Today I’m very delighted to reveal my first community-led video spotlighting many of the fandom’s opinions and ideas on the next Dragon Age. In April, I created my own top-ten list of broad things I’d like to see in Dragon Age 4. Following that up, I asked the community to give me one thing they'd like to see in the next Dragon Age as a sequel to that video - and gosh, you guys didn’t disappoint! Initially I was going to have a top 30 list, but after seeing so many amazing ideas from many of you, I had to extend that list to 60!
So, here I am with an even bigger comprehensive list of many things you want to see in the next Dragon Age. We’ve got 5 main categories that I’ve rounded each of the community's ideas down to, they are: the next hero, the story, the gameplay, romance and the combat.
If you’re not featured in this video, don’t worry about it, watch till the end for the next topic I’d like you to send your ideas for - you may be spotlighted in that future video. Anyhow, let’s kick this off with your ideas on the next hero.
Next Hero:
Solas Valerius - Better background stories
“If there's something I hope to see in the upcoming Dragon Age, it would have to be a deeper, richer background stories for the protagonist. In DA:O, when you choose your race, there were different origins that gave your character more of a personalized feel. Each person playing, and the way they played, (Actions, and dialogue chosen) made it feel like a truly unique experience. In Inquisition, we all started as being pulled from the Fade, and although that made sense for the time, it left the background of the Inquisitor lacking, as we only got to hear about their lives before the Inquisition through passing conversation with different characters.”
Tyler Fricke - A Knowledgeable Hero
“(I’d like) a protagonist that knows their people’s history and lore. Meaning a Dalish Elf that knows all about the Elven gods and the history of the Dalish rather than not. (Looking at you, Lavellan). A Dwarf from Orzammar or Kal’Sharok that can tell someone the history and culture of the dwarves. A Qunari who knows about the Qun and how it works (looking at you, Adaar). A human noble that can tell you all about other nobles. A human commoner that can tell you about how being poor affects them and only knowing about the world they grew up around. A city elf that has evident disdain for humans and can tell you all about the culture of city elves and elves that are slaves and exactly how hard their lives are.”
Corvus Jackson - Trans/Non Binary Protagonist Options
“Being able to have a trans/non binary protagonist would be the world. Like in character customisation, instead of a gender slider there's a slider for pronouns and a separate body slider(s). Also, more LGBTQIA+ companions/NPCs. Krem was a good start in Inquisition and I want more.”
Elizabeth Cole - More protagonist customisation
“Something I would really like to see is a more customizable appearance for our protagonist this time around. The protagonist should have different hair styles and clothes depending on the mission we're going on, vs what they wear during casual or romantic events. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't have my hair down during combat, just like I wouldn't have it up in the same braid, ponytail, or bun all the time. Giving us different options for how our characters look going into different situations would make the next game even more immersive.”
Jar Jar Binks - Character origins
“I'd like to have character origins, and that those origins really matter in the story. For example it was pretty weird for a dalish elf inquisitor to not know anything about the temple of Mythal, and have Morrigan explain it to them.”
MsMaya&Co - Horns & hair options separate for Qunari
“My big thing is if we play as a Qunari, I would like it if the horns and hair options were separate.”
Collin Booth - Real time hair growth
“Having real time hair and beard growth like in red dead 2 would be pretty cool to have.”
Marshall - Involuntarily Narrative
“I would like the next protagonist to be involuntarily dragged into the narrative, and want nothing to do with what is going on at first. However, they find their own reasons to care and be involved in stopping the Dread Wolf. It gives the next protagonist some character depth, as well as personal stakes in the overall narrative of the game.”
HeroOfKvatch - Closure With Solas, Inquisitor & New Hero
“I've always (since the end of Inquisition) envisioned the new Main Character collaborating with the Inquisitor, but DISAGREEING with him/her regarding Solas, if the Inquisitor swore to redeem him. The new MC doesn't care for Solas and just wishes to stop the world from ending. In a pivotal moment, if the Inquisitor swore to redeem his/her friend or lover, the MC would witness the Inquisitor being brought into Mythal's service (The Well of Sorrows choice) and being influenced by that directive to end the world. The Inquisitor would become a thrall in a shocking, heartbreaking moment, and if he/she was friends with Solas, Solas would be affected by suddenly seeing his friend/lover in such a way. It would make Solas pause, and that pause would be enough for the MC to strike.
