No need to say this precious game is getting old. To make it less obvious, there are tons of mods you can download to fix bugs, re-texture, and other fancy stuff. Here I'll be introducing you to the best 20 mods you can use to improve your experience. I must warn you, there are spoilers in this list. If you haven't played the game yet, I would just recommend using the bug fix, texture, hairstyle, and no helmet mods. Otherwise, you will get a very different experience than the one intended by the original game.
20. Skip the Fade
If you dislike going through the fade you can use this mod to skip it. It will teleport you to your companion's nightmares after defeating Duncan. If you complete all your companion quests, you will be teleported to the Sloth Demon. An effective and fast way to pass the fade. You still get all the experience, attribute points, and codex entries meant to be in the fade. Skip the Fade does what promises. And to be honest, the Fade can be a little tricky and annoying if you dislike puzzles.
If you haven't played this quest yet, I don't recommend using this mod. I don't recommend skipping any part of the game, at least not during your first playthrough.
Skip the Fade is fun because:
- The Fade is a long labyrinth. This mode allows you to just get into the fun part.
- You can skip many scenarios that aren’t relevant to the main story. Once you’ve already been in the Fade, next time you do notice how boring can be. There aren’t dialogues or anything important to the mission which is just getting to the demon.
- The mode is fundamental for those players that enjoy going through several campaigns. Like any other puzzle, once you’ve already solved it, it’s no longer entertaining. It gets repetitive and pointless.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/816
19. No helmet
Have you felt awkward and ugly wearing that helmet that doesn't match your beautiful outfit? Most of the times the helmet is there only for the stats. It's very weird to find a nice helmet so the easiest solution is no helmet at all.
In the rest of the Dragon Age series, there is a setting that allows the player to enable or disable the helmet while keeping the stats. In Origins, we have this mod instead. It will give the item "No helmet Rule Book" for you to use whenever you want to hide or unhide the helmets of your character and companions. I recommend this mod since the helmets have always felt off in Dragon Age. The designs are pretty ugly and some of them hide the faces of our characters. We want to see our character's face not an ugly helmet, right?
Why the No Helmet mod is fun?
- It should have been a feature in the base game. Simply because of this.
- The helmet designs aren’t visually exciting. I’ll rather see my character's face which I spent much time creating.
- It’s very simple to use and you can disable it anytime you want.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/202
18. Improved Atmosphere
For veteran players, this mod is a must-have. It makes the game much more immersive. There are tons of features inside this mod. From bug fixes to adding new interactions between your party members. It also adds new color tints and items for the NPCs and your party.
It is divided into modules that contain different sets of changes. This means you can remove any module that you dislike which allows the player to get a personalized experience. It's a little bit hard to understand if you're not an experienced modder. It might be confusing due to the amount of information it can have. But for those who already know, this is a perfect mod and you should have it.
Why the Improved Atmosphere is fun:
- This mod will give a realistic feeling of the NPC's actions and your surroundings.
- The base game is ok but with this mod, you will make it way better. You can mold it to your preferences.
- The immersive feeling is very important for Dragon Age. The fact that this mod makes it better is priceless.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/577
17. Lock Bash
People who have followed the game series know this mod should be part of the game. It allows you to force open locked chests and doors. The mod can be played according to your class and stats or not at all. This means you can open the chests (and doors) that your skill allows you to, otherwise, you have a probability of breaking the items.
It also adds the great feature of automatically commanding your rogue to open chests or doors by just clicking the objective. No need of switching to them anymore.
It's another mod that should have been part of the base game. Highly recommended to every player.
Lock Bash is fun because:
- It makes the game more comfortable since you no longer have to take a rogue on your party only because you need to open a chest. Now you're free!
- It allows you to play with the settings according to your preferences. If you want to you can just open the chests without any skills or risk.
- It saves so much time on something that is not relevant at all. Opening chests and doors should be a skill that anybody can learn, not only rogues. It makes more sense to break a lock with a sword than not being able to open it at all.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/301
16. Madd Gift Guide
Spoiler alert! The mod will give a name in the description of the item. This will tell to whom the gift belongs. If you don't want to know because it's your first time playing, just don't use it. You will get items for companions that aren't yet part of the party.
You can still collect the gifts and use the mod whenever you completed the party. It is very helpful since you won't be second-guessing that Silver Chain and failing the right companion.
Indeed, it takes away the feeling of "understanding" you must have from your party members. You can naturally understand for whom are the gifts.
The Madd Gift Guide is fun because:
- The gifts are too many and this will allow you not to fail a single one.
- You can do whatever you want. Make them mad because you’re giving them the wrong gift on purpose or make them happy and earn their approval.
- You won’t have to spend so much time focusing on their words and preferences to know which is the right gift. Sometimes is hard to remember.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/385
15. Hairstyle Day / Simplicity Hairs
Both mods are a great addition. The base options for hairstyles aren't fun enough. These mods change the whole spectrum of possible character designs. Just like tattoo or armor mods. I chose to focus on hairstyle because I believe it gives a huge sense of personality to your warden.
