Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Echoes of the Past Quest Walkthrough

Key Takeaways:

1. Find and Replace Power Crystals: Power Crystals are central to progressing in this quest, used to power lab equipment, bridges, and unlock rewards.
2. Romance Option with Bellara: You can choose to flirt with Bellara, adding a romantic subplot that affects future interactions.
3. Rewards and XP: Completing the quest yields significant rewards, including unique gear that boosts Bellara’s healing and cooldown abilities.

The Echoes of the Past quest in Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a puzzle-centric adventure that takes you through a series of Power Crystal retrievals, conversations, and strategic placements. It also introduces you to Bellara, a character you can interact with romantically. This walkthrough will guide you through each step to successfully complete the quest and gain valuable rewards.

Step 1: Starting the Quest – Finding Bellara in the Arlathan Forest

The Echoes of the Past quest begins in Arlathan Forest, near the Ruins Reach Fast Travel Beacon. If you haven’t unlocked this beacon, look across the lake toward the Ruins area. Bellara will be waiting here, ready to initiate the quest through a cutscene.

Romance Option with Bellara

When you first meet Bellara, you’ll have an option to flirt with her. If you’re interested in pursuing a romance, choose the flirtatious dialogue. This choice will affect future interactions with Bellara, potentially opening up more romantic scenes as the game progresses.

Step 2: Find and Replace the First Set of Power Crystals

Your main objective in this quest revolves around collecting and placing Power Crystals. The crystals are scattered throughout the lab, and each one must be retrieved and returned to Bellara to power up her work.

1. First Power Crystal: The first crystal can be found near a blue portal. Once you grab it, head back and give it to Bellara.
2. Second Power Crystal: Move to the far corner of the lab (to Bellara’s right). You’ll find this crystal floating peacefully in the corner. Collect it and return it to Bellara.

Step 3: Find and Replace the Second Set of Power Crystals

Once the first set of crystals is in place, you’ll need to locate a second set within the lab. These crystals are also strategically positioned but will require a bit more exploration.

1. Third Power Crystal: Head toward the small stone steps at the far end of the lab. At the top, you’ll find the next Power Crystal.
2. Fourth Power Crystal: Behind Bellara, there is a ladder. Climb up to locate the final Power Crystal in this set.

Step 4: Find and Replace the Third Set of Power Crystals

The third set of Power Crystals presents additional challenges and requires you to solve a minor puzzle to retrieve each crystal.

1. Fifth Power Crystal: Move through a door accessible by climbing the ladder. This room also grants you bonus rewards, including 40 Gold, Memento for the Caretaker, and Pursuant’s Implements attire.
2. Sixth Power Crystal and Bridge Puzzle:
   • Retrieve the Power Crystal across a gap. A wall prevents direct access, and there’s no beam to guide you across.
   • Insert the Power Crystal into a socket nearby to create a temporary bridge.
   • Cross the bridge, collect the crystal on the other side, and bring it back.
   • Be sure to also retrieve the Power Crystal from the socket after crossing.

Completing the Quest – Rewards and the Focussing Contraption

Returning all the crystals to Bellara completes the quest. In addition to 500 XP, you’ll receive the Focussing Contraption, a powerful artifact specifically beneficial to Bellara. This keepsake provides:

• +24% Healing for Bellara.
• 10% Cooldown Reduction for her abilities.
• 10-Second Cooldown Reduction on companion abilities whenever Bellara scores an Ability kill.

The Focussing Contraption significantly enhances Bellara’s healing potential, making her an invaluable ally in subsequent battles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I still complete the quest without collecting every Power Crystal?
No, collecting each Power Crystal is essential for advancing through the quest and completing it fully.

Q2: Is the romance with Bellara only available during this quest?
While this is an introductory opportunity to flirt with Bellara, choosing this option unlocks more romantic possibilities in later interactions.

Q3: What other benefits come from using Power Crystals?
Power Crystals are primarily used to progress through puzzles, create bridges, and access hidden rewards during the quest.

Q4: Can I use the Focussing Contraption on any character?
No, the Focussing Contraption is a unique item specifically for Bellara, enhancing her healing and ability cooldowns.

Q5: Do I have to replay the quest to get all the rewards?
All rewards, including XP and the Focussing Contraption, are given once upon completion, so there’s no need for replay unless you wish to revisit the experience.

Completing the Echoes of the Past quest provides both experience and essential upgrades that will prove invaluable as you advance in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the puzzles, maximize rewards, and build a closer bond with Bellara.