Dragon Age™ Inquisition Nightmare Companions and Builds
Hey there, fellow Inquisitor! Are you ready to take on the toughest challenge Dragon Age: Inquisition has to offer? Nightmare mode is no joke, but with the right companions and builds, you’ll be conquering Thedas in no time. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of surviving and thriving in this brutal difficulty setting.
Quick Answer: Best Companions for Nightmare Mode
For those in a hurry, here’s a quick rundown of the top companions for Nightmare mode:
- Cassandra (Tank)
- Varric (DPS)
- Dorian (Mage)
- Iron Bull (DPS)
- Solas (Support Mage)
- Blackwall (Tank)
Understanding the Nightmare: What You’re Up Against
Before we jump into builds and strategies, let’s talk about what makes Nightmare mode so… well, nightmarish. In this difficulty:
- Enemies hit like a charging druffalo
- Bad guys have more health than a well-fed bronto
- Foes are as aggressive as a hungry wyvern
Basically, you’re in for a wild ride. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
Choosing Your Dream Team: Top Companions for Nightmare Mode
Picking the right squad is half the battle. Here’s a deeper look at our top picks:
Cassandra Pentaghast: The Unbreakable Shield
Cassandra is your go-to tank. With her Vanguard and Champion skills, she’s tougher than dragonbone armor. She’ll keep enemies focused on her while your damage dealers do their thing.
Varric Tethras: The Crafty Marksman
Varric’s not just here for the witty banter. As an Artificer, he brings a mix of ranged damage and crowd control that’s invaluable in tough fights.
Dorian Pavus: The Dashing Necromancer
Don’t let his perfectly styled mustache fool you. Dorian’s Necromancer abilities can turn the tide of battle with powerful crowd control and damage over time spells.
Iron Bull: The Unstoppable Force
When you need something dead yesterday, call The Iron Bull. His Reaver specialization lets him dish out massive damage while staying in the fight.
Solas: The Fade-Touched Strategist
Solas might seem unassuming, but his Rift Mage abilities can control the battlefield like no other. Plus, he’s got some interesting stories to tell around the campfire.
Blackwall: The Stalwart Defender
If Cassandra’s busy, Blackwall’s your man. His Champion specialization makes him a walking fortress, perfect for soaking up damage.
Building Your Dream Team: Optimal Builds for Nightmare Mode
Now that we’ve got our squad, let’s talk builds. These setups will help you make the most of each companion’s strengths.
Cassandra Pentaghast: The Immovable Object
| Skill Tree | Must-Have Abilities |
|---|---|
| Vanguard | War Cry, Challenge, Livid |
| Champion | Line in the Sand, Walking Fortress, To the Death |
Focus on abilities that draw enemy attention and boost Cassandra’s survivability. She’s your frontline, so make her as tough as possible.
Varric Tethras: The Trap Master
| Skill Tree | Must-Have Abilities |
|---|---|
| Archery | Long Shot, Leaping Shot, Full Draw |
| Artificer | Elemental Mines, Hail of Arrows, Opportunity Knocks |
Varric’s all about setting up devastating combos. Use his traps to control the battlefield and his archery skills to pick off weakened enemies.
Dorian Pavus: The Death Dealer
| Skill Tree | Must-Have Abilities |
|---|---|
| Spirit | Barrier, Dispel, Mind Blast |
| Necromancer | Horror, Spirit Mark, Walking Bomb |
Dorian excels at area control and sustained damage. Use his Spirit abilities for defense and his Necromancer skills to wreak havoc on grouped enemies.
Iron Bull: The Glass Cannon
| Skill Tree | Must-Have Abilities |
|---|---|
| Two-Handed | Mighty Blow, Block and Slash, Pommel Strike |
| Reaver | Dragon-Rage, Devour, Rampage |
Iron Bull’s build is all about risk and reward. His Reaver abilities let him deal massive damage at the cost of his own health, so keep a close eye on him.
Solas: The Fade Manipulator
| Skill Tree | Must-Have Abilities |
|---|---|
| Inferno | Immolate, Flashpoint, Clean Burn |
| Winter | Winter’s Grasp, Fade Step, Ice Mine |
| Rift Mage | Stonefist, Veilstrike, Pull of the Abyss |
Solas shines when controlling multiple enemies at once. Use his elemental spells to set up combos and his Rift Mage abilities to dominate the battlefield.
Blackwall: The Unbreakable Wall
| Skill Tree | Must-Have Abilities |
|---|---|
| Weapon and Shield | Shield Wall, Payback Strike, Bear Mauls the Wolves |
| Vanguard | War Cry, Charging Bull, Livid |
| Champion | Line in the Sand, Walking Fortress, To the Death |
Blackwall’s build focuses on pure survivability. He might not hit as hard as others, but he’ll keep your party safe in the toughest fights.
Surviving and Thriving: Tips for Nightmare Mode Success
Now that we’ve got our team sorted, here are some general tips to help you conquer Nightmare mode:
- Plan Your Builds: Stick to the builds we’ve outlined. They’re designed to work together and cover all your bases.
- Micromanage Like a Boss: Don’t be afraid to pause often and give specific orders. Your companions are smart, but they’re not mind readers.
- Craft Like Your Life Depends on It: Because it does! Always be on the lookout for better materials to upgrade your gear.
- Potions Are Your Best Friend: Keep your supply topped up and don’t be stingy with them. A potion used is better than a party member down.
- Know Your Enemy: Study enemy patterns and weaknesses. Knowledge is power, especially when that knowledge helps you set things on fire more effectively.
A Tale from the Trenches: My Nightmare Mode Awakening
I’ll never forget my first Nightmare mode playthrough. I thought I was hot stuff after beating the game on Hard, but Nightmare humbled me real quick. I was getting stomped by basic enemies, let alone bosses.
The turning point came during a particularly nasty fight with a group of Red Templars. I was about to throw in the towel when I remembered a tip about using terrain to my advantage. I repositioned my party on a narrow bridge, with Cassandra blocking the way and Varric and Dorian raining death from behind. Suddenly, what seemed impossible became manageable.
That fight taught me the importance of strategy and positioning in Nightmare mode. It’s not just about having the right builds; it’s about using them smartly. From that point on, every encounter became a puzzle to solve, and I started to really enjoy the challenge.
Wrapping Up: You’ve Got This, Inquisitor!
Nightmare mode in Dragon Age: Inquisition is tough, no doubt about it. But with the right companions, builds, and strategies, you’ll be closing rifts and saving Thedas like a pro in no time. Remember, every defeat is a chance to learn and improve. So gear up, gather your companions, and show those demons what the Inquisition is made of!
Got any Nightmare mode stories or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments below. And may the Maker watch over you on your journey, Inquisitor!
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