Best Armor & Weapons

A simple reference for the best armor and weapons in the game, their stats, and where and how to get them.

Introduction

I've played this game for 7+ years, and as long as this game has been out for, there has yet to be a guide on steam to help new players to the series in finding where the best armor or weapons are. Why take all the time to go to several sites to find the best information on Google when you can sit in-game and look up the information here? So here are the best, for each class. Just a quick forenote that this doesn't include all weapons and armor, just the best.

I've included armor from DLC that can be used in the base game, but any gear from the DLC not usable in the base game hasn't been included. I might add it later. To be clear, this includes gear from Return to Ostagar, The Stone Prisoner, and Warden's Keep DLCs. Gear from Awakening, Golems of Amgarrak, Leliana's Song, and The Witch Hunt DLCs will mostly be excluded until I add in sections for them, with the exceptions of any gear that can be obtained and used in the base game.

The intent isn't to give a strict guide so much as list the highest quality gear pieces. I'm currently still working on editing this to make it more complete but feel free to look through what is there.

I might later work at making this more compact by fixing the tables so the text is right beside them rather than below them.

Ctrl + F = type item name into search box.

Heavy/Massive Armor Chests

silverite	(tier 6)
requires	39 strength
armor	18.90
fatigue	27.50%
will power	+5
spell resistance	+40%
mental resistance	+10

Sold by a merchant named Faryn outside of Orzammar for 27g 42s. The armor can also be acquired as a rare drop in the Awakening DLC quest "Freedom for Anders" when you help Anders get his phylactery in his companion quest. The upside to this chest piece is that it isn't part of a set so there is no requirement to wear other pieces to get these stats.

Faryn[dragonage.fandom.com]
Freedom for Anders[dragonage.fandom.com]

silverite	(tier 6)
requires	38 strength
armor	18.38
fatigue	26.25%
spell resistance	+20%
magic	-5

A lesser version of the Knight Commander's armor, for any secondary warriors that might need magic resistance. This armor is sold by Ruck in the Deep Roads/Ortan Thaig for 57g. You have to pass a persuasion/intimidation check or he won't offer to sell to you. Ruck is part of the Orzammar side quest "A Mother's Hope". The upside to this chest piece is that it isn't part of a set so there is no requirement to wear other pieces to get these stats. Good for warriors, not Arcane Mages.

Ruck[dragonage.fandom.com]
A Mother's Hope[dragonage.fandom.com]

steel	(tier 3)
requires	27 strength
restriction	templar class
armor	12.25
fatigue	23.10%
will power	+3
spell resistance	+20%
mental resistance	+5

This item is a drop acquired by the NPC enemy Drass during the Broken Circle main questline in the Circle Tower. You have to kill Drass to get the armor, so you can't just leave peacefully when initiating dialogue with the Desire/Lust demon. Drass is on the fourth floor, the second last floor after you encounter the sloth demon in that zone. This chest is perfect for Alistair in lower levels if you go through the Circle Tower early on and have nothing better. Otherwise if you go to Orzammar early on you can get the Knight Commander's Plate chest instead.

Drass[dragonage.fandom.com]

dragonbone	(tier 7)
requires	42 strength
armor	21.88
fatigue	27.30%
fire resistance	+50%
stamina regen in combat	+1/+2
stamina	+25

fire resistance	+20%
stamina regen in combat	+1/+2
fatigue	-15.00%
defense	+5

fire resistance	+70%
stamina regen in combat	+2/+4
stamina	+25
fatigue	-15.00%
defense	+5

This armor is obtained from Wade in Denerim, in a shop called Wade's Imporium that's accessed through the Market. To get it, you have to defeat the High Dragon in the quest "The Urn of Sacred Ashes". The High Dragon will drop a Dragon scale that you then take to Wade, but he will only make the armor if you've already completed his quest to make Drake scale armor, which requires that you take 3 Drake scales to him before he'll make the Dragonplate armor. Once you've done that and he accepts, he will give you the choice of making it Dragonskin (medium armor), Dragonscale (heavy armor), or Dragonbone (massive armor). You have to choose to make it Dragonbone. If you haven't given Wade gold (10g for Drakescale quest and 20g for Dragonbone armor quest) for both armor quests when talking to him about making them for you, then you'll only get the regular Wade's Dragonbone Plate Armor rather than the superior version. The set only applies if you're also wearing Wade's Superior Dragonbone Plate Gloves and Wade's Superior Dragonbone Plate Boots.

Wade will only make one, so you have to choose carefully who you make the armor for. The set automatically comes with the boots and gloves.

This armor is excellent for both Arcane Mages and all warrior specializations, both tank and dps alike, as the heavy resistances with the stamina and the reduced fatigue make this one of the top chest pieces.

The Urn of sacred ashes[dragonage.fandom.com]
Wade[dragonage.fandom.com]

tier	(tier 4 for levels 9-17 and tier 7 at level 18+)
requires	24 strength
armor	10.50
fatigue	22.05%
armor	+1
stamina regeneration in combat	+0.5/+1.0
critical/backstab damage	+15%
physical resistance	+10

stamina	+50
fire resistance	+10%
fatigue	-12%
constitution	+2

*requires the Warden's Keep DLC

This armor is acquired during the Warden's Keep DLC, and can be acquired very early on by fighting with Sophia Dryden at Soldier's Peak. When initiating dialogue with her during the Soldier's Peak quest, you have to refuse to bargain with her to initiate combat. The armor drops after you've defeated her.

If you get the armor at an early level, you can upgrade the tier of armor it is by selling it and buying it back. The armor level is determined when you enter Soldier's Peak, not when you obtain the armor.

Sophia Dryden[dragonage.fandom.com]

tier	varies depending on level (tier 5-7)
strength	36-42
armor	15.75-21.88
fatigue	25.20%-27.30%
armor	+1
physical resistance	+15
armor	+4
mental resistance	+10
critical/backstab damage	+15%
physical resistance	+15
fatigue	-25%
health regeneration in combat	+5

*requires the Return to Ostagar DLC

This set is in various places in the Return to Ostagar DLC. There's also a sword and shield that is from the same DLC, although the sword and shield aren't part of this set and don't have to be equipped to get the set bonus. The great part is you can get them all early on, the downside is the chest piece on it's own isn't that great.

Medium Chest Armor

dragonbone	(tier 7)
requires	34 strength
fire resistance	+50%
stamina regeneration in combat	+1/+2
stamina	+25
fire resistance	+70%
stamina regeneration in combat	+2/+4
stamina	+25
fatigue	-25%
defense	+5

This gear is acquired from Wade in Wade's Imporium in the Market District of Denerim. You have to talk to Wade and he'll mention that you should bring any rare materials you find to him. After you've done that, you need to kill Drakes around Ferelden to get 3 Drake scales, all 3 of which can be found in Haven. Bring them to Wade and he'll make you the more basic Drakeskin armor, and don't forget to pay him the 10g when this armor is made if you want to later get the superior version of the Dragon armor.

After you've done that, make sure you've bought everything you want from Herren before you continue, like the Felon's Coat, because after you've done Wade's second quest, Herren will no longer sell to you. Once you've done that, to get the Dragon armor or the superior Dragon armor, you have to go to Haven and summon and kill the High Dragon. One of Kolgrim's followers in the room just before drops the horn to summon. Once you've done that, the Dragon scale drops, and you can take it to Wade who will talk about how he wants more materials. Give him the scale and pay him 20g, and tell him which kind of armor you would like, Dragonskin (medium armor), Dragonscale (heavy armor), or Dragonbone (massive armor), and he'll make you the superior Dragon armor of your choosing.

If you haven't given Wade gold (10g for Drakescale quest and 20g for Dragonbone armor quest) for both armor quests when talking to him about making them for you, then you'll only get the regular Wade's Dragonskin Armor rather than the superior version. The set only applies if you're also wearing Wade's Superior Dragonskin Gloves and Wade's Superior Dragonskin Boots.

Wade will only make one type, so you have to choose carefully which character you want to make the armor for. The set automatically comes with the gloves and boots. Dragonskin armor is perfect for rogues but the reduced fatigue is good for any class minus mages that aren't Arcane Warriors.

