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Play Dragon Age: Origins first if you want to follow the series in release order and understand more of the history behind Dragon Age: Inquisition. Choose Inquisition first if its open-world format appeals more or you would rather begin with the later game: BioWare designed Dragon Age Keep to let players set up an earlier world history without replaying the previous titles.
Which Dragon Age game should you play first?
For the clearest path through the series, start with Dragon Age: Origins. It is the earlier of these two games, and beginning there gives you context for the world and characters before moving to Inquisition. That is a recommendation, not a requirement: the official materials describe a way to configure the earlier world state for Inquisition without playing the prior games.
| Your priority | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Follow the release and continuity path | Dragon Age: Origins | It is the earlier game, and Inquisition can use a world state based on earlier games. |
| Begin with the open-world presentation | Dragon Age: Inquisition | BioWare describes it as a story-driven open-world RPG with large environments. |
| Avoid replaying older games but establish prior history | Inquisition, with a configured world state | BioWare says players can set up a scenario through Dragon Age Keep without replaying the previous games. |
| Keep the choice simple and reduce missing context | Dragon Age: Origins | It provides the earlier story foundation; it is not a prerequisite for starting Inquisition. |
What each game offers as a starting point
Dragon Age: Origins
Origins puts the player in the role of a Grey Warden facing a Blight and a betrayal, according to EA’s release announcement and BioWare’s series page. It launched in North America on November 3, 2009. EA’s announcement gave different European dates: November 6 for Xbox 360 and PC, with the PlayStation 3 version following later that month. These are historical launch dates, not a guarantee of current platform availability.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Inquisition is framed by BioWare as a story-driven open-world RPG with large environments, complex characters, challenging combat, and difficult decisions. EA’s product page centers its premise on the Inquisitor leading a party amid turmoil in Thedas. That makes it a reasonable first choice if you are more interested in that presentation than in following the earlier release order.
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- Become the Inquisitor: Wield the power of the Inquisition over the course of an epic character-driven story, and lead a perilous journey of discovery through the Dragon Age.
- Bond with Legends: A cast of unique, memorable characters will develop dynamic relationships both with you and with each other.
- Discover the Dragon Age: Freely explore a diverse, visually stunning, and immersive living world.
- Change the World : Your actions and choices will shape a multitude of story outcomes along with the tangible, physical aspects of the world itself.
How to start Inquisition without playing Origins
BioWare’s 2013 explanation of Dragon Age Keep says players can customize a world state based on Origins and Dragon Age II, then import it into Inquisition. You do not have to replay the earlier games to establish a scenario. BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah wrote that players could set up and import a world state “to see the consequences of your actions.”
The Keep post describes the feature’s intended use, but it dates from 2013 and does not establish whether the service is currently accessible. Check the service’s availability before relying on it for setup instructions. Also, do not expect every earlier choice to produce a large, immediately visible change: BioWare noted that some consequences may be subtle or appear in a future story.
Availability and editions
EA’s current Inquisition page links to EA app, Steam, Epic Games, PlayStation, and Xbox storefronts and displays a Game of the Year Edition. Store listings, editions, platforms, and availability can vary by region and change over time. Check the listing for your platform and confirm which edition and included content it offers. The historical Origins launch announcement does not confirm present-day availability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Verdict
Choose Origins for the more context-rich route through the series. Choose Inquisition if its open-world format is what you want to play now; an earlier-game playthrough is not required, and a configured world state is an option when Dragon Age Keep is accessible.
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Best Value
- Become the Inquisitor: Wield the power of the Inquisition over the course of an epic character-driven story, and lead a perilous journey of discovery through the Dragon Age
- Bond with Legends: A cast of unique, memorable characters will develop dynamic relationships both with you and with each other
- Discover the Dragon Age: Freely explore a diverse, visually stunning, and immersive living world
- Change the WorldYour actions and choices will shape a multitude of story outcomes along with the tangible, physical aspects of the world itself
- Play Your WayCompletely control the appearance and abilities of your Inquisitor, party of followers, outposts, and strongholds. Decide the makeup of your Inquisition forces and your own style of combat
Rank #4
- Become the Inquisitor
- Bond with Legends
- Discover the Dragon Age
- Change the World
- Play Your Way
Rank #3
- Story Packs: Jaws of Hakkon, The Descent, Trespasser
- Item Packs: The Black Emporium, Spoils of the Avvar, Spoils of the Qunari
- Multiplayer Pack: Dragons layer Multiplayer Expansion
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
