One thing which is universal about games is that if they can be modded, they will be. BioWare’s latest fantasy,Dragon Age: The Veilguard, has been no exception, with a modding page full of new entries right from day one.

There will surely be many more involved and intricate mods going forward, especially given how many came out for Dragon Age: Inquisition. Since the games use the same engine, it’s only a matter of time. But for now, what are some of the best early mods to grab for Dragon Age: The Veilguard?

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8BloomBeGone

Sometimes, the smallest change can provide the biggest impact. There are already plenty of Reshade presets for those who want to fine tune the lighting and vibe oftheir Veilguard experience. But what about those who would rather take an easier route?

That’s wherekikokoalas' BloomBeGonecomes in. With just a single addition to a file in your game’s directory, all that bright bloom effect goes away, leaving a much more natural and appropriately dark look for this often dark fantasy story. Plus, if you’d rather not delve into the files yourself, the author has a preset you may just download and drop in.

7Inquisitor’s Outfit Retextures

Despite the number of new inclusions this time around, BioWare made sure to includeplenty of callbacks in The Veilguard. In this case, they helpfully confined the Inquisitor to yet another set of unsightly pajamas as their main outfit, just like in Dragon Age: Inquisition. Ah, memories.

Inquisitor’s Outfit Retextures from modding veteran MorningAngel fixes that problem with some truly elegant new looks. Several colors are now available, and all in a gorgeous speckled design. So your Inquisitor can finally look their best when meeting Rook in a dingy Dock Town bar.

6Dragon Age: Origins Font

For those looking for an experience much more like the original Dragon Age: Origins, you’re about 15 years too late. Or maybe you can play Baldur’s Gate 3. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a little treat, courtesy of modder LexTypeC.

Dragon Age: Origins Font changes the various interface text throughout the game to a font much more reminiscent of the more stylized one used in Dragon Age: Origins. There’s nothing wrong with how The Veilguard’s font looks on its own, but there’s something special about this more medieval-style look.

5Dark Fantasy LUT

This mod is such a cool change for those who really wantThe Veilguard to look darker and grittier. The only catch is it requires Reshade, which could seem a bit intimidating to many newbies to the modding scene. Don’t worry, though. It’s worth it, and easy once you get the hang of it.

Dark Fantasi LUT by vktrfly is a Reshade preset that removes the purple hue over most of the game, giving it a way less bright and more imposing look. This game is all about regret and loss, so the visuals might as well match that, right?

4Clear View Reshade

For those who would rather things be easier to see, Clear View Reshade from Bishounen159 is the mod for you. Rather than darkening things up, this one runs in the other direction entirely, blowing away the fog for good measure.

It’s a Reshade preset, which requires just a little extra work. But when you get it working, you’ll be amazed at the results. Everything is much more clear and sharp, almost to the point where some players might not really resonate with this new visual style. But if it sounds up your alley, have at it.

3Freckles From Ferelden

This mod was apparently born of spite, which is remarkably appropriate for this game. According to the description, author Vex Fridays saw another mod that diminished the number of freckles on Harding’s face, and it felt like a personal offense.

So they were inspired to do the exact opposite. With Freckles From Ferelden, now every party member can be as speckled as our beloved scout, and it honestly works shockingly well for everyone. More freckles for everyone. Spread the joy.

2Increase Destructible Loot Drops

Let’s face it, you get as much enjoyment out of crashing through boxes and barrels in The Veilguard as you dobattling actual monsters. It’s not even a purely cosmetic thing, as these piles of refuse that someone probably put there for a reason are often filled with gold and resources. But don’t you wish they had more? That’s where mod author Padme4000 has your back.

With Increase Destructible Loot Drops, your regular habit of stumbling through wooden debris becomes much more lucrative, with different mod versions letting you choose whether you just get a few more materials or even up to 12 from each one. The Caretaker is about to be working overtime.

1Simulate NG Plus Save

The announcement that BioWare wouldn’t include a New Game Plus mode in The Veilguard was an unfortunate blow to the replay plans of players everywhere. But you know how it goes. When the devs close one door, modders pry open a window, or in the case of this mod, simulate one. Modder Alkmaar999 has picked up the slack the best they can, giving players the closest thing as possible to a proper New Game Plus for The Veilguard.

The mod provides three save files to choose from, depending on your class. Each places you at the end of the prologue in the Lighthouse at level 50 with every item unlocked. It’s not the same, of course and just be sure to read the instructions properly, as this workaround is a little unconventional. But now you’re able to plow through Arlathan on your way to Bellara as the gamer gods intended.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

WHERE TO PLAY

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is the long-awaited fourth game in the fantasy RPG series from BioWare formerly known as Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. A direct sequel to Inquisition, it focuses on red lyrium and Solas, the aforementioned Dread Wolf.