Dragon Age: The Veilguard – The Best Builds For Each Companion

Each of the seven companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard has a unique set of skills that can be mixed and matched to create powerful combinations in combat. Companion skills are divided into five trees available in the Companion menu. Like Rook, each companion can only have three skills active at any given time, plus various passives and upgrades to enhance those abilities. And, like Rook, companions can be respecced in Dragon Age: The Veilguard at any time for free.

In addition to selecting a companion’s skills in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, players can also find and select equipment for all companions during exploration. Generally, the best equipment for each companion will come from that companion’s associated Faction once those Faction Merchants receive upgrades and loot from completing that companion’s questline. However, they can be found anywhere during exploration. Here are the best builds for every companion in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

How To Build Companions

Use The Primer & Detonator Mechanics

Unlike in other Dragon Age games, players get access to all available companion active abilities from some of the earliest levels of gameplay. They can then earn Skill Points for companions by bringing them along on exploration quests, speaking to them often, and purchasing gifts in DA: The Veilguard, which increase Rook’s Bond with them. Skill Points can unlock more passives that improve or augment these abilities. Once players complete a companion’s personal quest, they will also unlock an Ultimate skill for them based on their choice at the end of the questline.

In general, it is best to make sure every Dragon Age: The Veilguard companion has one Primer ability and one Detonator ability active at all times. Primer abilities apply status effects like Sundered, Weakened, or Overwhelmed to an enemy. Detonator abilities deal extra damage to enemies affected by a Primer’s status effects.

This helps with party synergy for combo attacks and can lead to bigger hits, making it easier to take down more formidable foes. Beyond selecting a Primer and Detonator, players can decide if they want to build each companion more for support or damage and choose a final active skill, plus passives, that enhances their role in the party.

Every companion except the two warriors, Davrin and Taash, can heal Rook, which can be exceedingly valuable in long combat encounters. Additionally, all companions can apply a buff to Rook for a brief time, which can turn the tides when fighting high-level enemies.

Best Build For Lace Harding

The Scout

Harding is considered a Rogue in Dragon Age: The Veilguard and relies on her bow and arrow and some interesting new magical abilities. Her active skills are:

• Shred: Harding shreds her opponent’s defenses with a decisive shot. Deals a high amount of Stagger.
• Soothing Potion: An expert scout carries only the best resources. This special brew is a pick-me-up like no other.
• Heavy Draw: Harding draws her bowstring back as far as it will go, unleashing a devastating shot. Deals a high amount of Stagger.
• Adrenaline Rush: Harding gives a rousing shout, motivating you to act with renewed determination. Grants Enhanced Damage.
• Seismic Shot: Harding lets loose a powerful bow shot, creating a midair shockwave that concusses enemies caught in the blast. Deals very high Stagger and is likely to disrupt enemies.

Her best build leans into her role as a ranged attacker and support. For Active abilities, select the following:

• Shred
• Heavy Draw
• Soothing Potion

Shred acts as a Primer, applying Sundered to the target. Heavy Draw is a detonator for the Overwhelmed status effect. When choosing Passive skills, consider those that improve the duration of attacks or shorten cooldown times to allow Harding to attack more often. The most important passives to pick up include:

Finally, the best gear for Harding includes the highest-level versions of the following:

• Main Hand: My Regards (Shortbow)
• Armor: Scout Compassion
• Keepsake: Secrets and Memories
• Trinket: Dwarven Key

Harding’s best gear is granted as a reward for completing her personal quests. Her equipment can also be upgraded at the Lighthouse Workshop or by purchasing or finding duplicates.

Best Build For Neve Gallus

The Detective

Neve is a Mage in Dragon Age: The Veilguard and relies on her Evoker ice magic to control the battlefield. Her active skills are:

• Glacial Pace: Neve concentrates her ice magic into a single bolt, stopping enemies in their tracks. On hit, applies Chilled.
• Time Slow: Neve uses her talents as a frost mage to slow the world around you. Slows enemies and companions, but you continue moving and attacking at normal speed.
• Blizzard: Neve summons a swirling ice vortex to thrash and hamper her enemies. Deals damage each second to all enemies in the area of effect.
• Replenish: The streets of Minrathus and well beyond require an abundance of caution.
• Icebreaker: Neve conjures shards of ice to launch at her enemies. Fires six projectiles at targets that explode after a short delay.

