Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening: The Ultimate Gift Guide

Awakening, the expansion pack for Dragon Age: Origins, offers countless ways to strengthen your party and enhance your gameplay experience. Gifts are a crucial aspect of this, allowing you to forge bonds with your companions and unlock unique bonuses.

Why Gifts Matter

Gifts can significantly impact your character's abilities and relationships:

• Building Bonds: Gifts demonstrate your understanding and appreciation, increasing your companions' loyalty and influence.
• Unlocking Bonuses: Specific gifts unlock passive or active bonuses, such as increased damage, improved defense, or enhanced abilities.
• Dialogue Options: Gifts can trigger exclusive dialogue options, providing deeper insights into your companions' personalities and motivations.

Choosing the Right Gifts

Selecting the appropriate gifts for your companions is essential. Consider their:

• Race: Some gifts are exclusive to certain races, such as the Dog Charm for Alistair (human) or the Dalish Amulet for Morrigan (elf).
• Class: Gifts related to their class, such as a new weapon or armor, can provide specific combat benefits.
• Personality: Pay attention to their conversations and interactions to determine what gifts align with their interests and values.

Companion Gift Guide

Alistair:
* Amulet of Andraste: +1 Magic Resistance
* Silverite Greatsword: +5 Attack
* Dog Charm: +1 Constitution

Anders:
* Tome of Arcane Knowledge: +2 Spell Power
* Lyrium Fragments: Replenishes mana
* Plush Griffon: +1 Cunning

Morrigan:
* Dalish Amulet: +1 Willpower
* Elven Vambraces: +2 Dexterity
* Tome of Blood Magic: Access to blood magic

Leliana:
* Rose of Orlais: +1 Charisma
* Bard Lute: +2 Dexterity
* Blessed Amulet: +1 Magic Defense

Sten:
* Qunari Axe: +5 Attack
* Beresaad's Helm: +2 Strength
* Training Manual: +1 Combat Tactics

Zevran:
* Crow's Nest Feathers: +1 Cunning
* Blade of the Dead: +5 Attack
* Antivan Garrote: +2 Dexterity

Successful Gift-Giving Strategies

• Observe: Pay attention to your companions' preferences and reactions to gifts.
• Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different gifts to find the ones that resonate most.
• Consider Context: Gifts tailored to specific moments or events can be particularly meaningful.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Gift

• The Gift of Time: Spending time with your companions and engaging in their quests can build relationships without requiring gifts.
• Customization: Create a personalized gift basket filled with items meaningful to your companion.
• Gift Etiquette: Avoid giving the same gift to multiple companions, as this can be perceived as insincere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I give gifts to my companions more than once?
  No, gifts can only be given once to each companion.

• Do gifts expire?
  Gifts do not expire and their effects are permanent.

• Can gifts be sold or traded?
  Gifts cannot be sold or traded with others.

• Are there any hidden gifts in the game?
  Yes, there are several hidden gifts scattered throughout the expansion, including:

  • Alistair's Mother's Ring: Found in a chest in the Fade
  • Anders' Apostate Scroll: Found in a chest in the Warden's Keep
  • Morrigan's Tome of Forbidden Knowledge: Found in a chest in the Arl of Amaranthine's Quarters

• Can I gift my companions with money?
  Yes, giving your companions money can increase their friendship, but it does not unlock any unique bonuses.

Conclusion

Gifts are a powerful tool in Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening. By understanding the principles of gift-giving, you can strengthen your companions' abilities, deepen your relationships, and ultimately enhance your adventure.