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1.01: What is Dragon Age: Origins? (Back to Top)
Dragon Age: Origins is a dark heroic fantasy set in a unique world. As the spiritual successor of BioWare’s popular Baldur’s Gate series of games, it uses a pause-and-play tactical combat system. Play in over-the-shoulder mode, or the more tactical top-down view. Dragon Age: Origins features a stunning amount of cinematic dialog. Players will be able to acquire unique party members. These party members will have their own motivations for accompanying the player.
1.02: It has been mentioned that Dragon Age is set in a dark, heroic, fantasy world. What does that mean? (Back to Top)
It means that Dragon Age: Origins is a very gritty, often bloody adventure with mature themes. It has elements of traditional fantasy like heroes, villains, and magic, but we’re not pulling any punches – you’re going to be immersed in a brutal, dangerous, and sometimes shocking world.
1.03: When will Dragon Age be released? (Back to Top)
The PC version of Dragon Age will be available early in 2009. The Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 versions are scheduled for winter 2009.
1.04: What platforms will it be released for? (Back to Top)
Dragon Age: Origins will be out first for the PC, followed by Xbox360 and Playstation 3 versions.
1.05: What are the system requirements for this game? (Back to Top)
We do not yet have the PC system requirements. When we do, we will post them on the Dragon Age: Origins Game Information page.
1.06: Why is the game called Dragon Age: Origins? (Back to Top)
The game offers a unique new feature called Origin Stories that shapes the way the world sees you and the way you will see the world. Each origin determines the player’s motivations, shapes his or her experience, and renders a unique prelude, path, and ending to the game. We also chose “Origins” because it symbolizes BioWare’s return to its roots.
1.07: Who will be publishing Dragon Age: Origins? (Back to Top)
Electronic Arts
1.08: What rating will Dragon Age have? (Back to Top)
We have not yet submitted Dragon Age: Origins for ratings yet. We do expect the game to receive a mature rating from the ESRB as we are making the game very dark and gritty. When we do have an official rating, we will post it on the Dragon Age: Origins Game Information page.
1.09: How many hours will it take to complete Dragon Age: Origins? (Back to Top)
As with previous BioWare games, that will depend on how thoroughly you play the game, how much exploring you decide to do, or how many side quests you choose to engage. We think fans will be quite satisfied with the length of the main story arc.
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2.01: How customizable will my character be? (Back to Top)
Players will be able to customize the appearance of their character using the most detailed facial customization tool BioWare has created to date. Players can also choose their character’s race, gender, and class. They will also choose their character’s point of origin and backstory. Continued customization choices open up as the character gains levels.
2.02: Does Dragon Age: Origins have alignments? (Back to Top)
Dragon Age: Origins gives players the ability to interact with their party members and guide their development. Throughout the game, the player will be making decisions. Depending on the personalities of party members, these decisions might anger them, or make them happy. So instead of a simplistic good/evil system, Dragon Age: Origins revolves more around managing personal relationships with adventuring companions. Success leads to loyal, more powerful allies, and even romance.
2.03: What classes can I choose from? (Back to Top)
There are three classes for the player to choose from: warrior, mage, and rogue. As the character gains levels, specialization packages can be selected.
2.04: What are specialization packages? (Back to Top)
Specializations are packages of traits that can be used to further define and customize your character. The player will have to earn these specializations throughout the course of the game.
2.05: Is there a crafting system? (Back to Top)
Yes. The player will be able to craft traps, and poisons.
2.06: Quote: 'Yes. The player will be able to craft herbs, traps, and poisons." Are we really able to craft herbs (i.e. can we take up farming?) or does this instead apply to making herbal applications (potions of some sort, I suppose?). Also, while traps and poisons are fairly obvious, I'm curious what these "herbs" do. Are they buffs, health/mana regeneration or something else? (Back to Top)
We sort of mis-spoke in the last FAQ. You do not craft herbs, so you do not turn one plant into another plant. The poison, traps and herbalism skills will allow you to concoct poisons, assemble traps and brew potions or medicinal salves, respectively.
2.07: How are the crafted traps and poisons used? (Back to Top)
Potions and healing salves are applied to your character. You can use them from the inventory screen, or place them on your quickbar for easy consumption. Traps can be activated in the same way, and then they are placed on the ground along a path where you intend to lure your foes.
2.08: What are the playable races in DA? (Back to Top)
You will be able to choose your PC from the Human, Elf or Dwarf races in Dragon Age Origins.
