So you’re trying to keep Thedas safe from the Breach. In addition to fights with the Venatori and the Red Templars (and you may have even encountered Corypheus), you’re trying to ward off spirits and Demons from the Fade. In Dragon Age: Inquisition, it’s almost a given that enemies come in a variety of flavors. But what about heroes? Surely there isn’t the best race to use to fight evil — or is there?
Here is an examination of the different races in the game — their strengths, their weaknesses, their myths, and their legends. Look over the pros and cons and decide for yourself.
Humans
Humans in Dragon Age: Inquisition have a complex history. Arriving in ancient Thedas as a single tribe known as the Neromenians, Humans split into many tribes and into many lands. They range from the powerful Tevinters and the agricultural Planasene, to the religious Chantry and the shamanistic descendants of the Alamarri. Humans are the most populous and powerful beings on Thedas, but are divided politically and engage in conflicts easily.
If you choose to play as a Human character in Dragon Age: Inquisition, you will begin as the youngest in the family of privileged Trevelyan nobles, living in the Free Marches. Your family is close to the Chantry, but the Chantry meeting you attend between the Mages and Templars ends in disarray.
Pros
- Human characters start out with +1 Ability points.
- They are playable as Rogues, Mages, or Warriors.
- In several War Table missions, you can gain experience points. With the exception of Elves, they are the best race to do this.
- In “Deal With The Relatives Of The Trevelyans” you get 30 Influence points in Forces, Secrets, and Connections Rewards.
- In “Mediate Between Ostwick Noble Families” you get 30 Influence points in Forces, Secrets, and Connections Rewards, as well as Secrets (Best).
- In “Protect The Inquisition’s Reputation” you get 30 Influence points in Forces, Secrets and Connections Rewards, as well as Forces (Best).
- In “Stop Albrecht Harassing Messengers” you get 30 Influence points in Forces, Secrets and Connections Rewards, as well as Forces (Best).
- In “Stop Ban Dorner From Spying” you get 120 Influence points in Connections Rewards.
- In “Beat Lord Albrecht in Grand Tourney” you get 120 Influence points in Forces Rewards.
Cons
- Humans start with no special abilities.
More: Best Weapons in Dragon Age Inquisition
Elves
Elves are a race of beings in Dragon Age: Inqusition with a short stature and pointed ears. They have been historically oppressed in Thedas. Some live on the edges of cities, others — known as the Dalish — reject this life and wander Thedas as nomads.
If you choose to play as an Elf, the head of your Lavellan Dalish clan, the Keeper, sends you as a spy to the Chantry’s meeting.
Pros
- Elves start out with a +25% Ranged Defense.
- Elves are playable as Rogues, Mages, or Warriors.
- Elves are the best race for gaining experience in War Table missions.
- In “Contact Clan Lavellan” you get 30 Influence points in Forces Rewards. You also get 10 Blood Lotus in both Secrets and Connections Rewards, as well as Forces (Best).
- In “Protect Clan Lavellan” you get Forces or Secrets (Best).
- In “Investigate Duke Antoine of Wycome” you get 60 Influence points in Secrets and Connections Rewards, as well as Connections (Best).
- In “Stop Purge of Wycome’s Elves” you get 60 Influence points in Forces Rewards, and 25 Influence in Secrets Rewards. You also get Secrets (Best).
- In “Break Venatori Hold on Wycome” you get 60 Influence points in Secrets and Connections Rewards, and Connections (Best).
- In “Restore Order in Wycome” you get 60 Influence points in Forces Rewards and 25 Influence points in Secrets Rewards, as well as Secrets (Best).
- In “Protect Clan Lavellan and Wycome” you get 100 Influence points in Forces and Connections Rewards. You get 1 Royal Sixteen and Forces (Best).
Cons
- Elves start with no special abilities.
Dwarves
Dwarves are short, stout beings. For the most part, they live entirely underground. Those who live in exile are usually surface-dwelling smugglers or merchants. Dwarves are not connected to the Fade and cannot be Mages.
In Dragon Age: Inquisition, you play as a Dwarf outcast. You exist in the Free Marches as an ore smuggler for the Carta crime syndicate, working for the criminal Cadash family. You have been sent to the Chantry’s meeting as a spy.
Pros
- Dwarves start with a +25% Magic Defense. They start as the best race to defend against Magic Attacks.
- In the War Table missions, Dwarves receive physical rewards.
- In “The Carta Gets Its Cut”, you get 30 Influence points in Forces, Secrets, and Connections Rewards, as well as Secrets (Best).
- In “Business With The Carta”, you get 1 Bladed Greatsword Grip for Forces, Secrets, and Connections Rewards, as well as Secrets (Best).
- In “The Dasher” you get 1 Dwarven Longsword Grip for Forces and Secrets Rewards.
Cons
- Though Dwarves can play as Rogues or Warriors, they can not play as Mages.
More: Dragon Age Inquisition Best Armor
Qunari
The Qunari are tall, horned giants. They follow the Qun, a religious text with a strict code of living. Those who do not follow the Qun known as Tal-Vashoth. The Tal-Vashoth are often employed as mercenaries, considered the best race to be swords for hire. In Dragon Age: Inquisition you are a Tal-Vashoth mercenary who is employed by the Valo-kas protection company. You were sent to the Chantry’s meeting for security purposes.
Pros
- Qunari start with a +10% Melee Defense. They are the best race to defend against Melee Attacks.
- The Qunari can be Rogues, Mages, or Warriors.
- In War Table missions, Qunari receive physical rewards.
- In “A Job For the Valo-Kas Mercenaries” you get 1 Blightwasp Vitaar for Forces, Secrets, and Connections Rewards. You also get Forces (Best).
- In “The Missing Blades of the Valo-Kas” you get Connections (Best).
- In “Freeing the Valo-Kas Mercenaries” you get 1 Qunari Slasher Grip as a Forces Reward. You also get Forces (Best).
Cons
- The Qunari start with no special abilities.