There are unfortunately not that many good sets of armor for rogues, so you might end up going with a generic set for any secondary rogues beyond this set. I would suggest making the dragonskin set for a rogue over making the dragonplate set for a warrior or Arcane mage since rogues have less gear options than heavy/massive armor wearers do. There is also the option to put a rogue character in the lesser Drakeskin armor, the first set Wade makes, since you get both and both sets reduce fatigue. Admittedly the reduction in fatigue would be more beneficial for massive armor wearers since they have high fatigue as it is, but you would be switching out pieces like the Knight Commander's armor which gives 40% spell resist, and you would be forced to use the gloves and boots which are subpar compared to individual pieces. A rogue wearing this would have -15% fatigue while a massive armor wearing warrior would go from +50% fatigue to +25%, which is still good.

*The set automatically comes with the gloves and boots.

Wade[dragonage.fandom.com]
The Urn of sacred ashes[dragonage.fandom.com]

drakeskin	(tier 7)
requires	20 strength
armor	9.00
fatigue	2.30%
dexterity	+6
defense	+9
armor	+4
stamina regeneration in combat	+1/+2
physical resistance	+15

Sold by Herren in Wade's Imporium in the Denerim market for 88g 95s 25c. He only receives the item in his wares after you've completed 3 main story quests, and before you've done the second armor quest for Wade to get the Dragonbone armor.

drakeskin	(tier 7)
requires	20 strength
armor	9.00
fatigue	2.30%
dexterity	+4
armor	+5
dodge	+15%
stamina regeneration in combat	+0.5/+1
stamina	+50

Obtained from the Leliana's Song DLC. Unlocking the achievement from the DLC gives this to any new playthroughs from the start in the base game and Awakening. Only obtainable after having already played through the DLC.

dragonbone	(tier 7)
armor	12.75
fatigue	4.02%
fire resistance	+70%
dexterity	+4
fatigue	-10%
defense	+5

This gear is acquired from Wade in Wade's Imporium in the Market District of Denerim. Ctrl+F Wades Superior Dragonskin Armor to read how to get it.

This gear is good for a rogue if you have nothing else to give them.

*The set automatically comes with the gloves and boots.

Wade[dragonage.fandom.com]

silverite	(tier 6)
requires	30 strength
armor	8.92
fatigue	8.75%
armor	+3
nature resistance	+20%
stamina	+25

This is a standalone armor chest piece that you get from the quest "Rare Ironbark". On completion Varathorn gives you the chest piece after you retrieve Ironbark from the Brecilian Forest.

Rare Ironbark[dragonage.fandom.com]

steel	(tier 3)
requires	18 strength
armor	5.95
fatigue	7.70%
constitution	+1
spell resistance	+4%

This is rewarded by Owen in Redcliffe if you save his daughter Valena in the quest "Lost in the Castle". Just note that if you choose to save Valena that the replacement blacksmith who sells the Far Song bow, one of the best bows in the game, and who gives the the Faulty Amulet, won't be obtainable. Other than a +25 physical resistance rune (Grandmaster Hale Rune) and the Boots of Diligence, Owen doesn't really have any useful stock.

This chest piece is standalone and the spell resistance is good if you have nothing better. Obtainable very early in the game.

Lost in the Castle[dragonage.fandom.com]
Faulty Amulet[dragonage.fandom.com]
Far Song[dragonage.fandom.com]
Replacement Blacksmith[dragonage.fandom.com]

Light Chest Armor

constitution	+6
fire resistance	+20%
spell resistance	+16%
dodge	+10%
armor	+12

This chest is sold for 92g 70s by the Tranquil Proprietor in The Wonder's of Thedas shop in Denerim in the back alley just off the marketplace, in the first area on entering Denerim.

Tranquil Proprietor[dragonage.fandom.com]

mana regen in combat	+1/+2
spell resistance	+4%
spellpower	+5

Bought by the Tranquil Proprietor in the Wonder of Thedas in Denerim for 6g 15s. These are decent robes for mages in general but would have the most benefit on a healer like Wynne.

Swords, Axes, Maces, and Mauls

Swords

starmetal	(tier 8)
damage	11.90
requires	31 strength
strength modifier	1.00
crit chance	3.40%
armor penetration	4.20
runes	3
dexterity	+3
damage	+3
armor penetration	+2.5
starmetal	(tier 8)
damage	18.70
requires	38 strength
strength modifier	1.10
crit chance	2.55%
armor penetration	6.30
runes	3
strength	+3
armor penetration	+2.5
attack	+8

You can only get this sword after you've completed Soldier's Peak in the Warden's Peak DLC. When you're going from place to place on the map, you have a chance to encounter a random event of a meteor falling from the sky. When it happens you can pick up metal from within the crater that appears, and you can take that metal to Mikhael Dryden in Soldier's Peak and he'll offer to make you either a one handed sword or a two-handed sword.

Mikhael Dryden[dragonage.fandom.com]

dragonbone	(tier 7)
damage	9.60
requires	31 strength
strength modifier	1.10
crit chance	1.60%
armor penetration	4.00
runes	3
strength	+2
melee crit chance	+5%
stamina regen in combat	+1
critical/backstab damage	+10%
nature damage	+2

Purchased from Bodahn in the Party Camp for 131g 55s.

tier	(varies on lvl)
damage	9.80-11.20
requires	none
strength modifier	1.00
crit chance	2.80%-3.20%
armor penetration	3.20-4.00
runes	2-3
health regen in combat	+0.75/+1.50
Weakens nearby darkspawn	bugged
stamina regen in combat	+0.75/+1.50
damage vs. darkspawn	+6
damage	+5
stamina regen in combat	+5

Found in Cailan's Chest in the Return to Ostagar DLC, has a set with Cailan's Shield. Alt+F='Cailan's Shield'

silverite	(tier 6)
damage	10.50
requires	27 magic
restriction	arcane warrior (mage)
strength modifier	1.00
crit chance	3.00%
armor penetration	3.50
runes	2
magic	+5
mana regen in combat	+1
spell resistance	+10%
electricity damage	+3

This weapon is dropped in Haven in a side passage in the dragonling caverns right before you encounter Kolgrim on the main questline to recover the Urn of Sacred Ashes.

Spellweave[dragonage.fandom.com]
Urn[dragonage.fandom.com]

Mauls

dragonbone	(tier 7)
damage	14.40
requires	38 strength
strength modifier	1.25
crit chance	0.80%
armor penetration	14.00
runes	3
damage	+5
armor penetration	+2.5
stamina regen in combat	+0.5
stamina	+75

Purchaseable from Gorim in Orzammar after you've completed 3 main quests after Lothering. Costs 151g 19s 50c.

tier	(varies 5-7)
damage	12.60-14.40
requires	32-38 strength
strength modifier	1.25
crit chance	0.70%-0.80%
armor penetration	11.20-14.00
runes	2-3
dexterity	+4
stamina	+100

*requires the Return to Ostagar DLC

In a Weapon Stand against a wall in the Tower of Ishal, near the Darkspawn Tunnels.

Maces

tier	6 (silverite)
damage	7.50
requires	28 strength
strength modifier	1.00
crit chance	0.75%
armor penetration	7.00
runes	2
strength	+3
constitution	+3
stamina regen in combat	+1

Drops from Paragon Branka if you side with Caridin.

tier	6 (silverite)
damage	7.50
requires	28 strength
strength modifier	1.00
crit chance	0.75%
armor penetration	7.00
runes	2
damage vs. darkspawn	+6
stamina regen in combat	+1

Found on a weapon rack in the Grey Warden Vault in Denerim.

