History BrokenBase / DragonAgeInquisition

** Many sapphic players were aggravated at ''yet another'' Creator/BioWare title making the more "butch" female companion Cassandra strictly straight (like [[VideoGame/MassEffect Ashley Williams]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Morrigan]], [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 Jack, Miranda]], and [[VideoGame/DragonAgeII Aveline]][[note]]Yes, Aveline is bi and has a bit of ShipTease with Hawke regardless of gender, but she can only end up married to Guardsman Donnic or not at all in the game[[/note]] before her) while only the hyper-femme Sera and [[ProperLady Josephine]] could be romanced by women (like [[VideoGame/MassEffect Liara]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Leliana]], [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 Kelly Chambers]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeII Isabela, and Merrill]] before them). Some are fine with it, others feel it carries some UnfortunateImplications and begs the question of why Creator/BioWare is ''SO'' averse to the perceived "ButchLesbian" trope.
** Some fans were disappointed that KnightInShiningArmor types like Cassandra, Cullen, Blackwall, etc. were straight, while mostly [[{{Gayngster}} rogue, mercenary, and apostate]] characters were gay/bi again. Not only were many sapphic women hoping to romance [[LGBTFanbase Cassandra]] and many gay/bi men hoping to romance a more [[ManlyGay traditionally masculine]] yet emotion-driven love interest for a change like Blackwall or Cullen (not yet another {{Elfeminate}} and/or CampGay EthicalSlut), but some fans felt it carries some {{unfortunate implications}} that ''of course'' morally upright KnightInShiningArmor types would be straight as a board, while only "social deviants" and outcasts would be "sexual deviants" too. (Downplayed as [[PrincessClassic Josephine]] is bi, but still...)

* The romance options and their quality. Good? Unsatisfactory? Insufficient? A particular point of contention is that there are more straight romances for women than anyone else - four total options if playing as a female elf and three if playing as a female human, in comparison to two for women of other races or men of any race.

* Gender representation was also an issue of debate. While some were satisfied with the companions regardless of gender, others pointed out that there are six males to the three females; this forms a stark contrast to ''Origins, DAII,'' and the ''Franchise/MassEffect'' trilogy, where you always have a roughly equal number of male and female companions. It doesn't help that two of the three females are among the biggest base breakers in the game, as listed above. However, this way of thinking leaves off the advisors, each of whom have fully fleshed-out character arcs and personal quests. Including them brings the ratio to a much more even level that is typical with Creator/BioWare games. Other than Cullen (who explicitly considers himself of lower rank) and a male Inquisitor, the Inquisition's leadership is entirely female, as are its most visible specialists and allies. The advisors, however, are not playable characters and don't usually travel or fight with the Inquisitor, so even when one does take them into account, the ratio of male to female playable characters is still much more skewed than it has been in previous games. It doesn't help that this pretty directly contributes to the shortage of romanceable women (three, compared to five romanceable men) mentioned above.
** A related complaint was that the women we do get are much less diverse than the men or than the female companions in previous games. Just for a few examples: none of them are overtly sexual (two of the men are) and none of them are from older generations (again, two men are). Additionally, almost all of the women are human. Sera and Harding are the only significant non-human women in the game, and there are quibbles for both; Sera is effectively a human with pointy ears and holds "elfy" things in disdain, and Harding--[[EnsembleDarkHorse despite her popularity]]--is not playable, doesn't have a romance arc, and her status as a significant character is borderline (especially without the ''Jaws of Hakkon'' DLC). Compare that to Solas, Varric, Iron Bull, and Cole, who are all playable characters.
* [[spoiler: Hawke's cameo]]. While many were happy to see [[spoiler: their old PC back in ''Inquisition'',]] many others were upset about [[spoiler: Hawke's sudden anti-blood magic stance in the game, even if they were either a blood mage (which isn't shown or mentioned in ''Inquisition'') or were in a happy relationship with Merrill]]. Then there was the PlayerPunch mentioned below. Finally, even if [[spoiler: Hawke makes it out of the Fade,]] they don't get to fight the BigBad, and (except for a few mentions in ''Trespasser'' and its epilogue) they're never seen or mentioned again; to some people, these facts ultimately make their whole appearance rather pointless.

* ''The Descent'' DLC took players back to the Deep Roads, an already contentious location after ''Origins''. While most agreed that the story itself was good and the characters introduced were extremely well-received, many players were also getting rather tired of the setting and want to see exploration of other parts of the world.
* The cessation of patch and DLC support for the game on the UsefulNotes/PlayStation3 and UsefulNotes/XBox360, followed by the release of the much-requested Skyhold wardrobe feature and the ''Trespasser'' DLC, resulted in battle lines being drawn in the fanbase. Players who bought the game for the older-generation consoles felt it was unfair that they could not access such significant content [[note]]especially ''Trespasser'', which was promoted as the epilogue to ''Inquisition'', teased answers to questions raised in the main game, and is clearly intended as a bridging DLC leading into future games in the series[[/note]] without buying another copy of a game they already own, on top of having to purchase an entirely new console as well; many players in this camp felt it was unfair of Creator/BioWare to release the game on the older consoles at all, if they weren't going to make the ''entire'' game available. Meanwhile, many PC and current-gen console players argued that, given that the previous generation of consoles were nearly ten years old at that point, owners of those consoles should have expected such a situation when they bought the game in the first place, considering how much already had to be cut to make it run on the old hardware.

