How Long is Awakening DLC? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of how long the Awakening DLC takes to complete is a common one among gamers, especially those diving into the expansive worlds of role-playing games. The answer isn’t always straightforward, as it depends on play style and the desired level of completion. Generally speaking, the Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening expansion is estimated to take anywhere from 8 to 25 hours to complete. However, this time frame varies significantly based on whether you are focused purely on the main storyline, or intend to explore every nook and cranny the game has to offer.
For players who prioritize the main story objectives, Awakening can be completed in approximately 10-15 hours. This is if you move through the main quests efficiently, bypassing most side content. On the other hand, those seeking a more comprehensive experience, completing all side quests, exploring all areas, and fully engaging with the game’s mechanics, should expect to spend around 20-25 hours or more. Some players who tend to meticulously explore can even reach 30 hours. The estimated time to obtain all 8 achievements in the expansion, according to data from TrueAchievements, ranges between 8-10 hours, suggesting a focused playthrough geared toward maximizing achievement acquisition.
Understanding the Time Commitment
To better understand the varying lengths of playtime, it’s helpful to consider how different players approach gaming. Some players are driven to complete the narrative as efficiently as possible, while others are drawn to the minutiae of gameplay, seeking to uncover every secret and complete every side mission available.
Main Objectives vs. Completionist Run
A “main objectives” run will typically see players focusing on the primary story path. They’ll engage in essential quests and may skip optional dialogue or exploration. This approach is ideal for players who want to experience the narrative quickly or who have already played through the game once. This will place your playtime in the shorter end of the spectrum for Awakening.
A “completionist” run involves fully engaging with all aspects of the game. Players will delve into every side quest, explore every location, and often engage in optional or hidden content. This often includes reading all lore entries and interacting with all NPCs. This style of gameplay results in a significantly longer play time, nearing or sometimes exceeding 25 hours.
Factors Affecting Playtime
Several factors can influence how long it takes to complete Awakening. These include:
- Difficulty Level: Playing on higher difficulty levels will likely result in more time spent on combat encounters.
- Familiarity with the Game: Experienced players who are comfortable with Dragon Age: Origins mechanics will naturally move faster.
- Exploration Style: Players who explore methodically will spend more time on side activities than players who skip unessential areas.
Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening vs. Other DLC
While Awakening is a significant expansion offering a new story and areas to explore, it’s useful to understand how it compares to other content within the Dragon Age: Origins universe. The other notable DLCs for the game are generally shorter, with Golems of Amgarrak estimated to take around 1-3 hours and Leliana’s Song, Stone Prisoner, Return to Ostagar, Warden’s Keep, and Witch Hunt all typically taking a few hours at most. Awakening, therefore, represents a more substantial investment of time.
It’s also worth noting that the time to complete Dragon Age: Origins itself is far longer than Awakening. An average playthrough focused on the main story is usually around 30 hours, and those aiming for full completion can easily spend 100+ hours in the main game. In contrast, Awakening is a more concise experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Awakening part of Dragon Age: Origins?
Yes, Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening is an expansion to the original Dragon Age: Origins game. It’s not a standalone title.
2. Can I play Awakening without playing Origins first?
While technically you can play Awakening straight away, it’s strongly recommended that you complete Dragon Age: Origins first. The story and characters in Awakening are directly connected to the events of the main game, and playing in order enhances the narrative experience.
3. How much time passes between Dragon Age: Origins and Awakening?
Awakening is set a few months after the end of Dragon Age: Origins. The events of Awakening also take place over a period of about 1-2 weeks in-game.
4. What order should I play the Dragon Age: Origins DLC in?
The chronological order of Dragon Age: Origins DLC is as follows: Leliana’s Song, Origins itself (including Stone Prisoner, Return to Ostagar, and Warden’s Keep which can be played at any point), Awakening, Golems of Amgarrak, and finally Witch Hunt.
5. Is Awakening longer than Dragon Age: Origins?
No, Awakening is not longer than Dragon Age: Origins. The main game takes significantly longer to complete, particularly if you pursue a completionist run.
6. What is the story of Awakening?
Awakening focuses on the Warden’s efforts to rebuild the Grey Warden order in the region of Amaranthine following the Blight. It introduces new characters, areas, and enemies, presenting a new challenge in the Dragon Age universe.
7. How long does it take to 100% complete Awakening?
A 100% completion run of Awakening typically takes around 21.5 to 25 hours, depending on the thoroughness of exploration and completion of all side quests.
8. What is the best class to play in Dragon Age: Origins?
While individual preferences vary, Mage is generally considered the strongest class combat-wise in Dragon Age: Origins, although Rogues are useful for accessing locked chests. This applies to Awakening as well.
9. Is Awakening a standalone game?
No, Awakening is not a standalone game. It requires the base Dragon Age: Origins game to play.
10. Does my character transfer from Origins to Awakening?
Yes, you can transfer your character from Dragon Age: Origins to Awakening. This allows you to continue your adventure with the same character, preserving their stats, equipment, and decisions from the main game.
11. Is Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening worth playing?
Yes, Awakening is considered a worthwhile expansion that offers new content, a compelling narrative, and additional gameplay. It’s highly recommended for fans of Dragon Age: Origins.
12. Does Awakening have any new romance options?
Yes, Awakening introduces new romance options with several of the new companions that it adds to the game.
13. Is Dragon Age 2 connected to Awakening?
While Dragon Age 2 is set in the same universe, the story focuses on different characters. You don’t need to play Awakening to enjoy Dragon Age 2, but playing it enhances the understanding of the overall lore.
14. What happens at the end of Awakening?
Awakening concludes with the resolution of the conflict in Amaranthine. The player’s choices throughout the expansion heavily affect the ending’s details, contributing to the overall narrative impact.
15. How much does Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening cost?
The price of Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening can vary depending on the platform and sales promotions. Check your preferred game store for current pricing. You may need to purchase the Ultimate Edition of the game to get all the DLC.
By understanding these points, players can better estimate their expected playtime and make informed decisions about how they want to approach Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening. Whether you’re focused on speedrunning the main quest or exploring every corner of the game, Awakening offers an immersive and compelling experience within the Dragon Age universe.