Should Harding Choose Compassion or Anger in Dragon Age: The Veilguard?

Every companion in Dragon Age: The Veilguard has their own unique set of quests, and it always leads to a powerful confrontation. In the case of Harding, who first appeared in Dragon Age: Inquisition, the pinnacle of her bond with Rook will arrive during the Heart of the Titan quest.

Once players progress far enough in Dragon Age: The Veilguard to complete the quest Fire and Ice, increasing the bond between Harding and Rook will chart a path to her final Hero of the Veilguard companion quest. Beginning the Heart of a Titan for Harding will lead to an unforgettable revelation about her past, and you have to help her decide how to process it in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

How to Unlock Hero of the Veilguard for Harding

The journey towards making each companion a Hero of the Veilguard and unlocking their most powerful skills is a deep one, and players that build a bond early may reach that first with Harding. Companions that become a Hero of the Veilguard unlock special skills in Dragon Age: The Veilguard and even lead to some Legendary Armor.

Harding has felt a confusing pull from the stone ever since gaining access to ancient magic with the dagger, and that hits a boiling point when several dwarves go missing. Harding feels obligated to help, and that journey will include Rook and another companion of your choice.

It won't make much difference which companion accompanies Rook and Harding on the journey, but the chosen one will increase their bond for finishing such an important quest. For players that pursued a romance with Harding on the way to this moment and want to take that a step further, choose to say "I'm afraid for you" before entering the final cave.

After the final battle against the Wrath of the Stone is won, Harding's collision with the Titan's Shade becomes unavoidable. Consumed by a reunion with this part of her, Rook's next words will influence how Harding changes after this quest. Players have two options, and both will lead to a unique Veilguard Skill and set of Legendary Armor.

Remember who you are. (Veilguard Skill & Legendary Armor)

If Rook tells Harding "Remember who you are", her compassion will push to the surface and contain the Titan's Shade. This is arguably the "good" choice, but it helps to weigh the benefits of both options. When Harding uses compassion, this is what it unlocks:

• Hero of the Veilguard Skill
  • Heart of the Titan: Soothing Potion's cooldown duration is reduced by -15%. Harding's Detonation damage is increased by 25%. You and your other companions gain bonus 20% damage and 15% cooldown reduction.
• Hero of the Veilguard Legendary Armor
  • Inquisition Spotter: All Detonations are more likely to disrupt affected enemies. This chance for disruption applies to all enemies near a Detonation.

Honor the Titans' anger. (Veilguard Skill & Legendary Armor)

If Rook tells Harding to "Honor the Titans' anger", she will instead channel her own rage in unity with the Titan's Shade. For players that don't really use Harding's healing skill Soothing Potion, this might be the better choice.

• Hero of the Veilguard Skill
  • The Stone's Vengeance: Harding's Weapon attacks are occasionally replaced with Titan Stones. Titan Stones deal 20% increased damage and now apply bleeding.
• Hero of the Veilguard Legendary Armor
  • Titan's Vengeance: Detonations also apply Bleeding. Detonations deal +25% Physical damage vs. enemies that are already Bleeding.

The other option may fit for players who want the nostalgic Dragon Age: Inquisition set of armor, but those seeking maximum damage will want this path. Make sure you respec and adjust other equipment for Harding as necessary once this quest is complete, as different items may make her new skill and armor benefits even stronger. With this quest wrapped up, Harding will be a massively beneficial companion against the strongest enemies late in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.