While there are many choices to be made, one of the seemingly most important choices to be made is confronting Solas, the Elven mage who was previously a companion in Dragon Age: Inquisition. Depending on which path players choose to follow with Varric, another returning character from earlier games, they witness the destruction of relationships and beliefs about the world in seconds. One of the primary story quests, "The End of the Beginning", explores the hard choices that must be made when considering each character's past and how it affects their future.
What Happens If You Support Varric's Plan
A Bad Outcome For Varric With An Upside
When first given the choice to support or go against Varric's plan, characters are at the Ritual Site and being faced with waves of demons. Varric suggests that Solas needs to be presented with another option, as Solas must not be aware of the damage he is causing by trying to close the Veil. If players side with Varric, he tries to speak to Solas but is unfortunately unsuccessful in winning him over at first. Following this, Rook and either Neve or Harding attempt and fail to interrupt the ritual, and Varric gets stabbed.
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Even though Neve and Harding have different opinions on Varric's actions, Varric ultimately feels like he has let Rook down by failing to stop Solas. Depending on which companion you choose to assist with the pillar, the alternate companion getting the rest of the party to safety, Varric included. While characters are in The Fade following the interaction with Solas, the feelings of each character are better fleshed out as they reckon with their injuries and the fact that they have failed to stop the ritual.
What Happens If You Disagree With Varric's Plan
Varric Is Disappointed, & Harding Disapproves Either Way
When considering the option to go against Varric's plan, players should be aware that Harding disapproves of both options, but this does not have a significant bearing on the rest of the story. If you disagree with Varric's plan, in the fallout, it is said that he feels he underestimated the impact he would have on Solas, inferring that maybe friendship was a blind thing to rely on. Solas is met with a distinct downfall either way, as the ritual still fails.
The biggest difference between each option is when players' choose to allow Harding to accompany them to take down the tower, as this is one of the only opportunities to make her approve of any actions before the party is sent to the Fade. However, after this confrontation with Solas, Varric's injuries are too severe for him to continue in your party the same way. The fallout progresses the same way following the player's choosing to go against Varric, as players will then have to figure out how to stop Elgar'nan and Ghilan'nain on their way to Minrathous.
It's Best To Agree With Varric's Plan
It Will Have The Best Story Outcome
Overall, in terms of the story and allowing the power of friendship to prevail, players should choose to follow Varric's plan. Although Varric is gravely injured and another member of Rook's party is hurt, the consequences for Varric's overall outlook on friendship, even if it feels like he has let the group down, benefit the game's storytelling more.
There are no real consequences for this action, allowing players a free choice. However, there is an emphasis on the roles of friendship and loyalty within Dragon Age: The Veilguard that align closer to this choice than not supporting his ideas.
However, encouraging Varric to talk to his friend - especially someone so important to many players' past - is important to experience.
Supporting Varric may not have an incredible impact on the later game, as there is little influence on this decision compared to some of the other decisions that can be made within Dragon Age: The Veilguard. However, encouraging Varric to talk to his friend - especially someone so important to many players' past - is important to experience. Solas is correct when he says that Varric has come a long way and fought valiantly, but "this story does not end with my downfall."
Source: Dragon Age/YouTube
Released October 31, 2024
Developer(s) BioWare
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Engine Frostbite
ESRB M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
OpenCritic Rating Strong
PC Release Date October 31, 2024
PS5 Release Date October 31, 2024
Xbox Series X|S Release Date October 31, 2024