Ever since the first game, there has been a plethora of DLC available in Dragon Age. Origins saw The Stone Prisoner, Warden’s Keep, Return to Ostagar, The Darkspawn Chronicles, Leliana’s Song, The Golems of Amgarrak, and Witch Hunt all added to the game, which deeply enriched the lore and franchise direction. Meanwhile, Dragon Age 2 saw The Exiled Prince, Mark of the Assassin, and Legacy added to the game, alongside some shopping and item DLCs. Legacy set up the existence of Corypheus, as a foreshadowing for Inquisition.
Inquisition itself has a strong DLC line-up, consisting of Jaws of Hakkon, The Descent, and Trespasser, with the latter being heralded as a fantastic DLC that sets up the coming story events of Dragon Age 4 more clearly. Of course, while each of these DLC additions are fun, Witch Hunt stands out from all of these nonetheless.
How Dragon Age: Origins’ Witch Hunt DLC Has Shaped The Franchise Since
Shale, from the Stone Prisoner, introduced a beloved companion who does appear in other Dragon Age media. Warden’s Keep and Return to Ostagar expand on the lore of what happened. Darkspawn Chronicles gives players a new take on the battle of Denerim, while Leliana’s Song explores Leliana’s past (important, too, for Inquisition). Amgarrak was a fun Dwarven dive with an incredibly challenging boss, but Witch Hunt is the one that matters to this day—proving its longevity.
There is so much to unpack in Witch Hunt but also so much to miss at the same time. Eluvians are properly introduced here, outside the Dalish Origin story. Obviously, Eluvians play a big role in Inquisition’s main storyline, as well as in Trespasser. Flemeth’s origins and her ability to survive was super relevant come Dragon Age 2 and foreshadowed her role in Inquisition—and while this went in a surprising direction with Solas, it’s hard to believe that Flemeth’s story is actually done.
There’s everything it set up in regards to the OGB Ritual as well, foreshadowing the existence and importance of Kieran in Inquisition. Witch Hunt is more touching if Dragon Age: Origins players romance Morrigan, but even without this, it does so much to build up the franchise. Indeed, one could argue which is more fun or which has better argue, but no DLC really sets up the franchise quite like Witch Hunt. Trespasser might be up there, but a lot of that remains to be seen.
Still, the best aspect of Witch Hunt is that its influence on the franchise clearly isn’t over yet…
Dragon Age: Origins’ Witch Hunt DLC Still Holds Secrets for the Future
Witch Hunt has a lot of implications for the Hero of Ferelden or the Warden-Commander, either way, and they remain unexplored. The Warden is said to be searching for a cure to the Calling in Inquisition, which would no doubt change the Grey Wardens’ history forever. But it’s very likely that this particular storyline was set up by Witch Hunt as well, given it was the Warden’s last appearance.
If players go through the Eluvian with Morrigan, well, there’s a lot of room for maneuvering beyond that. The real evidence for how Witch Hunt impacts the Warden’s future is in choosing not to proceed through the Eluvian, as the Warden can receive a “gift” from Morrigan—one whose importance is still not yet explored. The Warden hasn’t reappeared after all, and that gift could be what holds the answer to the Calling.
Whether or not this plays a major role in Dragon Age 4 remains to be seen, but it’s the definition of a Chekhov’s gun. The truth is simple: the entire Dragon Age franchise would not be the same without Witch Hunt.
Dragon Age 4 is in development.