Key Takeaway
The Influence you earn in the game can be used to unlock Inquisition Perks at the war table. These are permanent upgrades that can impact many aspects of gameplay. Perks include things like increased storage space, bonus experience when defeating enemies or reading lore, stat boosts, and more.
You’ll earn Influence by completing quests, defeating enemies, and more. Each time you fill your Influence bar, you can choose one of many Inquisition Perks in Dragon Age: Inquisition. While there are 34 of these upgrades, you’ll only be able to choose 19 during your playthrough.
Table Of Contents
What Are Inquisition Perks?
Inquisition Perks are unlockable bonuses that can positively influence your playthrough of Dragon Age: Inquisition. Examples include earning additional experience points for defeating enemies, unlocking more potion slots, and lowering the cost of certain goods.
To unlock a new Inquisition Perk, you’ll need to earn Influence. This is done by completing quests, capturing keeps and strongholds, seizing encampments, slaying dragons, completing Requisition requests, sealing Rifts, and dispatching your subordinates at the war table.
Tip
Inquisition Perks are separated into four categories: Forces, Secrets, Connections, and Inquisition.
Cullen, the Inquisition’s military advisor, is in charge of Forces, which are bonuses focusing on strength and endurance. Secrets are given by Leliana, the group’s Spymaster, and relate to stealth and knowledge. Connection perks, which are related to diplomacy and persuasion, are given by Josephine. Inquisition perks are more quality-of-life bonuses, including increased inventory capacity and additional potion slots. This final category of Perks is not managed by one particular person, but rather by the Inquisition as a whole.
As you explore the world of Thedas, you’ll occasionally have the opportunity to recruit agents to work for the Inquisition. Some of these agents will work for one of your advisors, unlocking new perks in their specific category. Choosing these perks reduces the time it takes for the advisor to complete war table missions by 5%.
While there are 34 perks in total, you’ll only be able to activate 19 during your playthrough. This does not include agent perks.
All Inquisition Perks
Below, we’ve included information about every available Inquisition Perk. We’ve also included a Usefulness Rating, which ranks each perk on a scale from one to five, with one being the least useful and five being the most useful.
NoteSome perks have prerequisites, such as spending a certain amount of points in the relevant point tree or unlocking another perk first. Note that acquiring Inquisition agents count for point prerequisites, which can save you from having to spend actual points in a certain tree.
Forces
| Name | Description | Requirements | Usefulness Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underworld Knowledge | Detailed study of underworld customs and their brutal but practical applications. Opens up new dialogue options related to criminal activities and grants +50% XP for each codex entry unlocked. | -- | 5 |
| Massache's Method | A methodology developed by an Orlesian blademaster and used by chevaliers to analyze their own performance in combat. Grants a 5% increase in XP earned from killing foes. | -- | 3 |
| Rider's Posture | Training in proper weight distribution during hard riding significantly increases resistance to being unseated. | 2 points in Forces category | 1 |
| Antivan-Stitched Saddle | Proper tack of fine Antivan leather, custom-fitted to both horse and rider, significantly increases resistance to being unseated. | Rider's Posture | 1 |
| Advanced Focus | Increase maximum focus from 100 to 200. Second-tier focus effect for abilities can now be triggered. | 4 points in Forces category | 5 |
| Master Focus | Increase maximum focus for all party members from 200 to 300. Third-tier focus effect for abilities can now be triggered. | Advanced Focus | 5 |
| True Grit | Harsh environment training can be dangerous, but will harden anyone into a survivor. All party members gain a 10% increase to all defenses. | Capture any keep. | 4 |
| More Healing Potions | Increase the maximum number of potions the party can carry by 4. | 3 points in Forces category | 4 |
| Mage Schematics | Many mages from all over Thedas have joined the Inquisition, hoping for some degree of order and protection. Reverse engineering their robes and staves will provide new, rare schematics. | 4 points in Forces category | 1 |
| Rogue Schematics | Many of Leliana's new agents bring gear from their previous employers. Gathering their collective gains will provide new, rare schematics. | 4 points in Forces category | 1 |
| Warrior Schematics | Sellswords, templars, chevaliers: the Inquisition's forces come from wide-ranging backgrounds. Scour the troops' arms and armors for new, rare schematics. | 4 points in Forces category | 1 |
The following agents can be recruited to work for Cullen. Each agent recruited will reduce the time it takes for Cullen to complete war table missions by 5%.
