Former Dragon Age Producer Says The Veilguard Is First Entry In The Series With Combat That's "Actually Fun"

Former Dragon Age series executive producer and current Dragon Age: The Veilguard consultant Mark Darrah says that The Veilguard marks the first entry in the series with combat that's legitimately enjoyable.

"What I see in Veilguard is a game that finally bridges the gap," Darrah said in a recent interview with Game Informer. "Uncharitably, previous Dragon Age games got to the realm of 'combat wasn't too bad.' In this game, the combat's actually fun, but it does keep that thread that's always been there. You have the focus on Rook, on your character, but still have that control and character coming into the combat experience from the other people in your party."

Unlike previous entries in the series, The Veilguard's combat system is focused on real-time combat, with tactical combat taking a bit of a backseat. Players can only take two companions with them at a time (down from three in previous titles) and can no longer directly control those companions in combat. Instead, players can pause time by pulling up an ability wheel that allows them to choose which ability they want to use next, and also select which actions their companions take in combat.

BioWare general manager Gary McKay echoed Darrah's statements, adding, "I've seen [The Veilguard's combat system] refined over time, [and] I love it. I love that balance of real-time fluid action, but also the ability to have the depth in the RPG, not just in terms of pause-and-play, but the depth in terms of how you bring your companions into the battlefield. What are you going to do with their skill points? What's the loadout you're going to use? Everything is about bringing Rook to the center of the battlefield, and I love it."

The Veilguard is set to release sometime in Fall 2024. For more information on BioWare's upcoming fantasy RPG--including more information on the game's combat system--check out everything we know about Dragon Age: The Veilguard.