* Cole's romance in ''Trespasser''. Some people thought it was interesting to see how a character like him would function in a relationship. Others were just weirded out by the sudden appearance of his partner or disappointed that they couldn't romance him themselves. There's also a third faction who dislikes the way the game seems to imply that becoming human ''must'' require him to get into a relationship.
* Also in ''Trespasser'': [[spoiler: Bull's betrayal. Some people felt like it tied in perfectly with his character arc, whereas others felt like it came out of nowhere. Also the fact that Bull will betray you, no matter what relationship you have with him, made people feel like their choices were pointless. The fact that you never get to know if he was ever loyal to the Inquisition at all and forced into his position, or his reasoning behind his betrayal makes everything worse.]]

* Cullen's fanservice. There are several occasions where characters objectify him or joke that he's just part of the Inquisition for his looks. In one Adviser dialogue, Leliana jokes that he should "hush, just look pretty." During party banter, Varric can ask who'd win a fight among Cassandra, Leliana or Josephine, leaving 'Curly' out because he's just there to look pretty. Some people applaud the story for switching gender roles since this is how female characters are often handled, while others feel it's wrong regardless of the character's gender and Cullen being male doesn't make his objectification right.
** Cullen being sexually harassed and groped at the Winter Palace being PlayedForLaughs. Some players find it genuinely hilarious, while other players find the scene making light of Cullen's very obvious distress (and [[TheEmpath Cole]] pointing out in-universe that it's deeply traumatizing for him) to be in extremely poor taste. Others find it to be straight up DoubleStandardRapeFemaleOnMale since if the same happened to a female character (like Leliana or Josephine) it would almost surely not be PlayedForLaughs, or would have gotten a ''much'' bigger fandom blowback.
* People who don't like playing vanilla and browse the modding options might be familiar with a few controversies within the community:
** First of all, there is still an ongoing discussion whether or not it is okay to change the skin tones of the characters. If you google mods, it is not hard to find alternative looks for characters like Vivienne, Josephine, Dorian, hell, even Cassandra where they have a lighter complexion and often lighter hair and blue eyes. Some people call it preference, other just point out the blatant racism, especially because mods to darken the skin of characters are basically non-existent or at least very hard to find and less popular.
** Appearance mods are generally up for debate, because often these also includes giving the female characters skimpier clothing or just changing something about a character's design, that doesn't really make sense in canon. A lot of people tend to forget that design elements often compliment one's personality or character arc. A good example would be how there are many mods to make Cassandra more feminine, which really contradicts both dialogue and her character arc, especially if you decide to romance her.
** Many people feel like mods to alter one's sexuality are low-key 'non-consensual'. Usually, people don't really care about mods to make all romances bisexual, because in most games all the relationships are straight. However, the DA universe has a wide variety of LGBT characters, and usually the gender-locked ones have some sort of explanation behind them. The one mod that received the most outrage was Dorian's straight mod, as him being gay was a big part of his character arc and it erased the little representation gay men had in games in general.
*** It is worth pointing out, however, that people tend to be more okay with straight characters being made bi, as there is no lack of straight representation, opposed to gay/lesbian characters made bi or straight. Yet to this day people have discussions about this.
*** Other sorts of romance mods seem to be universally well received, though. Most of these just restore some changed or deleted dialogue, add extra scenes, or enable certain romances (such as Cullen's) to be available for more races.

* The crafting system has both vocal fans and vocal detractors. Supporters appreciate the ability to create highly personalized, customizable equipment tailored to their needs, playstyle, and talent builds, with a unique look and potentially a badass name. Critics, however, find the resource gathering process burdensome and laborious (especially with leather) and masterworks too dependent on the RandomNumberGod, while cool and memorable unique items are rendered near-worthless due to being totally outclassed by crafted ones, ruining the feeling of getting the supposed InfinityPlusOneSword.

** Fans are split over whether Sera's InternalizedCategorism and the player's inability to help her overcome it explores a HardTruthAesop that oppressed minorities can hate and oppress each other too (though whether Sera is doing it, "elfy elves" are doing it to Sera, or both do it to each other has fans split), or carries some UnfortunateImplications that the only "correct" way to be a minority is to be a self-loathing one who assimilates to the dominant religion/culture. (Especially since Sera is the ''only'' elven companion this game besides Solas, who is also "not like other elves," shits on other elves every chance he gets too, and is revealed to be [[spoiler:an ancient Elf and the GreaterScopeVillain]], and an "Elfy" Female Lavellan who doesn't embrace their role as Herald of Andraste or choose a non-elven LoveInterest can ''easily'' become a CosmicPlaything.)

* [[spoiler: Hawke's cameo]]. While many were happy to see [[spoiler: their old PC back in ''Inquisition'',]] many others were upset about [[spoiler: Hawke's sudden anti-blood magic stance in the game, even if they were either a blood mage (which isn't shown or mentioned in ''Inquisition'') or were in a happy relationship with Merrill]]. Then there was the PlayerPunch mentioned below. Finally, even if [[spoiler: Hawke makes it out of the Fade,]] they don't get to fight the BigBad, and (except for a few mentions in ''Trespasser'' and its epilogue) they're never seen or mentioned again; to some people, these points ultimately make their whole appearance rather pointless.

** Sera's [[IfItsYouItsOkay relationship]] with a Dalish girlfriend [[spoiler:and her rash ultimatum after Mythal]]: A refreshing change where a companion actually ''acknowledges'' the player's race, and understandable given her own [[InternalizedCategorism internalized racism]]? Or a highly toxic and emotionally abusive relationship where [[BoomerangBigot Sera treats Lavellan the way]] [[{{Hypocrite}} she claims "elfy" elves treated her]] in the past? Her {{character development}} in ''Trespasser'' mitigated this only a little, with some forgiving her and others seeing it as far too little too late [[spoiler:especially since she never apologizes or rescinds her ultimatum if she has not been dumped]]. Fans were also a little torn over whether her DistractedByTheSexy / CutenessProximity reactions to a Qunari and Dwarf Inquisitors are charmingly funny, or objectifying / infantilizing respectively.
*** Put another way, some of Sera's fans and detractors alike feel she shouldn't have been romanceable to an elf ''at all'' if her issues with elves ran that deep and the player couln't help her overcome it.

