Dragon Age, a series renowned for its deep exploration of faith and belief, has always provided players with profound theological questions. From the early days of Leliana's struggle with her faith to the more recent revelations in Veilguard, the franchise has consistently delved into the complexities of belief and doubt. However, while earlier installments offered rich, ambiguous narratives that encouraged players to grapple with these themes, Veilguard takes a different approach, focusing on definitive answers rather than the uncertainties that define true faith. This shift leaves much to be desired, especially when compared to the nuanced portrayal of belief in previous games.

Exploring Faith Through Character Development

In earlier titles, characters like Leliana serve as vehicles for exploring the intricacies of faith. Her journey from a devout follower to someone questioning her beliefs mirrors many real-world struggles with religion. The game masterfully uses her character arc to highlight the tension between unwavering faith and the harsh realities of life. Leliana’s internal conflict is not just about her personal beliefs but also about the broader implications of faith in a world where divine intervention is absent. This struggle resonates deeply with players who have faced similar questions in their own lives.

Leliana’s interactions with other characters, such as the guardian spirit at the Temple of Sacred Ashes, further emphasize the ambiguity surrounding faith. The spirit challenges her claims, leading to moments of doubt and introspection. These exchanges are pivotal because they illustrate that faith is not about having all the answers but about navigating uncertainty. The game encourages players to question everything, from the nature of the Maker to the authenticity of religious leaders. In doing so, it creates a space for meaningful reflection on the role of belief in one's life. Leliana’s eventual declaration, “I know what I believe,” encapsulates the essence of this struggle—a recognition that faith is a personal journey without a definitive endpoint.

The Shift in Narrative Approach in Veilguard

Veilguard, however, takes a starkly different approach. Instead of fostering a dialogue about faith, it presents a series of cosmic revelations that leave little room for doubt or debate. The absence of a deeper exploration of faith is particularly jarring given the game’s focus on would-be gods and ancient evils. Characters like Bellara and Davrin, who were raised with strong Elven beliefs, do not engage meaningfully with the theological implications of Solas’ revelations. This lack of engagement feels like a missed opportunity to delve into the profound consequences of these discoveries on both individual and collective levels.

The game’s narrative is dominated by final answers rather than open-ended questions. For instance, the revelation that the Evanuris were not true gods but ascended mortals should have sparked a crisis of faith among the Dalish Elves. Instead, the game barely addresses this issue, treating it as a mere plot point rather than a catalyst for deeper reflection. Similarly, the Imperial Chantry serves primarily as a combat zone, devoid of any meaningful exploration of its teachings or the struggles of its followers. This contrasts sharply with the earlier games, where faith was a central theme, and characters wrestled with their beliefs in ways that felt authentic and relatable.

Despite these shortcomings, Veilguard does offer some moments of poignant struggle. Neve Gallus’ storyline, for example, touches on the challenges of maintaining faith in a corrupt system. Her crisis of confidence resonates with players who have faced similar doubts about the effectiveness of their efforts in the face of systemic issues. These moments, though rare, highlight the importance of grappling with uncertainty and finding personal reasons to persevere. Ultimately, while Veilguard may not fully explore the complexities of faith, it still provides glimpses of the struggles that define true belief.