Daggers

dragonbone	(tier 7)
damage	6.40
requires	30 dexterity
strength modifier	0.85
crit chance	4.80%
armor penetration	8.00
runes	3
dexterity	+2
health regen in combat	+1
damage	+3
melee crit chance	+5%
critical/backstab damage	+30%

Sold by Garin in the Orzammar Commons for 148g 52s 50c.

varies	(tier 5-7)
damage	5.60-6.40
requires	24-30 dexterity
strength modifier	0.85
crit chance	4.20%-4.80%
armor penetration	6.40-8.00
runes	2-3
dexterity	+4
health regen in combat	+1
damage	+3
melee crit chance	+5%
critical/backstab damage	+10%

*requires the Return to Ostagar DLC

Drops from the Risen Ogre at the end of the Return to Ostagar DLC.

varies	(tier 1-7)
damage	4.00-6.00
requires	10-30 dexterity
strength modifier	0.85
crit chance	3.00%-4.80%
armor penetration	4.00-8.00
runes	0-3
critical/backstab damage	+15%

There isn't a wide variety of daggers, but this one is decent if you don't have the gold for the more expensive daggers. There's a bug that prevents these daggers from having the rune slots but there is a workaround for it that doesn't require mods, which requires selling, saving, reloading and rebuying the dagger, until it ends up the tier you want.

This dagger has multiple drop chances from several locations:

• Sold by Cesar in Denerim Market
  
• Drop from killing Master Ignacio in the Gnawed Noble Tavern
  
• From Godwin in the Circle Tower as a reward for the sidequest "Precious Metals".
  
• Sold by Alimar in Dust Town in Orzammar
  
• Zevran has the dagger when he first joins your party
  
• Drop from the High Dragon during the "Urn of Sacred Ashes" quest

Crow Dagger[dragonage.fandom.com]

Shields

tier	(varies 5-7)
requires	32-38 strength
strength modifier	1.00
fatigue	4.16%
defense	4.00
missile deflection	7.50
armor	+1
damage	+5
stamina regen in combat	+5

Dropped by the Hurlock Vanguard in the Return to Ostagar DLC. Has a matching set with Maric's Sword.

silverite	(tier 6)
requires	38 strength
strength modifier	1.00
fatigue	6.00%
defense	6.00
missile deflection	9.00
defense	+3
healing effects received	+20%
stamina regen in combat	+1
stamina	+25 stamina

A chance drop from the enemy NPC Gaxkang for the side quest "Unbound". To get it, you have to collect notes from the Lower Ruins in the Brecilian Forest, Tapster's Tavern in the Commons in Orzammar, and the Ruined Temple in Haven during the "The Urn of Sacred Ashes" main quest. Then you have to go to the Dirty Back Alley in Denerim and find the door labelled "Quaint Hovel". Save outside of the door, enter, and a battle should initiate. Loot the enemy to see if the item dropped, if not, you can reload and try again.

steel	(tier 3)
requires	22 strength
strength modifier	1.00
fatigue	3.52%
defense	4.00
missile deflection	4.50
defense	+6
stamina	+25 stamina

You get this item early on in Redcliffe Castle during the quest "The Arl of Redcliffe". To get it you have to make Connor run to his room while he's still possessed by the demon so that you can freely roam around the castle. On the lower floor there will be a room full of knights that will come to life and attack you, Once you've defeated them, enter the left room and kill the Chamberlain and he should drop a key. The door to the second floor should be in the same room as the knights, opposite the room with the key, and on the second floor there should be a vault that has the shield in a chest, just short of encountering Connor again.

Bows

dragonthorn	(tier 7)
damage	9.60
requires	34 dexterity
strength modifier	1.00
crit chance	1.60%
armor penetration	8.80
range	46
damage	+2
crit chance	+3%
attack	+10
crit/backstab damage	+10%

This bow can be obtained by the blacksmith that replaces Owen in Redcliffe village if you didn't save his daughter Valena during the quest "Lost in the Castle". It costs 120g. If you would like to save Owen in your play through and you're not playing an archer, Leliana can get a decent bow from her companion quest "Leliana's Past" called "Marjolaine's Recurve".

Lost in the Castle[dragonage.fandom.com]
Replacement Blacksmith[dragonage.fandom.com]

dragonthorn	(tier 7)
damage	9.60
requires	34 dexterity
restriction	Leliana
strength modifier	1.00
crit chance	1.60%
armor penetration	8.80
range	45.5
cunning	+3
damage	+3

*rapid aim reduces aim animation by 0.3 seconds

To obtain this for Leliana you have to raise her companion reputation by +30 and then ask her about bards in dialogue, and she will give you the quest "Leliana's Past". You get the bow at the end of the quest by looting the chest Marjolaine's house in Denerim. So you get the bow whether you have a peaceful resolution to the quest or a violent resolution to the quest.

Marjolaine's Home[dragonage.fandom.com]
Leliana's Past[dragonage.fandom.com]

dragonthorn	(tier 7)
damage	9.60
requires	34 dexterity
restriction	Leliana
strength modifier	1.00
crit chance	1.60%
armor penetration	8.80
range	46
ranged crit chance	+6%
damage	+3
armor penetration	+3

Earned by getting the "Through the Looking Glass" achievement in The Witch Hunt DLC.

Staves

dragonbone	(tier 7)
damage	6.40 (cold)
requires	36 magic
restriction	mage
armor penetration	40.00
range	65
spellpower	7
willpower	+6
mana regen in combat	+2
spellpower	+6
spirit damage	+10%
fire damage	+10%

Sold by the Quartermaster in the Circle Tower for 128g 88s. This weapon is really good for healers like Wynne because of the willpower, regen, and spellpower.

dragonbone	(tier 7)
damage	6.40 (cold)
requires	36 magic
restriction	mage
armor penetration	40.00
range	58
spellpower	7
cold resistance	+25%
cold damage	+15%

This is a drop from a rage demon in the Solder's Peak DLC. It's similar to the Winter's Breath in the base game, except this one has a whopping 10% more cold damage added onto it. Just remember that there is a 30% cap on how much you can raise the damage of any school of magic.

Alternatively, the base game version of this item can be bought from The Wonders of Thedas in Denerim's main area alley for 31g 27s 50c

veridium	(tier 4)
damage	5.20 (physical)
requires	24 magic
restriction	mage
armor penetration	29.00
range	53.75
spellpower	4
mana regen in combat	+1
spellpower	+5
willpower	-1
spirit damage	+10%
electricity damage	+10%

Obtained near to the end of the game, unfortunately, it drops from the Hurlock General on the last quest of the main storyline. Good for spirit and electricity damage builds.

silverite	(tier 6)
damage	6.00 (physical)
requires	32 magic
restriction	mage
armor penetration	35.00
range	56.25
spellpower	6
damage	+3
spellpower	+10
fire damage	+15%

Downloaded from the Collector's edition of the game. Sold by Bodahn for 6g 37s 50c after you've downloaded it.

Helmets

grey iron	(tier 2)
requires	20 strength
armor	1.50
fatigue	2.36%
all attributes	+2
armor	+3

*requires The Stone Prisoner DLC

Looted from Kitty, the desire demon in Wilhelm's basement in Honnleath village during The Stone Prisoner DLC.

tier	varies
requires	18 strength
armor	1.25
fatigue	2.25%
stamina	+25

There are a lot of random drop chances for this helmet, but it's a fixed loot sold by Cesar's special stock in Denerim in the marketplace.

Cesar[dragonage.fandom.com]

tier	5 (reinforced)
requires	17 strength
armor	1.75
stamina regen in combat	+0.5

This can be looted from two places. The first is a drop from Jarvia during the Orzammar quest "Entering Jarvia's Hideout". The second is from Jammer's box during the quest "Jammer's stash", a sidequest in Jarvia's hideout to take cheap items from boxes to get a key to unlock a chest.

Mage Helmets

cold resistance	+5%
nature resistance	+5%
spirit resistance	+5%
mental resistance	+5

This cowl is sold by the Tranquil Proprietor in the Wonder's of Thedas store just off the side alley in the main zone of the Denerim market. Sold for 1g 83s 75c. This item can also be obtained as random loot in the Circle Tower.

Tranquil Proprietor[dragonage.fandom.com]

spell resistance	+4%
chance to dodge	+10%

Sold from Bodahn right before the last boss fight at Denerim castle for 1g 81s 50c. The wiki says Redcliffe but I'm not sure that's correct. Could be wrong, I'll check into it and edit.

defense	+12
mana regen in combat	+0.25/+0.5

Found on a corpse on the fourth floor of the Circle Tower.

