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Play Dragon Age: Origins first, then Dragon Age II. EA describes the second game as a sequel, and its story moves from the Grey Warden and the crisis in Ferelden to Hawke’s rise in Kirkwall. That order gives newcomers the clearest narrative starting point.
Why start with Dragon Age: Origins?
Origins introduces the Grey Warden, one of the last members of an order of guardians, during a crisis involving an ancient foe and civil war. Its premise establishes the setting and stakes before the series shifts to a new central character. EA’s Dragon Age: Origins page describes the player as a Grey Warden.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Dragon Age Origins: Ultimate Edition - Playstation 3 | $88.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Dragon Age Origins: Ultimate Edition - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $40.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Dragon Age: Origins - Playstation 3 | $5.42 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Dragon Age: Origins - Playstation 3 (Renewed) | $15.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Dragon Age: Origins Awakening - Playstation 3 | $6.12 | Buy on Amazon |
EA calls Dragon Age II a sequel to Origins. Playing the first game first therefore follows the release and story order, while also letting you meet the series through its original protagonist and conflict. EA’s Dragon Age II page introduces a different lead: Hawke, a refugee who becomes Champion of Kirkwall.
How the two games differ
| Game | Protagonist and setting | Story focus |
|---|---|---|
| Dragon Age: Origins | The Grey Warden, amid a crisis in Ferelden. | An ancient foe and civil war; it serves as the series’ entry point. |
| Dragon Age II | Hawke, a refugee whose story is centered on Kirkwall. | Hawke’s rise to power and becoming Champion of Kirkwall. |
BioWare’s Dragon Age II release announcement says Hawke’s story spans an entire decade. That gives the sequel a different shape from Origins: it follows one person’s rise over time rather than returning to the Grey Warden’s role.
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- Dragon Age Origins - You are Grey Warden, one of the last of this legendary order of guardians. With the return of mankind's ancient foe and the kingdom engulfed in civil war
- Dragon Age Origins- Awakening Expansion Pack - The story of the Grey Wardens continues as you are named their commander. Fight new enemies, learn new skills and spells, and explore an all-new area of the world, Amarantine
- All Nine Content Packs - Extend your adventure with The Stone Prisoner, Warden's Keep, Return to Ostagar, Feast day Gifts, The Darkspawn Chronicles, Feast day Pranks, Leliana's Song, The Golems of Amgarrak, and Witch Hunt
- Critically acclaimed winner of more than 50 awards including over 30 ‘Best of 2009' awards. A tremendous $112 value at one low price
Should you play Dragon Age II first?
You can begin with Dragon Age II if Hawke and Kirkwall are the story that interests you most, but it is the sequel, not the introductory chapter. For a newcomer who wants the cleanest path through the main setup, begin with Origins. Preferences about combat, pacing, or writing are personal; the available official descriptions establish the story order, not which game every player will enjoy more.
Which edition should you buy?
Compare the exact listing
EA’s current pages use different storefront labels: the Origins page lists EA app, Steam, PC, and Xbox, while the Dragon Age II page lists Steam, Origin, and Xbox. Store labels can vary by region and do not guarantee that a particular computer or console generation is supported. Check the retailer’s current system requirements and platform details before purchasing.
Rank #2
- Includes The 2009 ?RPG Of The Year? Dragon Age: Origins, The Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening Expansion Pack, Plus All Nine Additional Content Packs
- Critically acclaimed winner of more than 50 awards including over 30 ?Best Of 2009? awards
- A tremendous $114 value at one low price
Check Origins Ultimate Edition contents
EA’s 2010 announcement says Dragon Age: Origins Ultimate Edition bundled the base game, the Awakening expansion, and seven DLC packs. The announcement’s $59.99 price was a historical list price, not a current price. Compare the contents stated on the exact listing you intend to buy; edition names alone do not verify what a current storefront includes. EA’s Ultimate Edition announcement documents the original bundle.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Experience additional spells, abilities, specializations, and items to further personalize and customize your hero and party – Import your character from Dragon Age: Origins or start anew as a Grey Warden from Oralais.
- Embark on an epic story that is completely defined and reactive to your play style – Shape your entire experience based on the choices you make and how your handle complex situations.
- Encounter five all-new party members and an old favorite from Dragon Age: Origins.
- BioWare’s deepest universe to date just got bigger with an all new area of the world to explore, Amaranthine – Unlock the secrets of the Darkspawn and their true motivations – Rebuild the Grey Warden order.
- Battle against a new range of horrific and terrifying creatures – Put your skills to the test against an evolved, intelligent breed of Darkspawn and other menacing creatures including the Inferno Golem, Spectral Dragon and others.
Rank #4
- Scalable combat options that let you decide the level of control you have over your party, including NPCs. Issue orders, set your own tactical AI, or take control of any party member to lead the charge.
- 6 possible playable preludes known as ‘Origin Stories’ which along with your play, define how your hero character will see the world, how it sees you and sets the tone for the entire story.
- Travel across the vast and varied lands of Ferelden; from the conspiratorial halls of the last great dwarven city, Orzammar, to the untamed snarls of the Korcari Wilds.
- Dragon Age: Origins will give you deep character customization options including: class, race, appearance, abilities, and equipment.
- At the heart of the storm sweeping across Ferelden. Decide the fate of nations, people and, ultimately, yourself. Just remember: for every choice, there is a consequence.
Rank #3
- Scalable combat options that let you decide the level of control you have over your party, including NPCs. Issue orders, set your own tactical AI, or take control of any party member to lead the charge.
- 6 possible playable preludes known as ‘Origin Stories’ which along with your play, define how your hero character will see the world, how it sees you and sets the tone for the entire story.
- Travel across the vast and varied lands of Ferelden; from the conspiratorial halls of the last great dwarven city, Orzammar, to the untamed snarls of the Korcari Wilds.
- Dragon Age: Origins will give you deep character customization options including: class, race, appearance, abilities, and equipment.
- At the heart of the storm sweeping across Ferelden. Decide the fate of nations, people and, ultimately, yourself. Just remember: for every choice, there is a consequence.
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.
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