a rogue, Elf may be the best choice for you. Elves have bonuses to their dexterity attribute, making them well-suited for roles that require quick reflexes and cunning. On the other hand, if you choose to play as a warrior, Dwarf or Qunari may be the best choice for you. Both of these races have bonuses to their strength attribute, making them well-suited for roles that require brute force.
Conclusion
Choosing the best race in Dragon Age: Inquisition is a personal decision that depends on your playstyle and preferences. Each of the four main playable races has its unique advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your individual strengths and weaknesses. By considering factors such as combat style, magic and abilities, background, and class, you can make an informed decision and choose the race that is best suited for your playstyle. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a race that you enjoy playing and that allows you to experience the game in a way that is fun and engaging for you.
| Race | Attribute Bonuses | Unique Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| Human | None | None |
| Elf | Dexterity, Magic | Fade Resistance |
| Dwarf | Strength, Constitution | Stonefist |
| Qunari | Strength, Magic | Bull’s Charge |
By following this guide and considering your individual playstyle and preferences, you can choose the best race for your character and experience the world of Dragon Age: Inquisition in a way that is fun and engaging for you. Remember to experiment with different races and playstyles to find what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to try new things and adjust your strategy as you progress through the game. With its rich storyline, engaging characters, and immersive gameplay, Dragon Age: Inquisition is a game that has something to offer for everyone, regardless of your chosen race or playstyle.
What are the main factors to consider when choosing a race in Dragon Age: Inquisition?
When choosing a race in Dragon Age: Inquisition, there are several key factors to consider. The first factor is the racial abilities and traits that each race possesses. For example, the Dalish elves have increased archery damage, while the Qunari have increased melee damage. Another factor to consider is the background and lore of each race, as this can impact the types of quests and storylines that are available to the player. Additionally, the player should consider the type of playstyle they prefer, as some races are better suited to certain types of characters, such as a stealthy rogue or a powerful warrior.
The player should also consider the social and cultural implications of choosing a particular race. For example, the Tevinter Imperium is a human nation that is often at odds with the other nations of Thedas, so playing as a human from Tevinter may result in different interactions and questlines than playing as a human from another nation. Ultimately, the choice of race will depend on the player’s individual preferences and playstyle, and there is no one “right” choice. By considering these factors, the player can choose a race that fits their character concept and provides a fun and engaging gameplay experience.
How do the different races in Dragon Age: Inquisition affect gameplay?
The different races in Dragon Age: Inquisition can affect gameplay in a variety of ways. For example, the racial abilities and traits can provide bonuses to certain skills or abilities, such as increased damage with certain types of weapons or improved resistance to certain types of damage. Additionally, the background and lore of each race can impact the types of quests and storylines that are available to the player, as well as the way that non-playable characters (NPCs) interact with the player. Some races may also have unique dialogue options or interactions with certain NPCs, which can add depth and richness to the game’s story and characters.
The racial differences can also impact the player’s party dynamics and combat strategy. For example, a party with a mix of ranged and melee characters may be more effective than a party with only one type of character. The player should consider the strengths and weaknesses of each race and choose a party that complements their playstyle and provides a good balance of abilities and skills. By choosing a race that fits their character concept and playstyle, the player can create a fun and challenging gameplay experience that takes advantage of the unique abilities and traits of their chosen race.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of playing as a human in Dragon Age: Inquisition?
Playing as a human in Dragon Age: Inquisition has several benefits and drawbacks. One of the main benefits is that humans are a versatile race that can fit into any playstyle or character concept. They have no specific racial abilities or traits that would limit their choices or create imbalance in the game. Additionally, humans are widely accepted and respected in the world of Thedas, which can make it easier to interact with NPCs and access certain quests and storylines. However, humans also lack the unique racial abilities and traits that other races possess, which can make them seem less interesting or distinctive.
On the other hand, the lack of unique racial abilities can also be seen as a benefit, as it allows the player to create a more customized character that is not limited by racial traits. Humans also have access to a wide range of backgrounds and classes, which can provide a lot of flexibility and options for character creation. Overall, playing as a human can be a good choice for players who want a versatile and balanced character, but may not be the best choice for players who are looking for a more unique or specialized playstyle. By considering the benefits and drawbacks of playing as a human, the player can make an informed decision that fits their character concept and playstyle.
How do the racial backgrounds in Dragon Age: Inquisition impact character creation?
The racial backgrounds in Dragon Age: Inquisition can impact character creation in several ways. Each racial background provides a unique set of starting attributes, skills, and equipment, which can influence the player’s character concept and playstyle. For example, the Dalish elf background provides increased archery damage and a bonus to survival skills, while the Qunari background provides increased melee damage and a bonus to intimidation skills. The player should consider the type of character they want to create and choose a racial background that fits their concept and playstyle.
The racial backgrounds can also impact the player’s story and interactions with NPCs. For example, a character with a Dalish elf background may have a different relationship with the Dalish elves and their leader, Merrill, than a character with a different racial background. The player should consider the lore and background of each racial option and choose one that fits their character concept and provides a compelling story and gameplay experience. By choosing a racial background that fits their character concept, the player can create a rich and immersive character that is tailored to their playstyle and preferences.
Can I change my character’s race after creating them in Dragon Age: Inquisition?
No, in Dragon Age: Inquisition, the player cannot change their character’s race after creating them. The choice of race is a permanent one that is made during character creation, and it cannot be changed later in the game. This is because the racial abilities and traits are an integral part of the character’s identity and playstyle, and changing them would require significant changes to the game’s mechanics and balance. Additionally, the story and interactions with NPCs are often tailored to the player’s chosen race, so changing it would require significant changes to the game’s narrative and dialogue.
However, the player can create a new character with a different race if they want to try out a different playstyle or character concept. The game allows the player to create multiple characters and play through the game with each one, which can provide a lot of replay value and flexibility. By creating multiple characters with different races, the player can experience the game from different perspectives and try out different playstyles and character concepts. This can add a lot of depth and variety to the game, and provide a rich and engaging gameplay experience.
How do the different races in Dragon Age: Inquisition interact with each other?
The different races in Dragon Age: Inquisition have complex and nuanced interactions with each other, which are shaped by the game’s lore and backstory. For example, the humans and elves have a long and complicated history, with the humans having oppressed and enslaved the elves in the past. This has created a lot of tension and mistrust between the two races, which can impact the player’s interactions with NPCs and the game’s story. The Qunari, on the other hand, are a more recent arrival in Thedas, and their interactions with the other races are shaped by their unique culture and philosophy.
The player’s chosen race can also impact their interactions with other characters and factions in the game. For example, a human Inquisitor may have an easier time interacting with human NPCs and factions, while an elven Inquisitor may have an easier time interacting with elven NPCs and factions. The player should consider the social and cultural implications of their chosen race and how it will impact their interactions with other characters and factions in the game. By understanding the complex interactions between the different races, the player can navigate the game’s story and characters with more depth and nuance, and create a more immersive and engaging gameplay experience.