Dorian Best builds - Dragon Age: Inquisition (DAI)
This post is about Dorian Pavus. I will explain how to best build him in Dragon Age Inquisition
Dorian is a Tevinter mage that will join the Inquisitor on its journey. He has necromancer specialization which concentrates on dealing Damage over time, resurrecting himself, and taking over enemies.
Important! The companion build is compatible with Nightmare difficulty, however, to pull it off correctly, be sure to have a good Inquisitor build
So let's start
Contents
Dorian level 1 - 10
Till level 10 we level Dorian as a simple mage. So there is nothing special with the skill selection or priority
Order | Skill | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
Mandatory ability to have for a mage, generate a barrier for Dorian and allies |
2 | ![]() |
Generate numerous projectiles. Their element depends on the staff the mage has equipped |
3 | ![]() |
A lightning spell that hits multiple targets. Deals more damage with the upgrade |
4 | ![]() |
Dorian will generate less Threat |
5 | ![]() |
Use this to dispel Veil Tear monsters |
6 | ![]() |
This fire spell is cheap and deals decent damage. The upgrade reduces cooldown |
With these skills, Dorian will be helpful against all enemy types in the early game. Once you reach level 11 you are free to start working on the next build
Dorian Necromancer builds
I will cover two variations of the build. The first one is a simpler one that results in less micromanaging.
The second one is Dorian that utilizes every spell to put Fear into the enemies. The problem with Fear is that AI stops attacking them. For this to work you will need to manually click on the enemy and select "Attack my target"
Unfortunately, we skip Spirit Mark. Even though it is a great ability it creates a layer of micromanaging. When you want to progress with the story or escape combat fast you either:
- Wait till the charm wears off
- Or change to Dorian to disable the ability
This takes additional time and personally for me does not bring enough benefit
Remember that you will need to respecialize skills before making this build
IMPORTANT: Get relevant Amulet of Power for Dorian to maximize the number of ability points
Dorian - simple Necromancer
This build is a simple one as its main focus is so that Dorian could deal damage and also would need no micromanaging.
Order | Skill | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
We take this mainly for progression |
2 | ![]() |
After the enemy dies you get mana and health |
3 | ![]() |
Killing enemies will boost Dorian damage by 20% |
4 | ![]() |
Panicked or enemies under fear take more damage |
5 | ![]() |
If Dorian dies he will respawn as a spirit for 10 seconds |
6 | ![]() |
If the enemy dies from this spell, he will explode dealing AOE damage in 5 meters |
7 | ![]() |
Versatile spell to deal a large amount of damage |
8 | ![]() |
Cheap fire spell with a decent amount of damage |
9 | ![]() |
A support spell to generate a barrier for Dorian and other party members |
10 | ![]() |
Reduces thread generated by Dorian |
11 | ![]() |
If the spell used will make a critical hit the next one will have no cooldown period |
12 | ![]() |
Each spell used will shorten cooldown times |
13 | ![]() |
We take this passive skill to unlock the next spell |
14 | ![]() |
Extremely strong ability, allowing to deal damage and knockdown enemies |
15 | ![]() |
The less mana you have the more damage your spells do |
16 | ![]() |
Even though we take it for progression it can steal deal decent lightning damage to many enemies |
17 | ![]() |
Free 300% weapon damage every 15 seconds |
18 | ![]() |
Each basic attack reduces spell cooldowns by 0.5 seconds |
These skills constitute the base of the build. However, there are still some considerations if you will have more points left
Late game investments
- Upgrade Chain Lightning to Arcing Surge
- Get Focus ability Haste
- Get Dispel + Rejuvenating Barrier for increased mana regeneration
Tactics
Here is what Tactics I recommend for this build:
The idea is simple. We want Dorian to cast Walking Bomb as often as possible. For other spells, he should decide when is it best to use them.
Have in mind that Horror should be disabled as we do not want to ruin our party AI.
Dorian - Pyro Fear build
This type of build will concentrate on wreaking havoc on enemies by putting them in constant fear and using the Walking Bomb to create explosions.
