There are six factions to in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and the choice is made during character creation, making it a part of Rook’s overall story. Some of them include long-running organizations from the Dragon Age franchise, like the Grey Wardens and Antivan Crows. Others are from expanded media, such as books and comics, and are making their debut in a full game. This gives Rook an expanded outlook that may have been missing from past heroes like the Herald of Andraste and Champion of Kirkwall.

Picking a faction changes the opening segments of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This gives you a leg up with the faction, introduces a specific companion earlier, and favors a class specialization. This could make it a good idea to match a faction with one of the three classes. However, picking a faction doesn’t lock out features. It simply gives a head start and may avoid grinding some aspects of reputation, levels, or maybe even make romancing a like-minded ally easier.

Which Faction To Pick First & Why In Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Each Class Matches A Faction

Each faction grants bonus traits for combat and solicitation, introduces a class specialization, and focuses on a particular party member. All of these are important factors while battling through Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Additionally, Rook’s surname changes with the selected faction. Some dedicated Dragon Age fans might adopt these surnames in discussions, similar to the names in Dragon Age: Inquisition’s character creation. Finally, factions have beliefs and goals. You may want to one to follow these rules, or avoid ones that oppose your own actions.

There is a seventh companion, Lace Harding, returning from Dragon Age Inquisition. She has no direct allegiance to any of Rook’s possible backgrounds. If you're keen to learn more, we recommend YouTuber NorZZa, who further explains the companions and how they relate to factions in the video above.

Gray Wardens Faction Powers

The Grey Wardens have been around since the very first title, Dragon Age Origins. They are fully dedicated to fighting Darkspawn, even if it is via controversial methods. While the Grey Wardens have all classes into their ranks, they highly favor the close combat of a Warrior. Story-wise, Rook disobeyed a direct order that saved many innocent lives. This makes him a hero to the people, but distrusted by higher command.

Antivan Crows Faction Powers

The Crows are a notorious league of assassins for hire. They prefer subterfuge and ambushing and have no need for a fair fight. Most Crows are blade-wielding Rogues, but Mages that are willing to fight up close are also common. When picked, Rook will have no qualms about killing for the greater good, and has an added vendetta against the Antaam in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

Veil Jumpers Faction Powers

The Veil Jumpers are focused on solving the strange magic overtaking Arlathan Forest. Due to the dangers inside, they tend to be Rogue archers that stay out of sight. Rook found an important map on their last journey, but lost it saving their teammate’s lives. Recovering the map may play a part in the story of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

Mourn Watch Faction Powers

The Mourn Watch are necromancers from Nevarra. This type of magic is frowned upon in large parts of Thedas. Cassandra from Dragon Age Inquisition was put off by the idea of raising the dead, and bringing it up could sour a romance with her. As necromancers, the Mourn Watch favors Mages, but also enlists Warriors who embrace the dark.

Rook took part in an undead civil war, the War of Banners. Rather than pacifying the enemy rebels, they were full-on destroyed and unable to ever be resurrected again. This was viewed as a forbidden outcome and Rook was “encouraged” to leave.

Lords of Fortune Faction Powers

The Lords of Fortune are raiders who specialize in looting ruins and archeological sites. They rely on strong Warriors to muscle their way in, but also have Rogues to get past certain dangers. Rook killed a Rivaini noble to prevent a tragedy, but is now on the run from the local authorities during Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

Shadow Dragons Faction Powers

The Shadow Dragons are the final faction option in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. They are a resistance cell aiming to overthrow the oppression in Tevinter. They highly endorse Mages who can utilize powerful attack magic. Rook is directly being tracked by the Venatori, which may make them a more predominant threat.

With various pros and cons depending on the faction you choose, it's perhaps impossible to make a "wrong" choice. Ultimately, the varied options offer replayability once you're done with your first playthrough of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

Video Credit: NorZZa/YouTube