Solas's Ending in The Veilguard: Why It Hits So Hard | Ending Breakdown

[@HyveMind_]

I got the redemption ending on my first playthrough and I remember the exact line that sent me over the edge. “I release you from my service”

[@DevicCypher]

You’re not a dragon age fan. Not if you thought this was a good game. This isn’t dragon age at all. This is crazy people giving you poop to eat

[@Kounzi]

​@@DevicCypher do you think this is a normal thing to say to someone

[@CyrusIsnt]

​@@DevicCypher the ending was good

[@CyrusIsnt]

It took 4 generations of people to sway him 😂

[@DevicCypher]

@ no it wasn’t. This speaks volumes on you and your brain. I feel sorry for you

[@N7Allfather]

If you think about it the game is still named after him because he ends up as the literal veilguard

[@silvernightingale8208]

Woah, you're absolutely right....

[@6_checkmate_9]

🫢 You. Are. A. Genius!!!

[@solia6]

Wow, never thought of it that way but that's absolutely right omg

[@MaigheachAlba]

The Solavellan ending broke me and healed me all at once. So much became clear of his refusal to pull her along a path that poisoned his love for Mythal as she corrupted him; he calls himself selfish for getting involved with Lavellan at all, but his act of walking away and being so intent that her agency, consent, and the purity of their love were paramount shows a deeply selfless side of him too. I have always felt like he poured every bit of his true self into their love, showed her who he was at his core the way he wished desperately to be seen, so that someone would remember Solas and not only Fen’Harel, Mythal’s lapdog who broke the world. And despite all the consequences to his actions, his imprisonment of the Evanuris saved *everyone*-every living being in Thedas from the sapient to the plants owes him their lives. We saw what two of the Evanuris could do with the blight in a handful of weeks. There would have been nothing left but madness and corruption had he not created the veil. Anyway, in conclusion, ooft. I will never not be obsessed with this.

[@jessicab5525]

This was beautifully said and I couldn’t agree more. I love Solas despite his faults. Such a wonderfully written character.

[@Lithiel]

I suspected my Lavellan’s fate - AT BEST - would be to joint him in a prison/purgatory of a sorts and this was very close. I had suspected Solas’s true nature based on how the demon called him Pride. And how WISE he was during inquisition. This sealed my suspicions, and enforced why he HATED how mages bound and forced spirits to corrupt themselves. Because he was a BOUND spirit himself. Mythal bound him, a Wisdom spirit, and made him into Pride- only he was already mortal- so he didn’t become a mindless demon, but he truly became close to one. He could only be set free entirely by the one who “bound” him in the beginning. Lavellen represented freedom to him and that’s why she was his true love. He *chose* her from the start. And that’s why it’s important distinction between her and Mythal. That why he’s so angry if you drink from the well- he knew the pain of being bound to the elven god and not wanting that for the one he loves. He didn’t want Lavellen to suffer the way he was.

[@VillianousKitty]

The ending of this game was an emotional rollercoaster I still haven't recovered from

[@DevicCypher]

You really believe that lie don’t you?

[@serielmcleod1900]

The one part you didn’t focus on was the one of the bad endings has probably the strongest contrast to the good ending. The one where you just trap solas and he yells “you dare trap me? you are nothing! I am a god!!” And that was powerful cus it shows his arch of starting off with good intentions finally being corrupted by power and his own benevolence, finally believing himself to be a god like the others that fell before they even blighted themselves. I think that’s the most important ending to contrast the good ending because even if it’s a little bit of a let down… it gives proper weight to the good ending. This is Fen harel without anyone reaching out to him. This is good person who is redeemable without a support network of friends and family. Solas is not a narcissistic person by nature, or an abusive selfish cruel person. There are people out there who aren’t redeemable by just reaching out to them. But people who started off good and then live through war and impossible decisions that break their hearts can be redeemed if they learn to forgive themselves. If they have the proper time and support to process and accept themselves. If they have loved ones letting encouraging them to keep going and that they are worth it . And that’s who Solas is. He is a villain because his family and loved ones dragged him into situations where he had to contradict his nature as a wisdom spirit in order to be there for the people he loved. He sacrificed his nature and compassion to be what he thought was compassionate and loyal. So that bad ending just really is awesome because it highlights how important it is for us to care and to reach out and see the good in people. But to not sacrifice our own morals and hearts to save others. That was solas’ mistake. He took on the blame and guilt that was supposed to be mythal’s. That’s my take anyways

[@fox7378]

YES!!

[@karolinaa3944]

Beautiful comment, I had no idea about this ending and I almost never want to see it cause it will break my heart

[@annaj4779]

well that just dont fit to Solas, I guess its to please all Solas haters

[@marklion250]

Wow, great comment. You're right. I think they did a great job with all the endings

[@CanadianMoose272]

I agree. I had chills when he said the line about being a god, because it's so against the humble Solas we know from Inquisition with his rags and hiding his status as one of the Evanuris, and also his simple Lighthouse in the Fade compared to the grand palaces of the other Evanuris. Those were the best parts of Solas, so it really drove home the complete loss of his true nature of wisdom through all the war and suffering he's been through. Mythal took a simple spirit of wisdom and almost twisted him beyond recognition by involving him in the Evanuris' wars of conquest. The only thing that pulls him through is self-forgiveness and his friends reminding him why he took a mortal form in the first place: to protect and guide people.

[@missteriouskitty]

First 40 seconds: *Heart-wrenching summary of Solas' pain played over Lost Elf with long pause for effect* "Hey guys, Jackdaw here-" WAIT. WAIT I NEED ANOTHER FEW MINUTES, JACK, MY HEART. 🥺🥺🥺

[@conflictingfox]

The message of the grey wardens since origins, that anyone can become a hero and no one is past the point of redemption, paired well with Solas's redemption ending. It does not vanish the pain of loss, but yet it is never too late for hope.

[@mandu6665]

THAT is Dragon Age. Well said. All these people saying this isn't a real Dragon Age game drive me nuts. DA has always been about a nobody thrust into a leadership role, overcoming the odds and lifting up their crew to save the day because they can't do it alone.

[@SaitoGray]

@@mandu6665 And it's always about a better future and the hope of people. Hope to stop the blight, hope for a better kirkwall, the inquisition is built on hope too. It was always one big theme of the saga. It's really a good dragon age, even if it's not really a good rpg.

