28 réponses à ce sujet

[Aathis]

I am a new-ish player to DA:Origins. Played a little a few years back; got to Redcliffe I think.

Anyway I have the ultimate edition and am about to begin over.

I want to play it as an RPG; meaning I want to play it for the story and lore etc; so I want a character build that will be good for that. A lot of the posts and guides dealing with builds are very focused on power building for maximum damage; which is not what I want. I want some info on maximizing RPG not DPS

So any advice or links welcomed

Thanks

[Quorwyf]

Just put your character's points where you think would be appropriate for the story you see for them. If i'm understanding your question correctly, all you really have to do is forget the advice and play.

[ArcadiaGrey]

Do you want general class/origin combos or actual spell by spell class builds? If it's the latter then sadly I wouldn't be any help.

I will say this though, and I think it's true of any Bioware game. I've found that no matter what I do I never truly know the best way to play one of their games (especially Origins) until after I've played it. You need to know what you're getting in to.

So now I just go into my first playthrough without worrying too much and try and have fun with it as I learn the game. As long as I know the basics of my character's moral compass and what kind of personality they have, I'm good to go. I can focus on the best character and class and romance next time, it's almost impossible to second guess all of that stuff before your first run.

[Aathis]

Do you want general class/origin combos or actual spell by spell class builds? If it's the latter then sadly I wouldn't be any help.

I will say this though, and I think it's true of any Bioware game. I've found that no matter what I do I never truly know the best way to play one of their games (especially Origins) until after I've played it. You need to know what you're getting in to.

So now I just go into my first playthrough without worrying too much and try and have fun with it as I learn the game. As long as I know the basics of my character's moral compass and what kind of personality they have, I'm good to go. I can focus on the best character and class and romance next time, it's almost impossible to second guess all of that stuff before your first run.

 

That makes a lot of sense; thanks

[Qis]

Maybe this is not an advice, but a suggestion...

 

i. Choose background/origin you want to play with

- Each origin have different mood to play, have different motivations, different culture and view about the world. Choose which suite you best. For example do you like to be a noble person with noble background such as prince/princess, or do you like being a magical person who live in a tower, or a wild men living in the forest and hunting...ect...choose which suite you most

 

ii. Allocate attribues as you like to suite your character

- For example, if you play a noble, surely a noble have some education not like any common people, also a noble is a type of person who always engage in diplomacy, so add some Cunning points and Coercion, no matter what class you choose. If you are a wild men (Dalish Elf)  living in the forest, surely you know how to survive, making traps and so on, so add in Survival and Trap Making no matter what class you choose

- don't mind about power gaming stats, just set it as you like

 

iii. Use armor/gears suite your race

- even though any race can wear any armor, but it is funny to see a Dwarf wearing Templar armor isn't it? So Dwarf wearing Dwarven armor only, Elf wearing Elven armor only and so on

 

iv. Learn specializations/skills/magic suite your morality and background

- Surely a good person will not be using Blood Magic, or learning Reaver specialization, no matter how want to justify it. Dalish Elf rogue and Ranger specialization is a good match, summoning wild animals. Dwarf warrior with Berserker and so on.

 

v. Make up your own theme based on your background

- For me, Human Noble is a Sword and Shield warrior with Templar and Champion specialization, Dalish Elf is an Archer with Ranger and Bard specialization, Dwarf Commoner is a Dual Wield Dagger Rogue with Duelist and Assassin specialization....as example.

 

vi. Make choice based on your character belief, religion, culture

- Human Noble might be more pro-Chantry, Dalish or City Elf might be biased against human, Mage might be pro-Chantry or against Chantry...and so on

[springacres]

What I personally do when exploring a new world for the first time is to take one of my longstanding OCs, plug him or her in as my first player character, figure out what class and origin fits them best and just go with it.  That gives me as a player the freedom to explore without having to worry quite as much about building an appropriate backstory or overthinking how the character will handle most situations.  My first Origins playthrough, for instance, I took an OC of mine who is a druid/healer in his original canon and who I knew had a strong aversion to necromancy, mind control and slavery.  Not surprisingly, he's also my canon Warden.