** Many sapphic players were aggravated at ''yet another'' Creator/BioWare title making the more "butch" female companion Cassandra strictly straight (like [[VideoGame/MassEffect Ashley Williams]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Morrigan]], [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 Jack, Miranda]], and [[VideoGame/DragonAgeII Aveline]][[note]]Yes, Aveline is bi and has a bit of ShipTease with Hawke regardless of gender, but she can only end up married to Guardsman Donnic or not at all in the game[[/note]] before her) while only the hyper-femme Sera and [[ProperLady Josephine]] could be romanced by women (like [[VideoGame/MassEffect Liara]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Leliana]], [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 Kelly Chambers]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeII Isabela, and Merrill]] before them). Some are fine with it, others feel it carries some UnfortunateImplications that Creator/BioWare is ''sooo'' averse to the perceived "ButchLesbian" trope.
** Some fans were disappointed that KnightInShiningArmor types like Cassandra, Cullen, Blackwall, etc. were straight, while mostly [[{{Gayngster}} rogue, mercenary, and apostate]] characters were gay/bi again. Not only were many sapphic women hoping to romance [[LGBTFanbase Cassandra]] and many gay/bi men hoping to romance a more [[ManlyGay traditionally masculine]] yet emotion-driven love interest for a change (not yet another {{Elfeminate}} and/or CampGay EthicalSlut), but some fans felt it carries some {{unfortunate implications}} that ''of course'' morally upright KnightInShiningArmor types would be straight as a board, while mostly "social deviants" and outcasts would be "sexual deviants" too. (Downplayed as [[PrincessClassic Josephine]] is bi, but still...)

** In addition, some see her as a fun-loving free spirit who [[HairOfGoldHeartOfGold just wants to help society's most downtrodden]] and thinks people should be themselves. Others see her as a racist bully and mean-spirited {{hypocrite}} who uses the "common folk" as an excuse to lash out at groups she doesn't like (particularly nobles, mages, and "elfy" elves), [[ItsAllAboutMe keep all the money she steals for herself]], and is most guilty of enforcing racist stereotypes (as stated in her romance entry above).
** Whether Sera's [[CulturalRebel "non-elfy" status]] and [[InternalizedCategorism internalized racism]] is a unique and refreshing character trait, or overblown since most of [=BioWare=]'s non-human characters have been "not like others" of their kind too.
** Fans are split over whether her InternalizedCategorism and the player's inability to help her overcome it explores a HardTruthAesop that oppressed minorities don't always get along, or carries some UnfortunateImplications that the only "correct" way to be a minority is to be a self-loathing one who assimilates to the dominant religion/culture. (Especially since Solas is revealed to be [[spoiler:the GreaterScopeVillain]], and "Elfy" Female Lavellan can easily become a CosmicPlaything.)

* Gender representation was also an issue of debate. While some were satisfied with the companions regardless of gender, others pointed out that there are six males to the three females; this forms a stark contrast to ''Origins, DAII,'' and the ''Franchise/MassEffect'' trilogy, where you always have a roughly equal number of male and female companions. It doesn't help that two of the three females are among the biggest [[StaticCharacter base breakers]] in the game, as listed above. However, this way of thinking leaves off the advisors, each of whom have fully fleshed-out character arcs and personal quests. Including them brings the ratio to a much more even level that is typical with Creator/BioWare games. Other than Cullen (who explicitly considers himself of lower rank) and a male Inquisitor, the Inquisition's leadership is entirely female, as are its most visible specialists and allies. The advisors, however, are not playable characters and don't usually travel or fight with the Inquisitor, so even when one does take them into account, the ratio of male to female playable characters is still much more skewed than it has been in previous games. It doesn't help that this pretty directly contributes to the shortage of romanceable women (three, compared to five romanceable men) mentioned above.

* How the devs handled PlayerCharacter debates with companions and advisers. Namely, many companions and advisers state a controversial opinion[[note]]Dorian claims slavery is no different from inescapable poverty in Southern Thedas, despite being a noble who benefited from slave labor, and will say this even to an [[YouKnowImBlackRight Elven Inquisitor]]; Vivienne claims the Circles are a NecessaryEvil to protect mages from ordinary citizens who would lynch them for fear of their magic; Sera equates "elfiness" with haughty intolerance and refuses to tolerate any "elfy" beliefs or opinions herself; Cullen claims allowing mages freedom will ''inevitably'' result in abominations, and defend Meredith as "protecting people"[[/note]], yet the Inquisitor can never meaningfully counter any of these points. Often, they can only sputter out a weak reply, concede, or change the subject. Many players dislike this and feel the Inquisitor should be able to meaningfully counter-argue. Others feel this is a refreshing change where (unlike most Creator/BioWare games) the PlayerCharacter doesn't always [[EasyEvangelism find the right words to sway others to their line of thinking]], and feel it's more realistic that you can't change everyone's minds.

* The open world. Was it an overall boon to the game, or did it hurt more than it helped? Many people appreciated the vast array of environments, robust secondary storylines, and in-depth exploration of "ordinary" Thedas afforded by the open-world design, but others saw it as bloated, full of boring {{Fetch Quest}}s, and leeching resources from the main plot -- see the popular "Leave the fucking Hinterlands!" meme. Two major criticisms are that it was often difficult to tell what were important secondary quests and what were trivial side quests that could safely be ignored, and that many zones were all but completely unrelated to the main storyline.