2.09: Will all of the Specializations be available for joinable NPC's? (Back to Top)
There will be a number of different specialization trees available for party NPCs based on their starting classes.
2.10: How many Origins will there be to choose from? (Back to Top)
We have 6 unique origin stories to choose from when you play Dragon Age Origins. We have already shown the Human Noble and the Mage in battle. We’ll be revealing more of the origin stories in the New Year.
2.11: What specializations are available to the fighter at higher levels? I can has stats? (Back to Top)
We’ll be revealing more information on the specialty classes in the future. Stay tuned.
2.12: If there are any 'druid' type classes....do the animals still react in a hostile fashion toward them? (Back to Top)
There is not a "druid" class in Dragon Age Origins. However, there are classes with special skills with animals.
2.13: Will there be racial-specific bonuses and abilities? (Back to Top)
Yes there will be. For example, a race-specific trait that we have already mentioned how dwarves are naturally resistant to magic. We may reveal more about the different races in future updates. Stay tuned.
2.14: Can we get more information on classes? (Back to Top)
There are three starting classes to choose from in Dragon Age Origins. They are the Warrior, Rogue and Mage classes. As you advance your character in levels they will have the option to advance into a specialization that branches out from the starting class.
2.15: Will there be a bard type class that branches off of the wizard class? (Back to Top)
There are specializations available for mage characters the same way there are for warrior and rogue classes. We will be discussing specializations more in the New Year.
2.16: Can I create my own character with freedom in choosing of race and class, or must I have to pick up some pre-made character set by the developer? (Back to Top)
When you start a new game of Dragon Age Origins you choose your “origin story”. There are different stories available for different classes and races. So, yes, you do get to choose your gender, your race and your class. Heck, you can even customize your hairstyle, eye color and facial structure.
2.17: How many abilities for fighter/rogue types can we learn? (Back to Top)
That would depend on how many levels you gain as you play through the game. The more you explore, the more story and quests you go on, the more enemies you defeat, the more experience points you will gain. So the total number of abilities you will be able to give to your character will depend on how much you play through in the game.
2.18: Is all the dialogue in the game voice-acted? (Back to Top)
Every non-player character is fully recorded. The player character's dialogue options are not recorded, but each combination of race and gender includes six possible voices for the player's battle-cries. Imposing a dialog voice on the player character would have significantly limited the possible number of player options.
Please select a question:
| 3.01 | Where does the game take place? |
| 3.02 | How linear is the game? |
| 3.03 | Are there multiple endings? |
| 3.04 | The game is called Dragon Age: Origins – what are the dragons like? |
3.01: Where does the game take place? (Back to Top)
The story for Dragon Age: Origins takes place in the kingdom of Ferelden. The kingdom lies in the far southeast portion of the continent known as Thedas.
3.02: How linear is the game? (Back to Top)
For the bulk of the game, players will be able to choose where they want to go and the order they wish to complete the various plots. There are also many side-quests scattered throughout the game.
3.03: Are there multiple endings? (Back to Top)
There are many different endings to the game based on the origin story of the character and the choices you make as you play through the game. We will not give out the exact number as we want our fans to have the fun and surprise of experiencing them all for themselves.
3.04: The game is called Dragon Age: Origins – what are the dragons like? (Back to Top)
"Dragon Age" is the name given to the time period in which the game takes place. It was named so because, at the beginning of the age, dragons re-appeared in the world after being thought extinct. The game is not all about dragons, though of course dragons do play a role in the story. Dragons are rare and dangerous creatures, and their fantastical nature is evocative of what our game is all about – hence the title.
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4.01: Is it real-time or turn-based? (Back to Top)
Combat in Dragon Age: Origins takes place in real-time. In addition, we included a pause-and-play system that allows players to take a more tactical approach to the game.
4.02: Can you dual-wield? (Back to Top)
Dual-wielding is one of a number of customizable options open to the player when they create or level up their character. Anyone can hold two weapons at a time, but without dual-wielding skills, the character will not be proficient.
4.03: What are spell combos? (Back to Top)
Dragon Age: Origins will introduce the concept of “spell combos,” which is where you can chain together different spells to create a unique effect. For example, if you were to cast a Grease spell on a target to slow them down, followed by a Fireball, you could create a special burning effect with some devastating results.
