When Dragon Age: Inquisition first launched in 2014, it introduced players to one of BioWare’s most expansive and ambitious casts of companions to date. From elven mages with ancient secrets to morally gray warriors with royal blood, Dragon Age: Inquisition’s party members offered a wide range of personalities, ideologies, and combat specialties. Whether players romanced them, sparred with them, or clashed with their worldviews, these characters played a major role in shaping every Inquisitor’s journey.
BioWare is known for the art of companionship—crafting parties full of banter, friendship, and stakes that can only be overcome with camaraderie. After Mass Effect’s companions left such a huge impact on players’ minds, it was no surprise that BioWare replicated that magic with Inquisition. But not all companions are created equal. Some rise to the top as fan favorites or tactical powerhouses, while others fade into the background despite their narrative potential. This tier list considers both combat utility and narrative impact to rank each party member and highlight what makes them stand out, or fall short, in the Inquisition's war-torn world.
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S-Tier: Inquisition’s MVPs
S-tier companions in Dragon Age: Inquisition have it all. Charm, prowess, an intriguing backstory, and moral dilemmas that make them feel multi-faceted, these characters represent some of the best in the entire Dragon Age franchise. It’s hard to imagine the Inquisition without these characters, and they rightfully deserve their place at the Inquisitor’s right hand—or in one case, the Inquisitor’s most shocking betrayal.
Cassandra Pentaghast
Cassandra is the bedrock of Inquisition’s narrative and a familiar face for those who played Dragon Age 2. As a Seeker of Truth, her faith, honor, and inner conflict ground the player in the seriousness of the world’s religious and political strife. Cassandra’s also a stellar frontline warrior, soaking up damage and holding the line while the rest of the party works its magic—literally. But what elevates her to S-tier is how the game peels back her stern exterior. She has a soft heart, a love for romance novels, and one of the most rewarding and surprisingly tender character arcs in the game.
Dorian Pavus
Dorian is a triumph of character writing—witty, complex, and unapologetically himself. As a mage from the Tevinter Imperium, he offers insight into a society often vilified in Thedas, and his story humanizes that world without necessarily excusing its flaws. In fact, his personal quest is a dark reflection of the society that he grew up in and is actively trying to escape by joining the Inquisition. He’s also an absolute powerhouse in combat, especially when built to manipulate time and death with necromantic or rift magic. Beyond stats and spellwork, though, Dorian’s emotional vulnerability and personal struggles with identity, family, and the meaning of legacy make him truly unforgettable. He's a fan favorite for a reason, making him a friendly and welcome face in The Veilguard.
The Iron Bull
Iron Bull is Inquisition’s best example of a companion who can flip a player’s expectations. On the surface, he’s the comedic muscle—the guy who cracks skulls and bawdy jokes in the same breath. But dig deeper, and players who choose a good path for Iron Bull will find an intensely loyal character navigating the tension between duty and selfhood. Whether he remains true to the Qun or chooses a different path, Iron Bull’s arc can be heart-wrenching or heroic, and a player’s decisions shape the outcome. On top of all that, he’s one of the most effective tank/DPS hybrids in the game, capable of cleaving through enemies with brutal efficiency.
A-Tier: The Political Powerhouses (and Bianca)
These companions might not all shine in combat, but when it comes to intrigue, diplomacy, and the narrative weight they carry, they’re essential to the Inquisition’s foundation. These companions and advisors may not always join a player in battle, but their contributions behind the scenes are just as vital. With deep roots in the world’s political systems, sharp dialogue, and narrative relevance, they’re indispensable in shaping Inquisition’s identity.
Josephine Montilyet
Josephine is the diplomatic heart of the Inquisition. As the ambassador of the group, she excels in smoothing tensions and navigating complex political situations. Her story arc, more grounded and less explosive than some, still offers moments of warmth and subtle depth, especially for players who pursue Josephine’s romance in DA: Inquisition. She’s not a battlefield companion, but as a stable force in the war table operations and cutscenes, Josephine makes every major decision feel like it comes with polish and grace.
Leliana
As the spymaster, Leliana represents the Inquisition’s darker capabilities. Her evolution from Origins to Inquisition is one of the most dramatic in the series, and the player has direct influence over whether she becomes ruthless or retains a sliver of mercy. Though not playable in combat, her presence looms large throughout the game. Her intelligence network, secrets, and morally gray choices add complexity to the political machine the player’s running, and the player can eventually choose a great path for Leliana toward the end-game.
