Dragon Age Dreadwolf: Everything you need to know

Dragon Age Dreadwolf
(Image credit: BioWare)

Dragon Age Dreadwolf will at long last bring us back to Thedas for a new entry in the much-loved fantasy RPG series from BioWare. It's been almost 10 years since the release of Dragon Age: Inquisition, and Dreadwolf continues to be one of the most anticipated new games we're eager to learn more about. 

While it's been quite some time since we've had much in the way of an update on the project, or its direction, it looks like that's about to change this year. An announcement on Dragon Age Day in December last year confirmed that there will be a a full reveal of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf in Summer 2024. We also got a brief teaser alongside the news, which gave us a look at various locations across the Thedas map - including the Grey Warden headquaters Weisshaupt, Rivain, and more - all of which are areas we've yet to venture to in previous games. 

As we wait for the big reveal later this year, read on below as we take you through everything we know so far about Dragon Age Dreadwolf. 

Recent updates

This hub for Dragon Age Dreadwolf was updated on February 28, 2024. There's nothing more to add for now, but we're looking forward to seeing more from BioWare during the planned gameplay reveal later this summer.

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf latest release date and platform rumors

Dragon Age 4

(Image credit: BioWare)

The Dragon Age: Dreadwolf release date is still very much up in the air, with no set launch window as of yet. In August 2023, news revealed that BioWare laid off 50 developers to ensure "Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is an outstanding game", which has only made the future seem more uncertain for the long awaited new entry in the beloved fantasy series. Following the news, it was also revealed that the former BioWare employees are suing the studio

Perhaps the upcoming reveal in Summer 2024 will at long last come with confirmation of a date. 

The last time we heard any sort of indication of when might expect to return to Thedas came by way of a financial report that seemingly indirectly confirmed it's still a year away, which would put it to 2024. But we've yet to have any further update in this vein. 

A blog post back in 2022 also revealed development status of Dragon Age 4, with it having reached the Alpha stage. It was said that the BioWare team was able to play the game from start to finish in its entirety: "Up to this point, we’ve been working hard on the various parts of the game, but it’s not until the Alpha milestone that a game all comes together. Now, for the first time, we can experience the entire game, from the opening scenes of the first mission to the very end. We can see, hear, feel, and play everything as a cohesive experience." 

The blog post goes on to say that "the game is not finished by any means", but this milestone indicated that it's closer to completion. 

We can also take a strong guess at the platforms the game will arrive on thanks to the LinkedIn profile of the former lead player designer at BioWare, who states the game will be coming to PS5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC.

Dragon Age Dreadwolf gameplay leaks

Dragon Age 4

(Image credit: BioWare)

In February 2023, Dragon Age Dreadwolf gameplay leaks appeared to surface on Reddit, where the poster claimed to have seen early alpha stage footage of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. While they have since removed links to gifs and screenshots, the post is still live, and details a section that takes place in the Grey Warden fortress headquarters, which is known as Weisshaupt. It also touches on some supposed classes, the presence of Red Lyrium, and even the possible direction of Dragon Age Dreadwolf's combat, which left fans divided over it seemingly leaning into a style closer to that of God of War

As with any leaks of this nature, it's always best to take everything with a big pinch of salt, but it does offer up some interesting food for thought. 

Dragon Age Dreadwolf trailer cinematic 

On Dragon Age Day 2022, BioWare released an in-game cinematic from Dragon Age: Dreadwolf that once again put Solas front and center. What's most exciting about this cinematic, though, is that it's narrated by none other than Varric Tethras, the loveable rogue and storyteller we first meet in Dragon Age 2. Varric talks about Solas' goal, which offers a great recap of where Dragon Age: Inquisition left off, and intros the Dreadwolf to anyone who's new to the series. 

Varric's phrase at the end of the scene, "we're the only ones who can stop him", suggests the iconic dwarf will be returning in the latest adventure - and could potentially even work with the character we'll fill the shoes of. Given his appearance in the Dreadwolf prequel comic and his prominent role in Inquisition, it would certainly make sense. 

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf news

Dragon Age 4

(Image credit: BioWare)

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf concept art

Another look at Dragon Age Dreadwolf came in the shape of dark and delicious concept art revealed during a next-generation montage at EA's summer event, EA Play Live, back in 2020. The game wasn't even mentioned by name, but in a section introduced by EA's chief studio officer, Laura Miele, she did namecheck BioWare.

"BioWare imagines and creates worlds where you become the hero of your own story, and we're using this next generation of technology to make those fantasy worlds your reality."

You can see those Dragon Age: Dreadwolf teaser images below. 

