Dragon Age: Origins was released over a decade ago in November of 2009 and the game has only grown in fan following and popularity. Despite two more main titles being added to the Dragon Age franchise since the series launched, Origins remains a contender for fan-favorite, and players still enjoy returning to the original adventure in Thedas.
Games With The Best Mods Available, Ranked
Mods are a great way of re-experiencing a game. These mods are absolute must trys.
As well as multiple pieces of downloadable content, Origins also received an expansion pack called Awakening. Though Bioware has long since stopped supplying updates and new content to the game, the online community has taken up the task by creating weird and wonderful mods for fans to enjoy. Players can have a blast downloading these mods and experimenting with them as they optimize Dragon Age: Origins in their image and experience the best and most personalized version of this title for themselves.
Updated on June 11, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: Dragon Age: Origins is one of the greatest Western RPGs of all time, and it's easy to see why players went gaga over this game when it launched. The amazing tactical gameplay coupled with a wealth of memorable characters, rich worldbuilding, and a riveting narrative helped this title remain fresh and invigorating to the very end. The only argument that can realistically be made against Dragon Age: Origins is that the game is quite dated, making it hard to get into for people who want to revisit the series after news came out recently surrounding Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Thankfully, there are many mods that make the game better and more modern in the eyes of many, which is always welcome.
How To Install Dragon Age: Origins Mods
The process for installing Dragon Age: Origins mods is straightforward and will come as second nature for those who have modified other games.
- Find and download the mod.
- Extract the mod's contents, which will typically result in a folder named after the mod. 7-Zip is a reliable program to use for this step, although there are many alternatives.
- Locate Dragon Age: Origins' override folder. This is normally found by following this path: C:\Documents\BioWare\Dragon Age\Packages\Core\Override.
- Copy the mod's folder into override.
- Launch the game.
Please note that certain mods forDragon Age: Origins will include unique instructions on how they should be installed. These should always be followed.
1 Colorful Hair
Gives Players More Options On How To Improve Their Character's Look
- Mod Link
- Author: MorganLeFaye79
Character customization is a huge part of what makes games like Dragon Age: Origins a blast to play through, so the limited customization options can be a bit of a pain to deal with at times. While this is understandable given the game's age, that shouldn't stop players from trying to find other ways to make customization fun again.
This is achieved with the Colorful Hair mod, which is a pretty simple mod that lets players mess around with various color combinations to their heart's content. It can get pretty wild at times, and players who want to stay immersed in this game may want to skirt around the more ridiculous options. However, players who want to make extremely unique and weird-looking characters can go all out and give their Grey Warden some crazy colors to mess around with.
2 Pet Peeves Fix Patch
Makes The UI More Discernible
- Mod Link
- Author: HollownessDevoured
Players who want more visual clarity and flavor in Dragon Age: Origins may find it to be somewhat disappointing in this regard. Sure, the complexity of inventory management and the like didn't faze players familiar with the genre, but Dragon Age is certainly one of the more mainstream RPG franchises around that some players may find hard to access before of a UI that can be overwhelming.
With this mod, small yet notable tweaks are made to the UI that make it easier to use. Along with this, some abilities are tweaked to make them visually pleasing to the eyes while game balance is also tweaked to make loot drops less frustrating. All of this combines for a great experience that makes Dragon Age: Origins less of a headache to get through.
3 YAHD - Yet Another HD Mod (And Fixes)
Upscale Creature Textures To Make Them More Palatable To The Modern Eye
- Mod Link
- Author: gioveb
Given Dragon Age: Origins' fantasy roots, it won't take an expert to find out that the game is full to the brim with a wealth of creatures that can be quite astounding to behold. So, it can be a downright shame if the effect of these creatures is lessened because of the lack of modern graphical fidelity getting in the way. Thankfully, there are many mods that can mitigate this issue and make Dragon Age: Origins a treat to go through.
Video Game Voice Actors With Really Impressive Ranges
Voice actors alter their voices to better suit the characters they play, but the impressive range of some allows them to go above and beyond.
This particular mod targets the many fantasy creatures in the game, improving their textures significantly. This allows players to feel more immersed in the game without any muddy textures coming in the way. This mod is best when paired with other graphical tweaks that target different areas of the game, ensuring that players can have a fun time going through the game and taking in the sights instead of being repulsed by them.
4 Qwinn’s Ultimate DAO Fixpack
Restores Content Removed Before The Game's Release
- Mod Link
- Author: Qwinn
Over at Nexus Mods, players can find Qwinn's Ultimate DAO Fixpack, which fixes a whole load of ongoing bugs and issues that Dragon Age: Origins has suffered from for years. However, an unforeseen benefit arose from this mod also, in that it restored content that had been removed from the game before release.
As well as restoring dialogue lines and items, there are also new options that were not available in the original final build. For instance, with this mod, players can turn in Morrigan for being an apostate to Greagoir. If players are a sucker for punishment, there's even a restored option to have a harsh break-up with Leliana.
