Overview
Improve your Dragon Age: Origins experience by lore-friendly, carefully selected, lite and easy to install mods.
Introduction
Dragon Age: Origins – Griffon Essential Mods is a guide built from my mod list which I’ve personally selected and used for several playthroughs.
The goal of this guide:
– Lite and easy to install: Stable and quick to install mods with easy to follow install steps that shouldn’t make you spend more time on modding the game than playing it.
– Pure essential and lore-friendly: The mods I picked were carefully selected, I make sure the following standards must be met: it must be consistent with the original gameplay design and visual art of DAO; it doesn’t drastically change the game; nothing should feel out of place.
In short, this guide will provide you an improved vanilla experience. It should be the same amazing game but with changes and updates that feel like it is how it was intended. I will also provide information on why I consider the mods essential, of course you don’t have to read all of my rambling and can skip straight to the download steps!
Mod Installation Method
I have never used mod manager for DAO since it is very easy to manual install mods (simply drag and drop). This guide is made with the manual installing method in mind, and I encourage users to use this method as I’ve found it to be ideal for a stable mod setup.
Manual Installation Method:
1. Drag and Drop:
Most mods are installed by dragging their files to the following path:
DocumentBiowareDragon AgePackageCoreOverride
Note: Do not use the same method for mods that contain files end with .dazip!
2. DAZIP Files:
For mods that contain the dazip files, these mods are not meant to be installed by Drag and Drop, but by using the DAUpdater.exe that can be found in bin_ship folder of your DAO folder. Simply select the dazip you downloaded and press install.
On using mod manager:
You can of course install these mods with a mod manager, but I won’t guarantee they will work as intended and I won’t be able to troubleshoot your problems (should you have it) if you use this method.
4GB Patch
If you have modern PC and have trouble with constant crashing, you should install the 4GB patch. For this process, I recommend this guide:
[link]
I. Bug Fixes
1. Qwinn’s Ultimate DAO Fixpack
The most essential of them all, this is the unofficial patch of DAO. Even if you want a pure vanilla experience without mods, this mod is still a must have.
Why it is essential:
– This mod fixed many minor bugs and various oversights left by Bioware. It also restored cut contents that can be considered as important to the narrative.
– You might happen to find various bug fixes mods on DAO Nexus, chance is that they are already included in this one.
– The author made sure there are no changes that can be consider as tweak rather than fix (there is a difference).
DOWNLOAD[www.nexusmods.com]
How to install:
1. Use DAUpdater.exe (can be found in bin_ship folder of DAO’s folder), select the dazip file then install.
2. Download Hotfix V3_52 in Update Files, drag the folder to Override folder.
2. Law and Order Fixes
This is a fix for a seriously bugged quest in Awakening expansion, it is not yet fixed by QUDAO Fixpack.
DOWNLOAD[www.nexusmods.com]
How to install:
Drag the erf file to DocumentBiowareDragon AgePackageCoreOverride (This location is where you drag most mods into)
II. Grey Warden Design Update
1. Grey Wardens of Ferelden
This is a port and integration of DA2’s Grey Warden armors to DAO. Grey Warden equipment and its higher tiers from this mod can be bought at Vigil Keep (DLC) and Herren from Awakening.
While the official version of Grey Warden armor didn’t appear until DA2, you can actually see its first appearance in the CGI promotion for DAO, which should have been included in the game. It is ironic and unjust that you don’t get to wear the actual Grey Warden armor in the only Dragon Age game where you are a Grey Warden. This mod brought the armors to DAO which surprisingly looks, works and fits greatly in DAO, however it has a bit of balance problem which the next mod will solve.
DOWNLOAD[www.nexusmods.com]
How to install:
1. Download the REQUIRED file, install using DAUpdater.exe
2. Download the Main File, drag the Grey Wardens of Ferelden folder into Override folder.
2. TSM Grey Wardens of Ferelden Rebalanced
Grey Wardens of Ferelden has good integration, but the stats author assigned to these items are a bit too much compared to DAO vanilla balance. This mod will rebalance these items to have similar stats to vanilla equipment, which makes progression better.
DOWNLOAD[www.nexusmods.com]
How to install:
Drag the folder zz_tsm_GWoF_rebalanced to Override folder.