Or something like this... We gotta have our emotional wrenching moment of closure between the Inquisitor and Solas for sure!”
Zolotaiko Anastasiya - More Focus/Content On MC
“I would like the developers to focus more on the main character. What I mean here is that I was utterly annoyed when I had to ask all the companions a gazillion questions in order to get their approval when practically none of them was interested in MY hero (which is truly a hero and an interesting person - that could be a very interesting way to tell his/her story and get some response from the companions). Only Cassandra once tried to ask a question but in vain. This felt unnatural as EVERYONE demanded different stuff to be accomplished and made ZERO efforts to get closer to you. I believe that this would change the perception of the game.... Otherwise it feels so common in all BioWare games: ok, talk to him/her, do his/her mission, become friends. I feel that this line could be changed.”
Fusselkorn - More Body Modification Options
“How about generally more body modification options: tattoos, musculature, scars, height, the lot, you know?
makes no bloody sense that everyone of the same race is the same height and has roughly the same body shape, as a fighter you should naturally have more muscles than some random peasant in an inn.”
Dagleni - Different Than Inquisitor
“All your ideas seem very sound and I agree with most of them. The only thing I would add is a new kind of protagonist that differs greatly from the Inquisitor. Since Inquisition was a story about a regular person rising to power and becoming the head of one of the most powerful factions of Thedas, a new game focusing more on the underclass, the injustices of society, the anti-establishment with a new hero that gets to act as a revolutionary would be great. I think that Tevinter offers a great setting for these types of stories. Personally, I would like some subplot involving some kind of slave rebellion that we could influence somehow.”
Next up, and just as important, we’ve got your ideas on the story of Dragon Age 4.
Story:
Quintyss - Mature Tone
“If the game is rated 'Mature', I want a game that reflects that with grit in spades. Morally grey decision-making with gut-wrenching consequences. During exploration, I'd like to have companions comment on things when it reminds them of something in their past. Silly stuff like, "My grandmother had a vase like that. It broke when I tried to levitate it. Who knew it had aunt Haddry's ashes in it?"
Chai Tea - Defeated Narrative
“One thing I want in the next game is to genuinely be defeated at some point in the story. Not just in the very very beginning, but somewhere deep enough in the story where it’s gut wrenching. Constantly coming out on top gets old, I’d love an Infinity War style defeat where Solas wins at some point, and we have to truly beat the odds to kill him.”
CosmicDNA - Political & Cultural Exploration
“I would love to see lots of exploration of the politics and culture of Tevinter (and really any other places we might visit). DA:I set up such an enormous amount of interest into the workings of Tevinter politics and the Magisterium. In Dorian's words, “We are laden with history and culture – Tevinter is where Thedas truly began. We Treasure our past and preserve it. You can walk down a side street and find nothing built during the modern ages and, despite appearances, we care. Deeply. About everything. We have no reserve, not in war and not in love.”
“We have learned a lot about Ferelden and seen heaps about its ruling class, and in a way as the Inquisitor even been part of it. Now that we are going to a completely new part of the world with new people and cultures, I would love to explore their society and culture. With the Trespasser DLC setting up Dorian’s new position in the Magisterium and his small following of fellow minded individuals, there are some interesting story roads to follow. Especially thinking about how being part of each of the different factions could influence and interact with what could be a political and cultural time of change within Tevinter. And if our character starts as a nobody, we get to explore the world from a different social perspective that we really haven’t been able to in the other games. I think taking their time to introduce us to this new area of the world sets up so many possibilities for them to introduce new characters and get us to care about the people of Tevinter. And along the similar idea of having a compelling antagonist when we care about the people and culture, the writers get the perfect opportunities to give us a really powerful antagonist that could potentially affect the hero in different ways depending on what faction/background they are from.”
Hanna Hamori - More Dwarven Content
“My wish is more dwarfs: more dwarven lore, romanceable dwarfs and if you want it more specific: learn what became of Valta. I think this is a long shot though as there aren't any significant dwarven thaigs in northern Thedas, but who knows…”
Pandemic Human Sacrifice - More Fleshed Out Characters
“Since we're gonna deal with different factions (Executors, Lords of Fortune, Antivan Crows, Qunari, etc.) - or at least different areas (Tevinter, Rivain, Anderfells, Antiva) - I would like to see fleshed out characters in all of them. The kind of characters that'll clearly articulate the reasons why they're joining to fight against the Dread Wolf; as well as Dread Wolf followers articulating theirs. What Solas wants to do is undeniably polarizing, and even if I am biased, I want to see more than one point of view. I don't want to see a protagonist side vs. antagonist side, but rather a full range of grey, if that makes sense?”
