5 best combat tips and tricks for Dragon Age The Veilguard

Combat is one of the most important aspects of Dragon Age The Veilguard. Unlike typical fantasy RPGs, the Dragon Age series has always focused more on combat and character customization than on narrative. While BioWare has crafted an immersive story experience in The Veilguard, they have still managed to add in their signature combat system, which allows players to engage in fast-paced and complex encounters.

This article lists five tips and tricks to help you master combat in Dragon Age The Veilguard.

Note: This list is subjective and reflects the opinions of the writer

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5 combat tips/tricks you can use when playing Dragon Age The Veilguard

1) Master the parry timing

Parrying is essential for surviving fights (Image via BioWare, Electronic Arts)

Parrying in Dragon Age The Veilguard requires you to be very precise with your inputs. During combat, only attacks with a yellow indicator can be parried, while those with a red indicator must be dodged entirely.

To improve your parry timing, focus on the clear visual indicator that appears before it turns yellow. This helps you anticipate and react accurately to incoming strikes.

If you are struggling with the strict parry timing, consider adjusting the parry window in the advanced combat settings to allow for a slightly larger timing window. After sinking 10 or more hours, you should be able to master the parry mechanic.

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2) Detonation is your best friend

The detonation combos can be devastating for your enemies (Image via BioWare, Electronic Arts)

To trigger a detonation, first apply one of three status effects — overwhelmed, weakened, or sundered — to an enemy using a primer skill. Then, use a Detonator skill from another party member to unleash a high-damage Area of Effect (AOE) attack.

Each class plays a specific role here: Mages apply the weakened effect and can detonate sundered enemies; Rogues apply sundered effects and detonate overwhelmed enemies; and Warriors apply overwhelmed and detonate weakened foes.

Additionally, each companion’s detonations have unique added effects. For example, the Warrior Taash’s detonations apply burning, causing additional damage over time, while Davrin’s detonations provide a team-wide damage buff called Rally Party.

Detonations, when used effectively, can deal significant damage and turn the tide in tougher battles.

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3) Strategically use Primer to control enemies

The Primers can help you control the fights (Image via BioWare, Electronic Arts)

Each Primer effect impacts enemies in different ways. Weakened opponents deal less damage, sundered enemies take more damage, and overwhelmed ones accumulate stagger buildup faster. Pay attention to the duration of Primers, which you can see as a bubble next to an enemy’s health bar that slowly drains over time.

Equip gear or abilities that extend Primer duration if you want to prolong these effects. By focusing on the benefits of Primers and choosing the right moment to detonate, you can significantly boost your combat effectiveness.

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4) Don’t hesitate to reset your skills

Reset your skills to customize freely (Image via BioWare, Electronic Arts)

As you level up, it’s worth experimenting with different builds and class abilities, especially since enemies and bosses often have varied resistances and vulnerabilities. When you reach level 20, try out each class’ specialization for added abilities and customization, which can dramatically alter how each character plays.

If you enjoy a specific companion combination but don’t like how their skills are distributed, simply reset their skill trees to better fit your current strategy. Experimentation in skill builds is crucial, especially since some enemies resist certain types of damage, meaning you’ll need to adapt to beat these encounters rather than brute forcing it.

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5) Radial menu can help you understand your enemies

Use the Radical Wheel to understand your enemies (Image via BioWare, Electronic Arts)

Through the radial menu, you can identify enemy weaknesses and resistances. You can then prioritize threats, like high-damage ranged enemies or those that counter your current setup. Slowing down combat by using this menu helps you target weak points and avoid rushing into danger.

The radial menu also lets you command specific companions to focus on particular opponents, which can help you distract the main enemy while you clear the mobs. During the hard boss encounters, you will need to effectively command your companions to engage and disengage the enemy.

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Read more related articles here:

• Can you play as your companions in Dragon Age The Veilguard?
• Will Dragon Age The Veilguard be on Xbox Game Pass?
• Will Dragon Age The Veilguard be available on PlayStation Plus?
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard Interactive Map