TL;DR
- All seven companions join automatically through main story progression with no missable characters
- Each companion provides unique exploration perks that unlock environmental interactions and shortcuts
- Faction reputation increases through companion quests, providing significant gameplay benefits
- Companion abilities complement different playstyles and combat approaches
- Strategic companion selection based on exploration needs and faction goals optimizes gameplay
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Dragon Age: The Veilguard transports players across diverse Thedas locations in a desperate race to prevent catastrophe. Fortunately, you won’t face these challenges alone, as numerous capable allies stand ready to support your mission. This comprehensive guide details the recruitment process for every available companion in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
The game features seven distinct companions who join your party organically through campaign advancement. None are permanently missable, eliminating concerns about accidentally overlooking potential allies. Our focus centers on their recruitment timing and the specialized exploration abilities they contribute to your journey.
Note: Most characters maintain affiliations with established faction organizations. Successfully completing companion-specific missions frequently enhances their associated faction’s influence, directly impacting your standing within the game’s political landscape.

Companion recruitment follows a structured progression throughout the main storyline. Understanding this timeline helps you anticipate when specific allies will become available and plan your party composition accordingly.

Lace Harding becomes available within the first hour of gameplay during “The End of the Beginning” quest. As a former Inquisition scout now operating independently, she maintains close ties with Varric Tethras, providing valuable continuity from previous Dragon Age installments.
- Exploration perk: Can manipulate stone slabs to create pathways or elevate platforms
- Recruitment timing: “The End of the Beginning” main story quest

Neve Gallus joins simultaneously with Harding during the same introductory mission. Her affiliation with the Shadow Dragons faction introduces players to the game’s broader political dynamics early in the campaign.
- Faction: Shadow Dragons
- Exploration perk: Capable of activating magical wards and interacting with spiritual remnants
- Recruitment timing: “The End of the Beginning” main story quest

Each companion brings specialized environmental interaction capabilities that significantly impact exploration and puzzle-solving. These abilities often unlock hidden areas, provide combat advantages, or reveal narrative elements that would otherwise remain inaccessible.
Bellara Lutare possesses arcane talents that complement her scholarly background. Her abilities focus on deciphering ancient magic and manipulating mystical energies.

Lucanis Dellamorte offers stealth-oriented exploration perks that align with his assassin training. These skills prove invaluable for bypassing enemy patrols and accessing restricted areas.

Davrin provides brute force solutions to environmental obstacles. His warrior background enables him to break through weakened walls and move heavy objects blocking pathways.

Emmrich represents one of the more complex faction affiliations in your party. His loyalties and background create interesting narrative tensions while providing unique gameplay benefits.
The faction reputation system introduces strategic depth to companion management. Increasing a faction’s strength through companion quests unlocks additional dialogue options, vendor discounts, and unique equipment opportunities.

Taash completes your roster with her connection to mystical traditions. Her faction ties offer access to rare magical artifacts and ancient knowledge.
Managing faction relationships requires balancing companion quest priorities with main story progression. Some faction benefits become crucial for overcoming late-game challenges, making strategic companion engagement essential for optimal gameplay.
While companion recruitment happens automatically, several advanced strategies maximize their effectiveness throughout your playthrough. Understanding these approaches ensures you derive maximum value from each alliance.
Optimization Tip: Rotate companions frequently during exploration to leverage their unique environmental abilities. Different regions contain obstacles specifically designed for certain companions’ skills.
Common Mistake: Many players underestimate the importance of completing companion-specific quests early. These missions not only boost faction reputation but also unlock enhanced versions of their exploration perks.
Time Management: Budget approximately 2-3 hours per companion for their personal quest chains. These investments pay dividends through improved combat performance and narrative satisfaction.
Party Composition: Balance your team to cover all exploration perk categories. Ensure you have companions capable of handling physical obstacles, magical barriers, and stealth requirements.
For players seeking to optimize their experience, our Class Guide offers additional insights into effective team building strategies that apply broadly across RPG companions systems.
Action Checklist
- Progress through ‘The End of the Beginning’ quest to recruit Harding and Neve
- Complete each companion’s personal quest chain to boost faction reputation
- Rotate companions during exploration to utilize their unique environmental abilities
- Balance party composition to cover all exploration perk categories
- Monitor faction strength metrics to unlock vendor discounts and unique equipment
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Dragon Age: The Veilguard – How To Recruit All Companions Complete guide to recruiting all seven companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard with their unique abilities and faction benefits
