Dragon Age Origins (Vanilla) - Ranking Every Classes Specializations from Best to Worst

 

Lately I've been on a bit of a Dragon age kick and have played through the first game several times and have experimented with every type of specialization. Now, just for fun, I am going to give my opinion on which specialization, of each class, is the most useful to the least. Let me just say, there are no wrong classes or specializations to pick from, it's all about how you want to play or roleplay. I am basing these pick off how useful each one is in terms of making the game easier or harder. Click "read more".

Note, the 2 new specializations for each class in the Awakening DLC are not included. They cannot be used in the base game and are in a league of their own.

Mage

#1 Spirit Healer

This was the easiest choice by far as it is the only specialization I would consider essential, especially for harder difficulties. Any avid RPG player knows how important it is to have a healer in the party. Any mage can learn the basic heal spell and there are health potions in the game, but not having a Spirit Healer in the party will make the game noticeably harder. Especially since they are the only ones that can revive fallen allies in battle. The final ability even heals injuries without the need for Injury Kits.

#2 Arcane Warrior

Arcane Warriors replace the Strength requirements for equipment with Magic. This allows Mages to equip tougher armor without compromising the optimal stat spread. Basically, spell-warriors, (and rogues to a lesser extent because this specialization does not affect the dexterity requirements). 

You still have all the spells of a mage but are not limited to mage robes and staffs which gives a lot more options on how to build your character. Personally, I find this specialization the most fun to experiment with.

#3 Blood Mage

In the Dragon Age universe, Blood Magic is tabu, dangerous, and forbidden as it requires making deals with demons that will slowly possess the mage. But, this list isn't about all that.

Personally, even ignoring the Tabu, I have never found the blood magic specialization worth it. It's main gimmick is using Health instead of Mana to cast spells and gives access to more powerful spells. But this makes it difficult to build for as Mages are already lower in health and defense. Granted, if you put the effort in then this can be a a high damaging character build and it is a unique way to play. But, a lot of guides will say this specialization is only real useful for late game.

ps, if you can't stand doing the steps needed to unlock this class, just do it once and re-load a past save. Once unlocked it stays unlocked for all files.

#4 Shapeshifter

Talk about a disappointment. The ability to transform into animals and fight as them sounds life a lot of fun, but it is much more of hinderance than helpful. Transforming is a slow casting spell, you cannot use any of your skills while changed as they get replaced by the few each form has, and any stat increases are barely noticeable. None of the default tactics even use it so not Even Morrigan uses her own Specialization unless you make her. Very underwhelming.

This is ironic because the game itself shows this ability can work. During the section in the game that takes place in the fade you gain the ability to shape shift into a Golem, Burning Man, Spirit, and a Mouse and they are useful and fun. Three are good for fighting and do not take long too long to shift, and even the mouse is funny for sneaking around. If only we could have unlocked those. 

Warrior

#1 Templar

This may be an unpopular opinion, and of course I am ignoring the Templar vs Mage debate, I have personally found Templar to be the most useful in combat. Templars specialize in anti-mage skills and enemy mages can be some of the tougher ones to defeat. The added exclusive armor is nice too for early game.

#2 Reaver

Essentially the blood mage equivalent for warriors and a bit of a vampire. The ability to restore health by absorbing nearby corpses is helpful, even if it glitches fairly often. Warriors typically have higher HP so the pain for pain strategy is easier to pull off. Plus, the Blood Frenzy can deal a lot of damage for a duel wielding warrior build. 

ps, if you can't stand doing the steps needed to unlock this class, just do it once and re-load a past save. Once unlocked it stays unlocked for all files.

#3 Berserker

Berserkers are great for heavy offensive builds. It's a high risk high reward option for warriors because there are a lot of stamina penalties. Guides will pair it well with Templar.

The drawback is that the Sustained does not pair well with tank or defensive builds. Useful, but specific.

#4 Champion

This is what I call the safe option for the Warrior class and one a lot of people will probably use as it is the only one acquired naturally through game progression. Nothing wrong with it, just the standard middle option. It's good for a support role and as it focuses on buffing allies and de-buffing enemies. Useful, but a class you would probably want to relegate to a party member

Rouge 

#1 Assassin

Rogues are good for either Duel Wielding weapons or using bows. Duel wielders excel at stealth and backstab damage and the Assassin Specialization plays well with that. This makes Assassin the highest damage output build you can give a rogue. 

#2 Bard

Bards are one of the better support specializations you can use. It is primarily used for buffing the parties stats and slowing down enemies. Both are always useful in battle. The biggest downside for me personally, it is not a lot of fun to use. I would normally relegate this specialization to a party member if given the option. 

#3 Duelist

Duelist sounds useful for duel wielding on paper. The sustained ability paired with the passive gives a bonus to attack and defense, which is nice. Problem is the two active skills tend to either not work or just not be useful. The first one, Upset Balance, has always been resisted and Pinpoint Strike can be useful but has a long cool time and glitches with other skills. Although I have heard that companions are able to utilize the specialization better. 

#4 Ranger

Ranger is an odd option. It summons an animal companion that basically acts as a 5th party member. Three animals to unlock and the 4th skill makes them stronger, but only 1 can used at a time. I think the idea is that it pairs with archers so you can stay at a distance while the animal keeps enemies busy, but I feel like it's only a Rogue ability because it was the only one with an opening. 

It is a helpful ability, but there are a bit too many drawbacks. There is a large stamina occupation, slow cast time, and a long cooldown. The spell is undone whenever entering a new area which adds to the trouble. Still, the extra help in battle is nice if not only for an extra damage sponge.

Those are my choices from best to worst specializations in Dragon Age Origins. Remember, there are many ways to play this game and there is no strictly wrong options. You get 2 per class, which do you pick? I'd love to know. Till next time, this is Cendoo the Ghost Ranger, signing off.