On Hairstyle Day you get some accessories addition. There's also a Hairstyle Day 2 mod, you can use both to make it even funnier.
Why Hairstyle Day and Simplicity Haris are fun:
- The two mods are incredible. Very beautiful and complete. The base game doesn’t have a lot of options to design your character. With these mods creating your character is way better.
- The options in the game aren’t very attractive. I like two or three hairstyles and the rest are quite ugly. With these mods, your character will no longer look like a homeless person.
- Female hairstyles are the prettiest I’ve seen so far. You might find other hairstyle mods but these two are perfect. I promise you won’t need any other.
Get Hairstyle Day here:http://https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/3552
Get Simpliciaty Haris here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/5889
14. Dragon Age Class and Specialization Pack
The mod will add several new classes and specializations, and a massive amount of spells for each class. You can choose which specializations you want to see in the game. Amazing mod for old players that have already made their 5 or more playthroughs. If you're new I don't recommend it since it might be too overwhelming.
Why the Dragon Age Class and Specialization Pack mod is fun:
- If you’re a veteran player and you’ve already tried everything the base game offers, you will love this mod.
- It adds new characteristics and unique playthroughs for you to discover.
- The classes and specializations added are very well done.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/1399
13. Elvhenan Weapons v2_0 / Jojjo's Weapons
These are probably my favorite weapon mods for Origins. There aren't many crazy weapon designs for Origins but these will do a great job.
The Elvhenan Weapons mod will add two swords and a pair of daggers. Fascinating stuff.
Jojjo's Weapons will add all the weapons shown in the image. Nice dark design but be careful, the weapons are extremely overpowered. It will change the game experience. I'll rather not change it that way.
Get Jojjo's Weapons: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/5268
Get Elvhenan Weapons here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/1784
Why these mods are fun:
- The weapons are elegant. They add a very nice feeling to your warden's visuals.
- The base game has a lot of weapon options but in the end, the ones we end up using are always the same. To widen the spectrum this is fantastic.
- You can play the game in Nightmare difficulty and it will be a piece of cake.
12. The Phoenix Armory for Females
A very soothing set of weapons and armor for female rogues. It works for humans, elves, and dwarfs. The mod adds the following weapons and features:
- Twin Phoenix Claw Daggers and their superior versions.
- Phoenix Eye Bow and its superior version.
- Phoenix Arrows
- Phoenix-Recruit Armor
- Phoenix-Scout Armor
- Phoenix-Battlemaiden Armor
- Phoenix-Matriarch Armor
- Custom Weapons and Armor meshes (incorporated slightly modified version of the Slender Light Armor Form mod, and modified version of the Heavy Armor set)
- Includes all LOD (level of detail) models and textures
Not recommended for people that are new at modding! You will have to carefully read the instructions to understand how it works. There is some customization work behind it.
Why the Phoenix Armory for Females is fun:
- The features are visually beautiful. It will make your rogue look like a badass.
- The sets of armor and weapons in the base game are pretty boring. It gets repetitive and the design isn’t as creative. This one will take care of that and more.
- Rogues are somehow the forgotten class in DAO. With this mod, you will make your rogue shine on the battlefield.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/1660
11. ZDF Dialog Fix
A must-have for immersion's sake. It fixes dialogue errors with Zevran, Alistair, Isabella, Leliana, Cullen, and many others. It adds 9 completely new features. Among them is the feature that makes Loghain your friend, which enables friendly dialog triggers. I couldn't add the many changes this mod gives to the game but kindly check the list provided by the creator in the link below. It's quite long, take your time!
Why the ZDF Dialog Fix mod is fun:
- The effort put into it is huge. I appreciate this kind of mod because it improves completely the game experience.
- It adds new scenarios and dialogues with Loghain which is just wonderful.
- You can change the settings to your preferences.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/928
10. CC Extra Tints and Tones
For the fans of the character design. For those who spend half an hour designing the perfect character for each campaign. This is for you.
It compiles 11 new skin tones. 14 eye tints, and 11 hair tints. The main feature is the option of the color white for the tattoos.
Why CC Extra Tints and Tones mod is fun:
- The base game doesn’t have so many options for character design. This changes the limitations a bit allowing you to create a better character.
- Tattoos are always fun. I love having my characters with tattooed skin, if you’re like me you can’t skip this one!
- Being able to make a crazy design is something nobody should stop us from doing. This mod enables that chance.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/69
9. Extra Dog Slot
This allows you to always have your Mabari as part of the party. It gives you a whistle as an item in your inventory. This can be used to order the dog to leave the party or to call him back. All dialog options and abilities involving the dog will still work. So be not afraid to try, it's very useful to have the Mabari over in all your campaigns.
