5 reasons to play Dragon Age Origins in 2025

It has been 15 years since Dragon Age Origins redefined the RPG genre, and somehow, it still manages to captivate fans old and new. If you’re wondering whether this BioWare classic holds up in 2025, let’s just say — it’s worth every minute.

From its intricate role-playing options to unforgettable companions, here are five reasons to dive back into the world of Dragon Age Origins.

Note: The article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's views.

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Why you should play Dragon Age Origins in 2025

1) The unique Origin stories

Bioware's Dark heroic fantasy titlle (Image via EA)

The biggest hook of Dragon Age Origins is in its name: the origin stories. Depending on your race and class — human, elf, or dwarf — your character begins with a distinct prologue, ranging from the struggles of a city elf to the political intrigue of a dwarf noble. These aren’t just throwaway introductions; they’re full-blown narratives that deeply impact the main story.

For instance, mages face decisions no other class can, while a human noble’s ties influence pivotal story moments. Meanwhile, last year's 2024 Dragon Age: The Veilguard pales in comparison. Despite its striking visuals and varied environments, it lacks the depth and weight Origins delivers.

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2) Companions

Development began in 2002 for this title (Image via EA)

BioWare’s reputation for memorable companions shines here. Alistair, Morrigan, and Leliana remain some of the most beloved characters in RPG history, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re trading banter with Alistair, diving into Morrigan’s morally grey perspectives, or unraveling Leliana’s mysterious past, the cast is rich with personality and depth.

Romance options, while gamified (yes, you can win love with gifts), are still touching and well-written. Even characters you might not vibe with, like Wynne or Zevran, have moments that can surprise you. And let’s not forget Shale, the snarky golem whose dialogue alone is worth the DLC.

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3) Story-Driven RPG Unlike Any Other

Dragon Age Origins sold more than 3.2 million copies (Image via EA)

Dragon Age Origins thrives on its storytelling. The Grey Wardens’ fight against the Blight is a classic “save the world” tale, but it’s layered with political intrigue, personal betrayals, and moral ambiguity. Quests aren’t just filler — they’re meaningful, offering tough choices that influence the world around you.

Even the side quests feel substantial. Whether you’re resolving disputes or uncovering ancient secrets, the game rewards exploration and curiosity with lore-rich experiences. The effort BioWare put into crafting its world and characters is evident at every turn, making this one of the best narrative-driven RPGs ever.

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4) The DLCs

Dragon Age Origins has 7 DLCs (Image via EA)

While Dragon Age Origins is a complete package, the DLC adds even more depth. Awakening, the most notable expansion, delivers around 20 hours of new content, fresh characters, and a continuation of the main story. It even introduces Anders, a key character in Dragon Age II.

• The Stone prisoner
• Warden's keep
• Return to ostagar
• The darkspawn chronicles
• Leliana's song
• The Golems of amgarrak
• Witch hunt

Other DLC, like Witch Hunt, ties up loose ends for Morrigan’s storyline and offers closure for fans of her character. If you’re hooked on the world of Thedas, these expansions are worth exploring.

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5) Mods

Mods can give a good amount of ease and enhance the experience of the story better (Image via EA)

Let’s be real: Dragon Age Origins can be a bit of a pain to run on modern PCs, and its combat isn’t everyone’s favorite, as it can feel clunky. But with a little help from mods — like Qwin’s DAO Fixpack to patch bugs and restore broken quests — you can vastly improve the experience.

Want to tweak visuals, add quality-of-life improvements, or experiment with gameplay? The modding community has you covered.

Also check out: 7 souls-like games you should play while waiting for Elden Ring Nightreign