Who are the Best of The Veilguard Companions in Dragon Age?

Key Highlights

Here’s a quick look at what we’ll cover in this guide to the companions of Dragon Age: The Veilguard:

• Meet the seven unique companions you can recruit to your party, including a returning fan-favorite from Dragon Age: Inquisition.
• Explore how each companion’s faction and backstory influence their personality and companion quests.
• Discover how your choices during the main story quest and personal quests can impact your relationships with these party members.
• Learn about each character’s combat style, from a necromancer to a dragon hunter.
• Understand why these Veilguard allies are so crucial to your adventure in Thedas.

Introduction

One of the most beloved features of any Dragon Age game is the incredible cast of companions who join you on your journey. These characters bring the world of Thedas to life, offering different perspectives, compelling backstories, and deep relationships that you can explore. In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, this tradition continues with a new team of seven fascinating individuals. Completing their companion quests and earning their trust is not just a side activity; it’s at the very heart of the experience. Are you ready to meet your new crew?

The Best of The Veilguard Companions in Dragon Age

Dragon Age: The Veilguard introduces a diverse group of seven heroes, each with their own rich story to discover and shape. As you fight to stop a new, world-ending threat, these allies will stand by your side. But who are they, and what makes them tick?

From a charming Grey Warden to a cynical detective, each of these party members brings something unique to the table. Let’s get to know the full roster of Veilguard companions you’ll be fighting alongside, building friendships with, and possibly even romancing.

1. Lace Harding – The Veteran Scout

Fans of Dragon Age: Inquisition will be thrilled to see a familiar face: Lace Harding. This daring dwarven scout returns as a full-fledged companion, bringing her big heart, positive outlook, and ready bow to your team. No longer just a supporting character, Harding is a core part of your initial party and doesn’t need to be recruited, joining you right from the start.

In The Veilguard, Harding’s story becomes much more complex. Her companion quest chain, which includes missions like “An Unfamiliar Sense,” explores her reaction to gaining unexpected magical powers. This journey dives deep into dwarven lore, uncovering truths that challenge her entire worldview. As she grapples with these revelations, her famous happy-go-lucky attitude reveals cracks of anger and loss.

While you’re exploring the world, perhaps investigating the criminal elements in Dock Town or dealing with factions like the Lords of Fortune, Harding’s own journey will be a central and emotional pillar of your adventure. Her development from a cheerful scout to a pivotal figure for her people is an inspiring transformation.

2. Emmrich Volkarin – The Necromancer with Secrets

Prepare to meet one of the most distinct companions in the series: Emmrich Volkarin. This well-meaning scholar is a necromancer from Nevarra’s Mourn Watch, and he’s not alone. He comes complete with a skeletal assistant named Manfred, who is fully voiced and adds a unique dynamic to your party. Having Emmrich on your team essentially means having two companions in one.

You’ll recruit Emmrich during the main story quest “Where the Dead Must Go,” where he serves as your guide to the Nevarran Necropolis. His companion quests, such as “Walking the Graves,” are fittingly esoteric, exploring profound views on life, death, and existence in Thedas. His story centers on his relationship with his skeleton assistant and the incredible lengths he will go to protect him.

Emmrich’s combat style is as fascinating as his backstory. He is a flexible mage who can slot into any team, focusing on Necrotic damage and inflicting a unique status effect called Quietus. His questline presents some of the most drastic and lasting choices in the game, making him a truly memorable and powerful ally.

3. Davrin – The Grey Warden Monster Hunter

Filling the essential role of the Grey Warden in your party is Davrin, a bold and charming warrior who has earned a reputation as a famed monster hunter. Created specifically for The Veilguard, Davrin’s story promises fresh lore and high stakes. He is a man who knows his time is limited and feels a great responsibility to protect the world while he can.

