Yeah um the companions aren't locked into a certain weapon type or role like they were in DA2, the companions will use whatever we make them use aslong as it's within their class since that's the only restriction we have this time around.
This is from the crafting and customization podcast.
Classes will have restrictions, mages use mage weapons( this doesn't include specializations the devs have said there may be a melee based mage specialization), rogues use rogue weapons, warriors use warrior weapons just like in previous games.
Oh yes I see, rogues can equips bows and daggers, yes, yes so yes um the followers aren't locked to a certain weapon type.
@Mike_Laidlaw Love the PAX stuff Mike. Quick question. Is Cassandra a two-handed warrior or s/s? Are companions weapon restricted again?
5:06am - 1 Sep 13
@user It'll be up to you. Restrictions are only by class, not by follower.
12:11pm - 1 Sep 13
https://mobile.twitt...202945237422080
David Gaider
I don't believe so, unless that's changed recently. You can have Varric equip melee weapons, but Bianca still remains in his inventory and he won't give her up.
http://social.biowar...ndex/17705320/3
So it's up to us, if you want Cassandra to be S&S or 2H you can make her either, if you want Varic to use daggers instead of Bianca you can do so, this goes for every companion in your party.
Also even after you learn the abilities you can still interchange weapons at will though the ability will be locked to the ability school like it was in DAO, so we have some flexibility there even more so since they lifted armour restrictions though it's likely going to have some penalties close to what DAO did.
As for the variety we haven't seen to much yet, besides the normal things but there may be a chance for more though at launch crossbows will not be available.