** In addition to being split whether they find her funny or obnoxious, many fans are divided over how they see Sera's very personality and motivations. Some think she's a fun-loving free spirit who [[HairOfGoldHeartOfGold just wants to help society's downtrodden]], and believes people shouldn't be defined by their race, labels, or stereotypes. Others find her a bit [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold abrasive, but ultimately well-meaning]] and just trying to help people she cares about. Others still see her as just a mean-spirited {{hypocrite}} who uses the "common folk" as an excuse to get back at nobles she doesn't like, [[ItsAllAboutMe keep all the money she steals for herself]], and feel she's the most guilty of enforcing racist stereotypes (as stated in her romance entry above) while lashing out at anyone who doesn't fit her ObsessivelyNormal worldview.
** Whether Sera's [[CulturalRebel "non-elfy" status]] and [[InternalizedCategorism internalized racism]] is a unique and refreshing character trait, or overblown since most of [=BioWare=]'s non-human characters have been "not like others" of their kind too. Fans are also split over whether it explores a HardTruthAesop that oppressed minorities don't always get along, or if her "non-elfy status" in a game that [[ScrewYouElves can't stop shitting on "elfy" elves]] borders on UnfortunateImplications that the only "correct" way to be a minority is to be a self-loathing one who assimilates to the dominant religion/culture. (Especially since the player ''[[StaticCharacter can't]]'' help her overcome it, TheReveal that the more elfy Solas is [[spoiler:the GreaterScopeVillain]], and how easily an "Elfy" Female Lavellan can become a CosmicPlaything.)
** Even Sera's CharacterDevelopment in ''Trespasser'' has some fans split. While most were pleased with the changes, opinion remains divided over whether it felt like organic character growth from Sera growing OlderAndWiser following the two-year TimeSkip, or it felt hastily slapped on after the devs realized they went [[GoneHorriblyRight a little overboard making her so divisive]]. It doesn't help that the Inquisitor ''has'' to be on good terms with Sera to see these positive changes or she'll refuse to talk to them at all in ''Trespasser'', and she still doesn't apologize or [[spoiler:rescind her ultimatum]] if she and an "Elfy" Lavellan didn't [[spoiler:break up after Mythal]], leaving some doubtful over how much she's ''really'' changed.

** Many sapphic players were aggravated at ''yet another'' Creator/BioWare title making the more "butch" female companion Cassandra strictly straight (like [[VideoGame/MassEffect Ashley Williams]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Morrigan]], [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 Jack, Miranda]], and [[VideoGame/DragonAge2 Aveline]][[note]]Yes, Aveline is bi and has a bit of ShipTease with Hawke regardless of gender, but she can only end up married to Guardsman Donnic or not at all in the game[[/note]] before her) while only the hyper-femme Sera and [[ProperLady Josephine]] could be romanced by women (like [[VideoGame/MassEffect Liara]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Leliana]], [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 Kelly Chambers]], [[VideoGame/DragonAge2 Isabela, and Merrill]] before them). Some are fine with it, others feel it carries some UnfortunateImplications that Creator/BioWare is ''sooo'' averse to the perceived "ButchLesbian" trope.

** Some fans were disappointed that KnightInShiningArmor types like Cassandra, Cullen, Blackwall, etc. were straight, while mostly [[{{Gayngster}} rogue, mercenary, and apostate]] characters were gay/bi again. Not only were many sapphic women hoping to romance [[LGBTFanbase Cassandra]] and many gay/bi men hoping to romance a more [[ManlyGay traditionally masculine]] yet emotion-driven love interest (like Alistair in ''[=DAO=]'') for a change (not yet another {{Elfeminate}} and/or CampGay EthicalSlut), but some fans felt it carries some {{unfortunate implications}} that ''of course'' morally upright KnightInShiningArmor types would be straight as a board, while mostly "social deviants" and outcasts would be "sexual deviants" too. (Downplayed as [[PrincessClassic Josephine]] is bi, but still...)

** Though it's not just whether they think she's funny or obnoxious: fans are split over Sera's very personality and motivations. Some find her to be a fun-loving free spirit who [[HairOfGoldHeartOfGold just wants to help society's downtrodden]], and doesn't believe people should be defined by their race, labels, or stereotypes. Others find her a bit [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold abrasive, but ultimately well-meaning]] and just trying to help people she cares about. Others still see her as just a mean-spirited {{hypocrite}} who uses the "common folk" as an excuse to punch up or down at groups she doesn't like (particularly [[AristocratsAreEvil nobles]], [[ScrewYouElves elves]], and [[DoesNotLikeMagic mages]]), [[ItsAllAboutMe keeps all the money she steals for herself]], and is the most guilty of enforcing racist stereotypes (as stated in her romance entry above) while lashing out at anyone who doesn't fit her ObsessivelyNormal worldview.
** Whether Sera's [[CulturalRebel "non-elfy" status]] and [[InternalizedCategorism internalized racism]] is a unique and refreshing character trait, or overblown since most of [=BioWare=]'s non-human characters have been "not like others" of their kind too. Fans are also split over whether it explores a HardTruthAesop that oppressed minorities don't always get along, and can be bigoted towards and oppress each other too; or if her "non-elfy status" in a game that [[ScrewYouElves can't stop shitting on "elfy" elves]] borders on UnfortunateImplications that only "correct" way to be a minority is to be a self-loathing one who ''completely'' assimilates to the dominant religion/culture. (Especially with TheReveal that the more elfy Solas is [[spoiler:the GreaterScopeVillain]], and how easily an "Elfy" Female Lavellan can become a CosmicPlaything.)
** Even her CharacterDevelopment in ''Trespasser'' has some fans split. While most were pleased with the changes, opinion remains divided over whether it felt like organic character growth from Sera having grown OlderAndWiser during the two-year TimeSkip, or it felt hastily slapped on after the devs realized they went [[GoneHorriblyRight overboard making her so divisive]]. (It doesn't help that the Inquisitor ''has'' to be on good terms with Sera to see these positive changes or she'll refuse to talk to them in ''Trespasser'', and she still doesn't apologize or [[spoiler:rescind her ultimatum]] if she and an "Elfy" Lavellan didn't [[spoiler:break up after Mythal]], leaving some doubtful over how much she's really changed.)

