How to Unlock the Secret Ending in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Key Takeaways
- Collect three Mysterious Circles and the Mythal Essence to unlock the secret ending.
- Follow specific dialogue choices in the “Regrets of the Dread Wolf” quest to secure Mythal’s Favor without combat.
- Complete the secret ending requirements to gain trophies and see a hidden post-credits scene.
Unlocking the secret ending in Dragon Age: The Veilguard is an epic quest that wraps up the game’s story in a thrilling, post-credits twist, adding further depth to BioWare’s beloved RPG series. This guide walks you through every essential step to reach the secret ending, and while it’s spoiler-free regarding the finale itself, rest assured that following this guide will also net you a few exclusive trophies along the way.
Steps to Unlock the Secret Ending in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
1. Obtain the Mythal Essence
The Mythal Essence is essential for unlocking the secret ending, and to obtain it, you’ll need to complete the quest Regrets of the Dread Wolf. This quest is located in Crossroads, where you’ll encounter Mythal, an ancient elven figure tied deeply to the lore of Dragon Age. Here’s how to complete this quest:
Dialogue Choices for a Pacifist Route
To avoid combat and obtain the Mythal Essence through Mythal’s Favor, follow these dialogue options:
- “Or do you simply think yourself ready to fight a god?”
- Choose: “I want your Help” (+1 Favor)
- “It has been centuries since a petitioner stood before me. So, why should I help you?”
- Choose: “Solas is helping me” or “We must stop the blight.” (+1 Favor)
- “And?”
- Choose: “You stood against it.” (+1 Favor)
- “Not bad, but not enough. Let us speak of something else.”
- Choose: “We must stop the gods.” (+1 Favor)
- “Yet the world needs rulers. So set the blight aside and tell me why I should help you topple them.”
- Choose: “They wronged you.” (+1 Favor)
- “If you wish to prove your worth, you must do better than that.”
- Choose: “We are worthy.” (+1 Favor)
- “What is a protector to you?”
- Choose: “Building a safe place.” (+1 Favor)
Exhaust these dialogue options to successfully gain Mythal’s Favour, avoiding the need for combat and obtaining both Mythal Light (Unique Mageknife) and Mythal Essence.
Achievement: Clear Minds and Open Hearts
Completing the quest with a peaceful resolution rewards you with the achievement Clear Minds and Open Hearts.
2. Collect the Three Mysterious Circles
After securing the Mythal Essence, you’ll need to collect three Mysterious Circles from various locations: Arlathan Forest, Necropolis Halls, and Crossroads. Here’s where to find each one:
Mysterious Circle #1 – Arlathan Forest
- Location: Arlathan Forest, Waterfront Glades
- Map Level: 2
- Challenge: Laser Beam Puzzle
To access this circle, complete a laser beam puzzle by aligning beams from four locations to strike a central crystal. After aligning each beam, you’ll gain access to a chest in the center. However, be prepared for a fight with the Guardian of Secrets once you complete the puzzle. Defeating this boss grants you access to the first Mysterious Circle and an accompanying Library Update notification.
Mysterious Circle #2 – Necropolis Halls
- Location: Chamber of the Unforged, Necropolis Halls
- Map Level: 1
- Requirements: Complete “Restless Spirits” and “Pinnacle of its Kind”
Finishing these quests will allow access to the Chamber of the Unforged. In the deepest part of this chamber, you’ll find the second Mysterious Circle.
Mysterious Circle #3 – Crossroads
- Location: Beacon Island, Crossroads
- Map Level: 1
- Requirement: Complete “Heart of Corruption”
Complete the Heart of Corruption side quest, which involves battling multiple elite bosses. The quest is easy to track in your journal and requires defeating each mini-boss to unlock keys. These keys open the path to the dragon’s lair, where the third and final Mysterious Circle is hidden in a passage on the south side of the lair.
3. Unlock the Secret Ending
With all three Mysterious Circles and the Mythal Essence in your possession, finish the main storyline to trigger the secret ending. This hidden post-credits cutscene features significant revelations and mysteries that hint at the larger Dragon Age lore and future narratives.
Achievement: The Storm Quelled
Once you unlock the secret ending, you’ll earn the The Storm Quelled trophy, a reward for unlocking the final narrative layer of the game.
Secret Post-Credits Scene: What It All Means
Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s post-credits scene is a minute-long clip that sheds light on ongoing storylines from previous games and foreshadows possible future events. Featuring shadowy figures known as the Executors, this scene introduces an ancient, mysterious group intent on influencing the events across Thedas.
The Executors: Mysterious Manipulators of Thedas
In the scene, the Executors speak cryptically of having “balanced” and “guided” Thedas through key moments. These moments include major events from each Dragon Age game, such as:
- The Battle of Ostagar in Dragon Age: Origins.
- Bartrand’s betrayal and its fallout in Dragon Age II.
- Corypheus’ breach in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
These cloaked figures are believed to come from across the sea, as hinted in Tevinter Nights, and may be linked to the Forgotten Ones, an enigmatic elven pantheon. Their influence suggests a grand design that has been secretly steering Thedas’ fate.
Implications for Future Games
With the Executors’ involvement, future Dragon Age games might bring them face-to-face with current heroes or introduce new protagonists to confront this shadowy group. Given that The Veilguard hints at “remaining vigilant,” it’s possible that the fight with the Executors will come to the forefront of the series.
FAQs
Q: What items are necessary to unlock the secret ending in Dragon Age: The Veilguard? A: You’ll need to obtain the Mythal Essence and the three Mysterious Circles found in Arlathan Forest, Necropolis Halls, and Crossroads.
Q: Can I complete the “Regrets of the Dread Wolf” quest without fighting? A: Yes, by selecting specific dialogue options, you can peacefully gain Mythal’s Favor, avoiding combat and securing the Mythal Essence.
Q: What reward do I get for unlocking the secret ending? A: Unlocking the secret ending grants you the The Storm Quelled trophy and provides a unique post-credits scene.
Q: Who are the Executors in the Dragon Age series? A: The Executors are a mysterious group who manipulate events across Thedas, possibly linked to the elven Forgotten Ones. They are expected to play a significant role in future Dragon Age games.
Q: Do I need to complete any side quests to access the Mysterious Circles? A: Yes, each Mysterious Circle requires the completion of specific side quests to unlock them.