 

Having said that, though, don't forget that even a character you think you know pretty well can decide to surprise you occasionally.

[ArcadiaGrey]

Maybe this is not an advice, but a suggestion...

 

i. Choose background/origin you want to play with

- Each origin have different mood to play, have different motivations, different culture and view about the world. Choose which suite you best. For example do you like to be a noble person with noble background such as prince/princess, or do you like being a magical person who live in a tower, or a wild men living in the forest and hunting...ect...choose which suite you most

<snip>

 

Great post, if you follow these tips it'll set you up pretty well.

 

I do have a human noble rogue though.  I reasoned that she is an intelligent, kind, good person however she's quick and nimble, and very skilled with a blade.  She isn't a typical rogue.  She never steals or assassinates but is just very agile, and I thought a good compliment (a dual wielding rogue) to Alistair's sword and shield.  As he was her romance it seemed a nice combo.

 

I also loved my warrior noble dwarf, that was a lot of fun and a great origin.

 

I 100% agree with character appropriate armour.  Once I'd done the DLC and went back to Origins I had a mage dress in my inventory.  The stats were great, but it looked like something Wynne would wear.   I put it on Morrigan as I used her more and boy it looked stupid.  All buttoned up to the neck, didn't suit her at all.  At the time I was using a mod called the something....forge I think?  It let me re-skin the dress to look like Morrigan's usual side-boob outfit which was cool.  Nowadays I just stick to what suits a character even if it isn't the most high stat item available.  More immersion for me.

[MerAnne]

To add to what Qis said.....

Make choices within the game based on what you know from the game itself.  Not DA2, DAI, Bioware books, or previous playthroughs.

 

As an example, if my GW is a Dwarf, I always stop in Redcliffe on my way 'home' to Orzammar, but my reasons vary.  A GW trying 'to do the right thing' stops in Redcliffe to talk to Arl Eamon to help with the Blight and ends up doing other Quests also to 'do the right thing'.  My more self centered GW wants Alistair to stop whining about 'have to talk to Arl Eamon' and then continues on to Orzammar; the Broken Circle and/or the Ashes can be done later.

[Qis]

Another thing....

 

i. Do not pursue companions approvals

- Of course this game offer advantages for companions who approve you, but don't pursue it. Don't mind about they like you or not, just make choices as you want, said things as you want, not because of seeking their approvals

 

ii. Set companions skills and attribute that suite them

- Alistair is a Templar, pro-Chantry, surely he will not become a Reaver. Wynne is a pro-Chantry Mage, surely she will not use Blood Magic. Set them as they should be based on their own background and character

 

iii. If already unlock specializations, unlock them again

- I always do this, i didn't just spend the specialization point at level 7 other than Ranger and Spirit Healer (because these two have no way to get them again). I love to gain Alistair approval for learning Templar skill, going to Brecilian Forest and free the spirit for learning Arcane Warrior, playing cards with Isabella to learn being a Duelist... if i really want to become a Blood Mage i really making a deal with a demon, for me that what is fun rather than just spend it at level 7 after already unlocking it.

[MerAnne]

And another, another thing.

 

If playing mods that add Companions (or even when not playing a mod to add Companions), do not race to specific areas to recruit the Companion(s).  Role play the game and recruit that Companion (if the Companion seems like someone you would WANT to recruit) when you encounter him/her during the course of the game.  Have a role playing reason for going to the area.

[Qis]

I do make a role play of not picking any companions at all, only the one we get mandatory, as Human Noble archer rogue...Dog, Alistair and Morrigan...Oghren is execption because he will hangout with us no matter what.

 

The role-play is trying to be discreet, not taking anyone who have no business with Grey Warden business. She feel that moving in large number will only bring problems and attract unwanted attention.

 

The camp area is empty, but i find out the whole thing are easy to manage, and i have more gold because selling stuff i usually equip on companions. I missed companions related quests and stuff, but they are all not so important anyways.

[Aathis]

Thanks a lot for those excellent posts guys. You are obviously genuine role-players. 