Boots

Light Boots

type	light boots
tier	3 (leather)
armor	1.25
fatigue	0.52%
armor	+1
chance to dodge attacks	+10%
chance to avoid missiles	+10

Downloaded from the Dragon Age Keep or from Origins.

type	light boots
restriction	mage
tier	7 (drakeskin)
armor	2.25
fatigue	0.57%
defense	+12

Dropped by the Trickster Whim during the quest "Unintended Consequences" as a random event after completing the hidden sidequest "Summoning Sciences" from the codex in the Circle Tower. Instructions to complete the quest are in the codex entry. Secret sidequest not shown in the questlog.

type	light boots
tier	1-7 (varies)
armor	0.75
fatigue	0.50%
dexterity	+2

Sold by Bodahn Fedic at the party camp for 1g 50s.

type	light boots
restriction	mage
tier	1-7 (varies)
armor	0.75
fatigue	0.5%
chance to dodge attacks	+10%

Sold by Bodahn Fedic at the party camp for 1g 50s.

Medium Boots

type	medium boots
tier
requires	22 strength
armor	2.66
fatigue	1.69%
dexterity	+2
armor	+2
ranged critical chance	+2%
melee critical chance	+2%

*requires The Stone Prisoner DLC

*hostility stat currently doesn't work without mods

Dropped by the Ogre Alpha during Shale's companion quest "A Golem's Memories" in the Cadash Thaig.

A Golem's Memories[dragonage.fandom.com]

Massive Boots

type	massive boots
tier	5-7
requires	36-42 strength
armor	2.70-3.75
fatigue	3.60%-3.90%
armor	+1
chance to dodge attacks	+20%

*requires the Return to Ostagar DLC

Dropped from the corpse of the Hurlock Strider, and part of a set.

type	medium boots
tier	7 (dragonbone)
requires	20 strength
armor	2.25
fatigue	0.57%
fire resistance	+10%
dexterity	+1

Made by Wade, read the description of Wade's Drakeskin Armor (Ctrl+F) in the Armor section to find out how to get it. Comes as a set with the armor and gloves.

type	massive boots
tier	6 (silverite)
requires	38 strength
armor	3.15
fatigue	3.75%
fire resistance	+5%
cold resistance	+5%
electricity resistance	+5%
nature resistance	+5%
spirit resistance	+5%

Looted from a Revenant in the East Brecilian Forest as part of the secret side quest "The Mage's Treasure". You have to find the Northern Ancient Tombstone in East Brecilian Forest otherwise the option to start the fight won't appear.

type	massive boots
tier	2-7 (based on level)
requires	24 strength
armor	1.80
fatigue	3.15%
stamina	+50

*requires the Warden's Keep DLC

Drops from Sophia Dryden in the Warden's Keep DLC, as part of a set.

type	massive boots
tier	7 (dragonbone)
requires	42 strength
armor	3.75
fatigue	3.9%
fire resistance	+10%
stamina/mana regen	+0.5

Made by Wade, read the description of Wade's Superior Dragonbone Plate Armor (Ctrl+F) in the Armor section to find out how to get it. Comes as a set with the armor and gloves.

Gloves

drakeskin	(tier 7)
requires	20 strength
restriction	rogue
armor	1.50
fatigue	1.15%
critical/backstab damage	+15

Obtained from completing all assassination marks given by Master Ignacio in Denerim. They also have a random drop chance on the quest "Back Alley Justice".

Master Ignacio[dragonage.fandom.com]
Back Alley Justice[dragonage.fandom.com]

tier	varies on level
requires	14 strength
armor	1.50
fatigue	1.08%
armor penetration	+1

You can find these in the Return to Ostgar DLC in a crate. The wiki says the gloves actually reduce aim by 3 seconds rather than .3 seconds, so if you're using the Aim ability this might be the only Rapid Aim equipment you need. Base animation speed is 0.3s for shortbows, 0.5s for longbows, and 0.8s for crossbows, and it increases to 1.5s/1.8s/2.1s(*) with the Aim passive ability.

*to be confirmed

Repeater Gloves[dragonage.fandom.com]

inscribed leather	(tier 6)
restriction	mage
armor	1.33
fatigue	1.13%
fire damage	+20%

There's a 30% cap for increasing the damage of a specific school of magic so you won't really be needing much more than this as a fire mage. Good gloves for if you choose to go for the fire talents. Dropped from Uldred at the end of the Broken Tower main questline.

Broken Circle[dragonage.fandom.com]

veridium	(tier 4)
requires	22 strength
armor	1.20
fatigue	1.44%
armor	+2
spell resistance	+4%

In a chest in the Ruined Temple in Haven found during the quest "Urn of Sacred Ashes". It's part of a set, but a piece of the set is unfortunately unobtainable on PC without mods.

https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Ancient_Elven_Gloves

drakeskin	(tier 7)
requires	20 strength
restriction	rogue
armor	1.50
fatigue	1.15%
melee crit chance	+5%

Dropped by Jarvia in the Carta Hangout in Orzammar as part of the quest "A Paragon of Her Kind". Both sides will give you the quest so you don't have to worry about choosing.

inscribed	(tier 6)
restriction	mage
armor	1.33
fatigue	1.13%
fire damage	+5%
spirit damage	+5%
cold damage	+5%
nature damage	+5%
lightning damage	+5%

To get them, you have to pick up a journal in the Ruined Temple in Haven, which you go to for the main quest "Urn of Sacred Ashes". Once you do it will unlock a codex entry for the sidequest "Unbound", which won't be marked in your questlog. You have to grab two other journals/codex entries, the other two located in Orzammar in Tapster's Tavern in the Commons, and the Lower Ruins in the Brecilian Forest in a room full of traps. Once you have all 3, head to Denerim and go to the Dirty Back Alley side location on the map. There you'll see a door marked "Quaint Hovel". Save, go inside, and a fight will initiate, so be prepared for a tough battle, as the enemy has an orange name. Once you've defeated the enemy inside, Gaxkang, go to the back of the hovel and loot the chest, and the gloves are inside.

drakeskin	(tier 7)
requires	20 strength (20 cunning with the Lethality rogue talent)
armor	1.50
fatigue	1.15%
dexterity	+1
fire resistance	+10%

The set all comes together once it's made by Wade in Wade's Emporium. Not the best pair of gloves, but the set is worth it if you can't mismatch better gear.

To get this you need to talk to Wade in Wade's Emporium in Denerim to start the quest "Drake Scale Armor", which requires 3 Drake scales, all of which you can get in Haven, although there are more than 3 in the game. Give the scales to Wade and make sure to pay him the 10g to have the gear improved, and when he's done you'll get the regular Drake/Dragon set. To get the Superior Drake/Dragon set, after you've received the first set of gear from Wade, talk to him again, and he'll talk about wanting more. Go to the Ruined Temple in Haven, the location of the "Urn of Sacred Ashes" main quest, and defeat the High Dragon, which will drop the Dragon Scale. Take it to Wade and pay him the 20g to have it upgraded, he'll ask which kind you want, the Dragonskin (medium), the Heavy Dragonscale (heavy), or the Dragonbone plate (massive), tell him, and he'll make it.

If you don't pay Wade the gold both times he won't make the superior set, and it won't have the dexterity and the set won't have as many stats.

Necklaces, Rings, Belts

Necklaces

willpower	+5
health regen while exploring	+8
spell resistance	+30%
dodge	+10%
defense against missiles	+6

Sold by Bodahn Feddic at the party camp for 87g 67s 50c.

Pearl of the anointed

all attributes

+1

Increases monetary gain

Obtained by downloading it from the rewards section of the Dragon Age Keep or from the extra content tab in Origins. Only available if you had pre-ordered the game.

defense	+6
spell resistance	+2%
mental resistance	+5

Unlocked for free as downloaded side content on Dragon Age Keep under the Career section or from Origins third party app under Extra Content.

Mark of Vigilance[dragonage.fandom.com]

Athra's Pendant

spell resistance

+4%

Obtained in the Dalish Camp in the Brecilian Forest from Athras for completing the quest "Lost to the Curse". Take the scarf back to receive it.