3. Duncan’s armor Legacy inspired retexture
DOWNLOAD[www.nexusmods.com]
How to install:
1. Go to Grey Wardens of Ferelden folder in Override folder, delete the .utc files that have “duncan” word in it (yes it is safe, don’t worry)
2. Drag the files from this mod to Override folder.
III. Chantry & Tranquil Design Update
1. Tranquil Tattoo – Origins
From DA2 onward, Tranquils have a tattoo branded on their forehead which you can recognize they are Tranquil. This mod will add the tattoo to Tranquil NPCs in DAO, keeping their appearance consistent throughout the series.
This is definitely how it was supposed to be in DAO too since you can hear this being mentioned in the dialogue of a Tranquil NPC, but in DAO none of the Tranquil have this tattoo.
DOWNLOAD[www.nexusmods.com]
How to install:
1. Download “Tranquil Tattoos and Head Morphs – Shaved – DAO-Style Elves” file because this version doesn’t make unnecessary changes to NPCs.
2. Drag the files to Override folder.
2. Chantry Robes – Inquisition Colors (with unofficial fix)
DA2 introduced a new design for Chantry robe but it is more of a Kirkwall thing than new design, in DAI we see the return of a more humble Chantry robe which resembles DAO design but in different color scheme. This mod is a simple retexture which will recolor DAO Chantry robe to be more similar to DAI color scheme, I also included a fix for a misaligned texture in the install steps.
I think it is inconsistent that the Chantry robe you see in DAO doesn’t match the color scheme of Chantry robe color you can see Ferelden NPCs wear in DAI. Also makes sense that the Chantry doesn’t change its uniform within such a short time span between each games like a fashion show.
DOWNLOAD[www.nexusmods.com]
How to install:
1. Drag the ChantryRobesRetex folder to Override folder.
2. One of the texture is misaligned which you should download a fix here[drive.google.com], drag these files to ChantryRobesRetex folder and let them overwrite the old files.
IV. Elf Design Update
The following mods will bring the elf design in DAO consist with their counterpart in the next games, I recommend to carefully follow the install steps to ensure these mods work nicely together.
With DA2, the elf has new design which make them more unique and elfy. At first, I didn’t like their new design as I prefer how the elves looked in DAO, but once an internet stranger said to me “elves in DAO are just beautiful humans with pointy ears”, I can’t help but root for DA2 elfy design.
1. Elf Update:
This mod is a port of elf models from DA2 to DAO, there are also NPCs changes. However, the NPCs changes are not totally ideal so it will only serve as a base here.
How to install:
1. In the elf_update.7z, there should be several 7z folders. You should ONLY unpack the elf_update.zip and drag the da2_elf folder to Override folder.
2. Delete the following folders inside da2_elf folder: (This step is necessary for the next mod)
– da2_elf-morphsmorph-brecilian_forest
– da2_elf-morphsmorph-denerim
– da2_elf-morphsmorph-origin_city
– da2_elf-morphsmorph-origin_dalish
– da2_elf-morphsmorph-origin_noble
– Only “em_genfl_zevran.mor” inside da2_elf-morphsmorph-global
2. DA2 Elves for DAO – Retain Variety:
This is a pretty much a fixed and updated version of Elf Update, whereas Elf Update made most elves look the same, Retain Variety restored the vanilla looks with the updated design. This means the elves NPCs will retain their original skin tone, facial features but with the updated models of DA2, hooray!
DOWNLOAD[www.nexusmods.com]
How to install:
Drag all the folders to Override folder.
V. Qunari Design Update
Similar to the elf, Qunari also has cool design in DA2 onward. The reason why DAO Qunari don’t look like DA2 Qunari because their race was supposed to be Conan the Barbarian race instead of horned people (and don’t let Bioware or anyone tell you otherwise!). Bioware retconned this by saying Sten unlike other Qunari doesn’t have horns which is cute, however it still doesn’t change the fact that other Qunari NPCs you see in DAO don’t have horn and are just black Conan the Barbarian!
1. Qunari Update:
The ported models of Qunari race to DAO, unlike the elf race there aren’t much Qunari NPCs in DAO so this mod works quite fine on its own.
How to install:
Drag the folder to Override folder.
2. Sten of the Beresaad:
While Qunari Update does update Sten face to look like a Qunari, the hornless version of DA2 Qunari looks really odd. This mod will change the shape of the hornless version to make it looks way better and thus Sten looks more similar to the way he looks in Those Who Speak comic.
DOWNLOAD[www.nexusmods.com]
How to install:
Drag the folder to Override folder.
3. Qunari Update – Grey Warden of Ferelden Compatibility Patch:
There is a conflict between these 2 mods that will cause some items to appear invisible, this patch contains certain edited files to make sure this won’t occur. You can skip this patch if you didn’t install Grey Warden of Ferelden mod.
