Dragon Age: The Veilguard has a variety of enemies and creatures unique to the setting. Out of the six unique backgrounds available for Rook, each comes with the ability to do increased damage to a specific enemy. Arguably the most iconic foe is the Darkspawn, one of the earliest enemies encountered in the game.
The Darkspawn have different designs compared to their appearances in the last three games - many fans have expressed disappointment at this, though their lore in The Veilguard may actually explain the changes. However, for many new players, this will be their first ever exposure to them. So, who are the Darkspawn in the Dragon Age series?
Who The Darkspawn Are, According To Dragon Age Lore
One Of The Biggest Threats To Thedas
The Darkspawn are recurring enemies in the Dragon Age franchise. Rook can do extra damage to them if the player chooses the Grey Wardens background. They are a race of humanoid creatures that have been affected by the Taint, which is a form of corruption linked to the ancient gods. They multiply in numbers when a victim infected by the taint becomes a Broodmother, who then births more Darkspawn. There are different kinds of Darkspawn, which are defined by the original Dragon Age lineage of the Broodmother. Humans create Hurlocks, Dwarves create Genlocks, Elves create Shrieks, and Qunari create Ogres.
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Darkspawn lack souls, which make them some of the perfect opponents for combat-based gaming. They are known for living underground, and for their extreme aggression towards any living being - often they are considered to be one of the setting's biggest threats. For players that are new to the Dragon Age series, the first game in the lineup, Dragon Age: Origins, has a plot surrounding the Darkspawn which provides lots of insight into them.
How Darkspawn Designs Changed In The Veilguard
Fans Have Mixed Opinions On The Changes
[Warning: This section includes spoilers for Dragon Age: The Veilguard.]
Since what was many people's first look at the new Darkspawn in the Blighted Village Gameplay trailer, players have noticed that they have a much more cartoonish appearance compared to their previous game counterparts in the fourth installment. This has been a common complaint among the fanbase, as in previous games they looked more monstrous. However, with the official release of the game, it is revealed that there is actually a reason within the lore of Thedas for this new look.
The Darkspawn present in Veilguard are actually not new at all; they are instead prototypes. This means that, compared to the appearances of Darkspawn in the previous games, they are ancient - thousands of years behind in development. A Grey Warden Rook will note that they look different to the Darkspawn they have faced before. While players have every right to hold an opinion on the art style changes made, it seems as if they were actually quite deliberate. With mixed feelings about the game, players should really give Dragon Age: the Veilguard a chance before judging its story too harshly.
Source: Dragon Age/YouTube
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is the fourth entry in the Dragon Age franchise and a sequel to 2014's Dragon Age: Inquisition. A classic character, Solas, will return as the new game's antagonist. The game will retain many of the series' staples, such as multiple dialogue options, party choices, romantic options, and more. Dreadwolf will act as the first direct sequel in the Dragon Age franchise.
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
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