What makes Davrin truly special is that he isn’t fighting alone. He cares for a young griffon named Assan, one of the last of a species once thought to be extinct. You recruit him during the mission “A Warden’s Best Friend,” and their bond is central to Davrin’s story. His personal quests, like “How to Train a Griffon,” explore his relationship with Assan and the future of the Grey Wardens.

As a warrior, Davrin brings much-needed power to your team, dealing heavy damage and taking down armored foes. His journey is a heartfelt tale of a man and his bird-cat son learning to live and love, all while facing a dark and uncertain future.

4. Bellara Lutare – The Veil Jumper and Arcane Expert

Meet Bellara Lutare, a creative and focused elven mage who is part of a faction known as the Veil Jumpers. She is obsessed with uncovering the secrets of ancient Elvhenan, a passion that drives her every action. As an arcane expert, Bellara combines magic with technology, wielding a special gauntlet that can transform into a hunting bow.

You’ll recruit Bellara in Arlathan Forest during the quest “In Entropy’s Grasp.” Her personal quests, such as “Echoes of the Past,” are deeply tied to elven lore and the mysterious Forgotten Ones. Her journey is one of self-discovery, transforming from someone who doubts her abilities into a confident ally who stands proudly at your side.

Though she can seem scatterbrained at first, her fixation on history is a way to cope with grief and past failures. As the world of the Veilguard changes around her, Bellara is uniquely equipped to understand the significance of these events, making her an essential voice in your party.

5. Lucanis Dellamorte – The Antivan Crow Assassin

Poised, pragmatic, and deadly, Lucanis Dellamorte is a master assassin from the notorious Antivan Crows. For him, the Crows are a family business, and his strict upbringing has honed him into one of the most skilled killers in Thedas. However, beneath this cool exterior is a man who lacks social skills but is fiercely protective of those he cares about.

You will recruit Lucanis during the “Sea of Blood” quest, where you find him holding his own against a group of Venatori. His companion quest chain, which includes “Coffee With The Crows,” dives into a world of political drama, family secrets, and blood magic. A central part of his story is his complex relationship with Spite, the demon who lives inside him.

In combat, Lucanis is a powerhouse. As a rogue, he hits hard and fast, living up to his title as the “Demon of Vyrantium.” He can even fly around the battlefield on magic crow wings to strike targets from above, making him one of the most visually spectacular and effective damage dealers on your team.

6. Neve Gallus – The Shadow Dragons Investigator

Neve Gallus is a cynic fighting for a better future. As a member of Tevinter’s rebellious Shadow Dragons and a private investigator, she is committed to uprooting corruption and injustice wherever she finds it. You might recognize her from the Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights anthology, and she brings her sharp mind and ice magic to your party early in the game.

Based in Dock Town, Neve joins you during the prologue mission and doesn’t need to be recruited. Her personal quests, such as “A Study of Dock Town,” play out like detective cases, immersing you in the seedy underbelly of Minrathous and her own difficult past. According to Josh Broadwell of Polygon, “Neve’s quest is essentially a deep dive into the seedy underbelly of Minrathous.” [Source: https://www.polygon.com/dragon-age-the-veilguard-guides/442778/all-companions-quests-locations-romance] She knows the people on the streets and never loses sight of their struggles.

Neve firmly believes the world can be better and is willing to do whatever it takes to find a path forward. Her story is a powerful example of fighting for the common person, making her a crucial moral compass for the Veilguard.

7. Taash – The Dragon Hunter and Adventurer

Living for adventure and unafraid of risk, Taash is a Qunari warrior allied with the Lords of Fortune. As a professional dragon hunter, they are an expert treasure and monster bounty hunter. Taash is an original character created for The Veilguard, offering a new perspective on Qunari culture that differs from what we’ve seen before.

You recruit Taash in Rivain during “The Dragon Slayer” main story quest, where their mission puts them in conflict with the Antaam. In combat, Taash is a specialized warrior who excels at their job: killing dragons. While they might not be as versatile in every fight, you will definitely want them in your party for every High Dragon battle.