Rings

fire resistance	+20%
cold resistance	+20%
electricity resistance	+20%
nature resistance	+20%
spirit resistance	+20%

This ring is sold by the Tranquil Proprietor in the Wonder's of Thedas shop just off the market in the main zone of Denerim. It costs 78g 30s.

Tranquil Proprietor[dragonage.fandom.com]

all attributes	+2
+4% spell resistance	+4%
+10% to healing spell effects	+10%

*healing received stat is bugged

This ring can be obtained from a side quest to gather codex entries in Orzammar. There are 5 codex entries in all in the different zones in Orzammar and once you've found them all you get the ring in a cache in the Chamber of Assembly area in the Diamond Quarter, where the king is.

Key to the City[dragonage.fandom.com]

constitution	+10
health regen in combat	+3/+6
health regeneration while exploring	+10
armor	+3
healing effects received	+20%

*healing received stat is bugged

Sold by Garin in Orzammar Commons for 87g 88s. A decent ring for con and health regen if you plan on playing a blood mage, although you might be better off with a different ring anyways.

Garin[dragonage.fandom.com]

Dreamsever

spirit damage

+10%

Good spirit damage ring, received from the Mad Hermit as loot if you kill him.

Belts

all attributes	+2
nature resistance	+20%
stamina regen in combat	+1
stamina regen in combat	+1
physical resistance	+10

Sold by the Quartermaster in the Circle Tower for 106g 2s.

Quartermaster of the Circle tower[dragonage.fandom.com]

https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Cinch_of_Skillful_Maneuvering_(Origins)

all attributes	+1
spell resistance	+10%
chance to dodge	+10%

*requires the Witch Hunt DLC

Unlocked by completing the "A Time of Wood and Stone" achievement from the Witch Hunt DLC, you get it in the base game on any subsequent playthroughs after completing the achievement. It should appear in your inventory on start.

mana/stamina regen	+0.5
spellpower	+3

sold by Ruck for 5g 10s in the Deep Roads.

Crystals

All of these are supposed to be sold by Garin once you hit the 19+ levels, but you can also get them as random loot in Cadash Thaig or in Wilhelm's Cellar during the quest where you gain Shale as a companion. They form sets with crystals of the opposite size and same elemental type Large Fire Crystal (Armor), Small Fire Crystal (Weapon)). Alimar in Dust Town is also known for having some crystals, and crystals still have a random drop chance with any drop loot you receive.

Armor Crystals

requires	38 constitution
armor	22.50
fatigue	28.60%
strength	+4
defense	+9
fire resistance	+50%
stamina regen in combat	+3
stats	varies
fire resistance	+10%

requires	38 constitution
armor	22.50
fatigue	28.60%
health regen in combat	+1.25
defense	+15
cold resistance	+50%
healing effects received	+15%
stats	varies
cold resistance	+10%

requires	38 constitution
armor	22.50
fatigue	28.60%
dexterity	+4
electric resistance	+50%
chance to dodge	+15%
stats	varies
electric resistance	+10%

requires	38 constitution
armor	22.50
fatigue	28.60%
constitution	+2
armor	+4
nature resistance	+50%
physical resistance	+25
stats	varies
nature resistance	+10%

requires	38 constitution
armor	22.50
fatigue	28.60%
all attributes	+1
spirit resistance	+50%
spell resistance	+16%
mental resistance	+25
stats	varies
spirit resistance	+10%

Damage Crystals

requires	38 strength
damage	8.00
strength modifier	1.00
critical chance	0.80%
armor penetration	8.00
melee crit chance	+5%
all weapon damage	+5
fire damage	+30%
stats	varies
fire resistance	+10%

requires	38 strength
damage	8.00
strength modifier	1.00
critical chance	0.80%
armor penetration	8.00
armor penetration	+3
critical/backstab damage	+15%
cold damage	+30%
stats	varies
cold resistance	+10%

requires	38 strength
damage	8.00
strength modifier	1.00
critical chance	0.80%
armor penetration	8.00
dexterity	+6
attack	+10
electric damage	+30%
stats	varies
electric resistance	+10%

requires	38 strength
damage	8.00
strength modifier	1.00
critical chance	0.80%
armor penetration	8.00
constitution	+6
health regen in combat	+6
nature damage	+30%
stats	varies
nature resistance	+10%

requires	38 strength
damage	8.00
strength modifier	1.00
critical chance	0.80%
armor penetration	8.00
all attributes	+3
armor penetration	+2
spirit damage	+30%
stats	varies
spirit resistance	+10%

Alimar[dragonage.fandom.com]
Garin[dragonage.fandom.com]

Mabari Equipment

Collars

armor penetration	+2
armor	+8

In a container on the second last floor before you encounter Uldred in the Circle Tower.

Mabari War Harness[dragonage.fandom.com]

cold resistance	+25%
attack	+4

*requires the Return to Ostagar DLC

Found on a dead mabari in Ostagar during the Return to Ostagar DLC quest.

Firestone Harness[dragonage.fandom.com]

attack	+8
armor	+8

*I edited the word out because I don't want my guide removed

Looted from the High Dragon during (or after) the "Urn of Sacred Ashes" quest.

Kaddis

Warpaint of the Vanguard

stamina regen

+1

Sold in the inn by Barlin in Lothering for 4g 94s. Not possible to get after you leave Lothering.

Barlin[dragonage.fandom.com]

nature resistance	+20%
spirit resistance	+20%

Sold by Herren in Wade's Emporium in Denerim for 5g 3s 11c. You have to buy it before asking Wade to make the second set of Drake/Dragon armor.

Herren[dragonage.fandom.com]

Warpaint of the Tempest

electric resistance

+30%

Found in Redcliffe castle in the dog kennels during the quest "Arl of Redcliffe".

Kaddis of the Siege-Breaker

fire resistance

+30%

Sold by the Innkeeper in the inn The Spoiled Princess on the docks outside of Lake Calenhad where you take the boat across to the Circle Tower. Sold for 3g 85s 20c.

Kaddis of the Lady of the Skies

physical resistance

+30

Found on the second last floor of the Circle Tower right before the last boss, in a chest.

Kaddis of the Hakkon Wintersbreath

cold resistance

+30%

In a chest in Redcliffe Castle during the quest "Arl of Redcliffe".

dexterity	+2
damage	+2

*requires the Return to Ostagar DLC

Looted from a dead mabari in the Return to Ostagar DLC quest.

Blood Magic Items

willpower	+3
armor	+3

*improved blood magic lowers the health cost for casting spells by 25%

Rewarded from the Warden's Keep DLC, from Soldier's Peak, if you kill Avernus. Does not stack with the Blood Ring or Sash of Forbidden Secrets.

Robes of Avernus[dragonage.fandom.com]

Blood Ring

spirit damage

+5%

improves blood magic

*improved blood magic lowers the health cost for casting spells by 25%

Won by completing the side quest "Proving After Dark". Does not stack with the Sash of Forbidden Secrets or Robes of Avernus

Proving After Dark[dragonage.fandom.com]
Blood Ring[dragonage.fandom.com]

willpower	+6
spellpower	+6
mental resistance	+15

*improved blood magic lowers the health cost for casting spells by 25%

Acquired by getting the Reaper achievement from the Golems of Amgarrak DLC, with one of the hardest bosses in the entire game. Does not stack with the Blood Ring or Robes of Avernus

Sash of Forbidden Secrets[dragonage.fandom.com]

constitution	+10
health regen in combat	+3/+6
health regeneration while exploring	+10
armor	+3
healing effects received	+20%

*healing received stat is bugged

Sold by Garin in Orzammar Commons for 87g 88s. A decent ring for con and health regen if you plan on playing a blood mage, although you might be better off with a different ring anyways.

Garin[dragonage.fandom.com]

constitution	+6
fire resistance	+20%
spell resistance	+16%
dodge	+10%
armor	+12

This chest is sold for 92g 70s by the Tranquil Proprietor in The Wonder's of Thedas shop in Denerim in the back alley just off the marketplace, in the first area on entering Denerim.

Tranquil Proprietor[dragonage.fandom.com]

Downloadable Gear

Awakening - Massive/Heavy Armor

*importing your character over to Awakening can carry your armor over, with the exception of certain pieces that won't carry over. tiering the carried gear up is done by selling and rebuying the armor to a merchant. if the tier says "varies" or has more than one tier shown than it can be tiered up.