| Name | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Lord Berand | Lord Berand of Ferelden has pledged his sword, and those of his forces, to the Inquisition. The addition of these soldiers bolsters the Inquisition’s forces. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Cullen to complete operations. | Recruit Berand. |
| Vale’s Irregulars | Corporal Vale has founded Vale’s Irregulars, a company of refugees willing and able to take up arms against the chaos. Reduces by 5% the time it takes Cullen to complete operations. | Recruit from the Hinterlands refugees through Corporal Vale. |
| Loranil | Loranil's involvement with the Inquisition cements an alliance with his clan. The perspective of a Dalish elf also gives the Inquisition's forces an added advantage. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Cullen to complete operations. | Recruit Loranil. |
| Michel de Chevin | Michel de Chevin, Empress Celene’s former champion, brings to the Inquisition his considerable experience as a chevalier. Reduces by 5% the time it takes Cullen to complete operations. | Recruit Michel de Chevin. |
| Ser Barris | Ser Barris’s skill and leadership abilities make him indispensable to Cullen. With his understanding of the red templars, he is also well suited to preparing the Inquisition’s soldiers for what they will face. Reduces by 5% the time it takes Cullen to complete operations. | Complete Champions of the Just and make sure that Barris survives. |
| The Blades of Hessarian | The Blades are unquestioningly loyal and relentless in battle. The group’s addition to the Inquisition lends significantly to its forces’ strength. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Cullen to complete operations. | Recruit the Blades of Hessarian on the Storm Coast. |
| Clemence, the Tranquil | Mage Clemence from Redcliffe is now using his knowledge of minor enchanting to reinforce the Inquisition’s defenses. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Cullen to complete operations. | Recruit Clemence. |
| Storvacker | Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Cullen to complete operations. | Recruit Storvacker. |
Secrets
| Name | Description | Requirements | Usefulness Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arcane Knowledge | A detailed study of magic and the places and creatures that interact with it. Opens up new dialogue options related to the Fade or arcane studies. Grants +50% XP for each codex entry unlocked. | -- | 5 |
| Optimal Cutting | Detailed studies show how to get the maximum harvest from each plant. Grants a 10% chance to receive extra herbs with each harvest. | -- | 3 |
| Eagle-Eyed | Training in spotting where the pattern breaks, in nature or in civilization. Grants a significant increase to the discovery range of the searching action. | -- | 3 |
| Enhanced Studies | Bolster the number of researchers working to study those who stand against the Inquisition. Grants an additional +50% XP for each foe studied, including those already completed (applied retroactively). | 2 points in Secrets category | 2 |
| Deft Hands, Fine Tools | The training, gear, and experience working with master locksmiths needed to tackle the toughest and most ingenious locking mechanisms. Allows all rogues in the party to open masterwork locks. | 4 points in Secrets category | 5 |
| Forward Scouts | With access to a forward training camp, the Inquisition's scouts can receive training to cover a wider area and identify items of interest to the Inquisitor. Reveals additional landmarks and points of interest on the maps of every area. | 4 points in Secrets category Capture any keep | 2 |
| Trainee Herbalists | Gain a collection of Tier 1 herbs. | -- | 1 |
| Veteran Herbalists | Survival and harsh environment training will push Inquisition herbalists to gather more exotic and rare plants. As part of the training push, a large collection of uncommon herbs will be delivered for personal use. | Trainee Herbalists | 1 |
| Master Herbalists | Combat training, top-line equipment, and experience in both allows Inquisition herbalists to find the rarest specimens. A large collection of rare herbs will be delivered for personal use. | Veteran Herbalists | 1 |
The following agents can be recruited to work for Leliana. Each agent recruited will reduce the time it takes for Leliana to complete war table missions by 5%.