Dread Wolf Ate My Ass - Super Hot Solas
“I want Solas to look super hot in his new gettups.”
Christine Herrmann - More Cameos
“I want cameos. I feel it would be amazing to see the results of our earlier choices made corporeal in small voice-acted parts from earlier series. Fenris, Zevran, Dorian, etc - I want to run into Antivans and Vints we know or might know. A new protagonist might have an entirely new view of the cameo character, it ties the world together, and it would be beyond cool.”
Lennart Malsch - Playable Inquisitor
“I sincerely wish that the Inquisitor isn't going to be some NPC, but a player character. What I mean by that is simply that in a dialogue with Solas for example, you should have the ability to decide what he/she says, considering how complex of a character the Inquisitor can become in Inquisition. This is what I hope. What I dream is that you can have at least one mission with all four protagonists in your party, ending with an epic avengers style fighting cutscene. To quote Iron Bull: "It could happen. It won't, but it could.”
Em L - #SaveFelassan
“I'd really like to see Felassan return. I think him being around would give us insight into a different side of Solas, and it'd also be a chance to learn more about ancient elves' relationship with the Fade and spirits. Plus he'd make an amazing ally!”
Mr.ReadingFarTooMuch - Customisable Hub
“A greater commitment to customization of the big hub/home zone. In DA:A, Inquisition, and ME2, you had access to some measure of customization to your castle, and in Awakening it even affected your final outcome! But if we aren't going to be massive, bold movers and shakers in the world I would prefer my own fully customizable small space, like an apartment in Minrathous. Not just an area that I can choose to get new fish or a planter, I'd like to go all in- wall paints/paper, bed frames, couches, desks, vaults, just a small domestic space that we can have access to a bunch of assets already being used everywhere else in the game as a form of self expression on top of the character creation and class building.”
DatBoii_Sean - HoF
“Y’all forgot about HOF, we need a closure to their story, there are still 2 more blights left. It would make sense to bring back HOF or the orlesian warden in awakening (for people who’s warden died).”
Abhishek Das - Persuade Solas
“If Bioware turns Solas into a completely evil character then I will be very disappointed. Solas is a spirit of wisdom; if Mythal's vengeance completely alters Solas's nature then that will be a very sad outcome. I hope Bioware gives the new protagonist/Inquisitor a chance to persuade Solas.”
Following that we’ve got your ideas on the overall gameplay of Dragon Age 4.
Gameplay:
Aquaswan - Semi-Open Word City
“I'd like the opportunity to explore Minrathous in a semi-open world way (GTA, but with Kirkwall area transitions for performance reasons). We spent a lot of time in the wilderness in past games, so I think that a bustling magic city in all of its glory would be fun! Maybe a Hub?”
cyan wool - Creative Locations
“I want the devs to be as creative as possible with the locations we are visiting, especially places like the Grand Necropolis and the Arlathan Forest. We know from Tevinter Nights and the "Ruins of Reality" short story that these places are very... unique and I hope that this uniqueness is translated into gameplay.”
Caragh - Slice Of Life In Thedas
“I want to explore engaging places: shops where you can buy not only weapons/armor but clothes, accessories, etc, and I want to have my own home. I want to dive deep into the culture of the place, see the "everyday life" of NPCs and hear more diegetic music and sounds, bards playing in taverns, see theatres, do maybe a heist on a party…”
Lisa Sarina - Random Encounters
“As I'm playing through DAO again I remember that, when traveling somewhere, you have random encounters that can either be random battles or something related to a quest/companion quest. I thought those were always interesting because they're random and you don't expect them. It's something I'd like to see in DA4, assuming we'll be traveling to other places.”
Pink Jewl - parkour mechanic
“I would DEFINITELY want DA4 to have some sort of parkour mechanic! I mean, think about it, we're definitely going to have Crows with us who most likely know how to scale buildings in silence to get the drop on people, to get somewhere quick or as an escape!”
andarateia - Griffons & saves
“I would also like to see: 1) The return of griffons to Thedas, and maybe the possibility of flying them around, and 2) the ability to name save games, and no limit on the number save games.”
alexcoa36 - Wicked Grace
“Playable Wicked Grace”
Asa2705 - Pre-Veil Elvhenan Exploration
“I personally want an opportunity to explore a pre-veil Elvhenan and Fade in the form it was back then, to see all these scenes that were described in the codex entries from the Vir Dirthara.”
