Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a major release from BioWare that invites players into the deep, multi-layered Dragon Age universe. In this new chapter, the defender’s duty is to guard the thin line between Thedas and parallel realms where ghosts and demons dwell. This guide looks at the decisions encountered in the final missions to unlock a unique ending. Every action carries consequences that shape the outcome, the fate of allies, and the fate of enemies alike.
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What affects getting the ending?
Endings hinge on which characters survive and which meet their fates. However, the overall structure of the final missions and the climactic boss battle stays consistent. This means that while choices and consequences can steer the story toward different outcomes, the process of completing the mission and facing the main adversary remains the same. The guide details the main operational factors that influence endings.
Faction star rating
Faction Star Rating is a key gameplay element that influences interactions with different groups. Players should aim for the third faction level, as this unlocks additional features and privileges.
A faction’s rating rises by completing tasks for that faction and by selling valuable items to a merchant who belongs to it. The higher the rating, the more confidence the player earns, which can unlock unique quests, strengthen relationships with characters, and grant other benefits.
“Hero” status
When allies achieve Hero status, they gain access to unique opportunities and privileges within the game. To earn this status, the player must complete special quest lines that begin with conversations with companions at the lighthouse.
Division of tasks between partners
The final mission, spanning Chapters 12 through 14, requires careful and strategic distribution of tasks among companions. Each task carries its own characteristics, and it is important to consider the skills and strengths of each character.
Assigning the wrong companion to a given task can have dire consequences, including the death of key faction NPCs or even one of the player’s companions. This adds tension and responsibility to every decision, as each action can influence the mission’s outcome and the fate of the heroes.
How to get to a good ending
The best ending is the one in which all allies — including companions and faction leaders — survive. To reach this result, all quests in the game must be completed and every companion must attain Hero status.
Additionally, reaching three faction stars is crucial for a high level of trust and support from allies. This path demands careful planning and the completion of important tasks. By finishing the necessary quests and strengthening bonds with the factions, a safe outcome for the team can be secured.
In Chapter 12 a teammate must be chosen as a distraction target; regardless of the choice, this character will not survive. If this has already happened, there is no need to worry, as it is part of the story and does not affect the trophy. The focus remains on completing other tasks and progressing through the narrative as intended by the developers.
After the boss fight in Chapter 12, another ally must be chosen to destroy the wards. The options are between Niv and Bellar. Regardless of the choice, that character will temporarily leave the party and appear as dead. There is no need for anger, as a rescue is possible in the next chapter. When the character returns, upgrading to Hero status is recommended.
Obtaining the achievement “The Ones That Last”
Below is a complete list of actions to help secure this achievement:
- In Chapter 6 (A Warden’s Best Friend), saving Minrathous will help reach at least two to three faction stars. Choosing to save Treviso keeps Dock Town at one faction star and risks the death of a faction leader, which would invalidate the trophy;
- In Chapter 12, select Isle of the Gods with Darwin as cannon fodder for the boss; Darwin’s death is inevitable. Remove Bellar’s protection. She will temporarily leave the team, but a rescue later is possible. Choose Harding and Niv to complete the next mission.
In Chapter 13 (The Last Gambit), upon returning to the lighthouse and after interacting with the table in Lukanis’s rooms, specific roles must be assigned to companions for the upcoming battle. Select the following characters:
- Taash – a companion skilled with magical shields or protecting others in combat;
- Lukanis — a companion with experience in mage combat or surprise attacks;
- Harding – a companion who has experience fighting large enemies.
Once Solas is escorted to the city’s safety, players will encounter many NPCs to interact with. A blue-marker task provides an opportunity to honor the memory of the fallen.
In Chapter 14 (The Dread Wolf Rises) companions must be reassigned. The best recommendations for choosing are:
- Taash – a companion experienced in frontline battles or sieges;
- After defeating the final boss, select the dialogues: “Let’s try your method” and “I wish everything was different”.
How to get a bad ending
To trigger the worst ending, the player must take opposite steps: begin the final mission with only one star in all factions and without Hero status for any ally. When assigning companions in chapters 12–14, the wrong roles must be given.
These actions lead to a near-total loss of the team and culminate in the game’s bleakest ending. The choices clearly influence character fates and the plot, shaping a darker version of events.
How to Get the Secret Ending (Post-Credits Scene)
The secret ending is revealed during the final mission credits. To unlock it, several conditions must be met:
- Complete the story quest first “When plans are aligned”;
- Then finish the side mission Regret of the dreaded wolf. This quest reveals additional plot details and character depth;
- Lastly, locate all three “Mysterious Circles.”
Where can you find mysterious circles?
The first circle is inside Arlatan Forest, located on a small island. To reach it, aim all the lasers in that area toward the crystals on the island.
Once the lasers are aligned correctly, a bridge appears, allowing passage to the island. Reaching the island lets collectors claim the first Mysterious Circle, shown in the accompanying image.
The second circle lies within the Halls of the Necropolis. Make sure the trophy is earned before pursuing it. The untethered challenge requires facing the formless dragon.
Look to the map’s left side to locate the area. After earning the trophy, continue the journey to find the second circle at this location.
The third mysterious circle sits at the Crossroads location. To obtain it, finish the mission Heart of Corruption. Once completed, checkpoints at that site will be marked, guiding the path forward.
You have already confronted the Reborn Dragon in this area; simply enter the room where that battle took place. The third Mysterious Circle rests on the room’s left side. A careful approach ensures it is not missed.
After finishing all main missions, proceed to the final mission and complete it. After the credits roll, a secret cutscene plays and an achievement titled The Storm Suppresses unlocks. If the game has already been completed, replaying the ending is possible to earn this trophy and enjoy extra content.
All content is presented for reference and strategy purposes; players may find the path to multiple endings engaging and replayable, with new insights accessible on subsequent attempts.