[@MsSpaceduck]

You can get the redemption one without inquisitor being lavellan.

[@wisemoon40]

Really?? Can you give an example?

[@davidtillinger6543]

That's the ending I got. My Inquisitor wasn't Lavellan or even female but I got the redemption ending. It was strictly based on doing the Mythal story properly

[@pettypandora]

I also got that ending on my first play through. I missed the world creator so my Inquisitor didnt get her happy ending but at least my Dread Wolf didnt go out in flames lol.

[@Baytuh]

What's everyone thoughts on trying to convince Mythal? I liked it and where it leads us but she truly is a bad person. To me atleast she doesn't feel any remorse or regrets for anything even tho most of if not all of this is her fault. Trying to convince her was like feeding her ego or arrogance. Am i off?

[@fox7378]

I felt the same way!! Wasn't the blight and the veil all her idea? He seemed remorseful but she didn't. Not sure if I'm off either

[@anderporascu5026]

It does sound like she tried to play God or at least judge jury and executioner and it all came back to bite her. She's basically the elven Empress Celene.

[@AeschylusShepherd]

@@fox7378 It all goes back to what they did to the Titans. The blight was a by product after what Solas did to them. They totally skirted this point. You get the "best" option and talk him out of his plans which IMHO was the only way to truly stop him back in DAI.

[@MarieCurtis92]

It certainly seems like Mythal used Solas to do quite a bit of her dirty work. He gets all or most of the blame while she parades around like a saint. Admittedly, I may be judging her a little too harshly, but I'd be lying if I said I was a fan of hers.

[@BelieveIt1051]

Mythal sucked. What a waste of a character. They all got wasted.

[@ScythosMusic]

My fiance passed away two years ago and Solas’ story line breaks me every time. I miss him. Solas’ face as he sees Mythal’s spirit. I know that face, I’ve worn that face. This f*cking game.

[@ScythosMusic]

The thing grief can turn us into, there are no words. To see the world burn just to hold them one more time.

[@Sevvin89]

Im so sorry for your loss. I pray that your heart and soul heal.❤️‍🩹

[@WickedLady2010]

I cried so much at the end. I really didn't think I would, but there was I 2 am in the morning crying.

[@PeachBootyPoppin]

Same lol

[@themoonrocketride]

I JUST finished the game last night and I finally get to watch your videos after a long time!! And I have to say that I CRIED so much and am very happy with my ending! My Lavellan and Solas are finally reunited!!!!!!! The whole scene was very emotional, specially seeing Solas break down.. I couldn't stop crying. I think Bioware did a fantastic job with these different endings. But the one with Lavellan really made it extra special. This was a fantastic game.

[@raerae1518]

I think Solas redemption was the best part of Veilguard, and i enjoyed all the conversations with him, definitely the best dialogue in the game.

[@str8Jonesing]

I broke down when Lavellan and Solas walked off to restore the veil and the Trespasser music hit. Well worth the ten year wait

[@ElaraDreamstar]

Same. The Lost Elf Theme is probably one of my favorite pieces of music from the entire series so when it started I was sobbing. The only thing that hit me harder was the reveal about Varric since I had managed to avoid that spoiler.

[@alexandrawallenberg1492]

Regardless of the imperfections of this Veilguard, I think that it is still a good game, and not as bad as the negative reviews say. It has realistic characters with good story beats and writing that really make you love and care for them. And the Solas/Lavellan reunion was the most satisfying, bittersweet, and emotional story beat that I haven’t seen in any other Dragon Age game. Not to mention all the lore that has been hinted at for several games and the comics that were brought to light in this game, it shows that despite the tumultuous development process, the writers did put care into creating this installment of the Dragon Age franchise. It’s not a perfect game, and maybe we will never know what the true original vision was for this game, but I’ll be damned if people rag on Veilguard specifically because they didn’t enjoy the new art style, witty banter, and inclusion of a non-binary character. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for liking this game.

[@CanadianMoose272]

This game solidified Solas as one of my top favourite game characters of all time. I felt so many emotions at the ending; I felt so sad for him and the horror he has endured, but also at times I just wanted to punch him for his bullheaded stubbornness. He's a fantastically written tragic character. I felt happy, sad, and angry all at once watching the various endings! The Dread Wolf is a hero to some and a villain to others in the tales, and Bioware really honoured those tales, as players will view him differently depending on how they interacted with Solas. I really felt like he was our hero when he fought for us in his wolf form, but also infuriating when he kept tricking us. I also love how you can trick the trickster god. I think he's the greatest romance Bioware has produced.

[@solia6]

Well said!

[@Makoto03]

I loved how well Veilguard handled Solas. I was worried at first since he sidelined in favor of making two other gods the main villains. That wasn't quite what i imagined a follow up to Inquisition to be. But they did a fantastic job of feeding you more and more of Solas' backstory and connection to Mythal throughout the game. I ended up appreciating him even more than i did in Inquisition. I loved seeing my Inquisitor journey with him into the veil to make the ultimate sacrifice.

[@shaym.1372]

I also think, in hindsight, that his character is much better served in a trickster role than in a direct antagonist role. It was perfect for him to be manipulating you from the side to still finally try to trick you it was so good

[@journeyofd7498]

I believe all endings are fitting in some universe. Personally, I liked the redemption ending most as it fits with wanting to redeem Solas as the Inquisitor and Rook wanting to honour the sacrifice of Varric. It's not easy to give such a story a satisfying conclusion, but BioWare did a great job here.

[@overherechillen3089]

I just finished (did everything) and it was the closer I needed. He didn't want to die alone, he even felt her should be alone. Now he has to move on and face the consequences of his actions but he found peace and love. He so deserved it too, know he had face war for centuries. Perfect ending❤

[@vaeirin]

It was definitely a rollercoster of emotions at the end but as a member of a solavellan hell I was pretty satisfied with the ending. Varric tho - that hit me like a ton of bricks, I was not expecting that and was crying like hell. I'm on my second playthrough right now watching scenes with him like a hawk, Rook really was the only one talking to him 🥲

[@dedicatedtardito4229]

Wait, wait, wait: Cole knew? o_o This is like AOT all over again, the more information you get, the more old pieces fall into place. I knew the Solas romance would probably influence the end, so i made it canon although I never played the romance in DAI myself (never liked playing an elf). I sobbed during the entire ending. I never thought that an animated character could have so much charisma but I was mesmerized whenever Solas was on screen. Thank you for that video. It's nice to see a video which is emphasizing the positive aspects of the game, and not just criticising the missed opportunities and issues. Not saying, there are none but I rarely had this much fun playing a mage and the expansion of the lore was breathtaking.