Her best build leans into her role as a ranged attacker and support. For Active abilities, select the following:

• Icebreaker
• Glacial Pace
• Replenish

Glacial Pace
helps control a fight and acts as the Primer, applying Weakened to the target.
Icebreaker
is a Detonator that works with the Sundered effect.

When choosing Passive skills, consider those that improve the duration of attacks or freeze targets more frequently. The most important passives to pick up include:

• Icebreaker: Chill Out, Frost Warning, Deep Freeze, Early Winter, Ice Cold, Shattered Resolve
• Glacial Pace: Cold Front, Cold Snap, Glacial Pace, Barrier Buster, Critical Shot, Freezing Point
• Replenish: Cold Comfort, Top Form, Endure, Watch Your Back, Spirit Shield

Finally, the best gear for Neve includes the highest-level versions of the following:

• Main Hand: Scepter of Shadows
• Armor: Dragon Coat
• Keepsake: Old News Clipping
• Trinket: Exhaustive Notes

Neve’s best gear increases damage to enemy barriers and to detonations, reduces her cooldown times and those of Rook and other companions, and increases the duration of the Frozen effect applied on critical hits. Her gear is granted as a reward for completing her personal quests. Her equipment can also be upgraded at the Lighthouse Workshop or by purchasing or finding duplicates.

Best Build For Bellara Lutare

The Veil Jumper

Bellara is a Mage in Dragon Age: The Veilguard and relies on her command of the Fade to deal damage and support the party. Her active skills are:

• Fade Bolts: Bellara channels the energy of the Fade through her gauntlet to unleash a volley of projectiles.
• Enfeebling Shot: Bellara fires a magic-infused shot from her bow, dousing her target in Fade magic. Deals high Stagger.
• Replenish: Veil Jumpers never know what the Fade might throw at them. Bellara throws you a magical lifeline, instantly restoring your health.
• Galvanized Tear: Bellara creates a controlled tear in the Veil concentrated on enemies but sparing allies. Draws enemies toward a point on the battlefield, then damages those pulled close.
• Time Slow: An Arlathan relic enables Bellara to conjure concentrated time anomalies on the battlefield. While active, these anomalies reduce the movement of enemies and companions but allow you to continue moving and attacking at normal speed.

Her best build leans into her role as support and her ability to control combat. For Active abilities, select the following:

• Fade Bolts
• Galvanized Tear
• Replenish

Galvanized Tear helps control a fight and can pull enemies off Rook, which can be extremely valuable since they take most aggro. Fade Bolts is a Detonator that works with the Sundered effect. When choosing Passive skills, consider those that target barriers or deal much damage per second to get the most out of Bellara’s kit. The most important passives to pick up include:

• Fade Bolts: Painstaker, Flare Shot, Direct Current, Quick Flash, Rapid Returns, Power Surge
• Galvanized Tear: Veil Master, Electrocution, Voltaic Rift, Energy Trap, Lingering Spark, Displacement
• Replenish: Run it Back, Contingency, Endure, More Vigor, Pillar of Health, Spirit Shield

Finally, the best gear for Bellara includes the highest-level versions of the following:

• Main Hand: Storm
• Armor: Camping Gear
• Keepsake: Focusing Contraption
• Trinket: Calibration Crystal

Bellara’s best gear increases damage to enemy barriers and detonations, reduces her cooldown times and those of Rook and other companions, and grants one Revival charge for getting Rook back up in particularly difficult combat. Her gear is granted as a reward for completing her personal quests. Her equipment can also be upgraded at the Lighthouse Workshop or by purchasing or finding duplicates.

Best Build For Lucanis Dellamorte

The Mage Killer

Lucanis is a Rogue in Dragon Age: The Veilguard and uses his training as a Crow assassin and his dynamic with Spite to deal damage. His active skills are:

• Abominate: Lucanis sweeps the area with demonic strength. Deals high Barrier damage and applies Knocked Down to enemies in the area.
• Adrenaline Rush: Lucanis gives a rousing shout, motivating you to act with renewed determination. Grants Enhanced Damage.
• Debilitate: Lucanis opens up his enemies with a debilitating strike. Deals high Stagger.
• Soothing Potion: A Talon is ready for anything and never without a potent concoction on hand. Lucanis tosses a restorative tincture to you, granting Rejuvenation.
• Eviscerate: Lucanis deals a decisive blow, targeting an enemy’s weakest point. At half health or less, this deals bonus damage, increasing effectiveness the closer the target is to death. Detonates Overwhelmed.