* Speaking of reconciling Celene and Briala: Are they a BadassGay BattleCouple, perfect lesbian representation, and [[spoiler:the Optimal Happy Ending of ''Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts'']] as the game presents? A somewhat [[TheMasochismTango toxic and mutually destructive relationship]] that has room to improve [[AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther if both sides work at it]], and still the [[ALighterShadeOfBlack least harmful outcome]] of [[spoiler:''Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts'']]? Or a highly toxic and emotionally abusive relationship that amounts to [[spoiler:convincing an abuse victim to run back to her abuser]], and said abuser having her empire and lover restored to her after getting away with ''decades'' of [[KarmaHoudini lies, manipulations, and travesties against her elven lover and people]]? Fans are split and there doesn't seem to be any consensus any time soon.

** Cassandra being straight caused some confusion and controversy. She's had a LGBTFanbase since her debut in ''[=DA2=]'', with many sapphic players hoping to romance her. While some players felt her straightness makes sense given her character arc, others were expecting her to be bi or lesbian. It doesn't help that [[WordOfGod David Gaider]] admitted he based her off a real-life straight female friend who is often MistakenForGay, for which some fans felt he was baiting female players.
** Many sapphic players were aggravated at ''yet another'' Creator/BioWare title making the more "butch" female companion Cassandra strictly straight (like [[VideoGame/MassEffect Ashley Williams]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Morrigan]], [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 Jack, Miranda]], and [[VideoGame/DragonAge2 Aveline]][[note]]Yes, Aveline is bi and has a bit of ShipTease with Hawke regardless of gender, but she can only end up married to Guardsman Donnic or not at all in the game[[/note]] before her) while only the hyper-femme Sera and [[ProperLady Josephine]] could be romanced by women (like [[VideoGame/MassEffect Liara]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Leliana]], [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 Kelly Chambers]], [[VideoGame/DragonAge2 Isabela, and Merrill]] before them). Some are fine with it, others feel it carries some UnfortunateImplications that Creator/BioWare is ''SO'' averse to the perceived "ButchLesbian" trope.

** It's not just whether they think she's funny or obnoxious: fans are split over Sera's very personality and motivations. Some find her to be a fun-loving free spirit who [[HairOfGoldHeartOfGold just wants to help society's downtrodden]], and doesn't believe people should be defined by their race, labels, or stereotypes. Others find her a bit [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold abrasive and obnoxious, but ultimately well-meaning]] and just trying to help people she cares about. Others still see her as just a selfish and mean-spirited {{hypocrite}} who uses the "common folk" as an excuse to punch up or down at groups she doesn't like (particularly [[AristocratsAreEvil nobles]], [[ScrewYouElves elves]], and [[DoesNotLikeMagic mages]]), [[ItsAllAboutMe keeps all the money she steals for herself]], and is the most guilty of enforcing racist stereotypes (as stated in her romance entry above), and who feels entitled to lash out at anyone who doesn't fit her ObsessivelyNormal worldview. Again, there isn't much overlap between these groups.
** Whether Sera's [[CulturalRebel "non-elfy" status]] and [[InternalizedCategorism internalized racism]] is a unique and refreshing character trait, or overblown since most of [=BioWare=]'s non-human characters have been "not like others" of their kind too. Fans are also split over whether it explores a HardTruthAesop that oppressed minorities don't always get along, and can be bigoted towards and oppress each other too; or if her "non-elfy status" in a game that [[ScrewYouElves can't stop shitting on "elfy" elves]] (especially with the reveal that the more elfy Solas is [[spoiler:the GreaterScopeVillain]]) borders on UnfortunateImplications that only "correct" way to be a minority is to be a self-loathing one who ''completely'' assimilates to the dominant majority religion/culture.
** Even her CharacterDevelopment in ''Trespasser'' has some fans split. While most were pleased with the changes, opinion remains divided over whether it felt like organic character growth from Sera having grown OlderAndWiser during the two-year TimeSkip, or it felt hastily slapped on after the devs realized they went [[GoneHorriblyRight a little too far]] in [[AuthorsSavingThrow making her so divisive]]. Also, whether her newfound maturity redeems her behavior in the base game, or was too little, too late. (It doesn't help that the Inquisitor has to be on good terms with Sera to see these positive changes in ''Trespasser'', and Sera also still doesn't apologize or [[spoiler:rescind her ultimatum]] if she and an "Elfy" Lavellan didn't [[spoiler:break up after Mythal]].)

** Some revelations about the Fall of the Dales in ''Jaws of Hakkon'': [[spoiler:Some find Inquisitor Ameridan's story to be a [[MirrorCharacter beautifully tragic parallel]] to the current Inquisitor's, and sheds more tragic light on [[ForWantOfANail how easily the Fall of the Dales might have been avoided]], given that Ameridan the elven mage was a close personal friend of Emperor Drakon, worshiped both the Maker and Creators, and tried to convince the Dales to do the same before he disappeared. Other fans are a little annoyed at ''yet another'' example of the writers [[ScrewYouElves blaming the elves for their own oppression under humans again]]. Some think it's another brilliant case of GrayAndGreyMorality, others feel it ignores established lore that Emperor Drakon was an ''Imperial expansionist'' who already led several [[TheFundamentalist religious-based]] military campaigns against neighboring human kingdoms (and refused to tolerate ''any'' alternate Maker worship, like [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Codex_entry:_The_Daughters_of_Song The Daughters of Song]]). Many find it doubtful that, in the long run, Drakon or his descendants would have just ''left the elves alone'' even if they ''had'' accepted Chantry missionaries, when even human neighbors who already worshiped the Maker weren't spared.]]

