Dragon Age 2 Deep Roads Expedition Quest Guide
The Deep Roads Expedition serves as the grand climax of Act 1 in Dragon Age 2, requiring Hawke to secure funding and map details before venturing into ancient dwarven ruins. Preparing for this massive undertaking determines not only your financial fortune but also the long-term fate of your party members. Approaching this major milestone with clear planning ensures that your party survives the severe challenges lurking beneath the surface.
Securing Funding and Requirements
Before launching the expedition, Hawke must raise 50 Sovereigns to secure a partner stake with Bartrand Tethras. Players can earn this gold by completing main plot rumors, secondary quests, and companion missions scattered throughout Kirkwall. Alternatively, accepting a loan deal from Dougal will fulfill the financial requirement instantly, though it introduces future consequences.
Selecting Your Party and Sibling Fate
Deciding whether to bring your surviving sibling, Bethany or Carver, is the most crucial decision during this quest line. Bringing your sibling without Anders present results in their tragic death from the Blight corruption. Including Anders allows your sibling to survive by joining the Grey Wardens, whereas leaving them behind forces them into the Circle of Magi or Templar Order.
Navigating the Primeval Thaig
Once underground, your party faces waves of dangerous foes including spiders, darkspawn, and ancient golems. Utilizing narrow corridors as chokepoints helps prevent your squishier party members from being swarmed by aggressive enemies. Managing crowd control spells and keeping a healthy stock of healing potions is critical for keeping everyone alive through extended dungeon encounters.
Defeating the Ancient Rock Wraith
The expedition culminates in a challenging boss battle against the Ancient Rock Wraith. When the boss begins its high-damage energy blast, immediately move your entire party behind stone pillars for protection. During the boss's recharge phase, clear out the defensive profane minions before refocusing your primary attacks on the central core.