[@Lynnerdo]

Loved the ending. So glad i got the Solavellan ending in my first play. I also like the befriended inquisitor ending since it's quite similar but Solas goes into the Veil alone and I can't accept that. I keep being reminded of his gravestone during the "Here lies the abyss" quest that says his worst fear is "dying alone" so he needs someone to be there with him. Ugh. it's truly SO bittersweet but I loved how they gave us more of Solas' story. It felt deserved. 10 years of speculating and hoping for it, and we win in the end? Yeah, I'm still crying about it. Shakespeare wishes he could've written Solavellan.

[@PaulusAlone]

Shakespeare begs to differ! He turned over in his grave to tell me!🤤

[@gianpietroprevitali7103]

loved also the ending .. Solas is quite a complicated character and Varric really nailed when he said that he is essential an hero but it is easy to act and reduce him to a villain .. also the nice touch with the Inquisitor as LI was fitting .. good game on my book ..

[@rhunmahariel7877]

I am overall satisfied with how the story played out. I was an emotional wreck through most of it. I think it was beautifully done. There are however three things I would've changed/altered about the whole story. Two of these are definitely because of how connected I am to these specific characters, but one is more objective on a storytelling level. 1. I would've added some kind of home/hovel/ruins that served as Morrigans home in the Crossroads -- as she (and your Warden if romances) raised Kieran partly in. It would've been a way to bring Kieran and possibly the Warden in. 2. Replace the Caretaker with Cole. Cole and Solas had a deep connection in Inquisition and I would've loved to see him implemented more than just the few references we get from Solas and Harding. His demeanor could be different based on if you made him more spirit or human. I also think its a huge missed opportunity to not have him replace the spirits of compassion we see for the side quests in Tevinter and Rivain. Or maybe even replace them with Rhys and Evangeline. Just a way to tie that all in and I think it could've really worked. 3. Give us maybe 2 check-in moments in Skyhold -- so we can actually see the South falling and its ramifications instead of just hearing and reading about it. It wouldn't have to be the whole of Skyhold, maybe just the war room and the main chamber -- all as a means to keep us updated with Orlais, Ferelden, and any relevent characters. Just let us swap to the Inquisitor in that moment and actually see whats going on -- would only need to be a like 40 minutes or so segment. Again though, for what we got -- I am still really pleased. (Edit) I wanted to add that a lot of themes in the game are really well done. Theres a lot of acceptance and sacrifice sprinkled throughout. Acceptance of ones family, acceptance of ones worth, acceptance of ones role -- and sacrificing for the greater good. I could go into it further but that'd end up being 4 more paragraphs per character lol.

[@DarkKing009]

"No, my good lord, banish Isabela, banish Anders, banish Merrill - but not for sweet Varric Tethras, kind Varric Tethras, true Varric Tethras, valiant Varric Tethras, and therefore more valiant, being as he is old Varric, banish not him thy Hawke's company, banish plump Varric, and banish all the world." Banish not Jack Falstaff - Henry IV, Part I, Act II, Scene 4

[@Snappybiscuits]

He became what loki became pretty much.......

[@pandabers]

Your feeling about tricking Solas being hollow is how I feel about every ending, except maybe for the "bad" ending. - Mythal talking Solas down and Solas changing his mind is the most fleshed out execution, but still feels hollow, abrupt, and out of character, and unearned in terms of Solas's character. He already got talked down by Mythal based on the Flemeth regret. What's different now? After talking to Flemythal, he willingly betrayed/killed Mythal/Flemeth again, and to me that says his primary motivation is fixing the Veil to help the current day elves. "The people, they need me," he says at the end of Inquisition. They dropped an essential part of his character, that being wanting to help current day elves, and reduced all that to "Mythal guilt". There's a lot he feels guilty about that are his actions alone, all done after Mythal's murder by the Evanuris, and Mythal's second murder at Solas's hands. To me, clearing Solas's conscience a bit resulting to him changing his mind and his other motivations evaporating does not make sense. But I guess it is inevitable since they just dropped the elven rebellion plot entirely, which would have explored this part of Solas's character more. - I agree with you tricking Solas is so... unearned. It's the cheap Avengers Endgame switcheroo which I also didn't like, so I don't like it here as well. They could have written a smarter way for Rook to trick Solas especially since we have access to his memories and regrets. They should have played around that. - Defeating Solas with the Hero of the Veilguard statuses is again unearned. Varric makes a point in the beginning that facing Solas in combat won't end well. But that went out of the window here. Solas killed Varric when he interfered, but Solas pulls his punches for Rook and companions just because they're Hero the Veilguard status? Why doesn't Solas petrify Rook and the companions? Why does Solas the mage engage with hand to hand combat instead? If they wanted a confrontation with Solas, it should have been setup better, have a story reason for Solas to be weaker or for Rook to be stronger, etc. Because they nerfed Solas, the victory feels hollow. Also, am I missing something? It doesn't make sense why Solas would be able to be bound to the Veil and not die. He doesn't have an archdemon, the other gods died when stabbed with the dagger and not able to be bound to the Veil as a result. Why is it different for Solas? Did I miss something? - And that's why the most satisfying ending to me was the "bad" ending. Solas pulls punches less, which is truer to the lengths I expected Solas to take to realize his vision: he petrifies your companions as he should since he's hellbent on his motivations. Solas still feels nerfed (like he petrifies mobs of qunari in Trespasser, why wouldn't he just do that to Rook and team immediately? they could have written another path where he gets tricked in a more satisfying way) but at least we see a bit of the desperate lengths Solas would go to. I also like that he gets bound to the Veil with Rook vs Rook just winning outright.