His best build leans into his abilities to deal damage and set up combos for Rook and other companions. For Active abilities, select the following:

• Debilitate
• Eviscerate
• Abominate

Debilitate
is a Primer, applying Sundered to enemies.
Eviscerate
is a Detonator that works with the Overwhelmed effect.
Abominate
helps control combat by knocking enemies down and can also do Barrier damage.

When choosing Passive skills, consider those that target barriers, reduce cooldown times, and deal additional damage. The most important passives to pick up include:

• Debilitate: Barrier Buster, Critical Damage, Spiteful Maladies, Killing Time, Sleight of Hand, Enduring Sunder
• Eviscerate: Death Toll, Deathtrap, Mage Bane, Tear to Ribbons, Twin Blades, Demonic Daggers
• Abominate: Ruthlessness, Twin Strike, Malice, Schism, Relentless Spite, Vindictive Break

Finally, the best gear for Lucanis includes the highest-level versions of the following:

• Main Hand: Crowkeeper
• Armor: Corvid Cloak
• Off-Hand: God’s Foil
• Trinket: Simple Oil and Stone

Lucanis’ best gear increases damage dealt and applies more affliction stacks. His gear is granted as a reward for completing his personal quests. His equipment can also be upgraded at the Lighthouse Workshop or by purchasing or finding duplicates.

Best Build For Davrin

The Warden

Davrin is a Warrior in Dragon Age: The Veilguard and relies on his bond with Assan and his training as a Grey Warden. His active skills are:

• Assan Strike: Call in Assan to attack from the skies above. Deals bonus Armor damage and Knocks Down enemies.
• Battle Cry: Davrin lets out a formidable shout, drawing the attention of enemies attacking the party. Taunts enemies in the area, forcing them to attack Davrin for a short time. Does not affect some of the strongest boss enemies.
• Heroic Strike: A quick and decisive strike imbued with the righteous fire of Grey Wardens. Deals high Stagger. Applies Overwhelm.
• In War, Victory: Davrin’s heroic actions inspire, filling you with the power and endurance of a steadfast Warden. Grants Invulnerable for a short period.
• Death From Above: Davrin calls Assan to strike a target from above. Deals high Stagger. Detonates Weakened.

His best build leans into his abilities to draw aggro and break through enemy armor. For Active abilities, select the following:

• Heroic Strike
• Death From Above
• Battle Cry

Heroic Strike is a Primer, applying Overwhelm to enemies. Death From Above is a Detonator that works with the Weakened effect. Battle Cry helps take the heat off Rook by forcing enemies to focus on Davrin briefly, which is especially useful if you have built Rook as a Rogue or a Mage.

When choosing Passive skills, consider those that target armor, apply additional status effects, and reduce cooldowns. The most important passives to pick up include:

• Heroic Strike: Armor Breaker, Overwhelming Strength, Overpower, Focused Training, Critical Strike, Blood and Fire
• Death From Above: Staggering Talons, Slow Combustion, Bird of Prey, Positive Reinforcement, Infernal Drop, Barrage
• Battle Cry: Breathing Room, Overprotective, Quick to Anger, Lasting Words, Brawler, Searing Rage

Finally, the best gear for Davrin includes the highest-level versions of the following:

• Main Hand: Griffon’s Talon
• Armor: Winged Cape
• Keepsake: Assan’s Fury
• Trinket: Creator’s Chisel

Davrin’s best gear leans into his ability to deal fire damage and increases damage while reducing cooldowns. Much of his gear is granted as a reward for completing his personal quests. His equipment can also be upgraded at the Lighthouse Workshop or by purchasing or finding duplicates.