Order | Skill | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
One of the main abilities that generates fear. The upgrade will also deal damage over time |
2 | ![]() |
After the enemy dies you regain mana and health |
3 | ![]() |
Killing enemies will boost Dorian damage by 20% |
4 | ![]() |
Panicked or enemies under fear take more damage |
5 | ![]() |
If Dorian dies he will respawn as a spirit for 10 seconds |
6 | ![]() |
If the enemy dies from this spell, he will explode dealing AOE damage in 5 meters |
7 | ![]() |
Versatile spell to deal a large amount of damage with an element based on the staff that you have equipped |
8 | ![]() |
Ignite enemy and put him into Fear |
9 | ![]() |
An essential ability that supports Dorian and party members to generate Barrier |
10 | ![]() |
Decreases Threat that Dorian generate with its spells |
11 | ![]() |
After a critical hit with a spell, the next spell has no cooldown |
12 | ![]() |
Each spell that Dorian casts will reduce the cooldown of other skills |
13 | ![]() |
Your signature ability to generate fear in large areas, against enemies who step on it. |
14 | ![]() |
The less mana you have the more damage your spells do |
15 | ![]() |
Deals lightning damage to multiple enemies. |
16 | ![]() |
Free 300% weapon damage every 15 seconds |
17 | ![]() |
Each basic attack reduces spell cooldowns by 0.5 seconds |
These skills constitute the base of the build. However, there are still some considerations if you will have more points left
- Fire Mine - will considerably increase DPS
- Dispel + Rejuvenating Barrier - for faster mana regeneration
- Haste - Focus ability
Tactics
For this variation of Dorian here is my recommended Tactics:
We leave everything to active. However, Walking Bomb should still be set to preferred.
While under the effects of Horror, your companions AI will not attack the enemies. To override this behavior you should target the enemy and click "Y" (on PC), to make them attack the enemy.
Doing it this way will make sure that while other enemies are on effects of Fear you can concentrate on the single one.
Of course, if you are setting Fear on a single enemy with Horror, be sure not to attack it.
Dorian Stats
Overall the stats are similar to other companions. Before level 13:
- Armor - you want him to survive for as long as possible
- Magic - increases attack stat
- Willpower - increases attack
From level 13+:
- Critical chance - I suggest trying to keep it at 50% at least.
- Critical damage - will scale better than attack, after you have a high critical chance
- Dexterity - Alternative to critical damage
- Cunning - alternative to critical chance
- Magic - will increase your Attack stat
- Willpower - increases attack
Best items and equipment
In this section, I will cover some recommended items and equipment for Dorian
Masterwork crafting
These are important abilities that you can use special materials to greatly improve equipment. Look for a Masterwork slot in the items when crafting.
Masterwork skill | Description | Materials |
---|---|---|
Hidden Blades | Works well with Energy Barrage due to multiple hits. Greatly improves overall DPS | Fade-Touched Ring Velvet Fade-Touched Velveteen Fade-Touched Plush Fustian Velvet |
Walking Bomb | Will generate Walking bombs more often | Fade-Touched Imperial Vestment Cotton Fade-Touched Lustrous Cotton Fade-Touched Cotton |
Guard on Hit | I do not prefer it, but it is a great defensive option allowing to soak more damage for the mage. | Fade-Touched Obsidian Fade-Touched Silverite |
General Items
- Sigil of the Great Bear - this is mandatory for a mage. It will double the total mana pool and not weaken mana regeneration due to it being percentage-based.
