How to Open the Warden Vault in Dragon Age: The Veilguard: Complete Guide
Key Takeaways
- The Warden Vault quest in Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers substantial loot but requires solving complex puzzles to unlock.
- Players must explore Rivain Coast’s Grey Wardens castle, solving three intricate locks to access the treasure.
- This guide covers each lock solution and includes tips for navigating the castle’s challenging paths.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard takes players into an expansive, open world filled with secrets and unique challenges. One of the most intriguing side quests in this game is unlocking the Warden Vault, a hidden trove of loot nestled in a ruined Grey Wardens castle on the Rivain Coast. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the steps required to unlock the vault, from locating the castle to solving each of the three puzzles that guard it.
Starting the Warden Vault Side Quest
To begin the Warden Vault quest, venture to the eastern part of the Rivain Coast map. There, you’ll find a crumbling Grey Wardens castle. As you approach, look for a fast-travel beacon near the entrance. Proceed through the portcullis gate, enter the castle, and head toward the western stairs that lead down. Here, a sealed door and a nearby note reveal the quest’s starting point. The note hints at the need to “find matching seals around the castle” to unlock the vault.
Navigating the Castle Entrance
Once inside the castle grounds, take a right turn through two doors to find an explodable pot. Use Taash’s explosive ability to clear this barrier, allowing you to continue up the stairs, follow the path north, and unlock a portcullis by pulling a lever. Next, head down to the ground floor to confront a group of Antaam enemies before finding your way to the main room where the puzzles begin.
Solving the Warden Vault’s Three Lock Puzzles
Lock 1 Solution: Lever Order Puzzle
For the first lock, you’ll need to locate and manipulate three levers in a specific sequence. Begin by climbing back up to the second floor and descending into the castle’s courtyard. Toward the end of a hall blocked by a wagon, destroy the wagon to access a small area with three levers mounted on the wall.
- Sequence: Pull the left lever, then the right, and finally the center lever.
- Completion: After activating the levers, retrace your steps to find that the portcullis near the ladder has opened. Climb up, throw the lever there, and unlock the first seal.
Lock 2 Solution: The Ghost Locations
The second lock involves interacting with the spirits of three ghosts found in different locations around the castle. First, locate the initial ghost near the Antaam battle area, then proceed through the castle as outlined below:
- First Ghost Location: From the courtyard, enter the door on the right side, exit to the left, and find the ghost by a skeleton circled by glowing butterflies.
- Second Ghost Location: Return to the main hall and go through the portcullis, turning left to where you found the first set of stairs. At the top, turn right to find the second ghost.
- Third Ghost Location: Make your way toward the main gate, where you’ll find the third ghost.
- Final Ghost Location: Inside the southern hall, where the initial Antaam battle took place, locate the ghost on the right-hand wall.
Once you interact with the ghost in all four locations, a secret door opens, allowing you to pull the lever inside and complete the second lock.
Lock 3 Solution: Guiding the Wisp
The third puzzle requires you to locate and guide a wisp to a skeleton within the castle. Follow these steps to complete the puzzle:
- Finding the Wisp: Return to the hallway just south of the ghost’s last location and proceed until you reach an open area occupied by more Antaam. Clear them out, then locate a pot high up on a wall. Use Taash’s explosive ability to knock down a ladder.
- Collecting the Wisp: Climb the ladder to find the wisp waiting at the top. Gather the wisp, and quickly lead it to the skeleton by retracing your steps through the nearby hallway.
- Activating the Lock: Once the wisp is positioned by the skeleton, a lever activates, completing the third and final lock.
Accessing the Warden Vault: Treasure and Rewards
After solving all three puzzles, head back to the vault’s location at the castle’s lower level. The locked door will now be open, granting you access to three treasure chests packed with valuable loot. These chests provide gear, a special memento to increase Caretaker’s level, and a reward of 500 XP, marking the successful completion of the Warden Vault side quest.
Tips for Navigating the Warden Vault Quest
- Pay Attention to Environmental Clues: Many solutions in this quest rely on environmental cues, like levers or drakestone crystals, so take time to explore and observe.
- Use Taash’s Abilities Wisely: Taash’s explosive abilities are key for navigating barriers and uncovering hidden paths. Make sure to utilize them wherever you see explodable objects or drakestone.
- Track Your Progress with Fast Travel: The Rivain Coast map is extensive, and fast travel points can save time when revisiting previous locations for puzzle completion.
FAQs
How do I unlock the Warden Vault in Dragon Age: The Veilguard?
Unlocking the Warden Vault requires solving three distinct puzzles throughout the Grey Wardens castle in Rivain. Each lock is associated with a unique challenge, from lever sequences to guiding spirits.
What rewards are inside the Warden Vault?
The Warden Vault holds three treasure chests, containing valuable loot, a memento to level up Caretaker, and an additional 500 XP as a reward for completing the quest.
Do I need Taash to complete the Warden Vault quest?
Yes, Taash’s abilities, particularly the explosive skill, are necessary to access several areas and solve the puzzles guarding the Warden Vault.
Can I start the Warden Vault quest early in the game?
The quest is accessible once you reach the Rivain Coast and locate the Grey Wardens castle. However, it’s recommended to be prepared for tough battles and complex puzzles before attempting it.
The Warden Vault quest offers one of Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s most rewarding experiences, combining strategy, exploration, and combat. Unlocking the vault may take time, but the loot and rewards inside make it a quest worth completing.