Dragon Age: The Veilguard - EA's Biggest Single-Player Hit on Steam
BioWare’s latest release, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, has taken Steam by storm, surpassing Star Wars Jedi: Survivor to become EA’s most successful single-player game to date on the platform. With peak player numbers hitting around 70,414, The Veilguard now ranks just outside Steam’s top 10 most-played games and sits above Baldur’s Gate 3, which remains popular with ongoing mod support and feature updates.
A Triumphant Return to Thedas
In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, players journey across the northern realms of Thedas. From the mysterious coasts of Rivain to the cursed lands of the Anderfels, the game reintroduces fans to long-awaited regions while pitting them against an ancient evil. For long-time fans, this return to Thedas is nostalgic, and BioWare's fresh, deliberate approach to exploration rekindles the immersive RPG experience that the studio is known for.
Positive Reviews from Fans and Critics
Critics have praised The Veilguard for its expansive world and gripping storyline. Now that fans are getting their hands on it, initial feedback shows an appreciation for BioWare’s shift back to character-driven gameplay, engaging world-building, and thoughtful progression systems. After years of mixed reviews on titles like Anthem, Mass Effect: Andromeda, and Dragon Age: Inquisition, The Veilguard is a testament to BioWare’s potential.
Key Tips for Dragon Age: The Veilguard Players
Here are some tips for those diving into the game for the first time:
- Skill Points Abound
Don’t worry about sticking to one skill path. With 50 character levels and numerous skill points, players can experiment. Even if you’re set on one specialization, the game offers plenty of ways to strengthen different combat styles. - Vendor Shops Are Vital
Loot is crucial, but don’t rely solely on chests. Reputation vendors offer essential gear that can boost your build. Check in with them as you level up factions, and remember to sell junk items to improve your reputation. - Match Primers and Detonations Carefully
Effective combat relies on correctly matching primers and detonations. Different types of debuffs like Overwhelmed or Sundered require specific primers, so be sure to coordinate abilities within your party. - Combat Troubles? Check Your Build
If battles feel tough, it could be a sign to adjust your build. Upgrading skills and assembling synergistic gear are key. Avoid spending excessive time on enemies if you’re underleveled—return later with stronger abilities. - Unreachable Chests May Be Revisited
Some chests are tricky to reach, and occasionally, it’s impossible. If a chest appears out of reach, continue exploring as other areas may eventually loop back or open up in later quests. - The Lighthouse for Character Development
Visit the Lighthouse regularly to interact with teammates. The “time expiring” rooms and areas with “yellow exclamation points” offer insightful conversations and character development. - Pick Up Everything
Collecting scattered items is essential for leveling up vendors and upgrading gear. Items are scattered throughout the world, and gathering them will ensure you’re always prepared for enhancements. - Enchant Gear Often
Enchanting your equipment is free and significantly boosts stats. Remember to re-enchant new gear after upgrades, as it accumulates advantages across your loadout. - Complete Loyalty Quests
These quests deepen your connections with teammates, unlocking pivotal story moments and helping companions survive through end-game challenges. - Respec Often
The Veilguard allows you to respec skill points for free, so don’t hesitate to adjust your builds. You can also reset your companions' skill trees to align with your strategy.
Surpassing Jedi: Survivor’s Record
At its peak, Dragon Age: The Veilguard reached 70,414 concurrent players, outdoing Jedi: Survivor’s record of 67,855. The game’s early success shows BioWare’s ability to capture audiences with classic RPG elements, engaging storylines, and innovative gameplay. Positioned as EA’s largest single-player game on Steam, The Veilguard stands as a defining title for the Dragon Age series and a new benchmark for BioWare’s future endeavors.