[@maiafay]

He was a spirit though. I doubt the fade could kill him from that fact alone. There’s so much of the fade that isn’t explained, and I prefer that tbh. I didn’t want him to die anyway since to me, it would be lazy writing -unless they were creative with it. Plus I think they are leaving the door open for a cameo if they make another game

[@pandabers]

@@maiafay The same is true for the Evanuris though. But they died being bound to the Veil after their archdemons died since Elgar'nan says he's the last Evanuris. But I'm not sure if I missed something or it's something the game didn't explain.

[@moogsiepr6975]

I also noticed that they dropped Solas' motivation being to help the elven people, and also that many elves had joined his cause. Where did all of that go? They didn't address it at all. Rewatching Trespasser after Veilguard brings this into sharp focus, that they set some things up beautifully only to completely ignore them here. That was a disappointment.

[@Xiz00r]

I JUST finished the game and I've been DYING to read all the opinions online. Let me preface this and say that I am part of the Pavellan crew but I was invested for some reason in our Solavellans as well. I got their pain and angst. Through the journey to the release of DAV, I was always hoping that they would get the closure they deserved.. I got the redemption ending and I rushed online to see how this played out for a romanced Solas and I was not disappointed. I know my Rook had every reason to deceive/hurt Solas but I just couldn't bring myself to. Hearing the cries of pain when the archdemon was fighting with him just about made me cry. I can't imagine the emotions Solavellans must've gone through during the ending scenes. Though the game has some rough edges, I did really like how they handles Solas.

[@RandomWandrer]

In my first playthrough, Rook really felt attached to solas. Rook romanced Harding and kept her close. The cost was Davren and Assan. Lucanis too. It sent Rook over the edge. Having collected all Dreadwolf statues, Rook was offered the redemption ending, but he chose to fight Solas anyway. It was very satisfying. I love and sympathise with Solas. But Rook had enough of him :😜

[@C4MG1RL]

(You don't need to have the inquisitor forgive or love Solas for that ending. Just Mythal) Honestly, I'm not sure that what Solas and Mythal had was romantic and the game does make efforts to let you know Bioware meant for it to be both ambiguous and more complex than that. Like, they literally have the characters say that ancient elven relationships are not the same as ours and are more complex, so we don't really know what kind of love they shared lol.

[@lordofgingers]

It reminded me of The Boss and Big Boss from metal gear. It wasn’t something you could sum up in a few words

[@hannahhobnob20]

People that moan about Mythals influence and not the Inquisitors at the end are missing the whole point of Solas. His biggest regret stems from his time as a slave to Mythal, he carried out her work, he did all those terrible thing's under her name and so it needed to be her to free him from her service so he can begin to heal. I believe he loved her but i dont think it was a romantic relationship between them, i think she was a mentor, creator, mother and guide to him, he never calls her the woman he loved, its always old friend and thats coming from Solas, Mythal and Morrigan herself. Theres a reason his statue is with Mythals, its as if he is a protector and he tries so hard to change her mind even building the Lighthouse to keep her safe. Lavellan is his one true love and their love heals the anger of the blight, the gold surrounding them shows that the 'terrible' place theyve gone to is bright with their love

[@MarieCurtis92]

Veilguard certainly has its problems but I loved everything they did with Solas. I was so happy to see that Lavellan and Solas could actually be together in the end. And yes, I did cry. ❤️

[@AuraXi_Knows]

Regardless of how I feel about the rest of the game, getting to the resolution and being able to experience Solas' Redemption, as well as the resolution to the Solavellan Romance Arc was absolutely everything I wanted. This scene means so much to me, and I'm sure to a lot of others as well. It hits so hard. If there's anything that I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that they actually delivered on, it was that.

[@xDittoWaffuru]

I definitely feel that the redemption ending is the most earned. I know some people have issues with Lavellan not being enough to convince him to stop, but to me it makes perfect sense that it had to be Mythal. It's not that Lavellan isn't enough for Solas, it's that he feels like he can't shirk his accountability for fear of dishonouring those he has wronged aka Mythal. Sunk cost and all that. Stopping feels like an easy out. One that to him feels selfish. Lavellan has already had this conversation with Solas in Trespasser. He needs Mythal, the catalyst for his own mistakes, to not only tell him to stop but to share accountability. It's Mythal who sets him on his path to redemption but Lavellan who will help him achieve it. Tricking Solas felt beyond cheap. How the hell he didn't notice Rook just holding two daggers in the open is ridiculous. At least suspend my disbelief if you want to convince me Solas was tricked. And I don't have the heart to fight Solas. What I did find interesting as a variation in the different endings is the dagger: in the redemption route Solas hands it back to Rook so he is without it in the fade. In the other routes however Solas has it with him when he is binded to the veil. I'm still trying to figure out the logic to that.

[@waterlily12]

I got the good ending with the romanced Inquistor but replayed the end by making the choice to swap lyrium blades out and I have to say that the best line going with that particular ending and honestly should have been in all the endings was when solas is exclaiming that “rook is just a mere mortal and that Solas is…” fairly certain he was going to say ‘a god’ which would parallel him to Elgar’nan and everything he stood against, but he caught himself and said he was just a fool instead. That line landed hard with me and I really did like it. Wished the whole scene had been a bit more like Trespasser in its pacing but overall I wasn’t disappointed. Replaying the whole thing again now 🤣

[@lindsaycooper3213]

That one hit harder for me, too.

[@nightingalebard]

That ending SHOOK me and left me feeling sick, but in a good way. 😆 As a Solas fan, it scared me (but didn't surprise me) to see him so close to claiming the very title he fought so hard against. The fact his explanation right before, about what makes him unlike Elgar'nan, was so *warped*. The epitome of Pride, catching himself at the last second. It's even more haunting in the kill ending, where he does claim it. He loses himself to pride. Though, that will never happen in any of my playthroughs. 🥲 My favorite is still the redemption ending, but dang. The trick ending is eerie and brilliant.

[@waterlily12]

@ Agreed!!! And I haven’t watched the kill ending (I will eventually do that play through just to complete the set 😂) so I’ll be curious how that one pans out too. My first run through was thorough and relatively complete but with so much new information and lore flying at me after a decade long drought, I’m still parsing everything together in my head.

[@Kai-J23]

That was my ending as well. To me at the very least. After the big reveal and being trapped by Solas. Honestly I was very much done with him. I came into the game with the intention on stopping my Inquisitor’s friend. As I learned more and more my heart slowly began to open up and I thought maybe just maybe he deserves one more chance. Even some of your companions like Harding for example thought so. Then he betrayed you and that hit me. The fact that it made me feel betrayed and stupid is a testament to the story being told. Also like I said that was the final straw with me. Therefore the dagger ending I thought it was fitting.