Ghost - Unique Armour & Weapons
“I want to see more unique armor and weapons, Inquisition had far too little of that as most armor and weapons looked pretty much the same just with a different armor rating or weapon dps. I'd walk around the world and see the NPCs and be like, "Damn, why is a background character better dressed then the main character/hero?" So, yeah, that needs to be a thing lol.”
Asentoni - Day/Night Cycle
“It's probably impossible, I know, but it'd be really neat to have a day/night cycle with dynamic weather. Quests that could only be done at certain times of day/night, and tasks that could be handled differently, depending on the weather -- kind of like multiple ways to accomplish a goal.”
Pedro Henrique - Reactivity
“One thing I want to see in DA4 is maps that are more reactive: different enemies depending on your choices, different characters to talk depending on your dialogues, new areas of the map depending on how you behave in certain places, like a villager letting you explore his/her mine if he likes you. So that's an idea I would love to see, not an open map that doesn't change.”
Paperdaydreams - Photo Mode
“A photo mode! Everyone's ideas below are already excellent and of incredible variety, but I haven't seen much mention of capturing the stellar locations and visuals with use of a photo mode. I'd enjoy it very much, to appreciate the artistry and design of characters/locations.”
Next up, your ideas on romance for the next Dragon Age.
Romance:
Bowie - More Interaction With Love Interest
“It would be a really neat design to have your main protag interact more with your LI, like the system used in ME2 where you could call up your companion to hang out and snuggle. I did it endlessly - no shame - when I romanced Thane. I would love it if they could do that for DA4 (Lord knows I wanted to hug that egg all the time in DAI post-break up).
(I realise that they did implement it in DAI with other LI, like asking Cullen/Iron Bull, etc. for kisses, but sometimes I want little grazes, looking out at the horizon/scenery together, and hugs yall. I would just die for more intimacy). Also, it makes for good screenarchery.”
Ulle W - Friendship Levels
“I just want to be able to see the friendship levels again and have the opportunity to collect gifts for the companions.”
Oghren - Dwarven women
“Two things- Dwarven women.”
Mordinchemist - Dancing
“One thing I would like to see in DA4 is dancing...just like in ME. You know what I'm talking about.”
Afonso Campos - Rivalry
“I want rivalry back. I want to be able to be at odds and disagree with the companions that just wouldn’t be friends with my PC without feeling that I’m missing game content. There should be as much content for rivalry as there is for friendship, and you shouldn’t be locked out of a companion’s character progression just because you two don’t get along! Ideally, the companion progresses differently based on how you treat them and the decisions you’ve made.”
Lacy Lane - Flirting Companions
“I'd like the companions to initiate flirting with the player sometimes and then the player can ignore, reciprocate or reject. I'm tired of initiating all the romance.”
Tamassran - Qunari Wife
“can I get uuuuuuh qunari wife.”
COWanderer - More Conversation Options
“Definitely more conversation options with LI, I don't know how many times I'd go running to my LI after a mission to see if they had anything new to say. I'd love to have random and fresh LI content more frequently. Cute LI content outside of the main hub - If you're travelling with LI you should be able to have cute moments while out and about. Whether it be banter, or a short scene. OOh like if you're exploring some mystic cave, and your LI pulls you aside and gives a kiss!”
Kawaii Princess - Paced Romances
“One thing I'd love is for romance to be more spaced out throughout the game itself. Having romance scenes that are triggered due to storyline events and not just the personal quest. In DAO and most of DAI once you get to a certain point you could pretty much max out all the romance dialogue/scenes. For example, DAI once you get to Skyhold you could blaze through Dorian's romance without continuing the main plot and then nothing, you would get 1 single scene after every big storyline but the romance itself was pretty much done. Solas and Cullen (maybe due to being implemented late) instead seem to have romance triggers related to the main storyline which really helps (in my opinion) really flush out their romance through the main storyline. DA2's approach to the romance and how they are broken up between each act also really helps flesh out the romance and makes them feel more longstanding.