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf characters 

Dragon Age 4

(Image credit: EA)

So far we know that Solas will be the main antagonist in the upcoming RPG. The fact that Varric Tethras has also narrated over a cinematic implies the storytelling rogue who appeared in Dragon Age 2 and Dragon Age: Inquisition may also feature. But as of right now, we haven't had much in the way of information about Dragon Age Dreadwolf's characters. 

One of the biggest questions surrounding Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is what our role will be. We've yet to learn anything too concrete, but there have been some hints thanks to the above behind the scenes look - among other sources - that might point towards the direction of the new protagonist. For a detailed exploration with all of our thoughts and theories, be sure to check out our piece on who we might play as in Dragon Age: Dreadwolf

The Dragon Age 4 title is Dragon Age: Dreadwolf

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf logo

(Image credit: EA)

The Dragon Age 4 title is Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, and that's because it's all about Solas. For anyone who played Dragon Age: Inquisition that won't come as a surprise. Solas is the Dread Wolf, what BioWare calls a "player of dark and dangerous games". 

If you're new to the series, the developer does say that you don't need to worry if you haven't played Inquisition, as "he'll properly introduce himself when the time is right".

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The title - which reiterates that Solas will play a big part in Dragon Age 4 - was revealed in a tweet from the game's official account, which also linked out to a blog post going into more detail about Solas' return. 

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is for newcomers and longtime players alike

Dragon Age 4

(Image credit: BioWare)

BioWare has made it clear that it's approaching Dragon Age: Dreadwolf with a varied audience in mind to cater to both long-time fans and newcomers. As well as confirming that Solas will introduce himself when the time is right for those who've yet to meet the character, a blog post reaffirmed that this will be an experience veteran players and those new to Thedas can enjoy. 

"It’s been eight years since our last DA game came out. I’ve seen a lot of adults fondly reminiscing about how they played it as teens!", senior writer Sylvia Feketekuty said in the blog post. Dragon Age: Dreadwolf has been a balance of providing answers to long-standing questions for veteran fans while making a game that new players, or someone who only played DA:I years ago, can also get into."

"Unlike the vast galaxies we explore in our other franchises, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf returns us to Thedas, where we can revisit friends and places that are familiar," Narrative editor Ryan Cormier said in the blog. "Some fans haven’t spent time with Dragon Age since the 2014 release of Inquisition, while others have read every comic and story published since. Others never played a Dragon Age game at all and have no idea who the bald guy is (he’s Solas)."

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf behind-the-scenes look

During Gamescom Opening Night Live 2020, BioWare gave us a helping of Dragon Age 4 goodness with a behind-the-scenes look at the next adventure. Casey Hudson introduced the video by saying that the team "has been imagining new ways of using next-generation technology to bring the world of Dragon Age to life", and also confirmed  that at that stage, the game was currently in the early stages of production.

Hearing from various BioWare developers working on the game, the video gave us a look at how the team are creating this new adventure, complete with some gorgeous concept art and very brief glimpses of game footage showing off different vistas and locations. We're also convinced one piece of concept art features Dorian Pavus underwater (because we absolutely need more Dorian). 

We also get interesting tidbits from the developers, offering some insight into the direction of our return to Thedas. Lead writer Patrick Weekes says that Dragon Age 4 will tell a story that explores "what happens when you don't have power?", and  "what happens when the people in charge aren't willing to address the issues?". This could mean we'll be playing as someone who's an underdog who does what the people in charge aren't willing to do. For now, we can only speculate, but it does make our imaginations run wild - especially if you think about what happened in the Dragon Age Inquisition Trespasser DLC. 

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf plot theories

The Game Awards 2018 debuted the first teaser trailer for what was then known as Dragon Age 4. You should watch the brief glimpse above, but essentially we see the #TheDreadWolfRises tagline, along with an ominous greeting from Solas of Dragon Age: Inquisition fame: 

"So, you found me at last. I suspect you have questions." 

If you're not intimately familiar with Dragon Age lore, the 'Dread Wolf' moniker refers to Fen'Harel, the Loki-like elven god of betrayal who has (spoilery) ties to Solas and features prominently in Inquisition's epilogue DLC, Trespasser. Most interestingly of all, the trailer prominently features a red lyrium idol, and it's not just any idol. Those of you who played Dragon Age 2 might recognize it. The idol plays a big role in the corruption of Kirkwall's templars. Now, if you fancy dipping into the second instalment in the series anytime soon, skip past the next section because it contains some *hefty spoilers*

In the first act of Dragon Age 2, you go into the deep roads with Varric and his brother Bartrand in a bid to recover lost dwarven treasures and make your fortune. You stumble upon an ancient dwarven thaig filled to the brim with red lyrium, and sitting upon a pedestal is the very same idol we see in the trailer. The idol corrupts Bartrand, and causes him to turn his back on his own brother and leave him for dead in the deep roads. 

