Summary
- Tactical spin-off, Heroes of Dragon Age, hinted at a compelling concept for a squad-based RPG set in Thedas.
- The Dragon Age franchise could benefit from a mid-sized tactical game bridging gaps between mainline entries.
- A tactical Dragon Age spin-off could explore rich lore, factionalism, and political conflicts in a new strategic format.
The Dragon Age franchise has long been celebrated for its sweeping fantasy narratives, moral complexity, and richly drawn characters. While its mainline entries are known for high-stakes decisions and world-shaping consequences, BioWare has occasionally experimented with smaller-scale projects that play with format and genre. One of the most overlooked among them is Heroes of Dragon Age, a mobile title that quietly introduced tactical combat and collectible characters in 2013. Despite Heroes of Dragon Age’s sweepingly modest reception, this game hinted at an approach to Dragon Age that could still hold value as the franchise heads toward potentially murky waters.
As the Dragon Age IP charts its future following the release of The Veilguard, now is the perfect time to reexamine past spin-offs for inspiration, even if it means adding more chaos to the lineup of Dragon Age combat systems. Heroes of Dragon Age may not have been perfect, but its core idea—exploring the world of Thedas through squad-based strategy—remains compelling. With modern systems and a more ambitious scope, the same concept could be reimagined as a tactical RPG that bridges the gap between mainline entries, offering players a fresh way to engage with the Dragon Age universe.
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Heroes of Dragon Age: A Tactical Legacy Left in the Shadows
Released in 2013 for iOS and Android, Heroes of Dragon Age was a tactical squad-based mobile game that let players collect, upgrade, and battle with iconic characters from Dragon Age. From Grey Wardens to Darkspawn, the roster was impressive, but the gameplay was stripped down and heavily monetized. Despite the surface-level mechanics, the core idea had promise: a tactical RPG set in Thedas, built around DA’s rich lore and strategic planning.
The concept was solid, but mobile limitations and design choices, such as auto-battling and limited player agency, prevented it from gaining real traction. With the writing on the wall, EA decided to retire it in November of 2022. Yet, revisiting this structure with modern sensibilities and platforms in mind could yield a tactical experience worthy of the Dragon Age name.
The Time Is Right to Revisit an Old Idea
While Heroes of Dragon Age may not have been the success that EA hoped for, its existence proved that a tactical spin on the franchise isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. With the rise of turn-based RPGs, a greater appetite for character-driven strategy games, and a Dragon Age fandom eager for a more unifying banner than The Veilguard, the conditions have never been better for a spiritual successor.
Instead of burying Heroes of Dragon Age as a failed experiment, BioWare or a partner studio could use it as the blueprint for something greater. A mid-sized console and PC game, tightly designed and lore-rich, could remind players why Thedas remains one of the most beloved fantasy settings in modern gaming. And more than that, it could offer a new way to fight for Dragon Age’s future.
Why Dragon Age and Tactics Are a Natural Fit
Thedas is a world that thrives on factionalism, politics, and conflict. These elements are ripe for exploration in a game that emphasizes strategy over real-time action. From the Fereldan civil wars to the Mage-Templar divide, every corner of the franchise’s world provides ample inspiration for a tactics-based approach. A console or PC title modeled after the best turn-based tactical games, such as Fire Emblem or XCOM, could allow players to experience the world of Thedas from a broader strategic perspective. Squads could be assembled from different factions, each with unique bonuses and political baggage, while the battlefield becomes a stage for executing plans rooted in character synergy and resource management. The stakes could still be high, and the writing still sharp, but the format would offer new ways of engaging with familiar lore.
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A Mid-Sized Game to Fill a Major Gap in Dragon Age
The Dragon Age franchise is currently at a turning point. With The Veilguard stirring both excitement and debate, the future of the series feels open but uncertain. A large gap likely looms between The Veilguard and whatever BioWare or EA plans next. This is the perfect moment for a smaller-scale project to step in and maintain momentum. A tactical spin-off would not need the sprawling budget or years-long development cycle of a mainline entry. Instead, it could serve as a narrative-rich side story or anthology experience, preserving player interest while giving the studio breathing room to plot its next epic.
Importantly, it could also act as a testing ground for new mechanics and storylines. Whatever awaits Dragon Age next, BioWare should definitely approach with caution. Experimentation in a smaller game could inform bigger ideas in the next flagship title. It would also allow developers to shine a spotlight on lesser-used factions, characters, or regions of Thedas that rarely receive center-stage attention.
A Return to Factions and Strategy
One of Dragon Age’s most compelling features has always been the interplay of its political forces. A tactical game could elevate this even further. Imagine a campaign where decisions affect allegiance with the Chantry, Qunari, or the remnants of the Inquisition. Tactical choices could impact which missions become available, which allies stick around, or which enemies seek vengeance later. Resource management, supplies, recruits, influence, could introduce even more depth.
Even without major story consequences, there’s enormous potential in simply expanding Dragon Age’s world through gameplay. The world of Thedas holds many powerful countries bursting with conflict, and a tactical spin-off would be an ideal format for exploring it from a dozen different perspectives.
Reaching New Audiences Without Diluting the Core
Dragon Age has evolved over 15 years, and it has a rich history. Now, it may be a period where things other than a mainline title take center stage. Spin-offs often serve to expand a franchise’s reach, and a Dragon Age tactics game would be no different. Fans of tactical RPGs may be enticed by the Dragon Age world even if they’ve never played a mainline game. Meanwhile, longtime fans would have a new reason to reengage with the universe while waiting for the next major installment. Importantly, this wouldn’t dilute the franchise's core identity—it would complement it, showcasing another lens through which the complexity of Thedas can be understood.
Heroes of Dragon Age
- Released
- December 5, 2013
- Developer(s)
- EA
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
COLLECT THE HEROES. BECOME A LEGEND! Build a party of famous warriors and epic monsters from Dragon Age lore. Battle other players in strategic, CCG-inspired 3D combat and compete for rewards in daily events. Fight bosses on engaging quests from the award-winning, dark fantasy RPG games.