| Name | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Frederic of Serault | Frederic’s extensive research into dragons intrigues scholars all over Thedas and draws them to the Inquisition, which benefits from shared knowledge. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Leliana to complete operations. | Recruit Frederic. |
| Smuggler Tanner | Tanner’s contacts in the underworld supply the Inquisition with both rare goods and vital information that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Leliana to complete operations. | Recruit Tanner. |
| Speaker Anais | Speaker Anais has instructed her followers to spread out and gather information for the Inquisition. Their reports have been extremely useful. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Leliana to complete operations. | Tell Speaker Anais to "Listen and gather information" to recruit her for Leliana. *Speaker Annas appears after closing the Rift during the Praise the Herald of Andraste quest. |
| The Eager Recruit | The young elven woman from Crestwood has joined the Inquisition. Her enthusiasm and dedication have set her apart from other recruits, and she has found a mentor in one of Leliana’s best agents. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Leliana to complete operations. | Recruit Jana. |
| Witty Ritts | Scout Ritts is now under Leliana’s command, and has proven herself adept at intelligence-gathering, employing her wit and charm to coax secrets from her targets. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Leliana to complete operations. | Recruit Ritts. |
| A Magister in Disgrace | Former magister Alexius has been pressed into service for the Inquisition, improving its understanding of the arcane with his experience in pushing the boundaries of magic. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Leliana to complete operations. | Judge Alexius. |
| Servis | Servis now aids the Inquisition as an informant. Intelligence from this contacts in the Tevinter Imperium will keep the Inquisition advised of Venatori movement. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Leliana to complete operations. | Judge Servis. |
| Trader Helsdim | Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Leliana to complete operations. | Recruit Helsdim Rolfsen after completing the quest 'They Came From Somewhere Else' in the Jaws of Hakkon DLC. |
Connections
| Name | Description | Requirements | Usefulness Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nobility Knowledge | Detailed study of politics, rhetoric, and those who wield them to best effect. Opens up new dialogue options related to nobles and politics. Grants +50% XP from each codex entry unlocked. | -- | 5 |
| Sterling Reputation | Thanks to a few well-placed acquaintances and a carefully crafted reputation, merchants will pay the Inquisition 10% more for items sold to them. | -- | 2 |
| A Favor for a Favor | From an expanding network of contacts among artisans, suppliers, and noble patrons, merchants will offer the Inquisition a 10% discount on their goods. | -- | 2 |
| Elite Clientele | Every merchant wants to say they once did business with the Inquisition. Shops offers to buy and sell for 15% better prices. | Sterling Reputation and A Favor for a Favor. | 2 |
| The Rare Stocks | Inquisition procurers can leverage the organization's reputation to purchase a shipment of rare and valuable raw materials for crafting. | -- | 1 |
| Exacting Buyers | A little shrewd negotiation will allow Inquisition procureres to buy a shipment of high-quality materials for their craftsmen. | The Rare Stocks | 1 |
| Only the Finest | A word to the right people, and our Inquisition procurers can bid at auction on the very highest-quality, rare materials for their craftsmen. | Exacting Buyers | 1 |
| The Short List | Merchants eager to win favor from the Inquisition will give access to special offers for rare inventory. | 5 points in Connections category | 5 |
| Friends in High Places | Where the Inquisition deigns to spend its coin, people take notice. Merchants will send messengers when they have sales at their stores in hoped the Inquisitor will put in an appearance. | Capture any keep. | 1 |
The following agents can be recruited to work for Josephine. Each agent recruited will reduce the time it takes for Josephine to complete war table missions by 5%.
