Perks are special benefits or skills acquired by spending "Perk Points", a product of inquisition rank. Perks are grouped into four categories: Forces, Secrets, Connections, and Inquisition, with different effects listed below. There are not enough perk points to purchase all of them, with an average per playthrough of 10 points and each perk costing one each. Please note that Agents to not cost perk points but count as points spent, so when you are attempting a high level perk that is locked behind usage, they are a valuable option. Also note that unlocking a perk on each category can give you new dialogue options without further investment.
Perks & Their Categories
Forces Perks
Secrets Perks
Connections Perks
Inquisition Perks
Forces Perks are unlocked by increasing your Inquisition Rank, and serve to reduce mission time for the armed forces led by Cullen, as well as providing physical benefits in battle and criminal intelligence in dialogue.
Forces Perks from Cullen
| Name | Description | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | n/a |
| 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. | n/a |
| Rider's Posture | Training in proper weight distribution during hard riding significantly increases resistance to being unseated. | Invest 2 points in Forces category. |
| 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 |
| Advanced Focus | Increase maximum focus from 100 to 200. Second-tier focus effect for abilities can now be triggered. | Invest 5 points in Forces category. |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| More Healing Potions | Increase the maximum number of potions the party can carry by four. | Invest 3 points in Forces category. |
| 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. | Invest 4 points in Forces category. |
| Rogue Schematics | Many of Leliana's new agents bring gear from their previous employers. Gathering their collective gains will provide new, rare schematics. | Invest 4 points in Forces category. |
| Warrior Schematics | Sellswords, templars, chevaliers: The Inquisition's forces come from wide-ranging backgrounds. Scour the troops' arms and armors for new, rare schematics. | Invest 4 points in Forces category. |
| Lord Berand (Agent) | 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. |
| Clemence, the Tranquil (Agent) | 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. |
| The Blades of Hessarian (Agent) | 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. | Kill their leader, then recruit the Blades of Hessarian. |
| Vale's Irregulars (Agent) | 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 Corporal Vale. |
| Loranil (Agent) | 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 Cullen to complete operations. | Recruit Loranil. |
| Michel de Chevin (Agent) | 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 (Agent) | 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. | Recruit Ser Barris (must survive Therinfal Redoubt) |
Secrets Perks are unlocked by investing points after leveling up your Inquisition Rank. They reduce the time it takes the covert forces led by Leliana to complete missions, and they provide harvesting benefits in the field and arcane knowledge in dialogue.
Secrets Perks from Leliana
- Note: Deft Hands, Fine Tools is the perfect option for those who do not bring a Rogue in their party.
| Name | Description | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | n/a |
| Optimal Cutting | Detailed studies show how to get the maximum usable harvest from each plant. Grants a 10% chance to receive herbs with each harvest. | n/a |
| Eagle-Eyed | Training in spotting where the pattern breaks, in nature or civilization. Grants a significant increase to the discovery range of the searching action. | n/a |
| 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). | Invest 2 points in Secrets Perks category. |
| 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. | Invest 4 points in Secrets Perks category. |
| 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. | Capture any keep. |
| Trainee Herbalists | Gain a collection of tier 1 herbs. | n/a |
| 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 |
| Master Herbalists | Combat training, top-line equipment, and experience in both allow Inquisition herbalists to find the rarest of specimens. A large collection of rare herbs will be delivered for personal use. | Veteran Herbalists |
| Smuggler Tanner (Agent) | 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. |
| Witty Ritts (Agent) | Scout Ritts is now under Leliana's commend 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. |
| Servis (Agent) | 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. | Capture and judge Servis. |
| Frederic of Serault (Agent) | Frederic's extensive research into dragons intrigues scholars all over Thedas and draws them to the Inquisition, which benefits from shard knowledge. Reduces by 5% the time it takes for Leliana to complete operations. | Recruit Frederic. |
| Speaker Anais (Agent) | 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. | Recruit Anais. |
| The Eager Recruit (Agent) | 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. |
| A Magister in Disgrace (Agent) | 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 and recruit Alexius. |
Secrets Perks are unlocked by spending skill points after gaining Inquisition Rank. They reduce the time it takes the diplomatic envoys of Josephine to complete missions, as well as granting merchant benefits and nobility dialogue options.
Connections Perks from Josephine
| Name | Description | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| 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 for each codex entry unlocked. | — |
| 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. | — |
| 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. | — |
| Elite Clientele | All merchants want to say they once did business with the Inquisition. Shops offer to buy and sell for 15% better prices. | Sterling Reputation |
| The Rare Stocks | Inquisition procurers can leverage the organization's reputation to purchase a shipment of rare and valuable raw materials for crafting. | — |
| Exacting Buyers | A little shrewd negotiation will allow Inquisition procurers to buy a shipment of high-quality materials for their craftspeople. | The Rare Stocks |
| 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 craftspeople. | Exacting Buyers |
| The Short List | Merchants eager to win favor from the Inquisition will give access to special offers for rare inventory. | Invest 5 points in Connections category. |
| 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 hopes the Inquisitor will put in an appearance. | Capture any keep. |
| Barter by Belle (Agent) | 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. |
| Speaker Anais (Agent) | 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. | Recruit Speaker Anais. |
| Enchanter Ellendra (Agent) | 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 (Agent) | 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 (Agent) | 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 (Agent) | 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 (Agent) | 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. | Judge and order Florianne's remains to perform community service. |
Inquisition Perks are gained by spending points after leveling up your Inquisition Rank. They are not related to any specific advisor, and benefit the Inquisitor directly.
- Note: This category has the very valuable perks that Increase Inventory Capacity.
| Name | Description | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| 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 found. | n/a |
| 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. | n/a |
| Imperial Court Tailoring | The best tailors of 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 |
| Tempered Glass Flasks | Better techniques in glass-working make more durable flasks, allowing more potions to be carried safely at one time. Adds one more potion slot for all party members. | n/a |
| Exclusive Training | Gain 1 combat talent point, for the Inquisitor only. | Invest 5 points in Inquisition Perks category. |
| Deeds Renown | A better network of bards and criers makes every Inquisition deed garner more power across Thedas. | Invest 4 points in Inquisition Perks category. |
| Horsemaster Dennet (Agent) | Dennet lends his considerable experience with the training and handling of various steeds for the Inquisition. | Recruit Horsemaster Dennet. |
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