Walkthrough “The Heart of the Titan” in Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Should Harding Choose Compassion or Anger?

Key Takeaways

1. “The Heart of the Titan” is a pivotal companion quest for Harding, diving deep into her personal arc and offering game-changing choices that influence future storylines and gameplay rewards.
2. The quest involves rescuing trapped dwarves in the perilous Deep Roads, confronting the powerful Titan’s Shade, and making a defining decision about Harding’s character.
3. Strategic gameplay, effective use of Harding’s abilities, and understanding the implications of major choices are essential for maximizing quest rewards and narrative outcomes.

Overview of “The Heart of the Titan” Quest

Harding’s companion quest, “The Heart of the Titan,” is a richly layered mission in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This quest challenges players to venture into the dangerous Deep Roads, rescue dwarven allies, and confront the ominous Titan’s Shade a force tied to Harding’s newfound powers. Players must make a critical choice that permanently affects Harding’s storyline, her abilities, and the rewards earned.

Let’s explore every detail you need to know, including unlock requirements, objectives, strategies, and rewards.

How to Unlock “The Heart of the Titan”

To begin this quest, you must first complete the main quest, Fire and Ice. Afterward, speak to Harding at the Lighthouse, where she reveals a new danger lurking in the Deep Roads. This unlocks “The Heart of the Titan” quest and opens up the map location Isana Negat, located in the southwestern corner of Northern Thedas in Anderfels.

“Harding must once again return to the Deep Roads to rescue newfound friends and confront the sinister force haunting her.”

Quest Walkthrough

1. Travel to Isana Negat

Once the quest is unlocked, fast travel to Isana Negat. This region in the Anderfels introduces an expansive underground world filled with red lyrium, demons, and undead. Speak to Harding upon arrival, who is investigating a dwarven camp.

2. Entering the Deep Roads

• Follow the path south, descending stairs and passing through a set of doors.
• Use Harding’s magic on stone slabs to clear blocked pathways and begin your descent into the Deep Roads.

Prepare for combat, as hostile undead will greet you at the entrance.

3. Rescue the Missing Dwarves

The primary objective here is to locate and free three dwarves trapped in red lyrium throughout the Deep Roads. Here’s how to find each:

Dwarf 1:

• After defeating initial waves of undead, proceed through a red rock barrier using Harding’s ability.
• Interact with the glowing red rock to release the first dwarf and have a brief conversation before continuing.

Dwarf 2:

• Head deeper into the Lyrium Cavern, where ancient mining operations are located.
• Use a ranged attack to destroy a lock and extend a ladder.
• After sliding down into a new area, defeat demons, then release the second dwarf trapped in red lyrium.

Dwarf 3:

• Push into the Old Shafts, battling both undead and demons.
• Use Harding’s ability to raise platforms and navigate the shafts. The third dwarf is trapped near a large cavern.
• Free the dwarf and continue forward.

4. Free Stalgard in The Cavity

After rescuing the third dwarf, proceed to the next area called The Cavity. Here, you will face a mini-boss, the Rage Demon.

Tips for Defeating the Rage Demon:

• Use abilities that slow time or restrict movement, such as Blizzard or Time Slow, to maintain control over the fight.
• Keep your distance and utilize the high ground when possible to avoid its explosive attacks.
• Focus on dodging and dealing damage incrementally rather than rushing in.

Once the demon is defeated, interact with Stalgard, the final dwarf, to free him and trigger the next part of the quest.

5. Confronting the Titan’s Shade

After speaking to Stalgard, follow the quest marker to reach The Heart of the Titan. A cutscene will play, revealing the Titan’s Shade, which begins the final confrontation.

Boss Battle: Wrath of the Stone

The battle starts with waves of undead enemies and culminates in a fight against the Wrath of the Stone miniboss.

Boss Mechanics:

• Necrotic Damage Vulnerability: Wrath is weak to necrotic attacks. Prioritize companions with necrotic damage abilities or gear.
• Fire Imbued Trait: Avoid using fire-based attacks, as they are less effective and may result in counterattacks that apply Burning damage.
• Explosive Nova: Maintain your distance when Wrath prepares to unleash an explosion, as the damage covers a wide area.

Tips for Victory:

• Use taunting companions like warriors to draw Wrath’s attention while ranged fighters chip away at its health.
• Stay mobile, using dodge mechanics to avoid its line-based and cone-shaped attacks.

6. The Choice: Compassion or Anger

After defeating the Wrath of the Stone, a cutscene prompts you to make a key decision for Harding:

1. Remember Who You Are: Harding contains the Titan’s Shade through her compassion, focusing on healing and forgiveness.
   • Rewards the Heart of the Titan skill and Inquisition Spotter armor.
2. Honor the Titan’s Anger: Harding embraces her rage, channeling the Titans’ fury to destroy her enemies.
   • Rewards the Stone’s Vengeance skill and Titan’s Vengeance armor.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose Compassion if you value crowd control abilities and quicker cooldowns. This choice also aligns Harding with forgiveness and gives bonuses to your entire party.
• Choose Anger for a more aggressive playstyle, with bonuses to damage and bleed effects. This path emphasizes Harding’s destructive potential.

7. Return to the Lighthouse

After making your decision, speak to Harding back at the Lighthouse. A heartfelt conversation ensues, marking the conclusion of her companion arc.

Rewards

Major Quest Rewards

• Hero of the Veilguard Title: Harding earns this prestigious title, permanently altering future game outcomes and dialogue.
• Legendary Armor and Skills:
  • Compassion Path:
    • Skill: Heart of the Titan
    • Armor: Inquisition Spotter
  • Anger Path:
    • Skill: Stone’s Vengeance
    • Armor: Titan’s Vengeance
• Experience Points: Gain 2,500 XP for completing the quest.
• Additional Loot: Several chests and collectibles are scattered throughout the Deep Roads, offering rare runes, crafting materials, and Mementos.

FAQ

Q1. When should I complete “The Heart of the Titan”?
You can complete this quest early in Harding’s storyline, right after Fire and Ice. It’s recommended to complete it before the main story quest Unwanted Guests.

Q2. Does the choice between compassion and anger affect Harding’s personality?
While the choice doesn’t significantly alter Harding’s personality, it does affect her dialogue, combat abilities, and rewards.

Q3. Can I romance Harding during this quest?
Yes! If you’re in an exclusive relationship with Harding, you’ll unlock unique dialogue options during this quest.

Q4. How does this quest impact the game’s ending?
The decisions made during this quest influence Harding’s role in the game’s ending and future quests, particularly in interactions with the Titans and Solas.