| Name | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker Anais | Speaker Anais has spoken of the Inquisition to her followers. They in turn spread the word of the Inquisition and its mission. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Josephine to complete operations. | Tell Speaker Anais to "Listen and gather information" to recruit her for Josephine. *Speaker Annas appears after closing the Rift during the Praise the Herald of Andraste quest. |
| Barter by Belle | Belle's trading connections all over Thedas give the Inquisition access to valuable commodities and increase its influence with several merchant cartels. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Josephine to complete operations. | Recruit Belle. |
| Enchanter Ellendra | Enchanter Ellendra was persuaded to use her impressive knowledge of healing and protection spells to aid the Inquisition. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Josephine to complete operations. | Recruit Enchanter Ellendra. |
| Fairbanks | The rebel Fairbanks’s close ties with the commoners in the Dales and his familiarity with the Emerald Graves will contribute significantly to the Inquisition’s efforts to gain influence. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Josephine to complete operations. | Recruit Fairbanks. |
| Lord Berand | Lord Berand of Ferelden has returned to the Bannorn, bearing news of the Inquisition. His voice has turned many to the Inquisition’s cause. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Josephine to complete operations. | Recruit Lord Berand. |
| Sky Watcher | Convinced that the Herald of Andraste was sent by the Lady of the Skies, a shaman of the Avvar tribes has sworn himself to the Inquisition’s cause. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Josephine to complete operations. | Recruit Sky Watcher. |
| The Noble Cadaver | The Grand Duchess Florianne in a pine box is now among the Inquisition’s assets. Florianne would be gratified to know that she is as formidable in death as in life (if only because of her odor). Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Josephine to complete operations. | Kill Florianne and make her remains do community service. |
| Sigrid the Exile | Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Josephine to complete operations. | Recruit Sigrid Gulsdotten. |
Inquisition
| Name | Description | Requirements | Usefulness Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| History Knowledge | Detailed study of Thedas's past. Opens up new dialogue options related to history and the Chantry. Grants an additional +50% XP for each codex entry unlocked. | -- | 4 |
| Antivan Tailoring | Antivan tailors are famed for their ability to hide pockets seamlessly in garments. A few words to the Inquisition's friends to the north, and its forces can carry more items in the field. Increases inventory capacity by 15. | -- | 4 |
| Imperial Court Tailoring | The best tailors in Val Royeaux, experienced in the intricacies of the Grand Game, can add hidden compartments to armor and clothing, allowing even more items to be carried at once. Increases inventory capacity by 15. | Antivan Tailoring | 4 |
| Tempered Glass Flasks | Better techniques in glassworking make more durable flasks, allowing more potions to be carried safely at one time. Adds one more potion slot for all party members. | -- | 5 |
| Exclusive Training | Gain 1 combat ability point, for the Inquisitor only. | 4 points in Inquisition category | 5 |
Recruiting Horsemaster Dennet at Redcliffe Farms in the Hinterlands will unlock a number of new mounts for the Inquisitor. In order to recruit him, you’ll need to finish the quests ‘Trouble with Wolves’ and ‘Farmland Security.’ You’ll need either Underworld Knowledge or History Knowledge—if you don’t have either, be sure to have Cassandra, Vivienne, or Dorian in your party to do the negotiating.
| Name | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Horsemaster Dennet | Dennet lends his considerable experience with the training and handling of various steeds for the Inquisition. | Recruit Horsemaster Dennet. |
Recommended Inquisition Perks
Underworld Knowledge, Arcane Knowledge, Nobility Knowledge, and History Knowledge are helpful to unlock early in the game, as they increase the experience you’ll earn by unlocking codex entries. More importantly, these perks will unlock new dialogue options pertaining to criminal activities, the arcane, politics, and history. These dialogue options are sometimes required to recruit new agents.
To reach some of the best loot in the game, you’ll need the Deft Hands, Fine Tools perk. This allows rogues to pick more difficult locks. You’ll also need this perk to complete some quests for members of your inner circle, so it should be high on your priority list.
After unlocking The Short List, certain merchants display a star mark on their inventory tab. This means that they are selling additional rare items. These rare items change frequently, so be sure to visit often to get the best offerings. Choosing this perk also unlocks certain Tier 3 masterwork schematics from merchants in Emprise du Lion and the Hissing Wastes and is the only way to obtain some unique items.
Dragon Age: Inquisition is a bit stingy when it comes to your Potion allotment. Choosing Tempered Glass Flasks and More Healing Potions is vital for higher difficulties, but, even on a normal playthrough, it never hurts to have some extra health on hand. Also helpful in the field, True Grit will increase all party members’ defense by 10%.
As you explore Thedas, you’ll find yourself constantly overburdened by sellable loot. Increase your inventory space by snagging Antivan Tailoring and Imperial Court Tailoring.
Advanced Focus and Master Focus may not seem too useful during the early sections of the game, but they’ll make you much more powerful during the second half. Your focus ability, Mark of the Rift, can destroy multiple enemies at once, so feeding into that power is recommended.
Lastly, while it may seem wasteful, the Inquisitor can never have too many ability points, so snag Exclusive Training.
Unlocking certain Inquisition Perks can make your journey around Thedas much less painful. By boosting your party’s experience, unlocking rare armor, and increasing the number of potions you can carry, not even a High Dragon will be able to take your party down.