Massive Armor

tier	Silverite (tier 6)
requires	none
armor	33.31
fatigue	37.50%
dexterity	+2
stamina	+25
dodge	+5%
attack	+4
defense	+3
mental resistance	+5
physical resistance	+5
strength	+2
constitution	+6

This is the starting armor if you start a new Warrior character in Awakening.

https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Grey_Warden_plate_armor_set

tier	White Steel (tier 8)
requires	46 strength
armor	35.11
fatigue	45.00%
strength	+4
consitution	+10
defense	+6
spell resistance	+10%
mental resistance	+15
melee crit chance	+3%
armor penetration	+1
fire resistance	+30%
fatigue	-10%

The set is in pieces in Kal Hirol, all of which are in the Trade Quarter. The breastplate is in the main hall in a side passage, the gauntlets are received from a rune puzzle, the greaves are in a crate next to a bridge, and the helm is found in the treasury room. The items aren't usable immediately so you have to take them to the forge in Kal Hirol to fix them, which is also in the Trade Quarter.

https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Hirol%27s_Defense_armor_set

tier	Volcanic Aurum (tier 9)
requires	52 strength
armor	39.00
fatigue	52.50%
constitution	+8
health regen in combat	+1.5
defense	+12
melee crit chance	+3%
attack	+6
strength	+14
physical resistance	+25
armor	+0.5
fatigue	-15%

All of the pieces of this gear are obtained in the Blackmarsh, where you get the companion Justice. To get 3 of the pieces you have to touch 3 pedestals in the Blackmarsh and defeat the 3 desire demons they summon during the quest "Tears in the Veil". Chests will then appear outside of the fade that you can loot to get 3 of the pieces of the set. The last piece, the chest piece, you get after completing the quest "The Blackmarsh Undying", when you return from the fade after defeating The First, it drops from the body of the boss.

tier	Volcanic Aurum (tier 9)
requires	52 strength
runes	3
armor	26.25
fatigue	36.75%
strength	+8
constitution	+8
armor	+2
defense	+12
fire resistance	+25%
physical resistance	+20

To get this item you need to have Wade at Vigil's Keep make it for you. To start off you need to loot the Inferno Golem Shell from the Golem in Kal Hirol. Show it to Wade and he'll ask you to get the following items:

• Pure Iron
  
• Master Lyrium Potion
  
• Wool Padding
  
• Blood Lotus

The pure iron can be bought by Glassric in Amaranthine, the wool padding can be found in a chest in Amaranthine, the blood lotus can be looted from outside Vigil's Keep when you first started the DLC, in the Blackmarsh, or in the Wending Wood, and last of all you have to make a Master Lyirum potion, and for that you need to get the recipe from the Avvar Crypt below Vigil's Keep. All of the keys can be found below Vigil's Keep, but you also have to defeat the shade in the sidequest "Wraith of Vengeance", which also ends under Vigil's Keep, before you can loot the recipe from the crypt. To craft the potion you'll need:

• Lyrium Dust (x8)
  
• Flask (x1)
  
• Distillation Agent (x8)
  
• Concentrator Agent (x8)

You can buy all of the ingredients from Master Henley in Amaranthine. Once you have all of that, take them to Wade and he'll make you the chest.

Heavy Armor

tier	varies (tier 8-9)
runes	3
requires	48 strength
armor	26.64
fatigue	30.82%
dexterity	+8
defense	+18
armor	+4
stamina regen in combat	+2
electricity resistance	+55%
electricity resistance	+25%

The helm is found near the quest giver at Vigil's Keep for the sidequest "A Medical Necessity" when you first arrive, the chest is sold by the merchant Yuriah inside Vigil's Keep, the gauntlet's are sold by Herren on the grounds of Vigil's Keep, and the boots are found on the Turnoble Estate during the sidequest "Far Afield" which you can get from the Private who is a messenger at Vigil's Keep. This set is good for the sideboss, Queen of the Blackmarsh in the Blackmarsh.

https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Private
https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Far_Afield
https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Stormchaser_armor_set

Awakening - Light Armor

Light Armor

tier	drakeskin (tier 7)
restriction	The Warden Commander
requires	48 strength
armor	15.00
fatigue	4.02%
dexterity	+2
cunning	+2
attack	+4
defense	+3
stamina regen in combat	+0.5
chance to dodge	+5%
dexterity	+2
constitution	+6

Given to new rogues characters on starting the DLC.

tier	♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ (tier 8)
restriction	Rogue
runes	3
requires	22 strength
armor	16.65
fatigue	4.38%
willpower	+2
dexterity	+3
attack	+4
defense	+9
mental resistance	+15
physical resistance	+25
electricity resistance	+25%
fatigue	-10%
fatigue	-5%

Helm: Found in Vigil's Keep basement.
Gloves: In the Smuggler's Cache in Smuggler's Cove.
Chest: In the armor stand in the Vigil's Keep throne room.
Boots: Dropped by a skeleton in the Vigil's Keep Deep Roads.

tier	varies (tier -9)
restriction	rogue
runes	3
requires	24 strength
armor	16.90
fatigue	4.34%
dexterity	+11
cunning	+11
armor	+3
rapid aim	-0.5
ranged crit chance	+10%
crit/backstab damage	+15%
stamina	+50
mental resistance	+10
spell resistance	+20%
fire resistance	+20%
ice resistance	+20%

Helm: Sold by Yuriah after he upgrades his stock the first time.
Gloves: Purchased from the Bartender in the Crown and Lion in Amaranthine.
Chest: Rare drop from Crow Assassins during the sidequests "And you, Esmerelle?" and "A Brewing Conspiracy".

https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Nimble_armor_set

tier	none
restriction	mage
runes	3
requires	24 strength
armor	4.16
fatigue	1.88%
willpower	+2
dexterity	+2
constitution	+3
magic	+3
defense	+6
fire resistance	+15%
cold resistance	+15%
electricity resistance	+15%
spirit resistance	+15%
armor	+5
armor	+3
physical resistance	+20

Helm: In an armoire in the Abandoned Warehouse during the companion quest "Freedom for Anders"
Gloves: Same as Helm.
Chest: Random drop during "Law and Order" quest. If you side with the smuggler's this quest will fail.
Boots: Same as gloves and helm.

Awakening - Swords, Axes, Daggers, Staves

Daggers

tier	Volcanic Aurum (tier 9)
damage	7.20
requires	40 dexterity
strength modifier	0.85
crit chance	5.40%
armor penetration	10.00
runes	3
health regen in combat	+1
damage	+3
melee crit chance	+5%
chance to dodge	+25%
critical/backstab damage	+100%
cold damage	+5

Sold by the Bartender in the Crown and Lion in Amaranthine city for 174g 51s 50c.

Swords

tier	Volcanic Aurum(tier 9)
damage	12.60
requires	41 strength
strength modifier	1.00
crit chance	3.60%
armor penetration	5/00
all attributes	+1
attack	+2
armor penetration	+0.5
tier	Volcanic Aurum (tier 9)
damage	19.80
requires	46 strength
strength modifier	1.10
crit chance	2.70%
armor penetration	7.50
all attributes	+1
attack	+2
armor penetration	+0.5

Raw Power	Flexible
armor penetration +1.5 +5 fire damage	+6 attack +5 cold damage

Sharp	Easy To Swing	Helps Defense	Whatever you think is best, Wade
crit chance +3% crit/backstab dmg +15%	stamina regen in combat +0.5 +50 stamina	+6 defense +10% chance to dodge attacks	+3 to all attributes

These blades are special and Wade allows you to customize the stats you want on the type of blade you choose, Longsword (1-handed) or Greatsword (2-handed). To get the sword, you have to defeat the Queen of the Blackmarsh. There is a bone visible on the ground in the battle area that you pick up, and once you have it, take it to Wade in Vigil's Keep. In order for Wade to craft it for you, he asks for you to get him some items first:

• Diamond
  
• Greater Warmth Balm
  
• Grandmaster Flame Rune
  
• Fresh Dragon Egg

The Dragon Egg is located in the Silverite Mines in the Wending Wood, but the other 3 items will be harder to get. In Awakening there are two places to get a diamond, the Turnoble Estate and the Deep Roads underneath Vigil's Keep. The Greater Warmth Balm can be bought by either Yuriah in Vigil's Keep or from Master Henley in Amaranthine for 1g 26s 90c. The Grandmaster Flame Rune, last of all, has to be made with the Runecrafting profession you get from the DLC, which allows you to make runes. The recipe can be bought by Ambassador Cera in Vigil's Keep for 8g 19s 50c, but the ingredients themselves will cost you 6g 25s 25c in all, and the items you will need are as follows:

Novice Flame Rune (x8)
Blank Runestone (x15)
Etching Agent (x10)

You can buy all of the items to make the Flamemaster Rune from Ambassador Cera in Vigil's Keep. To craft the rune, you'll need Runecrafting level 3.