4.04: How does the magic system work? (Back to Top)
Magic in Dragon Age works on a mana based system. Each spell cast will use some of a mage’s mana. In addition, some spell effects will continue to drain mana while they are in use. Mana regenerates slowly over time and maximum mana grows with each level the mage gains. Mages choose from new spells as they gain levels. There are a wide range of spells to choose from, allowing players to specialize their mage.
4.05: Quote: "Mages choose from new spells as they gain levels. There are a wide range of spells to choose from, allowing players to specialize their mage." Can you get into more specifics about the magic system? Like, for example, can one be a general mage similar to a wizard in D&D who doesn't specialize in a school? When a mage levels up, does she have to throw away spells already learned in exchange for new ones chosen, or rather, is it possible to learn all spells? (Back to Top)
Mages start with a wide range of available spells, but in order to advance deeper into a school of magic, the mage has to understand the basics of that school, progressing along a tree of spells. It’ll be up to you whether your mage will take a mix of diverse spells, or really focus down on a single tree of magic. Specializations let you further customize your character, opening a new, thematic tree of spells for you to pick from. Even more details on magic and mages will be coming in the new year.
4.06: I would like to know details on magic and skills and talents trees. I would like to know the rules behind how combat works. I'm sure these fall under the scheduled to reveal in the coming months but it can't hurt to ask. (Back to Top)
Sorry, as you guessed, this is indeed “scheduled to be released later” information. Stay tuned.
4.07: Can we be struck down by lightning? (Back to Top)
There are electrical magic spells in Dragon Age Origins, so yes you can.
4.08: Will there be zombie kittens in the game? (Back to Top)
You never know. Keep your eyes open.
4.09: Quote: "Combat in Dragon Age: Origins takes place in real-time. In addition, we included a pause-and-play system that allows players to take a more tactical approach to the game." Does that also mean that autopause will be available? (Back to Top)
There will be an auto-pause available for those players who like to use it.
4.10: I want to know if resting is only allowed in camps and certain inns, or can we rest outside those areas, like before or after a battle, and if so, can we be interrupted by enemies, as was done in former games? (Back to Top)
Dragon Age: Origins doesn’t require the party to rest in the sense you might be asking, since mana and health recovery are relatively quick outside of battle the game has no concept of memorizing spells. There is, however, a party camp where your party can patch up any long-term injuries they’ve sustained. Will the party camp always be a safe haven? You’ll have to play and see!
4.11: Will there be a combat log, à la Baldur's Gate? (Back to Top)
Dragon Age: Origins will track the creatures you encounter in your codex, filling in historical facts and outlining some of their behaviors. Statistics like your favorite spells and so on will also be tracked for your review.
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5.01: How many party members can I have? (Back to Top)
The player can have up to four active party members, including the main hero. The number of followers depends on the player’s choices throughout the game.
5.02: How do you control them? (Back to Top)
As in Baldur’s Gate 2 you can take direct control of your party or let the AI manage them. Dragon Age uses a special tactics system that lets players configure actions and reactions on their individual party members. For example, you can setup your mage to always heal a wounded companion when their health is at 30%.
5.03: How do I customize them? (Back to Top)
Each party member has a class and core abilities assigned to them when they join the PC’s party. Then the player can choose to take control of their leveling, customization, and progression like they do with their main hero or they can choose to let the system auto-level up.
5.04: Can I get rid of party members? (Back to Top)
Yes. We cannot give many details yet, but we can say that members of the player’s party do not always agree with the choices the player makes.
5.05: Can I solo the game, as in playing without followers? (Back to Top)
Well, you can try, but you’ll probably die.
5.06: Can party members die? (Back to Top)
Party members do not die in combat. If a party member’s health reaches zero while in combat, they are considered injured and cannot continue to aid you until combat is over. Once combat is over, they will remain injured with lower health, stamina, or mana until either they are rested or healed. Some party members can die based on specific story events and choices that you make. We can’t give more detail than that without giving away too much of the story.
5.07: Are there romances in Dragon Age: Origins? (Back to Top)
Yes. One of staples of BioWare stories is romance, which you can choose to pursue or not. You might find a potential love interest that you can choose to develop a relationship with, but we can’t say any more than that without giving away spoilers. As always, we approach romance plots tastefully and maturely.
