Dragon Age: Inquisition - A Chronicle of the Main Quests

Dragon Age: Inquisition presents a sprawling narrative where a fledgling Inquisition grows from a desperate refuge into the most powerful force in Thedas. The journey is defined by its critical path, a sequence of main quests that structure the Inquisitor's rise and the battle against the apocalyptic Breach. This sequence is not merely a checklist but the backbone of a grand story of faith, power, and sacrifice.

The Dawn of the Inquisition

The narrative begins in chaos with "The Wrath of Heaven." The player character, marked with a mysterious glowing hand, survives a cataclysmic explosion at the Temple of Sacred Ashes. Awakening in captivity, they are the sole suspect for the disaster that tore a massive rift in the sky, the Breach. This opening establishes the core conflict and the player's unique connection to the Fade. "The Threat Remains" serves as the proving ground. Forced to ally with the Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast and the mage Solas, the newly-dubbed "Herald of Andraste" must seal a smaller rift at the nearby village of Haven. This quest functions as both a tutorial and a pivotal character moment, demonstrating the Herald's burgeoning power and earning a fragile trust from their captors.

Success leads directly to "The Inquisition Marches," where the Inquisition is formally reborn. In the war room at Haven, the Herald stands alongside advisors Cassandra, Cullen, and Leliana as the Inquisitor, a title cementing their leadership. This brief but significant quest transitions the player from prisoner to commander, setting the stage for the gathering of forces. To confront the larger Breach, the Inquisition needs a massive army, leading to "Champions of the Just" or "In Hushed Whispers." This is the game's first major branching point. The player must choose to ally with either the Templar Order, seeking to suppress the Breach's magic, or the rebel mages, aiming to overpower it. The choice dramatically alters the subsequent mission, the allies gained, and the personal quests available, showcasing the game's emphasis on consequential decision-making.

Consolidation and Confrontation at Haven

Victory in either alliance mission provides the power needed for "The Inquisition Marches" to its next phase: assaulting the Breach itself. "The Siege of Haven" is a dramatic, linear story climax. After a successful but exhausting ritual to partially close the Breach, Haven is attacked by the mysterious Elder One. This mission is a masterclass in escalating tension, culminating in a desperate last stand and a sacrificial act that seems to claim the Inquisitor's life. Surviving against all odds, the Inquisitor emerges from the snow to a waiting army, their legend solidified. This moment transforms the Inquisition from a reactive organization into a symbol of hope, necessitating a new home.

This new beginning is "In Your Heart Shall Burn," one of the most iconic quests in the game. The Inquisitor rallies the survivors, lights a beacon atop a mountain, and leads them through a blizzard to the legendary Skyhold. Upon arrival, the Inquisitor is formally elevated by the people, not just advisors, to the title of Inquisitor, and Skyhold becomes the Inquisition's permanent base. The quest concludes with a war table operation to secure the fortress, marking a definitive end to the prologue and the start of the Inquisition's true offensive campaign.

Unveiling the Enemy and Gathering Strength

With a stronghold secured, the focus shifts to understanding the enemy. "From the Ashes" involves exploring the secrets of Skyhold, including the acquisition of the ancient elven artifact, the Orb of Destruction. More crucially, "Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts" shifts the battlefield to the Orlesian Imperial Court at the Winter Palace. This quest is a brilliant departure, trading swords for intrigue, as the Inquisitor must navigate a deadly game of politics, blackmail, and manners to secure the Empire's throne and its allegiance. Success or failure here determines a major power bloc's support.

The political victory is followed by the mystical revelation of "Here Lies the Abyss." Journeying into the Fade physically at Adamant Fortress (if the Grey Wardens were recruited) or another demonic stronghold, the Inquisitor confronts the nightmare demon and uncovers the true mastermind: Corypheus. More importantly, this quest reveals the origin of the Inquisitor's mark and the tragic fate of the Grey Wardens in the region, forcing another weighty decision regarding their order. The knowledge gained here is devastating: Corypheus seeks to enter the Black City at the heart of the Fade, and to do so, he needs a substitute for the destroyed Orb.

The Final Ascent and Doom Upon the World

The final act is triggered by "What Pride Had Wrought." The Inquisitor learns Corypheus is heading to the Temple of Mythal, an ancient elven ruin, to steal its power. This quest is dense with elven lore and culminates in a confrontation with an ancient dragon and a fateful choice regarding the temple's well of knowledge. It directly sets the stage for the endgame. Corypheus, empowered by his actions at the temple, launches his final assault in "The Final Piece." He attacks Skyhold to steal the elven Orb, which Solas reveals is the key to his plan. The defense of Skyhold is a thrilling set-piece, but the victory is pyrrhic as Corypheus succeeds in taking the Orb.

This leads to the ultimate mission, "Doom Upon All the World." Corypheus uses the Orb to open a massive rift above the Temple of Sacred Ashes, aiming to physically enter the Black City and become a god. The Inquisitor leads a final assault on the temple, fighting through demonic hordes and Corypheus's dragon to confront the archvillain at the rift's epicenter. The final battle tests all the alliances and strength the Inquisitor has gathered. Victory sees the Inquisitor using the last of the mark's power to finally seal the Breach for good, an act that may come at a great personal cost depending on the choices made throughout the journey.

Conclusion: A Journey Forged in Choice

The main quests of Dragon Age: Inquisition form an epic arc of resurrection, resilience, and reckoning. They are meticulously ordered to provide a rhythm of gathering strength, uncovering truths, and facing escalating threats. From the chaotic survival in Haven to the political machinations in Orlais and the mythic revelations in ancient temples, each quest builds upon the last, deepening the world and the stakes. The sequence masterfully balances intimate character moments with world-shaking events, ensuring that the Inquisitor's growth from accused to savior feels both earned and monumental. Ultimately, the order of these quests is not just a plotline; it is the carefully constructed pathway upon which a player builds their own unique legend in Thedas.

Hamas reaffirms commitment to peace talks after criticism from U.S. envoy
NZ scientists raise alarm over U.S. shutdown of key scientific databases
Free food distributed to Palestinians in al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City
Trump meets Syrian interim leader on ties, says willing to make deal with Iran
Protests erupt across Europe against Trump administration's policies