Varric Tethras
Everyone’s favorite sarcastic dwarf returned to Dragon Age: Inquisition with his trusty crossbow and impeccable one-liners. While he isn’t the most powerful damage-dealer on the field, Varric is reliable and comes with strong area-of-effect options. What really elevates him is his narrative role. Varric’s history with Hawke, his insights into Cassandra and the Inquisition, and his eventual presence in The Veilguard make him an emotional throughline for fans of the franchise who have ventured alongside him. Plus, he brings Bianca to the party, making him an absolute menace on the battlefield.
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B-Tier: Strong in Concept, Divisive in Execution
These companions offer fascinating ideas, but their in-game performances or personalities don’t always land with players. These characters never strike a respectable balance: they’re either likable or plot-critical, but never both. They’re far from weak—just not universally loved.
Blackwall
Blackwall's initial appeal lies in his chivalry, mentorship of the Inquisition's soldiers, and earnest presence. But once his secret is revealed, reactions can vary wildly. Some see his fall from grace and redemption arc as compelling, while others view it as a betrayal that taints the rest of his story. Mechanically, he’s a capable tank and a respectably compelling character. But his moral grayness simply doesn’t hit the same highs as characters with hard-hitting backstories like Cassandra or Iron Bull.
Solas
One of the most important characters in the entire game, and perhaps the franchise, Solas is better appreciated in hindsight. His connection to the elven pantheon and the events of Trespasser turn him into a narrative juggernaut that leads directly into the events of The Veilguard. However, during a first playthrough, many players may find his incredibly patronizing nature difficult to connect with. In combat, he’s a strong magic user, particularly with rift abilities, but his cool detachment keeps him from reaching the upper tiers—unless one is a hardcore elf-lover or enjoys philosophical debates about fate and free will.
Vivienne
As an import from the Orlesian court, Vivienne enters the party with an air of icy authority that commands utmost respect. She's mechanically solid as a knight-enchanter, capable of both defense and offense. However, her haughty demeanor and firm pro-Circle stance can put her at odds with player characters who value rebellion or reform. Vivienne is a complex character with a powerful presence, but she lacks the emotional accessibility that players often gravitate toward in a favorite companion.
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C-Tier: Inquisition’s Oddballs and Missed Opportunities
Whether it's due to limited narrative integration, jarring personalities, or simply being overshadowed by more fleshed-out companions, these characters tend to fall lower on many fans' lists. They still bring something unique to the table and will resonate strongly with some players, but they often feel like side characters in a game that thrives on making everyone feel essential.
Cole
Cole is arguably one of the most unique characters in Inquisition—a spirit trying to understand what it means to be human. While his dialogue and story are deeply moving for those who engage with him fully, his quiet demeanor and abstract conversations can leave a portion of the player base feeling adrift. In combat, he works best as a stealth assassin, but his real value lies in how much one is willing to engage with his unconventional personality.
Cullen Rutherford
Cullen’s shift from Templar Commander to Inquisition strategist is a great arc in theory—but in execution, it’s mostly relegated to war table decisions and a potential romance path with a female Inquisitor. Without party interactions or battle utility, Cullen lacks the depth and dynamism that the other advisors bring. His redemption arc and personal struggle with lyrium addiction are powerful moments, but to the character’s detriment, they don’t always get the narrative space they deserve. And to add to the taste Cullen’s character leaves in some player’s mouths, his voice actor Greg Ellis has marred the role with controversy.
Sera
Sera is a whirlwind of chaos and irreverence. Some players adore her anarchist perspective and quirky sense of humor, while others find her inconsistent, frustrating, and a prime example of the not-like-other-girls archetype that flooded 2010s media. Her pranks and distrust of authority can feel refreshing in a world full of politics, and the adventures to prank the most serious companions with the Inquisitor are a charming highlight of companion quests. But, Sera is also jarring when the stakes are high and the tonal shift of the game merits seriousness. She’s a decent archer in combat that can be a worthy part of a well-balanced party, but she often feels thematically disconnected from major story beats, making her feel more optional than essential.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 88 /100 Critics Rec: 92%
- Released
- November 18, 2014
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- BioWare
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
- Engine
- Frostbite
WHERE TO PLAY
You are the only one who can stop demons flooding into the land of Thedas.
A cataclysmic event plunges the land of Thedas into turmoil. Dragons darken the sky, casting a shadow of terror over a once-peaceful kingdom. Mages break into all-out war against the oppressive Templars. Nations rise against one another. It falls to you and your party of legendary heroes to restore order as you lead the Inquisition, hunting down the agents of chaos. Bonds will form - and some will break - as the campaign for truth takes its toll.
BioWare’s latest action-adventure delivers an unparalleled story set in a vast, changeable landscape. Explore hidden caves, defeat truly monumental creatures, and shape the world around you based on your unique play style. Explore, lead, and battle: tough choices define your experience, and even one decision can change the course of what's to come.
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