Once you have all of that, take it to Wade and choose the dialogue options that fit the stats you want (table above) and choose if you want a Longsword or Greatsword and he'll craft it.

tier	Whitesteel (tier 8)
damage	18.70
requires	42 strength
strength modifier	1.10
crit chance	2.55%
armor penetration	6.75
cunning	+2
armor penetration	+1
attack	+4
fire damage	+5

Dropped by The First in Blackmarsh as part of the main questline.

tier	Dragonbone (tier )
damage	17.60
requires	38 strength
strength modifier	1.10
crit chance	2.40%
armor penetration	6.00
runes	3
fire resistance	+20%
chance to ignite target	+50%
attack	+10
fire damage	+3

* chance to ignite stat bugged without mods

Obtained after getting the sidequest "Ser Alvard's Missing Sword". The item is in the Blackmarsh by the Baroness' estate after you leave the fade. There's also a random chance for it to drop in the Vigil's Keep basement during the sidequest "The Wraith's Vengeance" when you loot the Avvar Crypt.

Axes

tier	Whitesteel (tier 8)
damage	15.30
requires	42 strength
strength modifier	1.10
crit chance	5.10%
armor penetration	6.75
runes	3
health regen in combat	+0.5
damage	+5
spell resistance	+10%
attack	+10

There are 3 ways you can get this axe. One is by offering the Golden Idol of Korth or a Diamond to the Shrine of Korth in the Deep Roads under Vigil's Keep. The second way is to buy it off of the merchant Glassric in Amaranthine city for 12g 30s. The third way is that if you imported your Origins character over and chose the secret companion, and both of you survived the final battle, then Loghain will show up in Vigil's keep and give you the axe plus 10g.

Staves

tier	Volcanic Aurum (tier 9)
damage	7.20 (physical)
requires	46 magic
restriction	mage
armor penetration	50.00
range	63
spellpower	+10
all attributes	+4
rapid aim	-0.4
mana regen in combat	+1
spellpower	+20

Purchased from Octham in Amaranthine for 172g 51s 20c.

tier	Volcanic Aurum (tier 9)
damage	7.20 (physical)
requires	46 magic
restriction	mage
armor penetration	50.00
range	63
spellpower	+10
magic	+10
spirit resistance	+15%
spellpower	+15
stamina	+75
spirit damage	+50%

Looted from Kal Hirol in the Lower Reaches during the main questline "Last of the Legion".

Awakening - Bows, Crossbows, and Shields

tier	Vhenadahl (tier 8)
damage	8.50
requires	34 dexterity
strength modifier	1.00
crit chance	1.70%
armor penetration	7.50
range	28
damage	+4
rapid aim	-0.5s
attack	+10
damage vs dragons	+20

The Wiki says this item isn't very good against the dragons in the Silverite mine, which is where you can get this bow, from the chest in the puzzle room while on the main quest "The Righteous Path".

tier	Ancestral Heartwood (tier 9)
damage	10.80
requires	44 dexterity
strength modifier	1.00
crit chance	1.80%
armor penetration	11.00
range	53
dexterity	+5
cunning	+5
rapid aim	-0.3s
ranged crit chance	+5%
attack	+6
tier	Ancestral Heartwood (tier 9)
damage	10.80
requires	48 strength
strength modifier	1.00
fatigue	4.16%
missile deflection	10.50%
defense	+15
armor penetration	11.00
nature resistance	+10%
physical resistance	+20
absorbs damage (dmg taken)	-15%

You can only get this bow by having Master Wade craft it for you after you've gotten the Heartwood from the Old One, a wild sylvan in the Wending Wood. Once you have the Heartwood and show it to Wade, he'll ask you to get a list of items for him:

• Oil
  
• Catgut
  
• Flawless Ruby
  
• Grandmaster Lightning Rune

The oil is an item you pick up in the Crown and Lion inn in Amaranthine, the catgut is found on a dead mabari in the Blackmarsh, the Flawless Ruby can be found by buying it from Master Henley in Amaranthine for 28g 80sor by looting it off the Golem Master in Kal Hirol, and last of all the Grandmaster Lightning Rune has to be crafted with level 3 runecrafting.

To craft the rune you'll need a total of 6g 24s 25c. To make the item you'll need the following items:

• Novice Lightning Rune (x8)
  
• Blank Runestone (x15)
  
• Etching Agent (x10)

You'll also need to be able to craft the lower rank runes below it. Once you have all the items you can choose the Heartwood bow or the Heartwood shield.

tier	Ancestral Heartwood (tier 9)
damage	10.80
requires	44 dexterity
strength modifier	1.00
crit chance	1.80%
armor penetration	11.00
range	53
rapid aim	-0.5s
ranged crit chance	+10%
armor penetration	+2.5
attack	+10

Sold by the Bartender in the Crown and Lion tavern in Amaranthine for 9g 30s 51c.

Crossbows

tier	Ancestral Heartwood (tier 9)
damage	14.40
requires	30 strength
strength modifier	1.00
crit chance	3.60%
armor penetration	13.75
range	28
damage	+10
rapid aim	-0.4s
ranged crit chance	+15%
attack	+10

Sold by the merchant Glassric in Amaranthine for 94g 62s 14c.

Shields

tier	Volcanic Aurum (tier 9)
requires	48 strength
strength modifier	1.00
fatigue	5.60%
defense	4.00
Missile Deflection	10.50
defense	+12
electricity resistance	+30%
stamina	+50
physical resistance	+15
absorbs damage (dmg taken)	-12%

This shield can be obtained 3 ways. One way is as a guaranteed loot from on a Dragon Thrall in the Silverite Mines in the Wending Wood. The second is a random drop from Rylock during the companion quest "Freedom for Anders", and the second is a reward from the sidequest "Smuggler's Run".

tier	White Steel (tier 8)
requires	46 strength
strength modifier	1.00
fatigue	7.20%
defense	6.00
Missile Deflection	12.00
cunning	+2
defense	+15
chance to dodge	+5%
absorbs damage (dmg taken)	-10%

* equipping Partha and Kallak at the same time gives the Warden Commander +5 to defense and +2 stamina regen in combat. this bonus isn't recognized in-game

Looted from the remains of Dailan in Kal Hirol in the Trade Quarter.

Awakening - Gloves, Boots, Helmets

Gloves

inscribed leather	(tier 6)
restriction	mage
armor	1.33
fatigue	1.13%
nature damage	+20%

Sold by Octham the merchant in Amaranthine for 6g.

inscribed leather	(tier 6)
restriction	mage
armor	1.33
fatigue	1.13%
cold damage	+20%

Sold by Octham the merchant in Amaranthine for 6g.

inscribed leather	(tier 6)
restriction	mage
armor	1.33
fatigue	1.13%
electricity damage	+20%

Sold by Octham the merchant in Amaranthine for 6g.

inscribed leather	(tier 6)
restriction	mage
armor	1.33
fatigue	1.13%
fire damage	+20%

Sold by Octham the merchant in Amaranthine for 6g.

inscribed leather	(tier 6)
restriction	mage
armor	1.33
fatigue	1.13%
spirit damage	+20%

Sold by Octham the merchant in Amaranthine for 6g.

dragonwing	(tier 8)
restriction	mage
armor	1.66
fatigue	1.25%
spirit resistance	+30%
spirit damage	+30%
nature resistance	+30%
nature damage	+30%

Sold by Octham the merchant in Amaranthine for 133g 46s 31c.

high dragon hide	(tier 9)
restriction	mage
armor	1.83
fatigue	1.30%
fire damage	+30%
fire resistance	+30%
cold damage	+30%
cold resistance	+30%

Sold by Octham the merchant in Amaranthine for 149g 99s 90c.

dragonwing	(tier 8)
restriction	mage
armor	1.66
fatigue	1.25%
fire damage	+10%
spirit damage	+10%
cold damage	+10%
nature damage	+10%
electricity damage	+10%

Sold by Octham the merchant in Amaranthine for 8g 52s.

