When BioWare releasedDragon Age: Inquisitionin 2014, the studio introduced theDragon Agefranchise to the modern era of gaming. With sweeping open zones, expansive party dynamics, and complex systems that invited players to lead a political revolution as much as a military one,Dragon Age: Inquisitionredefined what a modern RPG could be. It was a bold departure from the experimental, more reactive designs ofOriginsandDragon Age 2, aiming instead to create a blockbuster-scale experience without losing the narrative weight the franchise is known for.
Over a decade later,Inquisitionstill holds as one of BioWare’s most ambitious titles. And in 2025, there’s never been a better time to return. Whether revisiting it tocompare withThe Veilguardor playing for the first time, the best way to experienceInquisitionnow may be to start entirely fresh. From understanding deeper mechanics to appreciating companion stories in full, a new playthrough lets players approach Thedas with a fresh perspective and a bit more wisdom.
Inquisition: An Important Piece Of Lore For The Dragon Age Series
BioWare is no stranger to creating narrative epics that span the course of several games. AlthoughDragon Age: OriginsandDragon Age 2set the stage for the larger world and setting,Dragon Age: Inquisitionheightens the stakes of that world. The game not only pushed the overarching narrative into new, cosmic territory but also solidified key relationships, ideologies, and conflicts that continue to shape the series. For those looking to fully understand the stakes ofThe Veilguardand what lies ahead,Inquisitionis an all-time great RPGthat serves as an essential piece of the puzzle.
Catch Up On Events That Shaped The Veilguard
Sometimes, to look forward, one must look back. BioWare’s games are deeply interconnected. Major events, like the Inquisitor’s final choices, form the setup of what came withThe Veilguard. WithThe Veilguardfinally on shelves and fans parsing its take on the franchise, many players are reconsidering their choices inInquisition. A new playthrough in 2025 offers a chance to revisit crucial decisions with fresh context and an optimized point of view—especially withInquisition’s Trespasser DLCthat putsThe Veilguard’s chess pieces on the board. Starting over helps align a player’s Inquisition with the moral or narrative priorities they want to explore after seeing some aftermaths as explored inThe Veilguard.
Inquisition Is A Less Controversial Title
BioWare’sDragon Age: The Veilguardlaunched to critical acclaim. The same cannot be said for the fandom, whose reception of the game was incredibly divisive.The Veilguard’s release was marred by controversy, resulting in some media repercussions that overshadowed the game’s narrative and potential. EA reported thatDragon Age: The Veilguardfell short of financial expectations, piggybacked by major layoffs at BioWare. Overall,The Veilguardstruggled to meet the hype set by its franchise and its followers—leaving a sour taste in many players’ mouths.
Inquisitionis perhaps a throwback to a simpler time inDragon Agehistorywhen in-fandom fighting and divisive discourse did not spring out of a title. AlthoughInquistionwas not entirely free of controversy, it was at least a game that was well-received across the board when it came to both critics and long-time fans of the series.
Inquisition is BioWare’s Craftsmanship at Its Best
Sometimes, players should revisit a game just by virtue of it being a stellar example of video game magic.Dragon Age: Inquisitionis perhaps among the best titles produced by BioWare, gaining many accolades that includethe very first Game of the Year award at The Game Awards. Whether players are familiar with BioWare’s many offerings or are just considering picking up their first BioWare title, they cannot go wrong withDragon Age: Inquisition.
A Stellar Cast Of Companions
BioWare’s flagship franchises are known for many reasons, but a true virtue of the developer’s history is its character writing. One ofDragon Age: Inquisition’s greatest strengths is its cast of characters. Characters like Cassandra, Dorian, Iron Bull, and Blackwall offer rich, personal stories that evolve alongside the main plot. But in early or quickened playthroughs, players can miss key companion quests or make decisions that end certain arcs or romances unfavorably.
Starting over in 2025 means doing the stories ofInquisition’s dual-sided companionsjustice. It means investing in the quiet moments: revisiting banter, choosing different party configurations, and watching how relationships grow when prioritized. It also allows players to explore different potential paths, which could dramatically shift the emotional tenor of the game.
The Strength Of A Solid Visual Identity
TheDragon Ageseries has never quite settled on what the defining aesthetics of the franchise could look like. This stems from a variety of reasons, from the graphical limitations of the time of a game’s release to the evolving identity of a franchise that became more popular over time. However,Dragon Age: Inquisitiontook this unstable identity and used it to create something truly unique.
The visual identity inDragon Age: Inquisitionis a true highlight of the series. The game’s aesthetics effectively underscore the dark themes and plot elements of the narrative without becoming overly grim or disjointed. The stylization feels sophisticated, yet a natural progression for the series. AndDragon Age: Inquisition’s companion tarot cardsthat evolve with a character’s story are among the most inspired aesthetic choices for the game.
Master The Complex Systems Of Inquisition
For players looking for a true challenge,Dragon Age: Inquisitiondoesn’t just offer a main quest—it invites players to lead an organization with intricate moving parts. The War Table, political alliances, requisition orders, crafting systems, class builds, andSkyhold upgradesall give players the tools to shape their Inquisition according to their playstyle and values.
That said, many players didn’t fully grasp how to navigate these systems on their first run. Starting over in 2025 means players can approach the game with a better understanding of mechanics: how to spend Inquisition perks effectively, what gear is worth crafting, which companions benefit most from certain party roles, and how to maximize approval gains or romance outcomes. With hindsight, every decision becomes more meaningful.
