When Dragon Age: Inquisition first released back in 2014, I tucked into the RPG on the Xbox 360. In hindsight, this was by no means the optimal way to enjoy BioWare's sprawling open-world adventure. The amount of NPCs were significantly reduced, Dorian Pavus' perfect moustache often loaded right near the bottom of his face, and textures were frankly all over the place. But without the then-new-gen Xbox One, PS4, or a powerful PC to my name, it was my only option… and as a diehard fan of the previous games, I damn well wasn't going to wait.
To be fair, I didn't quite realize how improved the next-gen version was until I at last got my hands on a shiny, newer console. Replaying on Xbox One, I can still remember how blown away I was to see fingernails on Leliana's hands, and a big Inquisition army standing outside my cabin to greet me in Haven. It became my introduction to the next-gen world back, but in all honesty, I hardly cared about the graphics at the time. I was just happy to be back in Thedas. Now, as of November 2025, it's been out for 11 years, and I've replayed it countless times since my first foray on the 360. In fact, it's the Dragon Age entry I've revisited the most, and the anniversary of its launch has me thinking about why.
Exploring Thedas
I've replayed every Dragon Age game multiple times (including the most recent Dragon Age: The Veilguard), and it's easily the series I revisit the most. Picking a favorite is not easy for me, but if I were forced to choose, I would point to the one that ignited my love for BioWare's fantasy RPGs in the first place: Dragon Age: Origins. It's definitely dated by today's standards (and yes, I'll keep on crossing my fingers for a remaster or remake), but I'll still happily tuck into the Grey Warden's journey for the comfort factor; not unlike the way you reread a book you love or binge through a TV series you've seen countless times before.
The same applies to Dragon Age and every other entry. But if I were to recommend an entry to a newcomer, it would also fall on Inquisition, and after some mental tallying, I've come to realize that the third installment is the one I've gravitated towards the most since it launched – having now played it across Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and PC – and I think the open-world setting, its swoon-worthy romances, and the Trespasser DLC have a lot to do with that.
Now, I'll be the first to admit that the open-world is a bit bloated when it comes to small side quests that aren't the most thrilling. I can't say I relish the chance to once again escort a lost druffalo back to its farm in the Hinterlands, or mark the locations of various supplies whenever I return to the Exalted Plains.
But over time, these smaller menial tasks in the grand scheme of the story have become a way for me to completely switch off. I've played it so many times at this point that I get lost in the same routine in each respective location; knowing exactly where to go and what to do for each and every objective that comes along. I don't even have to think about it anymore, and sometimes that's exactly what I need to unwind.
The company you keep
The characters of Dragon Age Inquisition are also among some of my favorites of all-time. Having the company of the likes of Dorian, Blackwall, Cassandra, Varric, or honestly any one of the companions as I run about closing rifts, completing quests, or gathering resources to upgrade my gear never fails to cheer me up. I feel like I'm hanging out with old friends every time, and there's not one member in the bunch I dislike.
And as much as I adore the romances in the earlier games, in my heart of hearts, I think Inquisition has some of the best in the series. Whether it be the angsty, drama-filled relationship with Blackwall, the storybook love affair with dear Cassandra (who like me adores romance novels), the meaningful relationship with Dorian, or the heartbreak of Solas, I've romanced every character at this point, and each one has claimed a corner of my heart for one reason or another. I love how diverse the cast are and the way that's also reflected in the romances, too, with queer relationships that feel real and grounded.
It also no doubt helps that Dragon Age: Inquisition is home to one of the best expansions of all time. I'm of course talking about Trespasser, which is second only to Mass Effect 3's Citadel DLC in my book. It's so good at rounding off the story of Inquisition, in fact, that it often acts as one of the biggest sources of motivation for me to replay through the entire RPG just to reach the expansion, which comes after the big showdown with Corypheus.
I would also be remiss if I didn't shout out one my favorite main story questlines in the game, Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts, which throws you into a sea of political machinations in the Winter Palace. From the way the court approval is at first affected by my inquisitor's class and race, to the weight my actions have on the rating and the overall outcome when it comes to who maintains the seat of power in Orlais, it always makes my role-playing heart soar.
Maybe it's not perfect (then again, what is?), but thinking back on the last 11 years with Dragon Age: Inquisition just gives me a renewed sense of appreciation for BioWare's ambitious open-world RPG. Its characters will always have my heart forevermore, and its expansive setting will no doubt continue to offer me a sense of comfort for many years to come.
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