DOWNLOAD[drive.google.com]
How to install:
Drag the folder to Override folder, overwrite the old files.
VI. The Less Essentials
If you’ve followed and installed the above mods, you are basically good to go with the essential mods setup. You won’t be missing much without the following mods, but I’ve found them to fit nicely enough with the game.
1. Lock Bash:
This is actually a cut feature by Bioware, most people considered this mod as essential. I don’t really consider it so since it kinda null the point of lockpicking, however playing as a non-rogue class in DAO is a misery when it comes to locked chests so this mod is a life saver for all the master of unlocking out there.
DOWNLOAD[www.nexusmods.com]
How to install:
Install using DAUpdater.exe
2. Extra Dog Slot:
With this mod, you can bring the mabari doggo along the whole adventure while still being able to have a full party. But this mod can tip the game balance which is why I don’t consider it as pure essential.
DOWNLOAD[www.nexusmods.com]
How to install:
Install using DAUpdater.exe
3. Armor of the Black Fox:
DOWNLOAD[www.nexusmods.com]
How to install:
Install using DAUpdater.exe
4. Isabella Variation:
How to install:
Install using DAUpdater.exe
5. Younger Cullen:
DOWNLOAD[www.nexusmods.com]
How to install:
Download version B (or A if you prefer him to look even younger, but only download one) then drop the file to Override folder.
6. Retcon Light Armor Texture Rehaul
My problem with this mod is that the tints don’t look right with vanilla visual, so I recommend to download the Dalish armor only, the rest are also just mix and match design which aren’t necessary an improvement over the original. However, if you prefer all these design over vanilla, you can go for all in one version.
DOWNLOAD[www.nexusmods.com]
How to install:
Drag the folder to Override folder
If you just want the dalish armor only, you just need to grab the “Dalish a la carte” file in Optional Files.
Final Words
With those mods installed, I can guarantee that you will have an enhanced and amazing experience with Dragon Age: Origins and its beautiful world. This guide would be updated if there are oversights on my part or there are things to add or take out in this guide, I will let you know the changes I make for each update.
If you have troubles using this guide or want to provide me feedback, leave me a comment!
Thank you for using the guide and I wish you an amazing experience with Dragon Age: Origins
Thanks Bioware for creating one of the most amazing and unforgettable RPG of all time
Also, a special thanks to all the fine modders of DAO scene who have maintained the game with love and passion
FAQ
1. There are so many essential mods out there! Like Improved Atmosphere, Dragon Age Redesigned, etc!
– The line between “improvement” and “different” in modding is very thin, the mods I picked are the one I considered as the definitive improvement rather than making something different. DAO vanilla on its own is already a robust experience, I don’t see the need to change things if things are already fine as it is, thus sticking to the “essential” spirit of this guide.
2. Can I use other mods also?
Yes, of course. This guide can be serve as a base build then you can try out other mods without much issues. However I won’t be able to be of much support if you have trouble running other mods with this guide.
3. I think you should/shouldn’t add this mod
I’m open to suggestion on improving this guide, leave me your feedback in comment and I will consider it! I will also answer your questions on why something should/shouldn’t be included.
Changelog
First update: Added 4GB patch and Younger Cullen mod.
3/9/2021: I’ve removed Ferelden Elves from the list as I’ve found it to be redundant, DLCs elves work fine without that mod installed. If you have already installed Ferelden Elves, delete the “Ferelden Elves” folder in your Override folder.
3/11/2021: Added Law and Order Fixes to Bug Fixes.
3/12/2021: Replaced Tranquil Tattoo – Origins with Tranquil Brand 2.0 since it has better texture and implementation method.
3/16/2021: Added hotfix instruction for QUDAO Fixpack; Also improved guide’s overall structure.
3/17/2021: I’ve swapped back Tranquil Tattoo – Origins, even though Tranquil Brand 2.0 has better texture it doesn’t cover all NPCs and I’ve found it doesn’t retain face complexity on original Tranquil NPCs.
3/18/2021: Added Retcon Light Armor Texture Rehaul to Less Essential.
3/19/2021: Added Qunari Update – Grey Warden of Ferelden Compatibility Patch to Qunari Design Update.
3/22/2021: Tranquil Tattoo – Origins section renamed to Chantry & Tranquil Design Update as I’ve added Chantry Robes – Inquisition Colors along with fixed texture to this section.
3/23/2021: Added TSM Grey Wardens of Ferelden Rebalanced and revised Grey Wardens of Ferelden section.