Boots

high dragon hide	(tier 9)
restriction	mage
armor	2.75
fatigue	0.65%
constitution	+8
defense	+15
armor	+2
cold resistance	+40%

Sold by Octham the merchant in Amaranthine for 133g 32s.

Helms

Awakening - Accessories

fire resistance	+50%
cold resistance	+50%
electricity resistance	+50%
nature resistance	+50%
physical resistance	+10

Purchased from the merchant Yuriah in Vigil's Keep for 151g 3s 10c after he's upgraded his inventory twice.

willpower	+7
spellpower	+7

Looted from the Architect.

Rings

spirit resistance	+50%
spell resistance	+20%
spirit damage	+100%

Drops from The Baroness in the Blackmarsh.

Ring of Mastery

spellpower

+10

Can be looted from Adria in the Vigil's Keep basement during a sidequest called "Adria's Plight".

electricity resistance	+15%
electricity damage	+15%
willpower	+4
magic	+4
combat regen in combat	+2

The Golden Cog is bought from Yuriah in Vigil's Keep for 6g 24s and the Silver Cog is in your personal storage chest in Vigil's Keep. The wiki also says that a necklace that Velanna comes equipped with, the Keeper's Charm, is supposed to have a set with the Golden Cog, but the wiki shows no such information on what stats the set gives.

cold resistance	+70%
cold damage	+30%
willpower	+3

Tips

*rapid aim - reduces the aim animation on a weapon by 0.3 seconds. the rogue archer's passive ability Aim, second talent in the first row for archer abilities, increases the ranged archer's attack animation with a long bow to 1.5 seconds. The Repeater Gloves say on the Wikia that there is a bug for the gloves that reduce the animation time by 3.0 seconds instead of 0.3, but how true that is, I'm not sure. The aim animation can't fall below 0.

*base animation time - to quote the wikia, "The base aim times for shortbows, longbows, and crossbows are 0.2s, 0.3s, and 0.8s, respectively" -Notes in the Repeater Gloves page[dragonage.fandom.com]

Repeater Gloves[dragonage.fandom.com]

*backstabs - positioning your rogue behind an enemy in the black line on the targeting circle will give you a 100% crit chance regardless of what your crit chance is on your stat page

*%elemental damage - no matter which school of magic you're increasing the damage of, the cap for each individual school is 30% (50% in Awakening). some schools are more viable than others, since there are a fair number of enemies with elemental resistances, like the fire elementals in the Circle Tower.

https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Soulbound

*spell resistance - spell resistance is not the same as fire/cold/nature/spirit/electricity resistance, it allows you to resist all spells not just a certain school of spells

*spellpower - the tooltip in-game says that spellpower increases power of spells, mental resistance, and the duration of spells. You gain this stat by leveling Magic, but some items have spellpower independent of the Magic stat, a secondary stat tied to main stats.

*dexterity - the minimum dexterity you need to hit is generally between 20-30. mages don't need dexterity unless they're going melee Arcane Warrior, with a sword instead of a staff. spells can't miss, they can only be resisted, but dexterity won't fix that. dexterity also raises the defense/dodge stat, so dexterity can actually be a decent tank stat.

*stamina/mana regen - the tooltips for some weapons say stamina regen, but if the weapon can be worn by a mage then the stamina still effects mana.

*Lethality - increases melee crit chance by 10% and allows use of the cunning stat as a modifier instead of strength on weapons, it does not effect the stat criteria for wearing armor. the increase in crit isn't included in the tooltip. this means that any weapons that use a strength modifier will allow the rogue to instead switch the strength modifier to a cunning modifier and use your cunning stat instead of your strength stat, or whichever stat is higher. the strength modifier applies to swords, maces, mauls, axes, and daggers.

Lethality[dragonage.fandom.com]

*fatigue - fatigue is a stat you get from armor depending on how heavy it is. the more fatigue you have the more your abilities will cost to use, so the lower you can make your fatigue % the lower the cost your spell or abilities will be. the higher the tier of armor, the higher the fatigue. dropping into negatives for fatigue is good.

cloth armor has low fatigue (with the exception of the Reaper's Vestment, which has no fatigue at all), leather armor has mild to moderate fatigue depending on tier, heavy armor has moderate to high fatigue, and massive armor has the highest fatigue. massive armor tends to be higher tier.

*attack - attack, despite the name, doesn't raise your damage, it raises your chance to hit. a secondary stat tied to main stats

*%healing effects received - the wikia says this stat is bugged, and that currently the only fix is with mods

*crit vs. backstab dmg stats on gear - critical chance allows a player or character to have a chance to crit from any position which can benefit in some fights, such as boss fights where the boss is too big to get behind (broodmother, for example). backstab damage has the added feature of also increasing crit damage when you do receive a crit, and backstab crits are guaranteed as long as you can position your rogue behind the enemy to get backstabs. getting both is optimal but since maxing crit chance isn't possible, backstab damage is the stronger choice. you don't need crit chance if you can get 100% crits with positioning. since positioning behind an enemy isn't always possible, and is harder for archer rogues, crit is still a decent option, even if it is subpar to backstabs. a simple rule of thumb: if you can get behind the enemy, backstab, if you can't, crit chance.

Resistances[dragonage.fandom.com]
Spell combos[dragonage.fandom.com]

*reserved passive abilities - some passive abilities will reserve your character's mana or stamina, preventing you from using that portion of your mana/stamina as long as the passive is active. reserved abilities work on a percentage which means that they don't have a fixed number, and will adjust no matter how little or how much mana or stamina you have. if you have 200 stamina and your passive ability reserves 5% of that, then a flat 10 stamina would be reserved. if you then equip a piece of armor that increases your maximum stamina to 250, the passive ability percentage would adjust and preserve 5% of 250, which is a flat 12.5. this means you can't have an infinite number of passives, as you would simply have no mana/stamina to use abilities if all of your mana/stamina is preserved. the percentages may not be fixed, but the passives stack and are additive, which can lead to not having enough free mana/stamina. choose which spells wisely.

*tiering - tiering your gear up if the tier says "varies" or has more than one tier shown is done by selling and rebuying the armor to a merchant, this works in the base game and DLC.

*importing - importing your character over to Awakening can carry your armor over, with the exception of certain pieces that won't carry over

*spell snapshotting - spells use spell snapshotting, which means that spells use the spellpower you have when you cast the spell, and if you were to use a spell that increases spellpower or magic during a spell it wouldn't change the damage or healing of the spell after it was cast

Witch Hunt

Golems of Amgarrak

Leliana's Song

[Riot Control]

In case your Warden archer or Leliana wants the Far Song and not drive Owen to an early grave try out this mod: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/843

[Tole]

Evon the Great's Mail! You can't put out a guide with the best anything without mentioning this absolute monstrosity of a piece.

[Tole]

You're out here doing god's work.

[MidnightGuideWriter]

"...event of a meteor falling from the sky. When it happens you can pick up metal from within the crater that appears, and you can take that metal to Mikhael Dryden in Soldier's Peak and he'll offer to make you either a one handed sword or a two-handed sword."

Mind-Blown a second time...

[MidnightGuideWriter]

"If you get the armor at an early level, you can upgrade the tier of armor it is by selling it and buying it back. The armor level is determined when you enter Soldier's Peak, not when you obtain the armor."

Mind-Blown...

[Pinky]

This is exactly what I needed

[swatvan]

Love this! Thanks Man, Keep doing what you do :)