How to Access DLC in Dragon Age 2: A Comprehensive Guide
The world of Dragon Age 2 is vast and engaging, but its experience can be significantly enriched by its downloadable content (DLC). If you’re wondering how to access these exciting additions, the process is straightforward. To access DLC content in Dragon Age 2, you typically need to interact with a specific in-game element. For most story-driven DLC like Legacy, this involves interacting with a special statue located in Hawke’s home. However, access methods may vary slightly depending on the specific DLC. After installation, the game usually alerts you to the availability of new content, guiding you to where you need to go. Always ensure that your DLC is correctly installed and recognized by the game, which can be verified through the in-game menus.
Understanding Dragon Age 2 DLC
Dragon Age 2 offers several DLC packs that expand the story, introduce new characters, and offer additional items. These packs enhance the game’s experience and provide a deeper understanding of the world and its lore. The major DLC packs for Dragon Age 2 include:
- The Exiled Prince: Introduces a new companion, Sebastian Vael.
- Legacy: A story-driven DLC that expands on Hawke’s family history.
- Mark of the Assassin: Offers a new area to explore and a unique questline.
- The Black Emporium: A shop containing unique and powerful items.
Understanding that these expansions offer fresh content is key to engaging them properly within your gameplay. Each DLC will have specific criteria, such as the statue for Legacy, or the in game notice that triggers The Exiled Prince.
How to Confirm DLC Installation
Before you dive into the additional content, it’s wise to confirm that your DLC is correctly installed. To do this, follow these steps:
- Start the game. Launch Dragon Age 2 and navigate to the main menu.
- Locate ‘Downloadable Content’. There should be a menu option labeled “Downloadable Content,” usually located about five options down.
- Access ‘Installed Content’. Within the Downloadable Content menu, you will find different tabs. Click the tab titled ‘Installed Content’.
- Check for Checkmarks. This screen will display a list of all the installed and functioning DLC, each marked with a checkmark. This will let you know if a DLC has been installed successfully. Any installed mods (.dazip files) will also be listed here.
By verifying your DLC through this process, you’ll ensure you’re not missing out on any content and that your gameplay will be as enriched as you want.
Accessing Specific DLC Content
As mentioned, DLC access can be unique to each pack. It’s essential to know the access method for the specific DLC you want to play.
Legacy DLC
The Legacy DLC is accessed through a special statue inside Hawke’s home in Kirkwall. Once the DLC is installed, the statue will become interactive, triggering the beginning of the Legacy questline. You can start this DLC at any time after reaching Kirkwall, but it is advised to play before the endgame for the best narrative flow.
The Exiled Prince DLC
The Exiled Prince is triggered by a notice at the Viscount’s Keep. Once you’ve completed the appropriate main story points to allow new companions to join, this notice will appear. Once you travel to the Viscount’s Keep, you will meet Sebastian, and his story will begin.
Mark of the Assassin DLC
The Mark of the Assassin questline begins by an alert about the new content. After the proper steps have been taken, a new area is added to your map and can be travelled to from Kirkwall.
The Black Emporium DLC
The Black Emporium becomes available after completing a specific war table operation, after the content is installed. After this war table mission is completed, the area will be available to visit, offering unique items and customization options.
When to Play DLC
Dragon Age 2 DLC can generally be played at any point after reaching Kirkwall and before the end of the main story. However, there are some factors to consider:
- Story Flow: For the most organic experience, many players prefer to complete the Legacy DLC before reaching the final act, due to its narrative implications.
- Character Development: The Exiled Prince DLC introduces Sebastian, a character you can choose to include in your party. It’s often advisable to begin this DLC earlier to maximize the character development.
- Difficulty: Some DLC areas, especially Mark of the Assassin, can be challenging, so it may be beneficial to build up your character’s skills and gear before attempting them.
You should, by and large, play the DLC content when you find it fits most appropriately within your own playstyle. But in most cases, it is advised to play before the final main story quest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand how to access and enjoy DLC in Dragon Age 2:
1. Can I play DLC after finishing the main story?
Yes, you can play DLC even after completing the main story. Loading screens often mention that downloadable quests that take place before the climax of the game can still be played. This means that you are not locked out of the DLC content after completing the game.
2. Do I need to finish the main game to play DLC?
While it’s not necessary to finish the main story before accessing the DLC, it is generally recommended to do so to avoid any narrative overlap or story inconsistencies, and to get the proper impact that each DLC can have.
3. How do I get free DLC for Dragon Age 2?
To obtain free DLC for Dragon Age 2, you need to own the base game in your Origin or EA library. Typically, these DLCs are provided free of charge once you own the base game.
4. Where is the special statue for the Legacy DLC located?
The special statue used to start the Legacy DLC is located within Hawke’s home in Kirkwall. It should become interactive after the DLC is installed and ready to go.
5. Is Dragon Age 2 DLC available on all platforms?
Yes, Dragon Age 2 DLC was originally released on Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, and BioWare’s website. Now these DLC’s are bundled with most digital versions of the game.
6. How many DLC packs are available for Dragon Age 2?
There are six main downloadable content packs for Dragon Age 2, including The Exiled Prince, Legacy, Mark of the Assassin, and The Black Emporium.
7. Can I transfer my Dragon Age 2 decisions to Dragon Age: Inquisition?
No, your Dragon Age 2 save data cannot be directly transferred to Dragon Age: Inquisition. Instead, you will use the Dragon Age Keep system to recreate your past story and have it affect your playthough in Inquisition.
8. How long does the Legacy DLC typically take to complete?
The Legacy DLC takes about 3 hours to complete if you’re focusing on the main objectives. For a completionist run, you’ll likely spend about 4.5 hours.
9. Can I romance Sebastian in Dragon Age 2?
Yes, you can romance Sebastian as a female character only. He is a chaste romance, meaning you will not be able to sleep with him.
10. Does Leliana appear in Dragon Age 2?
Yes, Leliana appears in Dragon Age 2 in a cameo and she is also a character in The Exiled Prince DLC pack.
11. What happens if I access the DLC in the middle of the main story?
Accessing DLC in the middle of the main story won’t typically break the game, but may shift the game experience as per the story being told within the DLC. It’s often recommended to complete the main story first for the best experience.
12. How do I activate DLC through Steam?
To activate DLC through Steam, go to your Steam Library, select your game, and click on Store Page. Scroll down and select the DLC you want. Then, in your Library, select the game, go to the DLC section, and click Manage my DLC to enable or disable it.
13. How do I know if my DLC is installed on Nintendo Switch?
On the Nintendo Switch, from the main menu, select the game with the ‘+’ button. Then, go to Software Information > Nintendo eShop. Scroll down to Downloadable Content and select View All Items to see all installed DLC.
14. Does the difficulty of the game affect the DLC experience?
The difficulty level of Dragon Age 2 will affect the difficulty of the DLC. Enemies may have higher resistances and health on higher difficulty settings, making DLC content more challenging.
15. Can I play Dragon Age 2 DLC on consoles?
Yes! The Dragon Age 2 DLC can be played on consoles like the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and via backwards compatibility on modern systems. Most of the DLCs have been bundled into complete editions of the game for the newer consoles.
By following this guide and checking out these FAQs, you should have a thorough understanding of how to access and make the most of your Dragon Age 2 DLC experience. Enjoy your adventures in Kirkwall!