Later on in Act 2, Varric asks you to go and confront Bartrand in his mansion in Hightown for his personal quest. You find out that the idol has poisoned his mind, and makes him "hear a song." As a result of the idol's corruptive power, the dwarf forced his servants to feed on the lyrium, and then proceeded to cut it off them while they were still alive. It's pretty awful, to say the least. After confronting and fighting Bartrand, you find out he sold the idol to a woman, who turns out to be none other than Kirkwall's Knight Commander, Meredith. The red lyrium drives Meredith to take her fight against the mages and magic to extremes and all but tear apart Kirkwall. 

Dragon Age 4

(Image credit: BioWare)

Now, from Dragon Age 2 we know red lyrium is very, very bad news in the world of Thedas. In Dragon Age: Inquisition, if you side with the mages early on, you'll be catapulted into a future scenario where Corypheus is wreaking havoc. And what makes an unfortunate comeback? Yep, you've guessed it: Red lyrium. You meet Fiona who appears to have red lyrium growing out of her, and she says Corypheus has been growing lyrium in living people and harvesting it from their corpses. 

From the get go, lyrium courses throughout Inquisition, so naturally it makes sense that it's still a problem in Dragon Age 4. Since we know just how corruptive it can be, we also know it must hold untold power. And in the wrong hands... just what will it do? It looks like our old friend Solas might be getting his hands on it. The flash of a mural in the teaser as seen above shows what looks like a wolf beast with three eyes and an elf either side of the idol. The Dread Wolf rises right, so what if he does so using the idol? What does that mean for Thedas? We all know what Solas is planning to do, so it can't be good news. 

Some eagle-eyed fans have already picked apart every inch of the trailer and explained their theories in impressive detail. If you want to take a deep dive into the trailer, this theory on reddit is quite compelling. 

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf will be a single-player game

Dragon Age 4

(Image credit: BioWare)

As reported by Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, EA is removing all multiplayer and live service elements from Dragon Age 4 after Anthem failed to leave a lasting impression on critics and players. EA had reportedly been looking at the success of the single-player Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order compared to Anthem's critical and sales downfalls when it decided to scrap the online component and focus solely on single-player content. 

Some months later, BioWare reaffirmed that Dragon Age 4 will be a single-player game.

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf will take us to Tevinter

Dragon Age 4

(Image credit: BioWare)

In a BioWare book published in 2020, the studio seemed to confirm the Dragon Age 4 setting to be Tevinter.

The book, titled BioWare: Stories and Secrets from 25 Years of Game Development mostly details the studio's storied history, but Eurogamer picked out a key detail of the next Dragon Age adventure. One entry reads in-part: "the long-awaited follow-up to Dragon Age: Inquisition … will take players to Tevinter as the events of Inquisition and Trespasser threaten to forever change Thedas." 

We've suspected this to be the case since Tevinter was heavily alluded to at the end of Dragon Age: Inquisition Trespasser DLC.  Later, an official blog post officially revealed we'll be venturing to the city of Minrathous in Tevinter. 

"It’s also exciting to finally be able to bring our fans to parts of the world that we’ve previously hinted at, but never been able to fully explore - like the city of Minrathous, the capital of the Tevinter Empire," the blog post states. "We’ve talked about Minrathous in previous games, and now you’ll finally be able to visit! It’s a city built on and fuelled by magic, and the ways in which that has come through in its visual identity, and what that looks like in comparison to previous cities we’ve visited in Dragon Age, are pretty spectacular."

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf studio departures 

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Over the course of development, some key members of the BioWare team have since departed from the project, with new names joining the fold. The most recent layoffs in 2023 have seen the loss of series veterans, including writer Mary Kirby. In years prior, news came to light in November in 2021 in a statement to Kotaku that Dragon Age 4's senior creative director Matt Goldman and long-time alum had left. Following on from Goldman's exit, BioWare put out a blog post in February 2022 confirming that executive producer Christian Dailey had departed midway through production

Heather Wald
Senior staff writer

I started out writing for the games section of a student-run website as an undergrad, and continued to write about games in my free time during retail and temp jobs for a number of years. Eventually, I earned an MA in magazine journalism at Cardiff University, and soon after got my first official role in the industry as a content editor for Stuff magazine. After writing about all things tech and games-related, I then did a brief stint as a freelancer before I landed my role as a staff writer here at GamesRadar+. Now I get to write features, previews, and reviews, and when I'm not doing that, you can usually find me lost in any one of the Dragon Age or Mass Effect games, tucking into another delightful indie, or drinking far too much tea for my own good. 

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