Best Build For Taash

The Dragon Hunter

Taash is a Warrior in Dragon Age: The Veilguard who can breathe fire. Her active skills are:

• Dragon’s Roar: Taash roars with draconic fury, drawing the enemy’s attention. Taunts enemies in the area, forcing them to briefly focus their attacks on Taash. Does not affect some of the strongest boss enemies.
• Fire Breath: Taash breathes out flames, igniting enemies with draconic fury. Deals damage and applies Burning to all enemies.
• Fortune’s Favor: Taash’s luck and Lord of Fortune training all but ensure that you will get out of this battle alive. Grants Invulnerable.
• Spitfire: Taash spits a searing burst of flame that takes the fight out of the foe. Deals high Stagger.
• Dragonfire Strike: Taash lands a fiery overhead strike that leaves enemies concussed, confused, and burning. Applies Burning on hit.

Her best build leans into close combat encounters and control of a battlefield. For Active abilities, select the following:

• Spitfire
• Dragonfire Strike
• Fortune’s Favor

Spitfire helps control a fight and applies Overwhelm. Dragonfire Strike is a Detonator that works with the Weakened effect. Fortune’s Favor is unique because it grants Rook temporary Invulnerability, which can be incredibly valuable against the strongest bosses.

When choosing Passive skills, consider those that target armor, increase damage, and reduce cooldown times. The most important passives to pick up include:

• Spitfire: Critical Strike, Flame Splash, Armor Breaker, Spreading Weakness, Accelerant, Overwhelming Pressure
• Dragonfire Strike: Sear, Heatwave, Firestorm, Focus Fire, Bring the Hurt, Explosive Timing
• Fortune’s Favor: Precise Immunity, Forceful Return, Buckle-Down, Speedy Recovery, Enrichment, Respite

Finally, the best gear for Taash includes the highest-level versions of the following:

• Main Hand: Golden Locus
• Armor: Plumed Platemail
• Keepsake: Jade Cleaver
• Trinket: Numbing Herbs

Taash’s best gear increases damage against high dragons and applies additional Burning to enemies. Much of her gear is granted as a reward for completing her personal quests. Her equipment can also be upgraded at the Lighthouse Workshop or by purchasing or finding duplicates.

Best Build For Emmrich Volkarin

The Necromancer

Emmrich is a Mage in Dragon Age: The Veilguard with a Necrotic specialization. His active skills are:

• Entangling Spirits: Emmrich summons spirits to entangle and hinder your enemies. Deals high Stagger.
• Final Rites: Emmrich summons an envoy of the dead, who explodes in a blast of necrotic energy.
• Replenish: A wise Mourn Watcher prepares for all danger; no one should pass before their time. Emmrich casts a healing spell, instantly restoring your health.
• Time Slow: A tricky technique that grips the essence of any creature, living or dead, causing time to slow to a crawl. While active, enemies and companions move more slowly while you continue moving and attacking at normal speed.
• The Bell Tolls: Emmrich casts a death curse that, after a short delay, causes an enemy to explode with necrotic energy. Applies Quietus to targets, dealing increased damage.

His best build leans into his ability to apply status effects to enemies that allow other companions or Rook to detonate bigger damage blasts. For Active abilities, select the following:

• Entangling Spirits
• The Bell Tolls
• Final Rites

Entangling Spirits is Emmrich’s Primer, applying Weakened to enemies. Final Rites detonates Sundered. The Bell Tolls applies Quietus, a unique status effect that increases damage, and helps Mage Rooks with Mana regeneration.

When choosing Passive skills, consider those that spread effects to multiple enemies for crowd control and increase damage. The most important passives to pick up include:

• Entangling Spirits: Transient Spirits, Critical Shot, Grave Rot, Relentless, Unfinished Business, Enervate
• The Bell Tolls: Rapid Onset, Essence Leech, Lingering Pall, Pestilence, Death Knell, Contagion
• Final Rites: Looming End, Killing Hex, Death Cry, Recurring Fears, Encore!, Night Terrors

Finally, the best gear for Emmrich includes the highest-level versions of the following:

• Main Hand: Guardian of the Abyss
• Armor: Researcher’s Robes
• Keepsake: Metal-Plated Focus
• Trinket: Chittering Signet

Emmrich’s best gear significantly reduces cooldown times and bypasses resistance to Necrotic damage, particularly against Undead enemies. Much of his gear is granted as a reward for completing his personal quests. His equipment can also be upgraded at the Lighthouse Workshop or by purchasing or finding duplicates in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.