I will definitely approach the game in that way.

I like to play heroic good characters - I never play evil; so I have begun as a human noble warrior and will probably go sword & shield.

Still in Highever and just figuring out the UI etc.

So far so good

[Tidus]

Another thought and my method.

 

Everybody starts with blank characters and build from there. For my rogues I use strength, dexterity, willpower, constitution and the best  rogue skills I can. Morrigan get the strongest battle magics , walking bomb, spirit healer for group heal and I add animate dead-very handy  to have since you raise the enemy dead and they fight on your side.

 

I open every chest to get better armor and weapons plus the experience points.

 

At any rate try all three main character classes and various companion groups and find the best group that works for your game style.

 

Don't be afraid to quit the game and start a new game with a different  main character if your not pleased your current one.

 

In the for what its worth department you may want to consider using either the casual or easy mode until you learn the basics of the game. Even though I been playing RPGs since Final Fantasy 1  was released and I still ended up stumbling my way through DA:O  and had several restarts because I had no real clue on character build or the best group for me. In my case three tank rogues and a tank mage-this method takes hours of doing the side quest found on the Chanters board, the Denerim guard captain and any other I could find. This type of game isn't for everybody and in fact  my son and Grandson thinks its crazy to tank three rogues and a mage but,I'm having fun..

 

The good part every lesson learn through restarting the game taught me lessons on what not to do---that including going into the fade way to weak and ill equipped.

[Aathis]

Yes at the end of the day it's all about having fun.

I tend to be a re-starter too. In Skyrim I have a few hundred hours and hardly touched the storylines; kept re-starting.

[Dai Grepher]

I think the best storyline goes to the male human noble. I think it's the better origin story, which is interesting and exciting and emotional, and it is relevant to later parts of the game.

 

I won't spoil anything, but if you go male warrior, then don't romance anyone until you meet up with the blond human woman (you'll know her when you see her), and arrange the marriage with her for the better ending. If you go male rogue, then just go with Leliana or Morrigan. If you go female warrior or rogue, then you might want to romance Alistair, though a female Warden doesn't really fit this RPG as well as a male Warden.

[Tidus]

Dai,IMHO the story line fits the City Elf better in several ways including dealing with the Dalish. There's not much in the story for the Dalish Elf, Pup Cousland or the Dwarf once Orzammar quests is finish.. 

 

One of my favorite scenes is in the Denerim Alienage is where Shianni mentions the warden's wedding day and Lilana says: You never told me you was married!"

[MichaelN7]

Thanks a lot for those excellent posts guys. You are obviously genuine role-players. 

I will definitely approach the game in that way.

I like to play heroic good characters - I never play evil; so I have begun as a human noble warrior and will probably go sword & shield.

Still in Highever and just figuring out the UI etc.

So far so good

That was my first playthrough as well, if you want an ability recommendation, get all the Sword and Shield abilities as soon as possible, they chain together really well and make battles much more manageable.

 

A second thought, take it as you will; if you want a second playthrough, go with the mage, you can access the Arcane Warrior, arguably the best specialization in the game.  If you go human mage, it ties into Dragon Age 2 quite nicely, but I won't say more on that front.  

 

In any event, I think you have the right idea for maximum enjoyment of a fresh playthrough.

[Aathis]

What I personally do when exploring a new world for the first time is to take one of my longstanding OCs, plug him or her in as my first player character, figure out what class and origin fits them best and just go with it.  That gives me as a player the freedom to explore without having to worry quite as much about building an appropriate backstory or overthinking how the character will handle most situations.  My first Origins playthrough, for instance, I took an OC of mine who is a druid/healer in his C and who I knew had a strong aversion to necromancy, mind control and slavery.  Not surprisingly, he's also my canon Warden.

 

Having said that, though, don't forget that even a character you think you know pretty well can decide to surprise you occasionally.

 

You know I really dont understand your post at all.

What's a " longstanding OC"?

What's an "original canon"?

Etc

Could you (or someone else) translate please?

