Dragon Age: Inquisition Gets Multiplayer Mode

In news that shouldn’t surprise anyone, given it’s been an ongoing rumor for quite a while, Dragon Age: Inquisition is going to get a multiplayer mode. IGN has the scoop, with some hands-on impressions:

Inquisition’s story is an enormous, 200 hour commitment for completists, so BioWare wants multiplayer to work in short 20-30 minute bursts. Each of the three multiplayer campaigns available at launch randomly generates a large level comprised of smaller sections. you’ll fight through five of 10 pre-designed areas in one go, each with distinct variables. Next time, you may see the same stage in a new spot, or an entirely different collection of arenas entirely, all with different enemy encounters, ideally making multiplayer missions replayable indefinitely.

In my first run through the Elven Ruins, my team fought through a graveyard full of (shared) gold hidden behind doors only accessible by mages. The next time through, the graveyard was replaced by something else, with destructible walls only breakable by the brutish kick of a warrior one of us may or may not have decided to play. In addition to these Elven Ruins, Inquisition’s multiplayer visits Tevinter and an Orlesian Palace, with more locations to come.

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Single-player is aiming for a smart marriage of narrative and gameplay systems. Multiplayer is pure, meant to attract role-playing junkies with a passion for loot, combat, and team-based battles in the gorgeous, brutal world of Dragon Age. After completing a multiplayer quest, you’ll take home your found gold to spend on treasure chests, which include items such as item recipes, new equipment, potions, grenades, and salves of varying rarity. Some may even unlock a new hero or character skin. Nine heroes join Dragon Age: Inquisition’s multiplayer roster at launch — three for each mage/melee/archer class, each unique in their appearance, abilities, and characterization.

If you’d rather not grind, you can purchase Platinum, which is an (optional time saver) currency. (Nothing is behind a paywall,) Costa said. (We will never sell you an item.)

Like League of Legends’ business model, you’ll have to play plenty to earn enough for a prize, or you can pay outright to accelerate your unlocks.

Update: Executive producer Mark Darrah and assistant producer Blair Brown confirmed on Twitter that single-player content won’t be locked behind multiplayer:

Multiplayer Announced! Not connected to the SP game (ala galactic readiness), Free DLC, enjoy!