In a recent interview with BioWare developers, it was revealed that a full playthrough of Dragon Age: The Veilguard could take up to 100 hours, with its gameplay marking a notable shift from earlier titles. This new entry blends some of BioWare’s signature strengths, focusing heavily on companion dynamics while trading a traditional open world for interconnected hubs and missions. The combat system also draws inspiration from Mass Effect 3, offering a different style of play compared to previous Dragon Age games.
Players will be able to explore iconic cities like Treviso and Minrathous, alongside expansive areas such as Arlathan Forest and the Hossberg Wetlands. These locations will be accessible through a network of Eluvians located in the Lighthouse, which serves as Rook’s headquarters and a meeting place for companions in The Veilguard. While the overall game world may be smaller than Dragon Age: Inquisition, the scope of the project remains ambitious.
During character creation, players will shape Rook’s connections to various factions through background choices, which will influence interactions throughout the game. This mechanic ensures that Rook is tied to all major groups in a meaningful way, offering a dynamic narrative experience.
In a previous interview, a developer mentioned that their recent playthrough took around 100 hours, whereas a completionist run of Dragon Age: Inquisition can take up to 150 hours, and Dragon Age: Origins averages about 90 hours. However, the main storyline of The Veilguard can be completed in approximately 40 hours for those who focus purely on the critical path, aligning closely with the length of Origins.
In contrast to the more sprawling open world of Inquisition, The Veilguard is designed as a more streamlined experience. The game is structured into three Acts, with the first Act being the longest. In addition to the main quest, side content will revolve around the six major factions and Rook’s companions. BioWare aims to prioritize quality over quantity, reducing bloat while enhancing meaningful interactions.
Companion relationships will have a direct impact on gameplay, with friendship, rivalry, and romance shaping their behavior in combat. For instance, a companion like Neve, if on bad terms with Rook, might withhold support abilities but gain a significant boost to offensive spells. Early impressions from content creators and media outlets have been largely positive, praising this unique approach to character interactions and its potential depth.