Taash’s quests explore their identity and cultural belonging, as they navigate feeling caught between the Qunari world they were born into and the Rivain society they’ve grown into. While Davrin is paired with the young griffon Assan, Taash’s story focuses on their own unique abilities, including the curious matter of them breathing fire.

What Makes a Veilguard Companion Stand Out?

In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, your companions are more than just allies in battle. They are the heart and soul of the story, bringing depth, conflict, and emotional weight to your adventure. Each of the seven party members has a rich backstory and a personal stake in the events unfolding across Thedas.

What truly makes them stand out is how your actions directly influence them. Through deep companion quests and critical dialogue choices, you will shape their futures and your relationship with them. Let’s look at what makes these characters so dynamic, from their combat skills to their personal journeys.

Unique Abilities and Combat Roles

Each Veilguard companion has a predetermined class and a unique skill set, ensuring that your team composition matters. Whether you’re facing down ancient dragons, powerful demons, or hordes of other foes, choosing the right companions for the job can be the key to victory. Who has the most useful skills? It often depends on the situation.

The seven companions cover the three core classes: Warrior, Rogue, and Mage. This allows you to create a balanced party or specialize your team to counter specific threats. For example:

• Davrin (Warrior): A powerful front-line fighter who can break enemy armor.
• Lucanis (Rogue): A high-damage assassin who can eliminate key targets quickly.
• Emmrich (Mage): A versatile necromancer who controls the battlefield with unique debuffs.
• Harding (Rogue): A reliable ranged attacker with support and healing abilities.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how some companions compare in their combat roles:

Companion	Class	Primary Role	Specialization
Emmrich	Mage	Damage/Debuff	Necromancy, applies Quietus
Lucanis	Rogue	High-Speed Damage	Assassination, lowers foe defense
Davrin	Warrior	Tank/Damage	Monster Hunting, griffon strikes
Neve	Mage	Crowd Control	Ice Magic, freezes foes

Personality, Backstory, and Player Choices

A companion’s combat prowess is only half the story. Their personalities and backstories are what truly make them memorable. In The Veilguard, each ally has a distinct history tied to one of the game’s major factions, from the Grey Wardens to the Antivan Crows in Rivain. This rich backstory informs their worldview and how they react to the unfolding narrative.

Your player choices have a tangible impact on these characters. Completing companion quests isn’t just about getting new gear; it’s about deepening your bond and influencing their personal journey. As Kenneth Shepard writes for Kotaku, each companion “acts as a window into the rich world of Thedas.” [Source: https://kotaku.com/dragon-age-the-veilguard-companions-ranked-best-1851888427] Your decisions can even lead to characters becoming “hardened,” changing their abilities and attitudes.

This system creates a dynamic and personal narrative where your relationships matter. The weight of your choices, reminiscent of dilemmas from Inquisition, ensures that your playthrough feels unique. Who you choose to support and the bonds you forge will define your story as much as any major plot point.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the companions in “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” are more than just allies; they embody unique stories and abilities that enrich your gameplay experience. Whether you choose the battle-hardened Lace Harding or the enigmatic Emmrich Volkarin, each character brings something special to your journey. Understanding what makes each companion stand out can significantly enhance your strategy and enjoyment of the game. As you embark on your adventure, make sure to explore the depths of their backstories and their roles in combat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is considered the strongest companion in Dragon Age: The Veilguard?

There’s no single “strongest” companion, as effectiveness depends on your team composition and the enemies you face. However, for pure damage and combat flexibility, many consider Emmrich the necromancer and Lucanis the assassin to be top-tier choices. Their unique abilities make them invaluable in many combat roles and against powerful party members.

Can you romance companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard?

Yes, you can! All seven companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard are romanceable, regardless of the character you create. Building a romance is tied to your player choices during conversations and companion quests, allowing you to develop a deep and meaningful relationship with your chosen partner throughout the game.