Equipment Basics

Everyone loves decking a character out in the fanciest armor or most vicious sword. Each upgrade is another step on the path toward adventuring godhood. After all, you can’t be the ultimate veteran without the best gear that merchants and monsters have to offer.

All adventurers need good weapons, helmets, gloves, chest pieces, boots, and various accessories. Magical or otherwise, these items bulk up your defense, improve attribute scores, and possibly give you special powers.

Whatever you don’t fit in your character equipment slots goes into your party inventory, which you can draw from with any character.

Weapon and Armor Materials

When purchasing weapons and armor from vendors or upgrading from monster drops or treasure finds, pay close attention to the items’ material types. The game breaks items down into seven different tiers in several different materials.

For example, tier 1 iron won’t provide as much damage or damage reduction as the tier 4 veridium. In general, a higher tier means a better item, if you have the requirements to use it. However, some items may hold special bonuses that override the tier system.

If, for example, you’re a warrior and find a tier 5 weapon with bonuses to cunning, you may want to hold on to your old tier 3 weapon with its strength bonus. Most of your equipment comes from vendors, monsters, or treasure; however, you can also find very special items as you unlock codex entries and complete side quests.

You can find the full set of the durable Legion of the Dead armor, for example, in the Dead Trenches during Orzammar’s “The Dead Caste” side quest. Check your codex “Items” and “Quest-Related” entries any time they update for clues on where to find these treasured items.

Metals

Woods

Leathers