* Speaking of reconciling Celene and Briala: Are they a BadassGay BattleCouple, perfect lesbian representation, and [[spoiler:the Optimal Happy Ending of ''Wicked Eyes'']] as the game presents? A somewhat [[TheMasochismTango toxic and mutually destructive relationship]] that has room to improve [[AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther if both sides work at it]], and still the [[ALighterShadeOfBlack least harmful outcome]] of [[spoiler:''Wicked Hearts'']]? Or a highly toxic and emotionally abusive relationship that amounts to [[spoiler:convincing an abuse victim to run back to her abuser]], and said abuser having her empire and lover restored to her after getting away with ''decades'' of [[KarmaHoudini lies, manipulations, and travesties against her elven lover and people, Scott-free]]? Fans are split and there doesn't seem to be any consensus any time soon.

** First of all there is still an ongoing discussion whether or not it is okay to change the skin tones of the characters. If you google mods, it is not hard to find alternative looks for characters like Vivienne, Josephine, Dorian, hell, even Cassandra where they have a lighter complexion and often lighter hair and blue eyes. Some people call it preference, other just point out the blatant racism, especially because mods to darken the skin of characters are basically non-existent or at least very hard to find and less popular.

* Sera may be one of the most divisive characters in Bioware history. Many players found her to be extremely obnoxious, mean-spirited, and/or too much of a "quirky" character to take seriously at all. And combine that with the issues mentioned above about her romance and the fact that she cannot be convinced to change (only seeing any sort of character growth in ''Trespasser''), many were happy for the option to kick her out of the Inquisition at any time (something that is unique to her, so perhaps the devs were aware of how people would feel). Another faction finds her to be a funny character who contrasts well with the rest of the party who are all varying levels of more serious. There isn't much middle ground between the two sides.
** Sera's "non-elfy" status by itself is also incredibly divisive. Some find it to be a very refreshing and unique character trait, while others feel it's a bit overblown since Fenris in the [[VideoGame/DragonAge2 previous game]] was also "not like other elves," and every other major non-human character in the base game is also "not like other" non-humans too.[[note]]Varric, Harding, and Dagna being "not like other dwarves" since they're rogues, archers, and a magic scholar; Iron Bull is GoingNative in Southern Thedas; and Solas is unlike any city or Dalish elf since he was raised by neither[[/note]] Some also felt TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodCharacter by not having a major city elf companion who loves and fights for her people, and others still felt Sera being "not elfy" wouldn't be so bad if she wasn't ''also'' given [[InternalizedCategorism internalized racism]] that [[FlatCharacter the player can't help her overcome]]. Arguments regarding her non-elfy status remain heated and split to this day.

** Some revelations about the Fall of the Dales in ''Jaws of Hakkon'': [[spoiler:Some find Inquisitor Ameridan's story to be a beautifully tragic parallel to the current Inquisitor's (particularly if they're Elven and possibly a Mage), and sheds more tragic light on [[ForWantOfANail how easily the Fall of the Dales might have been avoided]], given that Ameridan the elven mage was a close personal friend of Emperor Drakon, worshiped both the Maker and Creators, and tried to convince the Dales to do the same before he disappeared. Other fans are a little annoyed at ''yet another'' example of the writers [[ScrewYouElves blaming the elves for their own oppression under humans again]]. Some think it's another brilliant case of GrayAndGreyMorality, others feel it ignores established lore that Emperor Drakon was an ''Imperial expansionist'' who already led several [[TheFundamentalist religious-based]] military campaigns against neighboring human kingdoms (and refused to tolerate ''any'' alternate Maker worship, like [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Codex_entry:_The_Daughters_of_Song The Daughters of Song]]). Many find it doubtful that, in the long run, Drakon or his descendants would have just ''left the elves alone'' even if they had accepted Chantry missionaries, when even human neighbors who already worshiped the Maker weren't spared.]]

* Speaking of reconciling Celene and Briala, fans are torn on that: Are they a BattleCouple and perfect lesbian representation [[spoiler:and the perfect ''Wicked Eyes'' outcome]] as the game presents? A somewhat toxic and mutually destructive relationship that has room to improve [[AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther if both sides work at it]], and still the [[ALighterShadeOfBlack least harmful outcome]] of the [[spoiler:''Wicked Hearts'' quest]]? Or a highly toxic and emotionally abusive relationship that amounts to [[spoiler:convincing an abuse victim to run back to her abuser]], and said abuser having her Empire and lover restored to her after [[KarmaHoudini getting away with DECADES of lies, manipulations, and travesties against her elven lover and subjects, Scott-free]]? Fans are split and there doesn't seem to be any consensus any time soon.

* Speaking of reconciling Celene and Briala, fans are torn on that: Are they a BadassGay BattleCouple and perfect lesbian representation [[spoiler:and the perfect ''Wicked Eyes'' outcome]] as the game presents? A somewhat toxic and mutually destructive relationship that has room to improve [[AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther if both sides work at it]], and still the [[ALighterShadeOfBlack least harmful outcome]] of the [[spoiler:''Wicked Hearts'' quest]]? Or a highly toxic and emotionally abusive relationship that amounts to [[spoiler:convincing an abuse victim to run back to her abuser]], and said abuser having her Empire and lover restored to her after [[KarmaHoudini getting away with DECADES of lies, manipulations, and travesties against her elven lover and subjects, Scott-free]]? Fans are split and there doesn't seem to be any consensus any time soon.