ChloesDragons - Companion Agency
“I would like the continuation of companions having their own life and love story. Like Josephine and Blackwalls, or Fenris and Isabella. I would like other characters to get into relationships, and there be rival romance scenes. Also.. an enemies to lovers romance would be 👌”
Daemian Matthews - Varric romance
“Varric romance”
Ariana - Solas Romance
“If there isn't an option for a romanced Solas to be dragged home by a very pissed Lavellan, I'm rioting.”
Finally, we’ve got your ideas on the overall combat on Dragon Age 4.
Combat:
Meredith Polished my Idol - Dynamic Character subclasses
“Is it time to add new character classes? Or just more dynamic subclasses? Also, yes Arcane Warriors should definitely make a return.”
MrTeniguafez - Dwarf-Specific Spec/Class
“Dwarf-specific specialization to compensate for not being able to be mages. Something taking advantage of their natural lyrium resistance.”
WendigoGames - bard class
“I’d love the ability to play instruments, a little like Zither in Dragon Age Inquisition multiplayer.”
Boh boh - Hybrid Classes
“I would love to see hybrid classes like in Dragon's Dogma.”
Thousand Miles across Eluvians - Spell Combos
“Bring back potential spell combination effects from DA:O, not just the shatter effects from hitting a frozen target.”
Megan - Melee Combat For Ranged Classes
“I'd love it if they brought back staff blades too and let mages use them for melee combat. It's so nice how in DA2 archer rogues would use a dagger when enemies got close. So basically this want is to let ranged characters also have one melee auto-attack.”
Bianca - Tactics System is good for accessibility
“I feel like it's important to bring up that tactical mode makes ALL the difference for disabled players like myself. Some of us just don't have the hand dexterity to properly keysmash non-stop during combat, but we still want the excitement of full blown combat, and tactical mode allows us to balance between the two. Bioware has won accessibility in gaming awards thanks to tactical mode (and other accommodations that they have in their games), so getting rid of that would feel a lot like deciding that they don't care about their disabled players.
I'm just pointing this out because I know a lot of abled folks don't realise how much of a difference tactical combat can make for disabled players!”
Gutza1 - Gunpowder Weapon/Companion
“This sounds weird, but I think it would be really cool if you or one of your companions could use a gunpowder weapon, even as just an ability on cooldown. It makes sense because Bull was originally supposed to have a prosthetic arm cannon, and considering that we'll be getting up close with the Antaam, it's not out of the question that we could gain access to some kind of firearm. It doesn't have to be a musket or anything, just a primitive hand cannon, like those invented in the late Middle Ages.
In general, I hope that BioWare brings back the Artificer specialization, because I thought that the idea of playing as a technology-focused rogue was very cool.”
Nagram - Dedicated Dodge Button
“Adding to the gameplay aspect. I think certain classes should have a dedicated dodge button/action rather than being an ability you unlock, it instantly makes the combat more dynamic in case they are going for more action oriented gameplay rather than tactical, also.”
Bowie - Attributes System
“In DA:O and DA:II, we had the ability to change the attributes system (strength/dexterity/constitution, etc.) but in DA:I this feature was removed and we automatically levelled up based on the class we picked. If we are likely to get a mixture of classes (rogue/mage being one as a character, fail to recall who, has this) I hope this system could make a comeback so we can personally balance out points between two differing but equally powerful classes.”
Shawn Johnson Jr - Cultural/Diverse Customizable Armor Classes
“I would love to see more cultural/diverse customizable armor classes. In Inquisition, the armour was decent but I felt like it lacked in a lot of places. For example mage inquisitors had poop armour choices in my opinion especially if you were playing a human or qunari. Whereas warriors and rogues had better looking armor options. Also I would like to see more armor like the dalish and qunari armors, maybe actually expanding and letting us use Ferelden, Rivaini, Tevinter style armors.”
Mikxa - Solas As The Dread Wolf
“I would love to see that Solas's Dread Wolf form finally gets animated.”
And that’s a wrap on 60 of your unique, very broad ideas on the next Dragon Age, comment down below if your ideas were spotlighted.
The next community wishlist is going to be on what we want from the next hero, ranging from their identity, background, agency and character customisation. I'll do my own video on what I’d like to see from the new hero first, but while I’m working on that, reply in the comments to this video on what you’d like to see for the next hero. Just like this video, you may be spotlighted.
In any event, I hope you enjoyed this new type of video from myself, I’m shaking things up going forward with more fun and subjective content like this. If you’d like to join my very friendly Dragon Age Discord server, or you’d like access to early scripts, why not check out my channel memberships and get access to more content.
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