5 Universal Voices
This Small Customization Mod Can Make a Huge Difference
- Mod Link
- Author: Kesaru
Voices are just one of the customization options available to Origin players, with several presets available to each race: elves, dwarves, and humans. This means that by opting to play a particular race, players are locking themselves into certain presets.
But thanks to the Universal Voices mod, players can now choose any of the voices regardless of race. It is a small change, especially given how little players will hear their character, but it does allow them to tailor the character exactly to their specifications.
6 Elven Hairstyles
Unlocks More Stylish Hair Options for Male and Female Elves
- Mod Link
- Author: themiscyra
One of the most important factors to consider when customizing a character is the hair. The hairstyle and color can make or break an entire look, and sadly most of the base game options in Dragon Age: Origins are lacking, to say the least. The elves in particular get the raw end of the deal, as most fantasy fans are accustomed to seeing the mythical beings embodying grace and beauty.
Thanks to one modder in the DA community, this wrong has been righted with a slew of new and fashionable hairstyles specific for the elf races. With many available for both genders, male and female elves are set to look fabulous with the Elven Hairstyles mod.
7 The Rescue At Ishal
Adds Brand New Cutscenes to Extend One Infamous Scene
- Mod Link
- Author: SarahCousland and Tinimaus
Two modders combined their forces to make this must-have mod. The Rescue at Ishal mod adds new content that takes place after the Battle of Ostagar, extending to show more of the brutal aftermath that saw the Grey Wardens wiped to near extinction and Ferelden overrun by Darkspawn. It also covers what exactly happens to Alistair and the Warden after they are overwhelmed at the top of the Tower.
Devastatingly Sad Scenes In Games That Do Not Involve Death
These video game scenes reduce the fans to tears without any deaths.
This makes it a must-have mod, as it gives even more content to that one harrowing scene every Dragon Age fan remembers and fills in some of the blanks left in the base game. The work done to make this mod high-quality is nothing short of impressive.
8 Unofficial Remaster
Gives This Excellent But Dated Game a Much-Needed Face-Lift
- Mod Link
- Author: tepkunset
One of the very few imperfections fans voice about the beloved original Dragon Age game is how dated it has become, with many clamoring for an official remaster. Until Bioware decides it's time to revisit Origins and give it a polish, the modding community has come to the aid of fans with the Unofficial Remaster mod.
This mod is dedicated to giving the entire game a face-lift, increasing the sharpness of textures throughout, and replacing faces, armor, clothes, buildings, and pretty much everything players could possibly see in the world with HD textures. If players want to play a prettier version of Origins, this is the mod for them.
9 Dragon Age 2: Origins
Adds Some Continuity Between Origins And 2
- Mod Link
- Author: SecondSideOfaSingularity
Fans of the series who went back to play Origins after Dragon Age 2 might have noticed certain characters from Lothering weren't there during the events of the game and might feel saddened by the fact Bioware didn't include them as an easter egg for fans.
Well, with the Dragon Age 2 Origins mod, players can meet the Hawke family and Aveline when the Grey Warden reaches Lothering to see their lives before they flee to Kirkwall away from the Blight.
10 New Presets
Expands Upon Customization Options By Providing More Presets
- Mod Link
- Author: Za
Character customization is the backbone of most RPGs, with fans clamoring to create their unique characters. Dragon Age is no exception to the rule, giving players the option to determine the race, gender, and overall appearance of their Grey Warden.
RPGs With The Most Impressive Customization Options
Some RPGs let players go crazy with their customization options. These are by far the most impressive.
Because of the age of the game, the customization options might not be as varied as newer titles, but the modding community is here to assist with the New Presets mod. As the name suggests, the mod adds some new preset faces players can choose to use for their character, as one can never have too many customization options.
11 Dragon Age Reborn
Unlocks Endless Class Builds By Removing Limitations
- Mod Link
- Author: Tyragon
Fans of Origins will recall the unique combat system, which seems to straddle the line between normal action gameplay and turn-based combat. It's a point of contention between fans, with some claiming it encourages strategic thinking and resource management, while others say it is clunky and awkward.
Part of the combat and players' enjoyment of it will come down to the class they choose, with the warrior wielding heavy weaponry, rogues valuing finesse weapons, and mages wielding magic. But with the Dragon Age Reborn mod, players are no longer locked into their specialty, opening up endless build possibilities, such as a shapeshifting warrior, or an archer who can cast spells.
12 Dragon Age Overhaul
Creates More Immersive And Diverse Gameplay
- Mod Link
- Author: _redruM_
Dragon Age: Origins contains a multitude of poisons, potions, and spells players can avail themselves of in combat to varying degrees of usefulness, as well as a total of three classes: warrior, rogue, and mage. Mage is a whole class unto itself that provides a unique Origins story set inside the Circle of Magi, but warrior and rogue can be somewhat similar.