Please select a question:
| 6.01 | What game-engine is being used? |
| 6.02 | What rule system is being used? |
| 6.03 | Is there a Z-Axis? |
| 6.04 | Is Dragon Age: Origins a multiplayer game? |
| 6.05 | Will there be a toolset? |
6.01: What game-engine is being used? (Back to Top)
Dragon Age: Origins uses the Eclipse engine, a BioWare developed, data-driven, next-gen RPG engine.
6.02: What rule system is being used? (Back to Top)
The Dragon Age team has created a custom Role Playing Game rule system for use in Dragon Age.
6.03: Is there a Z-Axis? (Back to Top)
Dragon Age; Origins is a 3D game, so it does have a Z-Axis in that regard. You may see huge towering buildings or arrows arching through the air. However, you will not be flying or swimming in Dragon Age: Origins.
6.04: Is Dragon Age: Origins a multiplayer game? (Back to Top)
Dragon Age: Origins delivers a focused, single-player RPG experience. Since this is the first game set in the world of Dragon Age, the team wanted to concentrate on a single player experience that would allow the players to learn the incredible history, story, and lore in the game.
6.05: Will there be a toolset? (Back to Top)
Absolutely. BioWare and our fans have had great success, fun, and longevity using the Neverwinter Nights toolset and we want to again provide a powerful tool to let fans create their own adventures. The Dragon Age Toolset was recently shown to the public at the Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle back in August and we had a group of Neverwinter Nights content creators visit BioWare for a tutorial and hands-on session with the toolset. Videos showcasing the toolset can be seen in the World Builders gallery. More details on this powerful tool will be coming soon.
Please select a question:
7.01: How many NPCs are there to choose from? We know Morrigan the mage and Wynne the spirit healer. What about the rest of them folks? (Back to Top)
Sorry, we’re not going to spoil the game for you and reveal exactly how many or who you can recruit to be members of your party. Different parties will have different dynamics and may or may not attract all of the potential followers. We have revealed some of these potential party members, such as Alistair the Grey Warden, in the Characters section of the World page. Stay tuned for future updates here: http://dragonage.bioware.com/theworld_characters.html
7.02: Is Shale in or out? (Back to Top)
You will not be seeing Shale in the initial release of Dragon Age Origins, but don’t give up on Shale yet. More information will be revealed on Shale in the future.
7.03: Is it possible to keep Rabbit alive through the epilogue? And will Rabbit (Dog) be a fully joinable NPC, taking one of the four party slots? (Back to Top)
It is possible to have Dog (you get to choose the name you want for him) join your party. If he does join, he takes up a slot just like any other party member choice. Keep in mind that not all NPCs encountered may want to join the party or you may not want them to join. As the player, you choose who will accompany you on your journeys.
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8.01: I have seen in the videos a lot of destroyed places and ruins. Will there be lovely places (villages, forest with waterfalls, etc.) in DA:O too? (Back to Top)
Absolutely. The art team on Dragon Age Origins has provided a wide selection of different environments to explore. Some will be dark are foreboding, others will be bright and full of life. Check out the screenshots in the gallery for more examples of our many different settings.
8.02: Will bashing doors or destroying them with a fireball possible? (Back to Top)
There are instances in the game where you will be given the opportunity to bash down doors, and it’s pretty spectacular when you do. Other doors will require a specific key or password. The majority of the time, though, you’ll want to ensure that you have someone in your party who can pick locks (hint: a rogue!) if you want to explore every nook and cranny in the game.
8.03: What about the wildlife, any neutral animals in the game? squirrels, bears, cows, foxes etc. (Back to Top)
The kingdom of Ferelden is a “real” world with the standard animals you would encounter in both rural and urban environments. There are many common animals to encounter along with the more fantastic like the ones in the Creatures tab of the World section here: http://dragonage.bioware.com/theworld_creatures.html
8.04: Will you be able to "fast Travel" from city to city/town to town (ie: Oblivion), or will you be forced to trudge the distance from town to town on foot? Will we be able to at least buy/obtain (in any way, and I mean any.) a horse to reduce the walking time? (Back to Top)
Once an area is revealed on your world map, you will be able to travel to and from that area to other world map areas quickly. However, it is possible that your travels between destinations may be interrupted by unexpected events.
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9.01: I'm really excited about this game and all the new content that will be available but there is one thing that really disappoints me: You can only pick between 3 different races and 3 different classes. So what I'm asking is that after the game is released, are there any possibilities of adding new races/classes later on in patches or expansions? (Back to Top)
Sorry, we are not yet releasing details about downloadable content. Stay tuned for more information on this in the New Year.