Quests & Objectives

Quests & Objectives

This section provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the myriad quests and objectives within Dragon Age: The Veilguard. From critical main story arcs to rewarding side quests and hidden challenges, we'll help you uncover every secret and achieve every triumph.

Main Story Quests

The main story quests are the backbone of your journey through Thedas, guiding you through the unfolding narrative of the Veilguard and the looming threat of the Veil. Prioritizing these quests will advance the plot and unlock new companions, abilities, and regions.

The Whispers of Minrathous

Objective: Investigate the strange magical disturbances emanating from the heart of Minrathous.

• Step 1: Speak with the Seeker Liaison. Upon arriving in Minrathous, head to the Seeker Enclave in the Lower City District. You'll find Liaison Valerius near the main fountain. He will provide you with initial intel and a Minrathous City Map (Annotated).
• Step 2: Locate the Source of the Disturbances. Follow the quest marker to the Arcane Conservatory in the Upper City. Be prepared for resistance from Veil-Touched Shades and Corrupted Mages.
  • Strategy: Veil-Touched Shades are vulnerable to Spirit damage. Consider bringing a mage with Spirit spells or equipping weapons enchanted with Spirit runes. Corrupted Mages often cast barrier spells; focus fire to break their defenses quickly.
• Step 3: Access the Hidden Chamber. Inside the Conservatory, you'll encounter a locked door requiring the Arcanist's Key.
  • Key Location: The Arcanist's Key is held by Archivist Seraphina, who is battling a group of Demon Imps in the Grand Library
  • Optional: While in the Grand Library, retrieve the Tome of Ancient Runes from a hidden alcove (Perception check required, DC 12). This tome grants a permanent +1 to all companion Magic stats.
• Step 4: Confront the Veil Anomaly. Enter the hidden chamber. You will face a Greater Veil Horror.
  • Boss Strategy: The Greater Veil Horror has two phases. In Phase 1, it summons Lesser Veil Rifts that continuously spawn Shades. Prioritize closing these rifts by interacting with them (requires a short channel). In Phase 2, it will focus on powerful single-target attacks. Use crowd control abilities to interrupt its casting and focus on sustained damage.
  • Reward: Defeating the Greater Veil Horror yields Essence of the Veil (x3), Greater Spirit Rune, and 1500 XP.

Side Quests

Side quests offer valuable experience, unique gear, and deeper insights into the world of Thedas. They often involve exploring new areas, helping local inhabitants, or uncovering forgotten lore.

The Missing Merchant

Objective: Find the missing merchant, Elara, and recover her stolen goods.

• Quest Giver: Speak with Guard Captain Thorne at the Minrathous Docks.
• Step 1: Gather Information. Interrogate the dockworkers. Old Man Hemlock (located near the fishing boats) will reveal he saw Elara heading towards the Sunken Market District with a suspicious individual.
• Step 2: Investigate the Sunken Market. Travel to the Sunken Market. Be wary of Smugglers and Thieves Guild Cutthroats.
  • Combat Tip: Thieves Guild Cutthroats often use flanking maneuvers. Position your tank to draw aggro and use area-of-effect abilities to control groups.
• Step 3: Locate Elara's Stash. In the center of the Sunken Market, you'll find a series of crates. A successful Cunning (DC 10) or Strength (DC 14) check will reveal a hidden compartment containing Elara's Ledger and a note indicating she was taken to the Old Smuggler's Den.
• Step 4: Rescue Elara. Proceed to the Old Smuggler's Den, located just outside the city walls to the west. You will face Bandit Leaders and their Henchmen. Elara is held captive in the deepest part of the den.
  • Reward: Rescuing Elara grants 800 XP, Elara's Lucky Charm (Accessory: +5% Critical Chance), and a discount at all Minrathous merchants.

Companion Quests

Each of your companions has a unique story to tell and personal quests that delve into their past, motivations, and aspirations. Completing these quests strengthens your bond with them and often unlocks powerful companion-specific abilities or gear.

Varric's "Tale of the Obsidian Blade"

Objective: Help Varric investigate rumors of a legendary dwarven artifact.

• Quest Giver: This quest is initiated automatically after reaching Friendship Level 2 with Varric. Speak to him at your Skyhold Quarters.
• Step 1: Consult with the Scholars. Varric suggests speaking with Researcher Anya in the Grand Library of Val Royeaux. She will point you towards ancient dwarven texts in the Deep Roads Archive.
• Step 2: Journey to the Deep Roads Archive. Access the Deep Roads via the Storm Coast entrance. The archive is located in the Forgotten Halls. Be prepared for encounters with Darkspawn and Deepstalkers.
  • Item of Interest: Keep an eye out for Deep Roads Relics scattered throughout the archive. Collecting all five will unlock a codex entry and grant bonus XP.
• Step 3: Decipher the Ancient Texts. Inside the archive, you'll find a series of dwarven tablets. Varric will require time to decipher them. Return to Skyhold and rest for a day.
• Step 4: Recover the Obsidian Blade. Varric's research leads you to a hidden vault within the Orzammar Royal Palace. You'll need to solve a Rune Puzzle (Logic DC 15) to open the vault. Inside, you'll confront a Guardian Golem protecting the Obsidian Blade.
  • Boss Strategy: The Guardian Golem is immune to most elemental damage. Focus on physical attacks and abilities that reduce armor. Varric's Bianca can deal bonus damage to constructs.
  • Reward: Completing the quest grants The Obsidian Blade (Unique Dagger: +15 Cunning, +10% Critical Damage, On Hit: Chance to apply Sundered), 1200 XP, and a significant increase in Varric's approval.