What Order Should I Play the Dragon Age Games?
The Dragon Age series has gained a loyal following since its inception in 2009, and for good reason. BioWare’s iconic RPG series offers an unforgettable experience, with engaging characters, strategic combat, and rich storytelling. But for new players, navigating the series’ complex timeline and character connections can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll break down the best order to play the Dragon Age games, ensuring you get the most out of your experience.
The Games’ Timeline
Before diving into the recommended play order, it’s essential to understand the series’ timeline:
| Game | Release Year | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Dragon Age: Origins | 2009 | 9:30 TE – Ferelden’s civil war |
| Dragon Age: Awakening | 2010 | 9:35 TE – 10:20 TE (5 years after Origins) |
| Dragon Age II | 2011 | 9:38 TE – 9:44 TE (7 years after Awakening) |
| Dragon Age: Inquisition | 2014 | 9:50 TE – 9:51 TE (9-11 years after DAII) |
| Dragon Age: The Masked Rider | 2020 | 9:52 TE – 9:55 TE (8-10 years after Inquisition) |
Recommended Play Order
To experience the series in the best possible order, follow this sequence:
- Dragon Age: Origins
Start your journey in the world of Thedas with the original game, which sets the stage for the entire series. This game is a must-play for new fans, as it introduces you to the world, characters, and lore that shape the rest of the series. - Dragon Age: Awakening
Directly after completing Origins, dive into Awakening, which takes place five years after the events of the first game. Awakening expands on the lore and character connections, introducing new storylines and characters that build upon the foundation established in Origins. - Dragon Age II
With Awakening’s story concluded, move on to Dragon Age II, which takes place seven years after the events of Awakening. DAII explores the Grey Wardens, a group of warriors crucial to the series’ lore, and introduces the concept of the First Bliss, a powerful and ancient elven artifact. - Dragon Age: Inquisition
Skip forward nine to eleven years with Dragon Age: Inquisition, which serves as a cataclysmic turning point for the world of Thedas. Inquisition’s story is heavily connected to the events of DAII, but new players can still jump in without prior knowledge of the series. - Dragon Age: The Masked Rider
Finally, conclude your journey with the latest game, The Masked Rider, which takes place eight to ten years after the events of Inquisition. The Masked Rider offers a new cast of characters, a fresh storyline, and a unique gameplay mechanic that sets it apart from the rest of the series.
Additional Considerations
Before starting your journey, keep the following points in mind:
• Save your progress: Play each game in its entirety, making sure to save frequently and thoroughly.
• Take your time: Don’t rush through each game; take time to enjoy the storytelling, characters, and combat mechanics.
• Explore the world: Venture into the world of Thedas, talk to NPCs, and discover side quests and lore.
• Prepare for continuity: Be aware that the series is designed with a continuous narrative in mind, so characters, events, and plot twists will likely reference previous games.
FAQs and Answers
Q: Can I play the series out of order?
A: Yes, but be prepared to potentially miss out on important lore, character connections, and story context. Each game builds upon the previous one, making the recommended order the most engaging experience.
Q: Are the games necessary to play in order?
A: No, but playing in order is highly recommended. Playing out of order may lead to misunderstandings or confusion regarding the series’ lore and character relationships.
Q: Can I skip games or jump forward?
A: It’s possible, but you’ll likely miss out on crucial story elements. Playing out of order may make it challenging to fully appreciate the series’ depth and complexity.
Q: Are there any spoilers in the recommended order?
A: Yes, some games in the recommended order contain spoilers for earlier games. Be prepared for unexpected reveals and plot twists.
Q: Can I play the games in the order of release?
A: Yes, but you may not receive the intended story experience. The release order does not necessarily reflect the best or recommended play order.
Q: How long will it take to play each game?
A: Depends on your playstyle, but expect to spend around 60-100 hours per game, including completion of side quests and exploring the world.
Q: Are the games compatible with each other?
A: Yes, all games in the Dragon Age series are compatible with each other, making it easy to switch between games in the recommended order.
Q: Are the games worth playing?
A: Absolutely, the Dragon Age series offers an immersive and engaging experience, with well-developed characters, strategic combat, and rich storytelling. Each game offers something unique, making it worth exploring the series in its entirety.
Embark on your journey through the world of Thedas, and experience the Dragon Age series in the best possible order. Whether you’re a new fan or a returning veteran, the recommended play order ensures a rewarding and unforgettable experience.