Companions each have five abilities and can bring three into combat. On the other hand, Rook has multiple passives and Specializations.

BioWare continues to dispense new details about Dragon Age: The Veilguard, this time as part of Game Informer’s cover story. After discussing how each class has a unique Skill Tree for further defining play styles and Specializations, director Corinne Busche outlined how it works.

The Skill Tree has three categories – Survival, Weapons and Abilities – with players able to path towards a Specialization. Warriors, for example, can become Champions, Slayers or Reapers, each with unique passives and Ultimates. Each node offers unique benefits – Diamond nodes are Abilities, Medium Circles serve as major passives or ability upgrades, Small Hexagons are Traits, and Small Circles are minor passives or stat boosts.

The max level of a character is 50, but you won’t have to reach that to unlock a Specialization. Busche notes that the focus is on “real numbers” and “changing the way you play, not the statistical minutiae.” Some nodes include 25 percent increased damage against armor, jump attacks and guaranteed chances for critical strikes.

However, you can also unlock Wall of Fire, which lasts 60 seconds and conjures a flaming barrier. Enemies crossing it receive 50 Fire damage each second they remain within. As for your companions, they have five abilities in total, with three to bring into combat. Every time their Relationship Level increases, you get a Skill Point to unlock new abilities. Compared to Rook, a companion’s Skill Tree isn’t as detailed, though they’ve yet to be showcased.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is out this Fall for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.