Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s Minrathous is “Sprawling” and “Lived-In”, Says Game Director

Fans of the Dragon Age series have explored a myriad of locales, but the introduction of Minrathous in Dragon Age: The Veilguard marks an exciting addition. As the largest city in Thedas and the capital of the Tevinter Imperium, its expansive nature has been a focus for the developers. During an interview with Edge magazine (via GamesRadar), Matthew Rhodes, the art director, alongside game director Corianne Busch, elaborated on the grand vision behind Minrathous.

Rhodes indicated that longtime fans have often wondered what Minrathous would be like. The team is ambitiously aiming high to create a city that reflects the vivid imagination of its players. He referred to a moment from the beloved companion Dorian in Dragon Age: Inquisition, where he remarks on Orlais’ charm, noting that it pales in comparison to Minrathous. Busch pointed out that this single line became their guiding inspiration for the city’s design.

Minrathous is described as a “sprawling” city with an intricate, lived-in quality. Its final design captures a dichotomy of experiences—sometimes luxurious, at other times rough around the edges, but always vast in size. Rhodes emphasizes that the daily life of an ordinary citizen within Minrathous can be more awe-inspiring than the experiences of the Queen of Orlais, primarily due to its sheer scale.

The complexity presented a significant challenge for the development team. Busch mentioned their use of strategic props and architectural elements to guide players’ eyes, constantly reminding them of the city’s verticality. From any location, it’s clear that more exists both above and below. This is highlighted in the first gameplay footage, where characters Rook and Varrus navigate the layered streets.

Set to launch this Fall for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, Dragon Age: The Veilguard will be released between October 1st and December 31st, 2024, as confirmed by Electronic Arts.