In the expansive world of Dragon Age: Inquisition, collecting decorative gems not only enhances the beauty of Skyhold but also plays a role in crafting, upgrading, and completing various quests. These vibrant and lustrous gems can be quite the treasure hunt, scattered throughout the game's vast landscapes, hidden in treasures, dropped by enemies, or available for purchase. Here, we'll guide you through the easiest and most effective ways to collect these precious items.
Why Collect Decorative Gems?
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Adorn Skyhold with these gems to increase its beauty, which can unlock special war table missions or dialogues.
- Crafting Benefits: Some gems are vital for crafting armor and weapon upgrades, offering unique attributes or benefits.
- Quests and Achievements: Completing collections can lead to earning rewards, unlocking achievements, or progressing in the storyline.
Finding Decorative Gems: A Detailed Guide
Exploring the World
One of the most straightforward methods to acquire decorative gems is by exploring Thedas:
- World Exploration: Traverse the different regions of the game, focusing on areas like the Emerald Graves, the Exalted Plains, or the Frostback Basin. Loot containers, particularly those with a golden hue, often contain rare items like gems.
- Mining Nodes: Certain nodes on your world map require mining. Unlock this ability early through Blackwall or via requisitions. Look for symbols on your map indicating ore deposits, which sometimes yield gems.
- Hidden Areas: Secret places and unexplored territories often hide treasures. If you spot glimmering light or unusual rock formations, there might be gems hidden there.
Enemy Drops
Defeating certain enemies increases your chances of finding decorative gems:
- High-Level Foes: More powerful enemies have a higher probability of dropping gems. This includes dragons, high-level bandits, and unique creature types.
- Shards Collectors: Look for enemies or factions known for hoarding treasures or relics. Their stashes could include gems.
Merchant Transactions
Sometimes, the quickest way to acquire gems is through trade:
- Merchants: Various merchants across Thedas have gems for sale. Regularly check their stock as it changes with game progression.
- Trade Goods: Trading valuable materials or items with merchants can yield gems as well. Keep an eye on what you have to offer and what they want.
📘 Note: Not all gems are available from merchants from the start. Progressing in the game can unlock new vendors or items in their inventory.
Tips for Effective Gem Collection
- Save Before Loot: Always save before looting areas known for rare items, like mining nodes or defeating dragons, to reload if the loot is not satisfactory.
- Scan the Environment: Gems often blend in with the scenery, so keep an eye out for anything that stands out with a glittering effect.
- Team Composition: Having a party with good looting or mining abilities can significantly boost your gem collection efforts.
In gathering these gems, you're not just enhancing Skyhold's beauty; you're also weaving a tapestry of achievement, beauty, and lore into your journey through Thedas. Each gem is a fragment of the rich story of Dragon Age: Inquisition, and collecting them is like piecing together the world's history, its magic, and its grandeur.
Maximizing the Value of Decorative Gems
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, decorative gems serve multiple purposes:
- Upgrading Equipment: Certain gems can be used in crafting or improving armor and weapons, providing elemental or magic resistance, or boosting stats.
- Storyline Impact: Completing collections or quests involving gems can offer deeper insights into the lore or influence political events within the game.
Collecting gems in Dragon Age: Inquisition is a journey of exploration, combat, and strategic interaction with the game's world and its denizens. Each gem represents not only the beauty of Skyhold but also a testament to your character's adventures, bravery, and connections forged across Thedas.
Where are the best places to find decorative gems in Dragon Age: Inquisition?
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The best places to find decorative gems include the Emerald Graves, Exalted Plains, and Frostback Basin, especially in treasure chests, from high-level foes, and mining nodes.
Do I need to explore every corner of the map to find all the gems?
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While exploring every corner can yield a significant number of gems, you don’t need to cover all areas. Focus on regions known for treasure or areas where high-level enemies reside.
Can decorative gems be traded or sold?
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Yes, most gems can be sold for some amount of coin, but since they have utility in crafting and decorating Skyhold, consider keeping them unless you have duplicates.
What happens if I miss collecting a gem during my first playthrough?
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If you miss collecting some gems, don’t worry. You can continue your journey through subsequent playthroughs or return to previously explored areas for missed gems.
Is there a limit to how many decorative gems I can collect?
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No, there is no set limit; you can collect as many gems as you encounter during your exploration of Thedas.