[@pandabers]

Honestly that feels out of character. Though he was setup as prideful, it's clear he rejects godhood and that's why he spent centuries rebelling. He doesn't even have a horcrux because he doesn't want to enslave a dragon. Why would he reject godhood if he thinks of himself as a god anyway? Doesn't make sense. That ending should have played in his superiority complex about his wisdom, because wisdom corrupted is pride and it's his wisdom that he's always been prideful about, like knowing more about the ancients and dismissing the Dalish, excluding people from his plans because he believes his knowledge is the correct one, etc. But the godhood angle is a bit forced and out of left field.

[@supernanny1913]

Going into this game I was really into the mindset that I was going to stop Solas whatever it takes. But Varric convinced me to talk him round in the end

[@astroman129]

Solas was amazing in this game

[@Ovinaaa_]

Only thing I disliked was how you are only able to hurt Solas if you get the bad ending, like let me crack that egg for killing my favorite character (I know Varric would have wanted us to forgive him but still let me see some yolk)

[@maryapple7108]

Honestly I agree so much. Seeing Solas actually lose his shit and resort to physical violence which is something he hates with a passion was an adrenaline rush! Too bad it's only there in that ending.

[@maiafay]

Even in the bad ending, Solas isn’t dead. He’s just…gone. There’s a lot we don’t know about the Fade, its landscape and general weirdness and lack of physics. It’s quite possible if they made another game, he could be wandering that other side, either with the Inquisitor or without depending on personal canon. He could even get more powerful. I think him bonding with the fade is a complete wild card. Anything could happen.

[@minashepard1255]

Solas's redemption arc is by far the best choice in my opinion. Its the ending I was aiming for and got.I played as a Human Inquisitor who romanced Cullen. Now I have to do a Solavellan playthrough.

[@OGWardenofMyHeart]

I was committed to redeeming him and reuniting him with his Lavellan. I thought that was the ending I wanted and was satisfied with it and going for that ending a second time too with my current run. Thanks for the wonderful video Jack!

[@Vespiria67]

Wish we could have had an option to let Solas tear down the veil.

[@maiafay]

Yeah same. I would’ve liked Rook being seduced by Solas’s vision of the ancient world, but that would’ve taken guts by the devs, and they wanted to play it safe. Alas, only in fanfic will that scenario happen.

[@vclentini]

I went for the neutral ending, I reloaded and I found the redemption arc much more satisfying.

[@ryankelley6469]

I got the redemption arch in my first play-through. It seemed fitting for my Grey Warden because redemption is one of the core values of the order. My Warden forced the Mayor to join the order early on in the game, and seeing him reflect on his mistakes persuaded them to give that opportunity to Solas in the end too.

[@crushlemons]

Just finished up my 100 percent playthrough of Dragon age the Veilguard, played for over 130 hours it was incredible and my ending was perfect i got the redemption ending for Solas with my Inquisitor also a secret ending.

[@mac__attack8609]

I got the redemption ending on my first playthrough. It was a satisfying ending for a tragic hero for me. I did wonder how the ending changed with a Solas romance, so thanks for showing! I wouldn't probably ever go for the bad endings. The redemption ending is just so good.

[@CoasterRPG]

The whole final mission sequence was amazing, I was at the edge of my seat for those couple of hours. My Inq didn't romance Solas but I got the best ending, I want to believe that Mythal is there with him. We need the video about after credits scene asap 😂

[@PaulusAlone]

You mean the scene that reveals the secret society running everything like the Illuminati? No…we really don’t want that ending as it obliterates every choice and sacrifice you made in the first 3 Dragon Age games and claims they were behind it all. That is the worst kind of subversion.😰

[@Laloslawyer]

He’s already dropped one, it’s literally the video before this one 😂

[@MrRavmoor]

@@PaulusAlone None of the things they showed being manipulated were player choices. iirc

[@motyfokol5392]

thank you for breaking this down. it truly was a pivotal moment making players realize that this was the end of the 4 games. But Jackdaw i have a selfish request if you may read into it. i kinda still can't recover from the fact that you have to sacrifice one of your companions. so i created this thought that maybe Harding being a titan baby now is healed and saved in a lyruim cocoon or Assan manages to save Davrin and take him to a remote place. one of the reasoning of this. is the fact that Rook states how they couldn't find them no matter how much they searched and how bioware didn't really mention Assan during the credits with Davrin's "whatever it takes". could this be real? could they return as a delightful suprise in the next installment?

[@mranthonymills]

If there's no body, maybe there's no death...

[@motyfokol5392]

@@mranthonymills yeah that's what i've been doing to keep calm lol

[@indiana_holmes]

Yeah, I chose Harding specifically for that reason. I had been spoiled that there was an inevitable sacrifice, unfortunately, but by the time I got there, I figured Harding would have the best chance of survival because of her mysterious connection to the stone. That's my head canon at least 😅

[@motyfokol5392]

@@indiana_holmes we gotta do what we must to remain sane XD

[@JustCallMeJames]

Finished the game 20 minutes ago after lord knows how many hours. Came straight here to get involved. Basically - I loved it!! Got the redemption ending and I feel satisfied.

[@sethzunker2100]

short of making the IQ the main protagonist of this game (which many of us wanted) I think Bioware made a very solid attempt at honoring the solavellan romance. even the conversation with my canon male human IQ was consistent with my head canon for their relationship. not bad :)

[@JazzyBunny]

I don't know if I was the only one, but I really despaired Solas. I cried because of Varric, not Solas and Lavellan. I got the happy ending with them because I wanted to see what it was like, but I would have been content with Solas being trapped by himself. He was just always kind of the worst in my opinion. Sure he does the right thing at the end, but he did so many other horrible things. That one action doesn't make up for all the damage. He sucks. I'll die on that hill alone if I have to. Varric is the number one nvp. He deserved so much better.

[@jessicatate3162]

Dude I always feel like I'm in the twilight zone when Solas comes up. He betrays everyone, kills his allies when they no longer serve him, it's wild.