Weapons - obtainable
Generally, the ones with a boost to critical damage should be equipped when Dorian has a 50%+ critical chance
Priority | Item | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
This staff gives +100% critical damage. It is a good alternative to Isana's Song if you have at least a 50% Critical chance |
2 | ![]() |
This staff can be obtained in The Descent DLC. Provides +41 to magic. In terms of pure damage, it has no equals. It also has a 10% chance to cast Chain Lightning. |
3 | ![]() |
I recommend this staff, only if you have a high critical chance of 50% or more. |
4 | ![]() |
The staff is obtained from high dragon Hivernal. Moreover, it provides adequate stats |
Weapons - craftable
Generally, I prefer craftable staves if you have good masterwork and other materials
Priority | Item | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
Although this is Tier 4, I would still go for Wrath of Lovias Schematic that provides better slots for the end game. |
2 | ![]() |
One of the best staves in the game as it gives offensive buffs for all party members |
3 | ![]() |
The stave gives leather slots for increased critical chance or critical damage |
Armors - obtainable
Here is a recommended list of obtainable armors that you can wear.
Priority | Item | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
Obtainable only in the Trespasser DLC. Boosts Critical Damage, Critical Chance, and Attack. |
2 | ![]() |
Similar to craftable version. So choose the one that you prefer. Gives 45 points to willpower |
3 | ![]() |
Reduces the cost of the abilities and spells. Moreover, gives +6 to the magic attribute |
Armors - craftable
I think all of the armors listed below are extremely good, choose the one to your liking
Priority | Item | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
Best craftable Armor. This version has one Cloth and a leather utility slot. Quite powerful and can be bought in Hissing Wastes. Moreover, you can add Arms and Legs upgrades to have an even larger boost to damage |
2 | ![]() |
For this armor, you will need Spoils of the Qunari DLC pack. The schematic gives 3 Utility slots to increase offensive stats. I think it trades blows with Superior Battlemage Armor Schematic, due to the leather slots that it provides |
3 | ![]() |
Top-tier armor schematic. However, it does not have leather utility/offensive slots |
Helmets - obtainable
Priority | Item | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
Can be an alternative to the Mask of the Grand Duchess. However, it will only increase attack and not critical stats |
2 | ![]() |
A mid-tier helmet, I would recommend equipping this if you do not have the Winter Palace masks or Cowl of the Pure |
3 | ![]() |
I would still recommend Mask of the Grand Duchess. However, if you have a high critical rate (50%+), this helmet is much better. |
4 | ![]() |
The best helmet in terms of the boost to critical chance. |
Helmets - Craftable
Priority | Item | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
Great slots for increasing critical stats. best craft |
2 | ![]() |
Upgraded version of Tier 2 schematic. Provides better utility slots. Similar to other Tier 3 schematics |
3 | ![]() |
Similar to the other options in Tier 3. |
Amulets
Priority | Item | Description |
---|---|---|
- | ![]() |
Gives Dorian a single ability point. It is consumed once you use it. |
1 | ![]() |
This amulet provides both mana regeneration and a reduced cooldown modifier. However, it can be risky as occasionally enemies will get taunted as a side effect. |
2 | ![]() |
Recommended by one of the players, this amulet is a strong combo with Simulacrum ability after Dorian dies and resurrects instantly. This way you can have infinite mana in many encounters. I suggest to try it out and see if you like this type of gameplay |
3 | ![]() |
This amulet will increase the mana regeneration rate. A good option for Dorian as Death Syphon may take a while to activate |
4 | ![]() |
Use this amulet to increase Dorians' critical chance by 5% |
5 | ![]() |
Equip this amulet once you reach a high critical chance of about 50% or more |
Belts
Priority | Item | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
This belt boosts the critical chance. Only obtainable in the Trespasser DLC. |
2 | ![]() |
Although this belt increases the cold spell's power by 125% Dorian will have the HP decreased by 50% |
3 | ![]() |
The belt can be obtained in Emerald Greaves. It gives +200 health. |
4 | ![]() |
Similar to the above belt provides a large increase in HP. |
Rings
Priority | Item | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | The rings boost critical damage by 10% and critical chance by 5%. It is one of the best rings for this build | |
2 | Gives +20% critical damage, equip it once you have high enough critical Chance | |
3 | Gives a +10% critical chance. Great to boost it, if you have less than 50% | |
4 | Boosts overall attack damage |
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this post. I hope it will shed some light on how to best build Dorian in Dragon Age Inquisition
Feel free to leave feedback in the comments below
Discussion