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Play Dragon Age: Origins first, then Dragon Age II. EA identifies the second game as a sequel, and starting with the first gives you the clearest introduction to Thedas before the story moves to Hawke and Kirkwall.
Why Origins is the better starting point
Dragon Age: Origins introduces you as a Grey Warden, one of the last members of a legendary order, confronting an ancient threat amid political conflict. It establishes the setting and the crisis that precede the sequel.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Dragon Age Origins: Ultimate Edition - Playstation 3 | $88.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Dragon Age Origins: Ultimate Edition - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $40.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Dragon Age: Origins - Playstation 3 | $5.71 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Dragon Age: Origins - Playstation 3 (Renewed) | $15.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Dragon Age: Origins Awakening - Playstation 3 | $6.66 | Buy on Amazon |
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EA calls Dragon Age II a sequel to Origins. Its lead is Hawke, a refugee who escapes Ferelden and rises to become Champion of Kirkwall. Playing in release and story order lets you meet that change of protagonist and setting as a deliberate next chapter, rather than beginning with the follow-up.
How the two games differ
| Game | Protagonist and setting | Story premise | Story span |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Age: Origins | A Grey Warden in Ferelden | Confront an ancient foe during a period of civil strife. | Not stated on EA’s game page. |
| Dragon Age II | Hawke in Kirkwall | A refugee’s rise to become Champion of Kirkwall. | Hawke’s story spans an entire decade, according to EA/BioWare’s March 8, 2011 release announcement: EA/BioWare announcement. |
What to check before buying
Confirm the platform and storefront
EA’s current Origins page lists EA app, Steam, PC, and Xbox options. Its Dragon Age II page lists Steam, Origin, and Xbox. Store labels and availability can vary by region; these listings do not establish compatibility with every computer, console generation, or device. Check the specific store listing for your region and system before purchasing.
#1 Best Overall
- Dragon Age Origins - You are Grey Warden, one of the last of this legendary order of guardians. With the return of mankind's ancient foe and the kingdom engulfed in civil war
- Dragon Age Origins- Awakening Expansion Pack - The story of the Grey Wardens continues as you are named their commander. Fight new enemies, learn new skills and spells, and explore an all-new area of the world, Amarantine
- All Nine Content Packs - Extend your adventure with The Stone Prisoner, Warden's Keep, Return to Ostagar, Feast day Gifts, The Darkspawn Chronicles, Feast day Pranks, Leliana's Song, The Golems of Amgarrak, and Witch Hunt
- Critically acclaimed winner of more than 50 awards including over 30 ‘Best of 2009' awards. A tremendous $112 value at one low price
Compare the exact edition contents
If you want the original game’s additional content, compare the listing for Origins Ultimate Edition with the edition you are considering. EA’s 2010 announcement says that edition included the base game, the Awakening expansion, and seven DLC packs: EA’s Ultimate Edition announcement. Treat that announcement as a description of the 2010 bundle, not proof that every current store listing includes the same content; verify the contents shown at checkout.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does it matter if you start with Dragon Age II?
You can begin with Hawke’s story if that is the game you have access to or the premise that interests you more. But if you own both and want the clearest introduction, choose Origins first: it is the first game, while Dragon Age II is the sequel with a different hero and central setting.
Rank #2
- Includes The 2009 ?RPG Of The Year? Dragon Age: Origins, The Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening Expansion Pack, Plus All Nine Additional Content Packs
- Critically acclaimed winner of more than 50 awards including over 30 ?Best Of 2009? awards
- A tremendous $114 value at one low price
The official pages cited here do not establish how choices or a world state carry from one game to the other, so this recommendation is about narrative entry order—not a claim about a particular save-import method. Nor do the game descriptions determine which one you will prefer for combat or writing; those are matters of taste.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Experience additional spells, abilities, specializations, and items to further personalize and customize your hero and party – Import your character from Dragon Age: Origins or start anew as a Grey Warden from Oralais.
- Embark on an epic story that is completely defined and reactive to your play style – Shape your entire experience based on the choices you make and how your handle complex situations.
- Encounter five all-new party members and an old favorite from Dragon Age: Origins.
- BioWare’s deepest universe to date just got bigger with an all new area of the world to explore, Amaranthine – Unlock the secrets of the Darkspawn and their true motivations – Rebuild the Grey Warden order.
- Battle against a new range of horrific and terrifying creatures – Put your skills to the test against an evolved, intelligent breed of Darkspawn and other menacing creatures including the Inferno Golem, Spectral Dragon and others.
Rank #4
- Scalable combat options that let you decide the level of control you have over your party, including NPCs. Issue orders, set your own tactical AI, or take control of any party member to lead the charge.
- 6 possible playable preludes known as ‘Origin Stories’ which along with your play, define how your hero character will see the world, how it sees you and sets the tone for the entire story.
- Travel across the vast and varied lands of Ferelden; from the conspiratorial halls of the last great dwarven city, Orzammar, to the untamed snarls of the Korcari Wilds.
- Dragon Age: Origins will give you deep character customization options including: class, race, appearance, abilities, and equipment.
- At the heart of the storm sweeping across Ferelden. Decide the fate of nations, people and, ultimately, yourself. Just remember: for every choice, there is a consequence.
Rank #3
- Scalable combat options that let you decide the level of control you have over your party, including NPCs. Issue orders, set your own tactical AI, or take control of any party member to lead the charge.
- 6 possible playable preludes known as ‘Origin Stories’ which along with your play, define how your hero character will see the world, how it sees you and sets the tone for the entire story.
- Travel across the vast and varied lands of Ferelden; from the conspiratorial halls of the last great dwarven city, Orzammar, to the untamed snarls of the Korcari Wilds.
- Dragon Age: Origins will give you deep character customization options including: class, race, appearance, abilities, and equipment.
- At the heart of the storm sweeping across Ferelden. Decide the fate of nations, people and, ultimately, yourself. Just remember: for every choice, there is a consequence.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