[@JazzyBunny]

@jessicatate3162 right!? He's like literally the worst! Like the ends and means don't justify each other. You can't just be like. Sooooorrrryyyy I fucked up. He sucks. He's selfish as shit. Like he should have to seriously make up for what he's done. Not just keeping the veil up. But he claims going into the fade is gunna suck. But I wanna see him suffer or do more to fix his wrongs. Like he should have more consequences.

[@didihols1500]

OMG I cried like 2 hours after the ending... The redemption path with Lavellan (wich I did) I really loved how it was handled. Its so deep and complex. And full of emotion. He is finally trully free. To love and to be loved. Does that mean that he is forgiven for everything? No... But its a start to make amends, from a place of love and compassion. He only knows compassion from Cole and Lavellan, and now from Rook (if you choose that ending). Also the detail of Mythal releasing him from service, is really intriguing to me. Was he bound to her in the Vallaslin way or in the well of sorrows way? Does this mean he never had the chance to say no to Mythal? Anyways... as usual amazing video!! ♥♥

[@maiafay]

I think it was symbolic. He burned her off his face, but he always had a connection to her. She was the reason he took a fleshly form. I just think he needed to hear it from her before he believed himself truly free of her influence.

[@didihols1500]

@@maiafay May be symbolic, but it has a "magical" effect when it happens if you see the clip, much like the Vallaslin being removed. I think Mythal did had Solas in servitude tbh. Maybe not intended, but bound to her somehow.

[@timsalem4938]

Love your content, i really enjoy the lore of Veilguard

[@fox7378]

Thank you for putting out this content ❤❤ seeing all the reviews is so disheartening and this brings a smile on my face. Can't wait for more!

[@caligulaazazel2821]

The decisions for only 3 choices that carry over from previous games hits harder

[@D.Fletcher]

Personally I booted him into the fade after what he did to Varric

[@Ash-2449]

This was honestly my favorite BioWare game, I enjoyed both gameplay, the story, the companions and the amount of content was surprising. Honestly I am worried about how they ll bear that in the future. I love how they handled the end of the Solas’ story, it felt really sad yet great. Love how he kept tricking us every time during the story.

[@TheDracoNite]

I chose to trick Solas, it was the best punishment for him trying to imprison Rook. It felt so satisfying killing 2 gods and banishing the third one. I think it’s poetic that the god of lies and trickery was tricked by a mortal.

[@TheRoguePrince0]

Everytime i play veilguard i can't stop thinking about what's happening in Southern Thedas. According to the messages an epic battle is taking place. Darkspawn have attacked again and the inquisitior is leading her forces against them. We need dragon age total war.

[@motyfokol5392]

I can't help but feel so horrible and sad about those letters. every place that we helped during the past 3 games just keep falling. orlais, redcliff. denerim even orzammar almost fell. reading those letters justifies why we didn't get to choose more options from previous games though. it doesn't matter if you saved Celene 'cause she's most likely dead lol

[@TheRoguePrince0]

@@motyfokol5392 it just sucks because we should be there. We should be defending Denerim alongside king Alistair. we should be helping the defenders of Orzammar. Southern Thedas sounds like it's going through the battle of avengers endgame while we're having coffee with lucanis.

[@motyfokol5392]

@@TheRoguePrince0 i feel you. I don't mind though. and top of it all? I'm pretty certain that the next DA will not even happen in thedas.

[@TheRoguePrince0]

@@motyfokol5392 i also believe that. I think it's gonna be sea themed. Like a journey to the new world.

[@motyfokol5392]

@@TheRoguePrince0 ohhh right. maybe it'll start from Rivain. i think we'll also see Rook. maybe they take the place of varric.

[@johnnysizemore5797]

A wise man once said "that all we have in life is our own story" and Solas is a prime example of this. He never really owned his own until he he released from his service to Mythal personally I prefer the Elf Inquisitor one it was both sad and heartwarming at the same time. As Varric once said "everyone loves a happy ending...." PS: I went as a Human-Rogue:Duelist Gray Warden with Neve Romance what about you?

[@johnnysizemore5797]

was(stupid thumb)

[@TheRoguePrince0]

I saw an article that said veilguard is at war with itself. It can't decide if it wants to be a direct sequel or a soft reboot. But instead of being proud of it's past like other soft reboots(gow2018&expansion pack Ragnarok) it's like veilguard is ashamed. Still an awesome game.

[@MarluxiaX2]

Lol, dumba**

[@mandu6665]

I didn't get that at all and that article sounds terrible. God War 2018 basically retconned Kratos being a monster and SSM had all the time in the world to make it. DATV had to salvage work on EA's mandated GAAS and Bioware had to make a coherent game from that as soon as Covid ejaculated all over the world. Dragon Age has always changed from game to game and as a Larian employee basically said, "Dragon Age finally feels like it found what it wants to be."

[@mippa]

Bioware gave me everything I wanted and nothing I expected. I'm so relieved and so grateful.

[@nerdempress]

When you don't romance Solas, the best ending is tricking him. The Solavellan story has it's perks but like with Mythal it's a power inbalance relationship, with him being the superior part. I liked my inquisitor best as a strong willed and confident person. So any other inquisitor would have made him pay

[@mattphoenix4702]

I never bought into the theory that Mythal was going to end up being the villain. I’m pleasantly surprised how much they were able to still work Mythal into the ending though, especially after her fate at the end of Inquisition. The redemption ending is everything I had wanted it to be, and more that I didn’t know I needed until I saw it. The end of a story built up over more than 1 game usually lets down because it can’t possibly live up to what time and excitement build it up to be in your mind. This was exactly what it had to be to scratch the itch for those who chose to redeem Solas a decade ago and spent that time wondering how and if they actually could. It’s emotional and I think perfectly done. I can’t imagine a way for it to have been executed better

[@rpgfairyplays9410]

I felt numb after other aspects of the ended so didn't feel like I enjoyed it was much as I could have. I had no more tears left in me. But It did give me joy seeming my lavellen and Solas get a happy ending together.

[@RPGgems]

I got the Mythal ending on my first playthrough with Inquisitor Trevelyan who wanted to redeem him. I LOVE that ending, he turns to Morrigan, Rook and the Inquisitor and thanks them, but it almost looks like he's thanking the Inquisitor for fulfilling their promise to him. That felt very special. (And my Inky got to go home to hubby, which I was greatly relieved about 😅). Absolutely love Veilguard.