** Sera's [[IfItsYouItsOkay relationship]] with a Dalish girlfriend [[spoiler:and her rash ultimatum after Mythal]]: A refreshing change where a companion actually ''acknowledges'' the player's race, and understandable given her own [[InternalizedCategorism internalized racism]]? Or a highly toxic and emotionally abusive relationship where [[BoomerangBigot Sera treats Lavellan the way]] [[{{Hypocrite}} she claims "elfy" elves treated her]] in the past? Her {{character development}} in ''Trespasser'' mitigated this only a little bit, with some forgiving her and others seeing it as far too little too late [[spoiler:especially since she never apologizes or rescinds her ultimatum if she has not been dumped]]. Fans were also a little torn over whether her DistractedByTheSexy / CutenessProximity reactions to a Qunari and Dwarf Inquisitors are charmingly funny, or objectifying / infantilizing respectively.

* Sera may be one of the most divisive characters in Bioware history. Many players found her to be extremely obnoxious and too much of a "quirky" character to take seriously at all. And combine that with the issues mentioned above about her romance and the fact that she cannot be convinced to change (only seeing any sort of character growth in Trespasser), many were happy for the option to kick her out of the Inquisition at any time (something that is unique to her, so perhaps the devs were aware of how people would feel). Another faction finds her to be a funny character who contrasts well with the rest of the party who are all varying levels of more serious. There isn't much middle ground between the two sides.

** On the one hand, [[https://the-gaider-archives.tumblr.com/page/17 Word of Gaider]] has stated that the developers based the elves off real-world Medieval Jews, and admitted to their [[{{Applicability}} similarities to "historically oppressed groups" like African and Native Americans]], to the point that it's not uncommon for Jewish and/or [=BIPOC=] players to personally identity with city and Dalish elves. To that end, [=DAI=]'s many cases of ScrewYouElves (as stated above) has left many players feeling it carries some UnfortunateImplications: "If you deal with systemic discrimination, ''you deserve it.'' You and your people should have [[spoiler:assimilated to the dominant religion/culture like Ameridan or [[BoomerangBigot Sera]]]] or you were asking for whatever happened to you." This left a bad taste in many players' mouths. Not helped that the Dalish Inquisitor (especially the female Inquisitor) is a CosmicPlaything, and Dalish are framed as elitist bigots and the revelations about their history an example of BreakTheHaughty, but many players have pointed out that since the Dalish and city elves are EnslavedElves, it's less "[[ScrewYouElves knocking the haughty elitist down a peg]]" and more "grinding already disadvantaged people further into the dirt."
** On the other hand, many players feel that these fans are over-reacting since [[CaptainObvious Thedas elves aren't real]], some find their similarities to real minorities to be "[[https://pshspawprint.com/2009/uncategorized/whitewashing-forcing-the-video-game-industry-backwards/ tenuous at best]]", and the devs constantly shitting on elves this game just means they're setting them up to be uplifted in future games. Many players also feel the Dalish really ''are'' just that awful, and thus the many helpings of ScrewYouElves were well-deserved. Others still feel [[spoiler:the revelations that elves destroyed themselves]] is a refreshing change to the usual NobleSavage depiction of African and Native American-coded characters being perfectly innocent victims, since most real-life colonized cultures were and are flawed people. They also feel the reveal that [[spoiler:the elves destroyed themselves]] gives the elves much-needed agency in their own fate, [[spoiler:not just helpless victims of circumstance]]. Others also feel that the friendly and supportive [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Flowers_for_Senna Elven]] [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Shallow_Breaths NPC]]'s the Inquisitor can encounter in the Hinterlands and Exalted Plains, and some sympathetic portrayals of Dalish elves in [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Codex:_History#The_Exalted_March_of_the_Dales codices]] and [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Bestow_Mourning_Halla War Table Missions]], makes up for every single cinematic and story-required Elven NPC being full of ScrewYouElves

*** A very small minority also suggest the concept of switching controls between a new character and the Inquisitor, similar to the approach of ''The Witcher'' with Geralt and Ciri.

** The Inquisitor as main character: People supporting this view argue that ''Trespasser'' ended on an open note, leaving more possible adventures for the Inquisitor and their team. One of the reasons is that at the end of DAI, the main character has created a giant network for themselves, bigger than the Hero of Ferelden or Hawke. The other one being that [[spoiler: Solas]] will most likely be the big bad in ''Dragon Age 4'', many people believe it would make no sense to have anyone but the Inquisitor hunt him down, considering their close ties. However. Others may argue that because the two are familiar, [[spoiler: Solas]] would be able to predict the moves the Inquisition would make. Therefore, it'd be better to introduce a new character. [[spoiler: Then there's also the fact the Inquisitor lost their arm at the end of ''Trespasser'', no matter how you played the game. This causes issues, especially if you used a two-handed weapon. Sure, the story could whoop out yet another miracle, but the frequent occurrence of those in ''Inquisition'' was already a main point of criticism.]] Many people will also argue that, unlike the ''Mass Effect'' games, ''Dragon Age'' always has a new protagonist for every single game and that [=DA4=] should be enjoyable for new players. Aside from that, the Inquisitor already has the longest game in the franchise and arguably the "greatest legacy". Giving them a second game would create an even bigger imbalance in importance compared to the Warden and Hawke, pushing forward the Inquisitor as ''the'' DA protagonist.

