# **Dragon Age: The Veilguard – A More Streamlined Journey, But What’s the Effect on Playtime?**
With *Dragon Age: The Veilguard*, Bioware is poised to implement notable transformations in its cherished role-playing game (RPG) franchise. One of the most significant alterations is the game’s more straightforward narrative format compared to its forerunner, *Dragon Age: Inquisition*. However, enthusiasts of vast landscapes and thorough exploration can rest assured, as *The Veilguard* still offers expansive regions to navigate and an abundance of side quests to engage with. But what implications does this fresh approach have on the total playtime? Let’s delve into it.
## **Estimated Playtime for Dragon Age: The Veilguard**
In a recent discussion with content creator NorZZa, Game Director Corinne Busch and Producer Jen Cheverie provided details concerning the anticipated duration of *The Veilguard*. The developers indicated that a “standard playthrough”—comprising the main storyline along with a substantial number of side quests—can easily extend to **100 hours**.
Here’s a summary of the projected playing durations:
– **Main Story Only**: 40 hours
– **Main Story + Some to Many Side Quests**: 100 hours
– **Completionist Journey (All Content)**: Over 150 hours
It’s crucial to understand that these are average figures, and actual gameplay duration can fluctuate based on elements such as difficulty level and individual player proficiency. For instance, gamers who prefer to thoroughly investigate every corner or those who embrace higher difficulty challenges may find their time in the game significantly increased.
### **Side Quests and Exploration**
The remarkable discrepancy between the 40-hour main story and the 100-hour gameplay indicates that *The Veilguard* will provide an abundance of side quests and optional engagements. While the primary narrative may be more linear than earlier *Dragon Age* installments, the game continues to promote exploration and interaction with the world beyond the central questline. This means that players who relish in discovering hidden narratives, completing side quests, and traversing the game’s wide-ranging environments will have ample opportunities to stay engaged.
## **How Does The Veilguard Stack Up Against Its Forebears?**
Regarding gameplay duration, *The Veilguard* appears set to be the most extensive entry in the *Dragon Age* franchise. Let’s analyze the projected playtimes of previous installments, based on statistics from the renowned gaming site howlongtobeat.com:
– **Dragon Age: Origins**: 58 hours (normal playthrough)
– **Dragon Age 2**: 37.5 hours (normal playthrough)
– **Dragon Age: Inquisition**: 87.5 hours (normal playthrough)
As shown, *The Veilguard* eclipses all prior titles in terms of duration, notably for players striving to tackle a considerable share of the side content. To provide context, a completionist run of *Dragon Age: Inquisition*—inclusive of all downloadable content (DLC)—can last up to 150 hours, aligning closely with the estimated completionist duration for *The Veilguard*.
### **A Lesson Taken from Inquisition’s DLC**
One point of criticism directed at Bioware regarding *Dragon Age: Inquisition* was the choice to reserve the true conclusion of the game for the *Trespasser* DLC. Many fans felt that this essential segment of the narrative should have been incorporated in the base game. Thankfully, the developers have guaranteed players that this oversight will not occur in *The Veilguard*. The primary storyline will be complete and self-sufficient, eliminating the necessity to acquire additional content to grasp the complete narrative.
## **What to Anticipate in Your 40 to 150 Hours of Gameplay**
While the main storyline of *The Veilguard* is projected to require around 40 hours for completion, the game offers considerably more for those willing to venture beyond. The extra 60 to 110 hours of gameplay will likely encompass:
– **Side Quests**: These will range from straightforward fetch tasks to more intricate, multi-part narratives that could significantly influence the world or its characters.
– **Exploration**: Even with the more direct narrative, *The Veilguard* will still contain vast, open spaces for players to investigate. This could encompass hidden dungeons, secret spots, and lore-filled environments.
– **Character Development**: As seen in prior *Dragon Age* titles, gamers can look forward to investing time into forming bonds with their companions, making impactful choices on the storyline, and customizing their character’s capabilities and equipment.
– **Combat and Strategy**: The combat framework in *The Veilguard* has undergone a revamp, introducing new mechanics and strategic options. Players who enjoy mastering the nuances of combat may find themselves dedicating extra time to perfecting their skills.