[@annaandrzejewska-godecka8498]

Solas' romance with Lavellan is one of the most epic romances in games. On many levels. Solas with all his past. Plus what we learn or confirm in DAVE. And she, who is raised with the tradition of believing in the Creators and the evil Dread Wolf... stands at the end of the Tresspasera and tries. She fails. Love is not enough. I have to admit when I playd the Veilguard I was burning with jealousy of Mythal :D But the amount of emotions in the finale is incredible. After 10 years I got what I hoped for….. and more. And the fact that this relationship could have such a good ending made me shed a sea of ​​​​tears….

[@carole5648]

i had the solavellan ending, but i'm glad to know there is an end where the veil does come down.

[@Dicyroller]

The thing about playing it on release is you don't get any spoilers, you don't know what is going to happen when you make this choice or that choice. There is no good or bad choice there is only your choice. I chose the way I did because like so many I had a Lavellan. I was sympathetic to Solas to begin with. I also felt that I would be betraying the spirit of Verric if I did not give him every chance. I will play again and play as one of the other inquisitors I played was in the past and see what happens. I think in will be fun.

[@lordofgingers]

There is still one more story to tell. There are also places I’d like to go. Beyond thedas.

[@jessicab5525]

I finally finished my play through and this was the ending I chose. This ripped me up and had me sobbing. So bittersweet. Love Solas and Inky. 😭

[@fenstersims4648]

i did the redemption arc ending, but without a romanced inquisitor. it was very hard for me too choose it, because of varrics death. i loved varric, i loved solas, the reveal that varric was dead, was just too much for me, i never saw that coming. but ultimatly i came down to my senses and did, what my inquisitor had choosen over 10 years ago - trying everything to stop and redeem solas.

[@AeschylusShepherd]

The FACT they totally omitted the entire Titan aspect to all this was a HUGE mistake. Because the blight still exists, it has not been addressed. The Evanuris wanted more power and believed they could control the blight. Despite whatever ending you get, the fact is there is only 1 ending, the Veil is sealed, it just depends on how much collateral damage. Basically Sandal was wrong. The magic did not come back. People are not the way they use to be before the Veil.

[@The_Unseen_Project]

Actually Sandal was right. The Magic (and the Dream) did come back. But not for the humans and the elves. It came back for Dwarves as mentioned in Harding epilouge scene. After he rose! (The Dreadwolf Rises is the final quest name after all)

[@lordofgingers]

I believe this may have been deliberate. Though I suspect we may never know what their plans were

[@LadyRedLyrium]

The redemption ending was gut wrenching and beautiful and perfect. Maybe it wasn't perfect to everyone, but it sure felt perfect to me. I was SO moved by it, there are no words. I just absolutely adored this game and that ending, and I dread the bad endings but I'll probably do those too at some point, just to see them and break my own heart.

[@julywind4712]

I cried my eyes out in the end😢

[@matthewspeer9587]

I got the redemption ending without Lavellen. I'm happy with it, though, that said, I am tempted to do it on subsequent playthroughs. At one point I really did want him dead, but I think his respect of me showed his tragic, anti-hero side, he really did want to help but he was so preoccupied with his regret. Watching him let go and breathe, for the first time was a masterstroke.

[@hwinniedsw]

Solas is very lucky Rook and Lavellan were puppeteered by the same person! I certainly wouldn’t have given him such a great redemption ending otherwise.

[@susancollins3971]

I got the redemption and my Lavellan went with Solas. I cried so hard. It was the best ending I could have ever wanted for my Inquisitor and for Solas. I honestly do not even care to see the other endings because this was the ending, I had waited 10 years for.

[@_Koozebane_]

My Lavellan romanced no one. She did want to save Solas at the end of Trespasser. So, the bastard who killed my friend, totally mind f*cked me, and then haunted me with his image for the majority of the game went off into the fade all by his betraying self once Mythal released him.

[@ameliab5881]

I think the endings are well done for the most part. It's actually fairly gracefully done. People have wide and divisive opinions on Solas, and it's just like how his tale is handled in the games. To some he is the Dread Wolf, trickster god and enemy of the Elven gods and to the current world, to others he is Solas, sometimes wise and very sad and struggling to do what is right. These endings tell me that each interpretation of him is just as right as the other. Solas has what it takes for redemption and atonement, but as we see in one ending, he can also succumb to his pride and the assertion that he is, in fact, a god among lesser mortals. I really like that aspect of it.

[@gabbygirl9600]

This game has a lot of issues, BUT the main story and anything with Solas in it was done sooooo well. Definitely the best ending we could’ve hoped for as a Solas lover ❤😅 I think his and Mythal’s relationship was very much one of a motherly bond. I call my daughter “my love,” all the time. Mythal used his love and manipulated it into a weapon. 😢 The second that she finally releases him, he immediately goes to Lavellan, like his letter said he’d wanted to all along. I will say that outside the Lavellan ending, the one where Rook goes into the fade with him is the most interesting, because it feels like it actually cost something for Rook. Otherwise, it’s just very short and one sided. I think Solas is too smart to fall for the dagger trick, and in the “bad@ ending, all his restraints are left unchecked and he truly becomes the harsh Dread Wolf of the stories. Both of which are unsatisfactory to me.

[@christina.morris]

As a diehard Solavellan, I was happy enough with what we got. I would have liked more screentime for the two of them together in general, but I overall found it to be a satisfying conclusion. Solas, in general, was the best part of the game, and while I have my frustrations with other elements of the game, they got him right imo

[@strange144]

I'm also a Solavellan but idk, locking them up in a forever prison wasn't what I had in mind. If I had known that was the ending, I would never have encouraged her to get back together with him. Mortals die in the prison, no? That's why there were only gods with archdemons left.

[@szilvia2324]

​@@strange144 not forever, just till he works on his regrets, which he does have a lot 😅

[@christina.morris]

@@strange144 I doubt the intent is that she dies, given the overall framing and tone of the scene. Weekes has said the place's nature will change based on their love for one another, too, so I take it as a happy ending (though I would be fine with a tragic one, personally, since I enjoy that kind of thing narratively)

[@FearlessXful]

I think the best description is that we could always use more, but what we got 100% delivered on our expectations.

