Dragon Age Inquisition Cole Specialization: A Guide to the Rift Mage Rogue

Mastering the Rift Mage Specialization

Unlock the enigmatic Cole's true potential by embracing the Rift Mage specialization, a potent combination of rogue abilities and volatile magical prowess.

Abilities Overview

The Rift Mage specialization offers a unique blend of skills that enhances Cole's Rogue capabilities:

• Fade Step: Teleport a short distance, leaving a glyph that damages enemies.
• Shadow Strike: Strike an enemy from the shadows, dealing substantial damage.
• Rift Mage: Unleash a powerful Rift explosion, damaging and knocking back enemies.
• Mark of the Rift: Mark an enemy, making them vulnerable to Rift-based attacks.
• Spirit Blade: Summon a spectral blade that deals bonus damage to Riftmarked enemies.

Stat Priority and Gear Considerations

For optimal Rift Mage performance, prioritize the following stats:

• Dexterity: Increases damage and critical chance.
• Cunning: Enhances attack speed, stealth, and critical damage.
• Willpower: Boosts mana and spell damage.

Seek gear that complements your stats and abilities, focusing on items with:

• Dexterity and Cunning bonuses
• Rift damage modifiers
• Mark of the Rift duration and potency increases

Combat Tips

• Initiate with Fade Step: Use Fade Step to close distance or reposition, leaving a glyph that damages enemies.
• Chain Shadow Strike and Fade Step: Combine Shadow Strike with Fade Step to deal quick and devastating blows.
• Position for Rift Mage: Place yourself strategically to maximize the impact of Rift Mage's explosion.
• Mark Enemies: Use Mark of the Rift to weaken enemies and increase the damage of Rift-based attacks.
• Unleash Spirit Blade: Summon Spirit Blade when facing Riftmarked enemies to deal significant bonus damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating Rift Mage's Cooldowns: Rift Mage abilities have relatively long cooldowns, so use them wisely.
• Ignoring Fade Step's Utility: Fade Step is not just an escape tool; use it for tactical advantage and glyph placement.
• Neglecting Mark of the Rift: Mark of the Rift is crucial for enhancing Rift Mage damage output.
• Overusing Shadow Strike: While Shadow Strike is potent, it consumes stamina, so use it judiciously.
• Waiting for Perfect Rift Mage Opportunity: Don't be afraid to use Rift Mage in mid-range skirmishes.

How to Specialize Cole as a Rift Mage

To unlock the Rift Mage specialization for Cole, complete the following steps:

1. Reach level 10 as a Rogue.
2. Speak to Solas in Skyhold.
3. Complete the companion quest "Cole's Story."
4. Choose the "Embrace the Abyss" option during the quest dialogue.

Additional Rift Mage Enhancements

• Inquisitor Perk: Unlock the "Rift Mage Treant" perk to summon a powerful nature spirit.
• Crafting: Create Rift-enhancing equipment through Requisitions at the Vaults using schematics.
• Skills: Improve your Rift Mage abilities by purchasing upgrades from the skill tree.

Conclusion

Cole's Rift Mage specialization transforms him into a formidable agent of chaos. By understanding the abilities, stat priority, combat tactics, and common pitfalls, you can harness his full potential and conquer the challenges that await in the world of Dragon Age Inquisition.