The Dragon Age series is host to some of the best RPG titles available today. Every game is distinct with its own identity, gameplay style, and plot beats. What really makes these titles so interesting is how each of them – including Veilguard – are a sort of synecdoche representing where BioWare was at the time of its release. From more in-depth roleplaying titles, to flashy ARPGs, to strange hybrid games that have to allow for online features, and now, hopefully, a return to RPG form.
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But all RPGs, be they the monoliths of Veilguard and Baldur’s Gate 3 or the old DOS titles lost to time, have a common ancestor. The tabletop roleplaying game, which has been defining how players enjoy games and use their imagination for decades now. Players who have fallen in love with Thedas for the first time or fallen in love with it all over again are the perfect types of people to give D&D a try. Whether you’re new to the tabletop scene or a veteran DM in need of inspiration, these D&D modules are perfect for fans of Dragon Age.
8 Dragon Of Icespire Peak
A Fantastic Sandbox Starter Module
- Released: 2019
- Book Type: Starter Set Module
- Levels: 1-5
- Themes: Exploration, Hunting, Classic Fantasy
Among some of the best modules for beginners and players looking for a breezy campaign is the Dragon of Icespire Peak. This game has a lot of connections to how Dragon Age Inquisition, and to a lesser extent, Origins was structured.
The sandbox style of play, with a job bulletin board to change up how players explore and a roving draconic threat that’s never in the same place are both ways that this title reflects the non-linearity of Inquisition or the optional bulletin board quests of Origins.
7 Into The Abyss
Did You Enjoy The Deep Roads? How Much?
- Released: 2015
- Book Type: Adventure Module
- Levels: 1-15
- Themes: Demonic Horror, Exploration, Dungeon Delving
The Deep Roads would probably be the second most confusing place in Dragon Age Origins, and as the games progress and the map design smooths out a little, players are better able to explore these decrepit ruins filled with Darkspawn horrors.
The Underdark is not much friendlier, but players looking for a fraught, dangerous journey to the forbidden corners of the Material Plane will be in for an absolute treat in Out of the Abyss.
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Dragon Age: The Veilguard Will Be My First DA Game, What Do I Need To Know?
I’ve played quite a lot of RPGs over the years, and I’ve heard a lot of high praise comparing Dragon Age to the Baldur’s Gate series, but I never quite got around to actually trying it out for myself. After seeing a lot of hype for the game build since its original reveal trailer, I’m definitely going to try out Dragon Age: The Veilguard when it launches – what is your advice for a first-time Dragon Age player heading into Veilguard as their first taste of the series?
6 Storm King’s Thunder
A Political Thriller Of Colossal Proportions
- Released: 2016
- Book Type: Adventure Module
- Levels: 1-16
- Themes: Intrigue, Giant Slaying, Survival
Storm King’s Thunder is a large, versatile module that can take players in many directions – with a particular choice that can send them down two very different paths as the module continues to explore Giant society.
There’s a lot of schemes and intrigue among the more intelligent Giants that’s right up the alley of those who liked the political manouvering in Inquisition or winning over votes against the antagonist in Origins.
5 The Dragons Of Stormwreck Isle
A Starter Module With Adventure And Exploration
- Released: 2022
- Book Type: Starter Set Module
- Levels: 1-5
- Themes: Treasure hunting, dragon slaying, exploration
There are many reasons why Stormwreck Isle is probably the best starter module in 5th edition. Something about the rugged, arid setting is so unique and intriguing, it’s sure to rope players in from the very first session.
The setting, and the presence of (you guessed it) dragons are evocative of Dragon Age 2 in particular, and the smaller scale, more intimate story is similarly a great parallel to draw to this game.
4 Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Especially Good For Fans Of Dragon Age 2
- Released: 2018
- Book Type: Adventure Module
- Levels: 1-5
- Themes: Scheming, Intrigue, Heists
Continuing on with games that work in the favor of the often underrated Dragon Age 2, Waterdeep: Dragon Heist centers around the titular city of the same name, probably ringing a bell for Baldur’s Gate 3 fans.
The story and the kinds of player characters it can produce are very in line with the ‘honor among thieves’ vibes that Dragon Age 2‘s party goes for. Try playing a game with Isabella, Varric, and sarcastic Hawke inspired characters for an amazing time.
3 Ghosts Of Saltmarsh
Classic But Gruesome Fantasy Adventures
- Released: 2019
- Book Type: Adventure Anthology Module
- Levels: 1-11
- Themes: Eldritch horror, pirates, aquatic battles
Dragon Age as a series definitely wears its classic fantasy inspiration on its sleeve. Industrial art-deco Dwarves, shamanic elves, and humans that just kind of suck are not any innovations on the fantasy format, but its their implementation, and the dark paths the story can take, that has made the series so enjoyable.
Similarly, Ghosts of Saltmarsh, an anthology that remasters older D&D adventures, is a great way to introduce high fantasy concepts to players while also doubling down on some especially gruesome or brutal enemy and dungeon design.
2 Princes Of The Apocalypse
A Challenging Sandbox Adventure
- Released: 2015
- Book Type: Adventure Module
- Levels: 1-15
- Themes: Cults, magic, combat-heavy
For players wanting a grand, expansive adventure to tackle as they please, something with modular goals like the contracts from Origins, Princes of the Apocalypse is the game to play – but be warned, as this module is no walk in the park.
The heads of the four elemental cults that define the major parts of this campaign are all headed by enigmatic, singularly evil people – an archetype Dragon Age is certainly familiar with.
1 Tyranny Of Dragons
An Adventure Module With Incredible Scale
- Released: 2022
- Book Type: Dual Adventure Module Collection
- Levels: 1-15
- Themes: Dragons, dungeon delving, combat-heavy
Collecting two previous halves of an adventure into one book, Tyranny of Dragons has players take on one of the most recognizable and iconic villains within all of the Forgotten Realms – Tiamat, the evil god of dragons.
With the new game focusing on the nature of gods within Thedas, this huge module might be the perfect compliment to any fresh Veilguard experiences within the next few weeks.
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