Skyhold Customization & Upgrades — Dragon Age: Inquisition Guide

Skyhold Customization & Upgrades

Upon establishing Skyhold as your Inquisition's headquarters, you gain access to a wealth of customization and upgrade options that transform the dilapidated fortress into a formidable and personalized base of operations. These features not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also provide tangible gameplay benefits, from increased resource generation to improved combat readiness.

Cosmetic Customization: Personalizing Your Fortress

While cosmetic changes don't directly impact gameplay mechanics, they significantly contribute to immersion and allow you to truly make Skyhold your own. Most cosmetic options are unlocked by finding schematics or completing specific quests and then interacting with the customization interface near the throne room.

Key Customization Areas:

• Throne: The centerpiece of your throne room, dictating your leadership style. Options range from the ornate "Orlesian Throne" to the rugged "Ferelden Throne." New thrones are often acquired through War Table operations or by completing companion quests.
• Windows: Change the stained-glass windows in the main hall. Examples include the "Chantry Windows" depicting religious figures or the "Heraldic Windows" showcasing noble crests. These are typically found as loot in various regions.
• Curtains: Alter the drapes throughout Skyhold. Options like "Velvet Curtains" or "Tapestry Curtains" add a touch of elegance or history.
• Banners: Display your Inquisition's colors and symbols. You can choose from several banner designs, often unlocked by completing main quests or War Table operations.
• Courtyard: The exterior of Skyhold can be modified. This includes options for the "Courtyard Statues" (e.g., "Warrior Statue," "Mage Statue") and the overall "Courtyard Style" (e.g., "Garden Courtyard," "Training Ground Courtyard").
• Bedchambers: Personalize your private quarters with different furniture sets and decor.
• Garden: Choose the type of garden you wish to cultivate, which can impact the types of herbs you can grow (see "Skyhold Upgrades" below).

To apply cosmetic changes, simply interact with the customization table located to the left of the throne in the main hall. New options will appear as you discover them throughout your journey.

Skyhold Upgrades: Enhancing Your Inquisition's Capabilities

Beyond aesthetics, Skyhold offers crucial functional upgrades that provide tangible benefits to your gameplay. These upgrades are primarily unlocked and completed through specific War Table operations, requiring Power and Agents to execute. Prioritizing these can significantly ease your journey through Thedas.

Key Upgrade Areas and Their Benefits:

• Infirmary:
  • Upgrade: "Secure the Infirmary" (War Table Operation).
    • Location: Ferelden side of the War Table.
    • Cost: 5 Power.
    • Benefit: Increases your maximum potion capacity by 4 (from 8 to 12). This is an invaluable early-game upgrade, allowing for greater survivability in challenging encounters.
  • Further Upgrade: "Improved Infirmary" (War Table Operation).
    • Location: Orlais side of the War Table.
    • Cost: 10 Power.
    • Benefit: Further increases your maximum potion capacity by 4 (to a total of 16). Essential for Nightmare difficulty or extended dungeon delves.
• Garden:
  • Upgrade: "Expand the Garden" (War Table Operation).
    • Location: Ferelden side of the War Table.
    • Cost: 5 Power.
    • Benefit: Unlocks additional planting plots in Skyhold's garden, allowing you to grow more herbs simultaneously. This is crucial for consistent potion, tonic, and grenade crafting.
  • Garden Types: Once the garden is expanded, you can choose its specialization at the customization table near the throne.
    • Herb Garden: Focuses on common and uncommon herbs (e.g., Elfroot, Blood Lotus). Ideal for general crafting needs.
    • Healing Garden: Prioritizes herbs used in healing potions (e.g., Elfroot, Royal Elfroot).
    • Research Garden: Yields more rare and specialized herbs (e.g., Dragon's Breath, Rashvine). Best for advanced crafting and schematics.
• Storage:
  • Upgrade: "Secure the Storage" (War Table Operation).
    • Location: Ferelden side of the War Table.
    • Cost: 5 Power.
    • Benefit: Increases your inventory capacity by 20 slots. A must-have for hoarders and crafters, reducing the need for frequent trips to merchants.
• Merchant Stalls:
  • Upgrade: "Establish Merchant Stalls" (War Table Operation).
    • Location: Orlais side of the War Table.
    • Cost: 10 Power.
    • Benefit: Attracts additional merchants to Skyhold, offering a wider variety of goods, schematics, and crafting materials directly within your base. This saves travel time to other hubs like Val Royeaux.
• Training Ground:
  • Upgrade: "Build a Training Ground" (War Table Operation).
    • Location: Ferelden side of the War Table.
    • Cost: 10 Power.
    • Benefit: Provides a dedicated area for your companions and soldiers to train. While not offering direct stat bonuses, it contributes to the overall "feel" of Skyhold as a bustling military base and can unlock minor dialogue options.
• Library/Study:
  • Upgrade: "Establish a Library" (War Table Operation).
    • Location: Orlais side of the War Table.
    • Cost: 10 Power.
    • Benefit: Creates a dedicated research area. This can sometimes lead to finding new lore entries or minor quest triggers, enhancing the narrative experience.

General War Table Strategy for Upgrades:

To effectively manage Skyhold upgrades, regularly check the War Table for new operations. Prioritize operations that offer immediate gameplay benefits, such as increased potion capacity or inventory space, especially early in the game. As you progress, focus on upgrades that support your crafting habits (garden types) or provide convenience (additional merchants). Remember that War Table operations often require specific advisors (Cullen, Josephine, Leliana) to be assigned, and their success rates can vary based on their stats and the operation's complexity.

By diligently customizing and upgrading Skyhold, you not only create a personalized and visually appealing home for your Inquisition but also empower your forces with essential resources and capabilities, making your fight against Corypheus all the more effective.