Dragon Age: Origins Guide Essentials Basics
Experience and Leveling
Everyone loves to level. The thrill of watching your warrior, mage, or rogue gain levels and earn new skills comes second only to slaying darkspawn in a heroic last stand.
Your followers also gain experience (XP) at roughly the same rate that you do. Don't worry about the followers you leave back at camp; they progress at the same rate as the rest of your party.
If you leave Morrigan home at level 8, travel around on a few adventures, and return at level 12, she won't still be stuck at level 8. She will most likely be level 12, or close to it.
Each class gains levels at the same rate and gains the same points to spend, although each class will spend those points very differently.
For every level you gain, you gain three attribute points and one talent point. Mages and warriors get one skill point every three levels, while rogues get a skill point every two levels.
You gain specialization points at levels 7 and 14. Points are precious, so spend them wisely. Don't be caught with a level 20 warrior who has only the first couple of abilities in many chains. His or her contribution to the party will be limited and you don't get a second chance at spending these points.
Level Chart
| Character Level | XP Required to Gain a Level | Total Current XP |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2,000 | 0 |
| 2 | 2,500 | 4,500 |
| 3 | 3,000 | 7,500 |
| 4 | 3,500 | 11,000 |
| 5 | 4,000 | 15,000 |
| 6 | 4,500 | 19,500 |
| 7 | 5,000 | 24,500 |
| 8 | 5,500 | 30,000 |
| 9 | 6,000 | 36,000 |
| 10 | 6,500 | 42,500 |
| 11 | 7,000 | 49500 |
| 12 | 7,500 | 57,000 |
| 13 | 8,000 | 65,000 |
| 14 | 8,500 | 73,500 |
| 15 | 9,000 | 82,500 |
| 16 | 9,500 | 92,000 |
| 17 | 10,000 | 102,000 |
| 18 | 10,500 | 112,500 |
| 19 | 11,000 | 123,500 |
| 20 | 11,500 | 135,000 |