[@galilea723]

The trick ending is my favorite one. So satisfing Rook outplaying him. Solas is a great character but is manipulating bastad. Also he doesn't do anythig to earn his redemption. Nothing more just engaging.

[@mandu6665]

Yes. The game repeatedly shows us Rook is the opposite of Solas thus why you need your crew and it wouldn't make any sense for Rook to kill or insult them. He's better than that because everyone matters. Solas is arrogant and thinks he is above everyone. Crazy that people don't get this.

[@Dip-z8q]

The question is, would Solas' prison really have kept the elven gods? How would regret hold back beings that think themselves infallible?

[@blazitastic5725]

The ending of this game made my solavellan brainrot return and it is everything i could possibly want for them, i loved and i cheered for them and it was amazing to play and watch 😭💖

[@chillcloak]

I think every ending is pretty satisfying depending on the player. I decided to fight him and bind him to the Veil because for me personally the amount of people he used and hurt in order to achieve his goals made him irredeemable. I never romanced him with Lavellan and I'd like to think my thought processes are nuanced enough. But convincing and redeeming Solas, something that we had seen attempted time and time again at the cost of many lives, did not feel like a satisfying ending to me. Up until the end I wasn't sure whether I was actually wanted to give him a chance, but then the Varric reveal happened and afterwards he tried to trick us yet again by giving us the lyrium blade to take down Elgar'nan to bring down the Veil. The time for talking was over. He was no better than the rest of the Evanuris and his last line before being trapped confirmed that to me: "You sneer at me as though you understand, you are mortal! Compared to you, to your infinitesmal existence... I am a god!" Yeah, whatever. Have fun reaping what you sow. One of the best villains in video game history.

[@Audrey88451]

I agree, I got the same ending as you and was satisfied. I also never romanced Solas. To know that everyone time and time again attempted to chat with him but it was shown that he was determined to do as he planned & thought was right, there was no discussing it with him. After what he did to Varric and how he used that against you too. I had NO intention of redeeming him or trying to chit chat, people so close to him couldn't talk him down & change his mind. Why would I as Rook think I had a better argument to make him change his mind... It was time for him to fall, and I was ready to bring him down!

[@ambre3085]

I don't agree that the trick ending is lacking because... Hearing GDL's performance in that one *ANIHILATED* me .......... But I don't believe anything could match the great ending,, the emotional relief after a full decade of angst is phenomenal My crops are watered, my skin is clear, I rest in peace

[@nininoona]

My BIGGEST complaint with one of the endings is SOLAS declaring HIMSELF a GOD! WTAF, Bioware?

[@lordofgingers]

Freudian slip perhaps?

[@maiafay]

It showed his hubris in the end. He was backed into a corner and that’s what happens when desperate people lash out.

[@rougeteddyz]

I am gonna to see if there were variations of the bad ending, where rook is trapped with Solas, but some other companions survive.

[@BlondeNordic]

Mythal her self twisted Solases spirit from wisdom to pride by binding his spirit to her in a sense that she full well knew what she meant to him and so she used that in her own plans. Time of Gods has ended and so will time of Solas come to an end one way or the other. He lies so masterfully because he has done so since he came in to this world few thousand years ago. I wonder how many he has hurt along the way to get to the end? Love alone wont save a soul no matter how hard you try...

[@Kleineganz]

In my first playthrough, I missed the option to customize the Inquisitor (I always play male characters), so I ended up with the default Inquisitor, who romanced Solas. I did get the redemption ending and I'm glad I had a chance to experience that. Going forward I'll be including my Inquisitors (I have one elven and one human, so I'll be switching between them for my future playthroughs). In all cases, I vowed to redeem Solas, and it does suck that my non-romanced Inquisitor can't talk sense into his friend (especially if they're an elf), and maybe have a version of the redemption arc for them (esp. after all the work Rook has to do to get Mythal's essence... that dragon fight is no joke!).

[@mayanasia]

I'm sure I've read somewhere that non-romanced Inky can get redemption ending. They just don't go into the fade with Solas.

[@HeroOfTime223]

“We could see what they’re up to in the fade.” 👀👀👀

[@havenwolf455]

When Lavellan walked in and he whispered "Vehnan" I absolutely lost it. I was sobbing. That ending felt like good closure for me, for both Solas and my Inquisitor. Bioware really peaked with this, in my personal opinion.

[@renatocouto1308]

We should have had the option to destroy the veil

[@DarkKing009]

"One who has fallen so far, and done so much evil does not deserve redemption. In a way, such a turning from one's nature is cowardly, a betrayal of the self." "Redemption is merely a form of spiritual collapse. A fall few recover from."

[@samsmith9370]

Honestly, I'm having a hard time playing my second playthrough because of how much Act 3 totally wrecked me 😭 It's a story you need to sit with for a while. For me, at least.

[@annmoore321]

Yay? I’m glad people are happy that Solas and Lavellan got a “happy ever after” ending. I guess. To be perfectly frank, Lavellan deserves better. Solas does not deserve her. He can have his chance at atonement, but he can’t have her. I refuse to allow it. After millennia of betrayals, lies, manipulation, etc. am I supposed to believe that he will change overnight and become someone who can maintain a healthy relationship? Absolutely not! He can go take a long time out in the fade and think about what he’s done.

[@sillylittlegamingchannel]

they didn't get a perfectly happy ever after ending, they both vanished into fade prison for eternity, what is happy about that? the only happy thing about that is that they are together and that's literally the best case scenario for solavellan due to how doomed solas is by the narrative and how doomed lavellan is by her love for solas. if YOUR lavellan felt she deserved better, she got her own ending, without solas. i think people are forgetting that they did not write these characters, so whether or not they deserve better is irrelevant, because the characters make their own choices (guided by your hands). the solavellan lavellan did not feel she deserved better, she never gave up on solas. bioware didn't invalidate your canon, you can still chose not to end up with solas in the end. the solavellan ending was perfectly tragic. it wasn't happy, it as mythical.

[@TheJuicyFill]

I got the "perfect redemption" ending (bar the lavellan joining Solas) but in looking up the different endings I actually think the "worst" ending was the best one

[@KhalonHartwell]

The neutral ending is my favourite. I detest Solas, and hearing him say "You are a fool" being tricked and thrown into the fade and saying "I am a fool" was INCREDIBLY satisfying to me.