Character Specializations

Specializations are a core component of character progression in Dragon Age: Inquisition, allowing your Inquisitor to unlock powerful new abilities and truly define their combat role. These unique skill trees become available around mid-game and significantly enhance your chosen class. Choosing the right specialization can make or break your party composition and overall strategy, so plan carefully!

Unlocking Specializations

The quest to unlock specializations, "Specializations for the Inquisitor," becomes available once you reach Skyhold. Upon arriving at your new base of operations, you'll find three specialization trainers waiting for you, one for each class type (Warrior, Rogue, Mage). Speaking to them initiates the quest, which requires you to gather specific materials and craft a unique item for your chosen path.

Important Note: You can only choose ONE specialization for your Inquisitor per playthrough. Once chosen, it cannot be changed, so consider your options carefully!

The Specialization Quest: "Specializations for the Inquisitor"

To begin, speak to the trainers in Skyhold. Each trainer will offer a quest that requires you to gather specific items. You'll need to complete the specific quest for the specialization you wish to pursue.

Warrior Specializations

Warriors can choose between three distinct paths: Champion, Reaver, and Templar.

Champion: Focuses on defense, taunting, and protecting allies.
- Trainer: Lord Chancer, found in the Skyhold courtyard.
- Quest Item: "A Token of the Champion."
- Materials Needed:
  - 3x Dragon's Breath: This rare herb can be found in various high-level zones. A reliable spot is the Emprise du Lion, particularly around the Sahrnia Quarry and the frozen lake regions. Look for glowing red plants.
  - 1x Templar Lieutenant's Shield: This drops from specific Templar Lieutenants. A guaranteed drop can be found by defeating the Templar Lieutenant during the "Still Waters" quest in the Hinterlands, or from various Templar strongholds in the Western Approach.
  - 10x Veridium: A common metal found in many regions, including the Hinterlands, Storm Coast, and Crestwood.
Reaver: Specializes in high-risk, high-reward combat, dealing massive damage by sacrificing health.
- Trainer: Breaker Thram, located near the training dummy in Skyhold.
- Quest Item: "A Token of the Reaver."
- Materials Needed:
  - 3x Dragon's Blood: Obtained by defeating Dragons. The Fereldan Frostback in the Hinterlands is an early option, but any high-level dragon will yield this material.
  - 1x Infused Golem Salve: This can be found by defeating Golems. A good place to farm these is the Emerald Graves, particularly the areas around the Argon's Lodge and the Chateau d'Onterre.
  - 10x Obsidian: A common metal found in the Hinterlands, Storm Coast, and Forbidden Oasis.
Templar: Focuses on combating demons and mages, providing powerful buffs and debuffs.
- Trainer: Ser Barris, found in the Skyhold courtyard.
- Quest Item: "A Token of the Templar."
- Materials Needed:
  - 3x Essence of a Greater Rage Demon: Drops from Greater Rage Demons. These can be found in various Fade rifts, particularly higher-level ones, or during specific quests like "Here Lies the Abyss."
  - 1x Phylactery: Obtained from defeated Mages, particularly Apostate Mages. Look for groups of mages in the Hinterlands or the Western Approach.
  - 10x Iron: The most common metal, found almost everywhere.

Rogue Specializations

Rogues can become Artificers, Assassins, or Tempest.

Artificer: Masters of traps, bombs, and intricate mechanisms, providing crowd control and burst damage.
- Trainer: Three-Eyed Jack, located in the Skyhold Undercroft.
- Quest Item: "A Token of the Artificer."
- Materials Needed:
  - 3x Essence of a High Dragon: Drops from any High Dragon. The Fereldan Frostback in the Hinterlands is an early option, but any high-level dragon will yield this material.
  - 1x Tome of Traps: This item is found in the Val Royeaux market. Look for a merchant selling books and schematics.
  - 10x Dawnstone: A common metal found in the Storm Coast and Forbidden Oasis.
Assassin: Specializes in stealth, critical strikes, and single-target elimination.
- Trainer: Heir, found in the Skyhold Undercroft.
- Quest Item: "A Token of the Assassin."
- Materials Needed:
  - 3x Essence of a Greater Shade: Drops from Greater Shades. These can be found in various Fade rifts, particularly higher-level ones, or during quests like "In Hushed Whispers."
  - 1x Assassin's Guild Leader's Journal: This can be found in the Val Royeaux market, specifically in the back alleys or by completing a specific war table operation related to the Antivan Crows.
  - 10x Onyx: A common metal found in the Hinterlands and Storm Coast.
Tempest: Utilizes elemental flasks to gain powerful combat buffs and debuffs, excelling in fast-paced, agile combat.
- Trainer: Kihm, located in the Skyhold Undercroft.
- Quest Item: "A Token of the Tempest."
- Materials Needed:
  - 3x Essence of a Greater Wisp: Drops from Greater Wisps. These can be found in various Fade rifts, particularly higher-level ones, or during quests like "Champions of the Just."
  - 1x Spirit Essence: Obtained from defeated Spirits. Look for groups of spirits in the Hinterlands or the Fallow Mire.
  - 10x Everite: A common metal found in the Emerald Graves and Exalted Plains.

Mage Specializations

Mages can become Knight-Enchanters, Necromancers, or Rift Mages.

Knight-Enchanter: A melee-focused mage who wields a spirit blade and can generate powerful barriers.
- Trainer: Commander Helaine, found in the Skyhold library.
- Quest Item: "A Token of the Knight-Enchanter."
- Materials Needed:
  - 3x Wisp Essence: Drops from Wisps. These can be found in various Fade rifts, particularly lower-level ones, or during quests like "The Threat Remains."
  - 1x Spirit Blade Schematic: This schematic can be found in the Val Royeaux market, specifically from the merchant selling weapon schematics.
  - 10x Paragon's Luster: A rare metal found in the Forbidden Oasis and Hissing Wastes.
Necromancer: Specializes in controlling the undead and inflicting fear and decay on enemies.
- Trainer: Viuus Anaxas, located in the Skyhold library.
- Quest Item: "A Token of the Necromancer."
- Materials Needed:
  - 3x Veil Quartz: This rare mineral can be found in the Forbidden Oasis, particularly within the various caves and ruins.
  - 1x Skull of a Mage: This can be found by defeating specific powerful mages or by completing a war table operation related to ancient rituals.
  - 10x Bloodstone: A common metal found in the Hinterlands and Storm Coast.
Rift Mage: Manipulates the Fade to create powerful area-of-effect spells and weaken enemies.
- Trainer: Whittle, found in the Skyhold library.
- Quest Item: "A Token of the Rift Mage."
- Materials Needed:
  - 3x Nevarran Skulls: These can be found in the Hissing Wastes, particularly in the various tombs and crypts.
  - 1x Tome of the Rift: This item is found in the Val Royeaux market. Look for a merchant selling books and lore.
  - 10x Serpentstone: A common metal found in the Western Approach and Hissing Wastes.

Crafting Your Specialization Item

Once you have all the necessary materials for your chosen specialization, head to the crafting station in the Skyhold Undercroft. Under the "Upgrade" tab, you will find the recipe for your specific "Token." Craft it, then return to the corresponding trainer. Presenting them with the token will unlock the specialization skill tree for your Inquisitor, allowing you to immediately start investing skill points into its powerful abilities.

Choosing Wisely

Each specialization offers a unique playstyle and set of abilities. Consider your preferred combat role and party composition when making your choice. Do you want to be an unkillable tank, a stealthy assassin, or a master of elemental destruction? Researching the abilities of each specialization beforehand can help you make an informed decision that will greatly impact your playthrough.