Investigating the Hinterlands
The Hinterlands serves as your initial foray into the vast open world of Dragon Age: Inquisition. While the main questline will naturally guide you here, this region is brimming with opportunities to gather Power, recruit allies, and prepare for the challenges ahead. Prioritize objectives marked with a star icon, as these directly contribute to your Power reserves, essential for progressing the main story. Remember, the Hinterlands is not a one-and-done zone; you can and should return later to complete remaining objectives and discover hidden secrets.
Early Exploration and Key Objectives
Upon arriving in the Hinterlands, your immediate priorities should be establishing a foothold and understanding the local situation. This involves:
- Establishing Camps: Locate and secure safe zones by interacting with the campfires. These act as fast travel points and allow you to rest and manage your party. The first camp is typically found shortly after entering the zone.
- Closing Rifts: These tears in the Fade are a primary source of Power. They appear as swirling vortexes and are often guarded by demons. Defeating the demons and closing the rift will reward you with Power and experience.
- Completing Side Quests: The locals have many troubles, and helping them often yields valuable rewards, including Power, items, and influence. Pay attention to NPCs with exclamation marks above their heads.
Companion Recruitment in the Hinterlands
While the Hinterlands is rich with potential allies, it's crucial to understand their recruitment methods. You will not encounter Blackwall as a potential companion during your initial exploration of the Hinterlands. His recruitment is tied to a later War Table operation.
However, you will encounter and have the opportunity to recruit your first companion, the mage Solas, early in your journey. He can be found near the area where you first enter the Hinterlands, offering his assistance and insights.
Later in your Hinterlands exploration, you will also have the chance to recruit the warrior Cassandra Pentaghast. She can be found near the Haven area, actively engaged in pursuing the forces responsible for the Breach. Speaking with her and assisting her will lead to her joining your Inquisition.
Key NPCs and Locations to Discover
Beyond companions, several other important NPCs and locations populate the Hinterlands:
- Mother Giselle: Found in Haven, she is a key figure in the Chantry and offers guidance and quests.
- Ambassador Lucius: Also in Haven, he represents the Templars and can provide insight into their situation.
- The Crossroads: A central hub area where you'll find various merchants and quest givers.
- Redcliffe Castle (exterior): While you won't fully explore the castle in this initial phase, its imposing presence and the surrounding area offer quests and combat encounters.
- The Hinterlands Farm: A location often involved in early quests, featuring both friendly and hostile inhabitants.
Early Game Strategies and Tips
- Party Composition: For your initial foray, a balanced party is recommended. Consider Solas (mage for crowd control and elemental damage), Cassandra (warrior for tanking and melee damage), and yourself (tailored to your chosen class).
- Looting is Key: Thoroughly search every container, fallen enemy, and hidden nook. You'll find crafting materials, potions, and valuable gear.
- Manage Your Inventory: Don't hoard everything. Sell unwanted items to merchants in Haven or at camps to free up space and earn gold.
- Crafting: Once you unlock crafting at the Blacksmith in Haven, start experimenting. Good gear can make a significant difference. Prioritize weapons and armor that offer resistances or stat boosts relevant to the enemies you're facing.
- Beware of Ambush: Many areas in the Hinterlands are prone to ambushes. Keep your party close and be ready for surprise attacks from bandits, demons, or hostile wildlife.
- Focus on Power: While side quests are important, remember that closing rifts and completing objectives that grant Power is paramount for advancing the main story.
Common Pitfalls and Missables
- Ignoring War Table Operations: While not immediately available, familiarize yourself with the War Table in Haven. Later operations will unlock companion recruitment (like Blackwall) and access to new areas.
- Over-Committing to Side Quests: It's easy to get lost in the sheer volume of side content. Focus on objectives that grant Power first, then explore other quests as time allows or when you return later.
- Underestimating Enemies: Even seemingly minor enemies can pose a threat if you're not careful. Always be aware of your surroundings and use your abilities strategically.
- Forgetting to Save: The Hinterlands is a large area. Save your game frequently, especially before engaging in difficult combat or making significant story choices.
