Does Varric Die in Dragon Age The Veilguard? Everything You Need to Know About This Shocking Plot Twist

Key Takeaways:

1. Varric’s Fate: Varric’s character meets an unexpected twist early in Dragon Age The Veilguard, setting the tone for the emotional journey ahead.
2. Solas’s Role: Solas returns with a complex, morally grey storyline that challenges the characters’ loyalties and the player’s emotions.
3. Griffon Story Arc: The return of griffons through Assan adds depth and nostalgia, enriching the world and lore of Thedas.

“Dragon Age: The Veilguard” brings back beloved characters while introducing fresh faces and stories. The game’s narrative keeps fans on the edge, notably with a major plot twist involving fan-favourite Varric Tethras. Varric, one of the franchise’s most cherished characters, encounters an unexpected end early in the game. This article delves into Varric’s fate, Solas’s intentions, and the wider impact of these storylines on Thedas.

Varric’s Final Moments: What Really Happened?

Varric’s story in The Veilguard unfolds in the prologue, setting a powerful emotional stage for the rest of the game. During a battle against Solas, Varric suffers a critical injury after being stabbed. While players initially believe he survives, it is later revealed that Varric did not make it through the confrontation. This clever twist reveals that the Varric players interact with later on is actually a ghost, visible only to the protagonist, Rook.

This revelation shocks fans, as Varric has been a beloved mainstay in the Dragon Age series. His “ghost” serves as Rook’s advisor, creating an eerie but touching relationship throughout the game. This plot twist also intensifies the stakes as Rook grapples with the loss of a close friend while navigating the complexities of his advice from beyond the grave.

Solas: The Mastermind Behind the Veil’s Collapse

Solas, once a mysterious ally, emerges as the central antagonist in The Veilguard. His goal is to tear down the Veil—the barrier that separates the world of Thedas from the demon realm. Solas’s motivations are complex, and his character development in this installment is profound. While he seems like the “villain” from a traditional perspective, his nuanced portrayal forces players to confront deeper moral dilemmas.

In the opening scenes, Solas battles both Rook and Varric, leading to the latter’s fatal injury. Solas’s manipulation doesn’t end there; he orchestrates the illusion of Varric’s ghostly presence to deceive Rook, adding a psychological layer to the game. Throughout the journey, players are reminded that Solas is not purely evil; he has a vision for Thedas that he believes justifies his actions. This depth of character creates an emotional rollercoaster for players, who may feel torn between empathy for Solas and anger at his actions.

The Return of Morrigan: A Guide Through the Veil

Morrigan, another iconic character from the Dragon Age universe, makes her return in The Veilguard. Although players cannot control her or pursue a romance with her, Morrigan’s presence as an advisor adds value to the storyline. Known for her knowledge of the arcane and her complex personality, Morrigan assists Rook as he navigates the game’s intricate plot.

While her role is advisory, Morrigan’s inclusion brings a nostalgic continuity to the game, connecting The Veilguard with its predecessors. Her wisdom and insight are instrumental as Rook faces the growing threats from Solas and the demon realm.

Assan and the Griffons: A Storyline Full of Hope and Loss

In The Veilguard, players encounter griffonsnmythical creatures long thought extinct in Thedas. The game introduces Assan, a young griffon under the care of the Grey Warden Davrin. This subplot serves as an emotional arc, providing moments of hope and connection in an otherwise intense narrative.

The journey with Assan is filled with suspense, especially after an attack on the griffon aerie by a formidable foe known as the Gloom Howler. Davrin and Rook attempt to save Assan’s siblings, though they are ultimately captured. The Gloom Howler, a mysterious, ghostly antagonist, has sinister intentions for the griffons, adding further tension to this storyline.

Players get to witness the growing bond between Davrin and Assan, and even interact with the griffon by petting, hugging, and watching him assist in battles. This storyline emphasizes the resilience of both humans and animals in the face of adversity, offering a more personal and touching subplot that balances the game’s darker themes.

The Gloom Howler: Uncovering a Twisted Legacy

The Gloom Howler’s tragic backstory is slowly revealed throughout the game. Formerly known as Isseya, she was once a Grey Warden mage who, centuries earlier, attempted to modify griffons through a blood magic ritual designed to protect them from the Blight. Instead, this ritual ended in disaster, dooming the griffon species to extinction.

Isseya’s transformation into the Gloom Howler occurred when she absorbed the taint to save the last remaining griffon eggs. Her misguided sense of duty drove her to a twisted mission in The Veilguard: recreating the ritual that had led to the griffons’ downfall. Rook and Davrin must confront her and rescue Assan and the surviving griffons, a task fraught with danger and moral ambiguity.

Final Decision: The Fate of the Griffons

Once Assan and his siblings are saved, Davrin faces a critical choice about their future, a decision that is turned over to the player. Should the griffons return to the Grey Wardens to be trained as powerful allies against darkspawn, or should they be released into the wild as protectors of the Arlathan forest?

This choice affects the griffons’ role in Thedas moving forward, giving players the power to shape their destiny. Whichever option is chosen, it marks a turning point for the griffons, symbolizing hope and renewal for these rare creatures.

The Game’s Duration and Replayability

Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers around 40 hours of main storyline content, with additional side quests pushing gameplay to 70–80 hours for those aiming for 100% completion. Unlike previous installment, The Veilguard is more linear, focusing on a structured narrative instead of an open world. This design choice creates a concentrated storytelling experience, emphasizing depth in both the main and side plots.

For those interested in full completion, multiple playthroughs are recommended, as different choices affect the outcomes for both characters and creatures, including the griffons.

FAQs

Q: Does Varric actually die in Dragon Age: The Veilguard? A: Yes, Varric dies in the prologue during a confrontation with Solas, though his ghost appears to guide Rook throughout the game.

Q: Can you play as Morrigan in The Veilguard? A: Morrigan appears as an advisor but is not a playable character, nor can she be romanced in this installment.

Q: What role does Solas play in The Veilguard? A: Solas is the main antagonist, attempting to tear down the Veil, which would have dire consequences for Thedas. His complex motives make him both a villain and a tragic character.

Q: What happens to the griffons in The Veilguard? A: Players help Davrin rescue the last remaining griffons, including Assan, from the Gloom Howler. The player’s choice determines if they will join the Grey Wardens or protect the Arlathan forest.

Q: How long does it take to complete Dragon Age: The Veilguard? A: Completing the main story takes around 40 hours, with 70–80 hours needed for full completion.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard has successfully crafted a narrative that captivates long-time fans and new players alike, delivering an unforgettable experience filled with beloved characters, emotional storylines, and complex moral choices.