Dog as DPS? Recommended or not?

[Neon Lotus]

How useful is the dog? I just finished my first game on normal and never used him, I'm thinking of trying him out as a DPS on hard.

[LukanGamer]

He alright more so at his later levels when he gets some cool abilities, but he no built warrior. But I recommend just using Free Dog Slot Mod (makes it so dog doesn't take a slot and you can have your loyal companion with you at all times )

[Xerica]

Never really used him much. He is much more fun in camp. I might travel around with them so he can fetch me things ..like companion gifts or for some jokes he might bring to ya.

[Luck-E-lynx]

Dog is a really effective party member early on, but as you move to the mid to late game he starts to drop off, and becomes kinda weak sadly by the end.

Mabari dominance is a nice little boost mechanic early on if you find the landmark trees. You can buy Stick from dwarf in camp after Lothering. (Gives a permanent +6 to Dexterity for nothing). He comes into the party with a 10% resistance to fire, ice and lightning default from fortitude talent. This can help make him an good early game choice to take on the mage circle, as your other characters at that time will not likely have that kinda coverage so early on.

Key stats are Strength, Dexterity and some Constitution.

His max armour with best gear available is 15. Which is more in line with a rogue in light armour (end game) than a warrior, so I would usually build him as such if you plan to use him still. High Dexterity to increase defence (hopefully cut down on some enemy hits). Strength to boost damage of course. (Watch to make sure you don't go too high that he starts drawing enemies away from tank onto him). Some Constitution to shrug off some AoE damage he might eat up.

Overwelm is in many ways his best ability. A good single target damage and lockdown ability on some potentially dangerous single targets (but only works on some humanoid sized enemies) It is useless on something like an Ogre or a Dragon.

Dread howl is a good potentially early AoE stun.

Shred is a auto-crit if hit if it lands. Along with Charge as a potential knockdown. They are best used to follow up basic attacks to get in an extra round of hits in on enemies.

Growl lowers enemy defence (by quite a bit). Can be useful on some enemies that your character struggles landing consistent hits on, but in most cases it doesn't really make a noticeable difference.

Having him on your team also handicaps team skills (like herbalism, survival, stealing ect...) since he is a roster spot that doesn't contribute there.

After all else he is still adorable, and beloved by all party members. Will support you no matter your choices in game, and has the best "in game" line of dialogue if chosen as your champion during the landsmeet.

Originally posted by LukanGamer:

But I recommend just using Free Dog Slot Mod (makes it so dog doesn't take a slot and you can have your loyal companion with you at all times :summer2019corgi: )

Where doth thou get this glorious sounding thing?

[voehringer_nitron]

https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/664

[Neon Lotus]

I did try that mod, you gotta read the readme though on how to properly select him or you might get confused when it sometimes doesn't work.

I think I'll leave the dog and maybe use him when I'm more experienced with the game.

[LukanGamer]

It a very easy mod you don't need a read-me, you get a dog whistle use it to summon and dismiss him.
For the Minor bug at party select that can at times happen just deselect everyone then select party.

[Voodoo92]

i only use him once in the deep roads to get me the massive helmet!!!!!

[dwarfpcfan]

Dog is an early game crutch, you can get dread howl almost out of the gate which is an area stun so very powerful early game. Late game other characters with equipement and class specializations just completely out pace him where it matters.

[Neon Lotus]

Originally posted by Voodoo92:

i only use him once in the deep roads to get me the massive helmet!!!!!

Which helmet is that?

[voehringer_nitron]

https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Duty_(helmet)