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do you have to the side areas in dai

do you have to the side areas in dai

2 min read 23-01-2025
do you have to the side areas in dai

Dragon Age: Inquisition (DAI) offers a massive world to explore, filled with main quests, side quests, and countless hidden areas. Many players wonder if tackling every nook and cranny, particularly those side areas, is necessary to progress or achieve the “true” ending. The short answer is: no, you don't have to clear every side area in Dragon Age: Inquisition to complete the main storyline.

Exploring the World of Thedas: Main Story vs. Side Content

The main plotline of DAI focuses on the Inquisitor's journey to close the rifts tearing Thedas apart and confronting the overarching threat. You can absolutely complete the game without ever venturing into certain side areas. However, doing so significantly diminishes the experience.

Benefits of Exploring Side Areas

While not mandatory, exploring the side areas in DAI offers numerous advantages:

  • Power Leveling: Side quests and areas often provide valuable experience points, allowing you to level up your Inquisitor and party members faster. This makes tackling tougher main story encounters significantly easier.

  • Powerful Loot & Resources: Side areas are treasure troves of rare crafting materials, powerful weapons, and armor. This boosts your characters' abilities and makes combat less challenging.

  • Interesting Lore & Stories: Many side quests offer fascinating insights into the world of Thedas, revealing more about its history, characters, and factions. They add depth and context to the main narrative.

  • Unlocking Perks & Abilities: Some side areas contain unique items or trigger events that unlock valuable perks or abilities for your Inquisitor.

  • Companionship & Character Development: Completing side quests often provides opportunities for deeper interactions with your companions, furthering their character arcs and strengthening your bonds.

What to Prioritize in Your DAI Playthrough

If you're short on time or prefer a more focused approach, consider prioritizing these aspects:

  • Main Quests: These are crucial to advancing the main storyline and resolving the primary conflict.

  • Power-Leveling Quests: Choose side quests that offer substantial experience rewards to help you stay ahead of the curve in terms of power level.

  • Quests Related to Your Favorite Companions: If you have a favorite companion, prioritize quests that involve them, as this will strengthen your relationship.

  • Quests with Unique Rewards: Keep an eye out for side quests that offer rare or powerful items.

Note: While you don't need to 100% complete every side quest, many players find that even a partial exploration greatly enhances their enjoyment of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I miss a crucial item or ability if I skip side areas entirely?

A: It's unlikely you'll miss something absolutely essential to completing the main story. However, you might miss out on powerful weapons, armor, or unique abilities that could make the game significantly easier.

Q: Do side areas affect the ending?

A: The primary impact on the ending comes from your choices in the main story quests. While your actions in side areas might influence certain relationships or unlock additional dialogue options, they don't directly change the main outcome.

Q: How much time does exploring side areas add to the game?

A: This heavily depends on how thoroughly you explore. A quick run-through of the main story might take 30-40 hours, while a comprehensive playthrough, including side quests and exploring, could easily stretch to 80+ hours.

In conclusion, while exploring the side areas in Dragon Age: Inquisition isn't strictly necessary to beat the game, it significantly enhances the overall experience. The decision of how much to explore is ultimately a matter of personal preference and available time. Enjoy your journey through Thedas!

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