Why the Extra Dog Slot is fun:
- It’s always great to have a pet around. I love having the Mabari close, not only because of its cuteness but also and most importantly because it’s another fighter to your party.
- It’s very simple to use.
- Nobody prefers the Mabari over one of the companions. You no longer have to worry about it.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/664
8. Flash Creatures Rescale
Please keep in mind that this mod requires the Improved Atmosphere mod. This one changes the stats of the enemies according to the lore ranks. These are carefully assigned by the creature's species and proficiency in combat. There are 6 ranks that start from Easy to Elite Boss. You can also decrease the HP of all characters to make the battles realistic. Another optional feature is increasing the potion cooldown and to decrease the steal cooldown.
Why the Flash Creatures Rescale mod is fun:
- Dragon Age Origins is not well balanced, this fixes that and adds higher levels of difficulty.
- Recommended for new and old players. It will change drastically the experience compared to the base game.
- You can play with the settings and make it a personalized experience.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/1403
7. Expanded Inventory
Ok, I know this mod isn't relevant. But I can't stand the fact of having a limited inventory. I never play my campaigns without this mod. Especially recommended for those who like to collect mods that add inventory items. Many of them are on this list so you will need the expanded inventory.
Why the Expanded Inventory is fun:
- This one is just necessary. Also a personal recommendation to all of you.
- The inventory in the base game is too little. You will no longer have to be dealing with this.
- No more eliminating items to collect new ones!
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/23
6. Qwinn's Ultimate DAO Fixpack v3.52
It takes care of more than 850 bugs including dialogue, quest, scripting, plot, and item bugs in the base game. Recommended for all players, it will improve your experience in the game.
Why the Qwinn's Ultimate DAO Fixpack is fun:
- This is another must-have! It makes the gameplay much more enjoyable by fixing the many bugs the game has.
- DAO is an old game so it won’t receive fixes. That is no longer important because the community fixed the problem with this mod.
- 850 fixes are just crazy!
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/4689
5. Dragon Age Redesigned
This mod makes some huge design improvements. It changes character designs, textures, and lighting to make it look realistic. I love this mod since it changes the clone effect that most characters in Dragon Age have. They all have the same eye model and expression.
It also has a version of Dragon Age 2 that I recommend if you're playing it.
Why the Dragon Age Redesigned mod is fun:
- The mod will make NPCs' faces entirely different from each other giving a more realistic feeling.
- It also works for all DLCs!
- DAO designs can get a bit boring once you’ve already experienced the game. This mod makes it a new experience you shouldn’t miss.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/686
4. JB3textures
This pack of textures will improve the visuals of the game entirely. Please do expect it to be heavier than the base game. The textures need more VRAM and RAM than the game's default textures. Keep this in mind before installing.
Why the JB3textures mod is fun:
- It's a much more detailed version of the game, which makes the experience improve highly.
- Some landscapes in the game look too simple, with this mod it will no longer be that way.
- You get to enjoy the game as if it was modern.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/15
3. Dragon Age Origins Unofficial Remaster
This mod changes many vanilla features, among them, the Flemeth design. Now she's redesigned with the DA2 version of Flemeth. There's an Isabella version too, but that's another mod. There are many mods to redesign characters, it all depends on which one you'll like to change. It also adds new and better textures. It changes some environment designs and decorations.
Why the Dragon Age Origins Unofficial Remaster mod is fun:
- The textures are fantastic. All the changes this mod brings are quite impressive.
- It will make the game look less aged with better graphics.
- If you liked bossy Flemeth in DA2 more than the old ugly Flemeth from DAO then this is for you!
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/5728
2. Faster Movement in AND out of Combat
Have you ever felt each basic attack lasts forever? Or that traveling is very slow? Don't suffer anymore my friend! Here is the solution to the slow mechanics of our beloved game.
This mod makes the character's movement speed faster. It's closer to the Dragon Age 2 movement speed.
Why the Faster Movement in AND out of Combat mod is fun:
- It’s a great improvement. Give it a try if you're into faster combats and exploration.
- It makes the game feel dynamic. Especially in battle, the difference is highly noticeable.
- The best part of DA2 was the movement speed and being able to mimic that in DAO is a blessing.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/4543
1. Alley of Murders
This is the best mod from this list. It adds a new quest at Denerim. Very entertaining and unique with its films and fully-voiced characters. It's a 30 to 60 minutes experience worth your while if you enjoy this game and want to make it even longer. The decisions you take in this quest will afflict your main campaign and vice versa. The decisions you took on your main campaign will affect the behavior of your party in the mod.
Why the Alley of Murders mod is fun:
- The mere effort in creating this mod is crazy. Just imagine creating your quest for Dragon Age. Amazing!
- If you’re in for a new experience you should give it a try. It’s very well done.
- It connects with the game so everything you do will be relevant. Is not just a random quest with no importance.
Get the mode here: https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonage/mods/615
