Dragon Age: Rogue Archer
March 3rd, 2010 by Samodean
(For a full listing of Character Guides, please go here)
Ranged Rogues are interesting. They lack a true specialization. They’re a little weak at first, but quickly become engines of destruction. Those playing on consoles will almost definitely want to leave this build for Zevran or Leliana, as the targeting system makes ranged attacking difficult. While not as damaging as Dual-Weapon Rogues, Archers bring more support.
Yes, Warriors can learn to be Archers, as well, but Rogues are better suited for the role.
Party Members
Leliana starts out with points in Archery. Keep her there.
Zevran, if you recruit him early enough, can go this route, as well.
Stats
Strength: 20 – Minimum to equip the best Light Armor in the game. Strength and Dexterity increase Bow damage equally. While Crossbows require Strength to equip, Longbows are a better option.
Dexterity: Maximum – Bows require Dexterity to equip. Also, they gain damage from both Strength and Dexterity, so putting points into just Dexterity will not have a negative effect on your damage. Additionally, Bows, like Daggers get a small piercing bonus based off your Dexterity
Willpower: 20-25 – Archers have a lot of great utility skills. You’ll need a decent Stamina pool to make use of them.
Magic: Minimum – Nearly useless
Cunning: 30 – Needed to pick every lock in the game.
Constitution: Minimum – You’ll be standing in the back, not getting hit. Don’t draw aggro.
Specializations
Assassin: Assassin is all about Backstabs. Bows don’t Backstab.
Bard: The best, almost only choice. Group buffs are always nice.
Ranger: Don’t let the “range” part fool you. This specialization does nothing to enhance your ranged attacks. The pet is handy. Your choice between this or Duelist.
Duelist: You get a small Dexterity and damage bonus, though the Attack and Defense buffs are of minimal benefit with your high Dexterity. Pinpoint Strike is very nice, though.
Talents
Instead of listing EVERY talent, I will just point out the important ones, both good and bad.
Dirty Fighting: Great for getting out of danger.
Combat Movement: Gives a small non-backstab bonus to your damage.
Lethality: The extra crit only affects melee attacks, so that part of the talent is irrelevant. However, your Cunning should end up higher than your Strength, so this is still a small damage increase.
Deft Hands – Device Mastery: These are not necessary, but most players go insane not being able to pick locks. Make sure to get your Cunning to 30.
Stealth: Stealth is still good for Archers, though you will only really need the first two ranks. Traps are almost essential at higher difficulty levels.
Aim: This IS a net damage increase, but Rapid Shot is better.
Master Archer: Essential, but max out other branches first. Aside from Melee Archer, the prerequisites are not recommended.
Pinning Shot, Crippling Shot, Shattering Shot and Suppressing Fire: Tons of great utility here. Use these whenever they’re worth the Stamina cost.
Critical Shot: Your primary damage-dealing ability. Use this whenever possible.
Arrow of Slaying: This has a high damage potential, but at a high cost. This is easily one of the most devastating abilities in the game, but the Stamina cost and further loss to regen keep it out of a standard rotation. Use it, but use it sparingly.
Scattershot: Completely overpowered. Stuns an entire group of enemies for several seconds.
