Dragon Age: Inquisition – Jaws of Hakkon After Trespasser? Your Definitive Guide
The short and definitive answer is no. Once you begin the Trespasser DLC for Dragon Age: Inquisition, you reach a point of no return. This means you cannot go back to any other areas in the game, including the Jaws of Hakkon DLC area, or complete any unfinished quests from the main game or other DLCs. Trespasser acts as a conclusive epilogue, effectively ending your Inquisitor’s journey.
Understanding the Dragon Age: Inquisition DLC Structure
Dragon Age: Inquisition’s DLCs were designed to be played in a specific order to best enhance the narrative experience. This order, generally recommended by the community and supported by the story beats, is:
- Jaws of Hakkon: This DLC introduces the Frostback Basin, an entirely new region with its own lore and challenges.
- The Descent: Delves deep into the Deep Roads, uncovering ancient secrets and facing a new type of threat.
- Trespasser: This is the true epilogue to the main game, taking place two years after the defeat of Corypheus.
Understanding this intended order helps explain why you cannot access Jaws of Hakkon after completing Trespasser. Trespasser provides closure to the overall narrative, moving the story beyond the scope of the other DLCs.
Why Trespasser Locks You Out
The Trespasser DLC isn’t just another side adventure. It drastically alters the landscape of Thedas and the Inquisitor’s position within it. It directly addresses the consequences of your actions during the main game and sets the stage for future Dragon Age installments. Due to these significant changes, the game prevents you from revisiting previous states of the world. Starting Trespasser means accepting the finality of your choices.
Planning Your Dragon Age: Inquisition Playthrough
Knowing the limitations imposed by Trespasser is crucial for planning your playthrough. If you intend to experience all the content, ensure you complete Jaws of Hakkon, The Descent, and any other side quests before initiating the Trespasser DLC. Consider creating multiple save files – one just before starting Trespasser – to allow you to revisit earlier parts of the game if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dragon Age: Inquisition DLC
Here are 15 frequently asked questions concerning the Dragon Age: Inquisition DLCs, providing further clarity and insight:
1. What Level Should I Be Before Starting Jaws of Hakkon?
A good rule of thumb is to be at least level 20 before venturing into the Frostback Basin. The enemies in Jaws of Hakkon are significantly tougher than those encountered in the early stages of the main game.
2. Can I Play The Descent After Beating Corypheus?
Yes, you can play The Descent after completing the main quest and defeating Corypheus, but only before starting the Trespasser DLC. It serves as a solid mid-to-late game side story with important lore implications.
3. What Order Should I Play the Dragon Age: Inquisition DLC In?
The generally recommended order is Jaws of Hakkon, followed by The Descent, and then finally Trespasser. This allows the story to flow naturally and provides a satisfying conclusion to the Inquisitor’s saga.
4. How Long Does It Take to Complete Jaws of Hakkon?
On average, expect to spend around 6 hours focusing on the main objectives of Jaws of Hakkon. Completionists aiming for 100% can easily sink 11+ hours into exploring the Frostback Basin.
5. Is the Trespasser DLC Worth Playing?
Absolutely! Trespasser is widely considered the best DLC for Dragon Age: Inquisition. It provides closure to the story, adds new challenges, gameplay mechanics, and significantly impacts the overall narrative of the Dragon Age universe.
6. What Does the Trespasser DLC Add to the Game?
Trespasser adds a new story campaign, challenging gameplay modes, new cosmetic options, the Golden Nug statue for schematic and recipe sharing across playthroughs, and a definitive ending to the Inquisitor’s story.
7. Can I Go Back to Skyhold After Starting Trespasser?
No, you cannot return to Skyhold once you begin the Trespasser DLC. Activating the war table operation triggers a point of no return.
8. What Happens to Unfinished Quests After Trespasser?
Any open quests from the main game or other DLCs will be abandoned once you start Trespasser, as you lose access to those areas.
9. What are the Marriage Options in Trespasser?
In Trespasser, the Inquisitor can marry Cullen Rutherford or Sera, provided they were successfully romanced during the main game.
10. What Level Should I Be For Trespasser DLC?
Similar to Jaws of Hakkon, it’s advisable to be at least level 20 before starting Trespasser. The enemies are tough, and the challenges are designed for high-level characters.
11. Can I Start a Romance in Trespasser?
While you cannot begin a full romance, you can pursue a flirtatious relationship with Lace Harding in Trespasser if you’ve initiated flirting with her earlier in the game.
12. Is The Descent DLC Worth Playing?
While opinions vary, The Descent is generally considered a worthwhile DLC, especially for those interested in dwarven lore. It offers a challenging dungeon crawl experience and expands upon the history of the Deep Roads.
13. How Do I Start the Jaws of Hakkon DLC?
Once you’ve purchased and installed the DLC, a new war table operation will become available. You need 8 power points to unlock the new area, Frostback Basin.
14. Can Iron Bull Be Recruited After Reaching Skyhold?
Yes, you can still recruit Iron Bull even after reaching Skyhold. Just accept the quest when Krem shows up at Haven, and you can find him at the Storm Coast.
15. What is the significance of the Golden Nug in Trespasser?
The Golden Nug statue allows you to synchronize your schematic and recipe progress across multiple playthroughs, making it easier to start new games with your previously unlocked crafting knowledge. The Games Learning Society also emphasizes the importance of learning and adapting across different “playthroughs” in various contexts. See more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Final Thoughts
While you cannot play Jaws of Hakkon after Trespasser, understanding the structure of the Dragon Age: Inquisition DLCs allows you to plan your playthrough effectively. By prioritizing the content and considering the recommended level ranges, you can ensure a fulfilling and complete experience with Dragon Age: Inquisition. Remember to create separate save files to revisit your favorite moments and explore alternate choices. Enjoy your journey through Thedas!