The Dragon Age Overhaul mod is one player's solution to tweaking some of these small issues, such as poison being more useful, creating clearer distinctions between warrior and rogue gameplay, and stealth being more of a viable option. For those wanting more immersive and diverse gameplay, this mod is an essential one.
13 JB3textures
Improves The Textures Across The Entire Game
- Mod Link
- Author: reative
Given the dated nature of Dragon Age: Origins, its graphics aren't up to par with modern standards. This is only natural and by no means a criticism of the game. However, that doesn't mean there is no way to improve things. This is where the JB3textures mod comes into the picture.
It increases and sharpens the textures present in the game. As a result, the game becomes a lot easier to bear on the eyes. It's easy to see why most people consider this download to be one of Dragon Age: Origins' best mods.
14 Morrigan Restoration Patch
Restores A Lot Of Morrigan's Cut Dialogue
- Mod Link
- Author: Terra_Ex
Morrigan is one of the best characters in the Dragon Age series. Her popularity and prominence are undisputed, especially in the first game. She helps Flemeth save the Warden and Alistair from certain doom before being volunteered to join them on their quest.
Dragon Age: Worst Things Morrigan Has Ever Done (& Most Heroic)
Morrigan is a complex important character in Dragon Age. She's committed some truly heroic acts but has also had some questionable ones.
Despite her massive presence in this franchise, a ton of dialogue and scenes featuring Morrigan were cut out for scheduling issues. This mod restores most of Morrigan's voice lines to make her an even more memorable character in Dragon Age: Origins, adding to the player's experience with the story.
15 Grey Wardens Of Ferelden
Swaps The Grey Warden's Armor From Origins With The Set From 2
- Mod Link
- Author: NeoKingArthur
The uniform and weapons of the Grey Warden have gone through numerous changes since Dragon Age: Origins. For the most part, the fan reception to these changes was pretty positive.
This Dragon Age: Origins mod integrates the weapons and uniforms from Dragon Age 2 into the first game. This makes the entire experience more consistent. Regardless of how minor this change may be, it's one that many players are sure to appreciate.
16 ZDF Dialog Fix
Fixes Dialogue Bugs
- Mod Link
- Author: ejoslin
There's a massive amount of dialogue present in Dragon Age: Origins. So, it's very possible that some of the dialogue present in this title will feature some errors — and it does.
This is where the ZDF Dialog Fix comes into the picture. It fixes most of the errors in Dragon Age: Origins' dialogue and ensures that players aren't taken aback or misinformed by some of the statements uttered in the game.
17 White Teeth
Improves The Dental Hygiene Of Every Character
- Mod Link
- Author: JOG
While the characters of Thedas having yellow grotty teeth may be more realistic for the more medieval fantasy setting, sometimes players might want a little more of a cleaner modern touch to their favorite characters.
The White Teeth Mod doesn't magically give the characters toothbrushes, but it does give them some sparkling white teeth, ensuring players aren't distracted during cutscenes by unsightly teeth. This download is compatible with all other mods, so there's no concern when it comes to any possible conflicts.
18 Change Your Hero Hair And Face Anywhere In The Game
Now Players Can Customize On The Go
- Mod Link
- Author: Sir A
Dragon Age: Origins will take at least 40 hours to complete, and that would be a pretty rushed playthrough that ignores most of the side content. Consequently, it is possible that a player might grow sick of their character's initial design; unfortunately, the base game does not allow the Warden to receive a makeover. A new look will require a new playthrough.
Well, that would be the case if it were not for Sir A's mod. This delivers exactly what is advertised by its title, as players can swap the look of their Warden with that of another created character.
19 Awakening Silverite Mines Bugfix
Patches Out A Notorious Bug
- Mod Link
- Author: Terra_Ex
When it comes to the Dragon Age: Origins expansion, Awakening, there is a notorious glitch that causes players to lose certain equipment if it is equipped to their character during the scene with the Architect & Utha.
Fortunately, the Awakening Silverite Mines Bugfix Mod ensures that this glitch is removed from the game so that players can rest assured that their favorite gear won't suddenly disappear from them. Regrettably, if players install this mod for a save that has already passed the buggy cutscene, it will not fix the problem retrospectively.
20 Alley Of Murders
Adds Brand New Fan-Made Content Complete With Player Choices And Voice Actors
- Mod Link
- Author: AmstradHero
For players who have covered everything that Dragon Age: Origins has to offer down to the littlest detail, there is some fresh new fan-made content to keep the excitement going. The Alley of Murders Mod adds some new quest content on the streets of Denerim.
Dragon Age: Secrets In The Lore Many Players Don't Know About
The Dragon Age games are rich with awesome lore, and there are many secrets buried in it players often aren't aware of...
This mod is very well-made, with players' choices having an impact on the quest line and the possible survival of other characters. The creator even hired voice actors to really give a polished finish to this add-on.