[Aathis]

How about difficulty for a first playthrough?

I do have some experience with RPGs like Neverwinter Nights and the Baldur's Gate series.

I was thinking of hard - is hard hard?

[Qis]

I play normal all the time, i don't feel any need to rise dificulty, in any games actually...and DA:O is dice roll game, it is all depends on your build and how you set up your party...not a reflex gameplay

 

So for me, normal is okay

[ArcadiaGrey]

How about difficulty for a first playthrough?

I do have some experience with RPGs like Neverwinter Nights and the Baldur's Gate series.

I was thinking of hard - is hard hard?

 

Hmmmm.  Now DA:O was my first rpg so I went with normal and really struggled.  Once I started to really pay attention to what my team could do it helped.

 

You can easily change difficulty as you go, but bear in mind that the zones are levelled but the game doesn't tell you that.  So start at Redcliffe/Mage's Tower in either order.  Brecillian Forest next for the Dalish elves.  Then keep Orzammar, Denerim and The Urn of Sacred Ashes till the end.  You can visit Denerim earlier to buy stuff but the actual action that goes on there is high level.

 

Not knowing that and, for example accidentally doing Orzammar first, can really frustrate new players, they end up thinking the game is far harder than it actually is.

[MerAnne]

Actually, Orzammar CAN be done first - I've had some Dwarf GWs that really wanted to go home.  The problem is typically not having enough health potions and/or a healer to make it through.  It is scaled for the level of the GW, but the GW typically doesn't have the supplies needed to make it through the tougher battles.

 

 

I suggest easy/normal to begin with because, as ArcadiaGrey said, you can increase difficulty later.  My first playthrough was on Normal, but now I always play on Nightmare. Playing on Nightmare the first time.... I never would have made it out of the Origin!

[ArcadiaGrey]

Actually, Orzammar CAN be done first - I've had some Dwarf GWs that really wanted to go home.  The problem is typically not having enough health potions and/or a healer to make it through.  It is scaled for the level of the GW, but the GW typically doesn't have the supplies needed to make it through the tougher battles.

 

 

I suggest easy/normal to begin with because, as ArcadiaGrey said, you can increase difficulty later.  My first playthrough was on Normal, but now I always play on Nightmare. Playing on Nightmare the first time.... I never would have made it out of the Origin!

 

Oh yes, I know you can go there first, I just wouldn't recommend it for a first playthrough is all.  Plus if you're one of the folks who loses the will to live in the Deep Roads then it's not the best introduction to the game.  

 

God I don't know how you play on nightmare, I'd be huddled up in the corner weeping if I tried that...

[Tidus]

As far as game line up and my personal choices after Lothering is Redcliff, the Circle, the Dalish , Orzammar and then Haven. I do several quest between the main areas in order to build up my three rogues and Morrigan for the Denerim and AD fight.

 

I play on easy due to the limited use of my right hand and see no reason to make the game harder for me. My first few DA games was played on casual  because I had no idea what to do.. My biggest problems was the Fade and later  the anvil quest simply because I was not prepared. Can you say slaughter time? Because that's exactly what happen at the broodmother fight and I ended my first two games there. My third try I used Shale to battle the Broodmother and won the fight..

 

A word about the Fade.. It seems daunting the first few times but, once you learn what to do its easy.

 

BTW..Your first play through I suggest saving the game a lot. 

[Qis]

My favorite places to go first is Dalish camp, reason is we can get supply to make healing poultices, even if not doing their quest first but going there just to buy some crafting stuff...well consider this a tip. Elf Roots are scarce in other places, so better get supply here early.

 

Other reason is, Brecilian Forest have many cool items, if manage to beat some "super hard monsters" (you guys know what i mean, ) the coolest vanilla armor is there, even if don't want to pursue that particular item, there are a lot of other items that can be use mid to late game especially for archer build

 

The enemies here are not so hard either, other than those "super hard monsters"

 

And i think the developer do want us to go here first, at least for suplies, because it is near Lothering...even Alistair keep pushing to go to Redcliffe, but Dalish camp is just next to Lothering