* How each romance was handled was also another big point of divide. General consensus was that the romances for Cullen, Cassandra, Dorian, and Solas are well-written and enhance those characters, but the remaining options have issues: Iron Bull's romance underwhelms due to the lack of emotional connection and the excessive focus on the BrainsAndBondage aspect to the exclusion of anything else meaningful; Josephine's romance is painfully cheesy; Sera's romance with the female Lavellan is abusive and unhealthy (as detailed above), and her relationship with any of the other races is either objectifying or condescending; and those not put off by TheReveal of Blackwall's status feel that he is [[SoOkayItsAverage too boring]] or too much like their real-life dad/grandpa to romance. Of course, all of them have their supporters and detractors, and a character's individual popularity may or may not have also influenced how fans think about their romance.
* Another point of debate is how not all romances are available for every gender/race, but the flirt option usually is. In some cases, like Cullen or Vivienne, the Inquisitor gets turned down rather quickly. However, in some other arcs, especially Cassandra hers, you can be already very far into the game before she tells you she is not interested. Not only is this frustrating because you got your hopes up, but you could've also spent your time romancing another character.

** There is still an on-going discussion if Varric should've been (or become) a romance option. When it was announced he'd play a major role in ''Inquisition'', some people assumed he'd come back as a love interest (like Cassandra or Cullen did). Nowadays, you see a lot of discourse about the topic whenever possible Dragon Age 4 romances are discussed. Some people would love to see Varric pull a [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 'Garrus']], where he is a good friend/companion in earlier games and romance-able later on. Others feel like making him a love interest would invalidate the relationship he had with both Hawke and the Inquisitor, as by now he's established as 'the best friend' tagalong. The fact that he might also be involved with Bianca doesn't really help here.
* The fact you cannot romance Vivienne. A lot of people found it a downer that the first black woman in the game series can be flirted with, but cannot be romanced. Others didn't mind as they disliked her personality. However, many believed a romance arc would've given her character more depth and make her eventually much more likable as a character.
* The romantic orientations in general. As mentioned above, if you play as a female elf, you have so much more romantic options than if you play as, let's say, a Qunari. Many people were displeased to find out some characters had very limited romantic interests. Most notable Solas, who is only available to female elves (1/8th of the character creation options) and Cullen, who is only interested in female humans or elves. While this was A lot of people stated that it'd be nice if Solas was bi (considering his interest in elves only) and Cullen was romance-able by all female races.
** Cassandra being straight caused some confusion and controversy. She's had a LGBTFanbase since her debut in ''[=DA2=]'', with many sapphic players hoping to romance her. While some players felt her straightness makes sense given her character arc, others were expecting her to be bi or lesbian. It doesn't help that [[WordOfGod David Gaider]] admitted he based her off a real-life straight female friend who is often MistakenForGay, which some fans felt he was baiting female players.
** Many sapphic players were aggravated at ''yet another'' Creator/BioWare title making the more "butch" female companion Cassandra strictly straight (like [[VideoGame/MassEffect Ashley Williams]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Morrigan]], [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 Jack, Miranda]], and [[VideoGame/DragonAge2 Aveline]][[note]]Yes, she's bi and has a bit of ShipTease with Hawke regardless of gender, but she can only end up married to Guardsman Donnic or not at all in the game[[/note]] before her) while only the hyper-femme Sera and [[ProperLady Josephine]] could be romanced by women (like [[VideoGame/MassEffect Liara]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Leliana]], [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 Kelly Chambers]], [[VideoGame/DragonAge2 Isabela and Merrill]] before them). Some are fine with it, others feel it carries some UnfortunateImplications that Creator/BioWare is ''SO'' averse to the perceived "ButchLesbian" trope.
** Some fans were disappointed that KnightInShiningArmor types like Cassandra, Cullen, Blackwall, etc were straight, while mostly [[{{Gayngster}} rogue, mercenary, and apostate]] characters were gay/bi again. Not only were many sapphic women hoping to romance [[LGBTFanbase Cassandra]] and many gay/bi men hoping to romance a more [[ManlyGay traditionally masculine]] yet emotion-driven love interest (like Alistair in ''[=DAO=]'') for a change (not yet another {{Elfeminate}} and/or CampGay EthicalSlut), but some fans felt it carries some {{unfortunate implications}} that ''of course'' morally upright KnightInShiningArmor types would be straight as a board, while mostly "social deviants" and outcasts would be "sexual deviants" too. (Downplayed as [[PrincessClassic Josephine]] is bi, but still...)

** There is still an on-going discussion if Varric should've been (or become) a romance option. When it was announced he'd play a major role in Inquisition, some people assumed he'd come back as a love interest (like Cassandra or Cullen did). Nowadays, you see a lot of discourse about the topic whenever possible Dragon Age 4 romances are discussed. Some people would love to see Varric pull a [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 'Garrus']], where he is a good friend/companion in earlier games and romance-able later on. Other's feel like making him a love interest would invalidate the relationship he had with both Hawke and the Inquisitor, as by now he's established as 'the best friend' tag-along. The fact he might also be involved with Bianca doesn't really help here.

** Morrigan detailing to the Inquisitor parts of elven history and lore, as many Lavellan players tend to feel like their character ought to know as much as Morrigan, if not more, while others pointed out that Morrigan was [[spoiler:raised by Mythal and has been shown repeatedly to know more than many modern elves about elven lore]]. Still others pointed out that the Inquisitor was originally written to be human, and when the game was changed to allow multiple race options, this was probably left in by accident, since Morrigan knowing more than the other races isn't nearly as strange. (It does come across as strange, however, if an Inquisitor of any race takes the History Knowledge perk before chatting with Morrigan, since they should in that case at least know who Mythal ''is'', even if only in passing.)

** On the one hand, [[https://the-gaider-archives.tumblr.com/page/17 Word of Gaider]] has stated that the developers based the elves off real-world Medieval Jews, and admitted to their [[{{Applicability}} similarities to "historically oppressed groups" like African and Native Americans]], to the point that it's not uncommon for Jewish and/or [=BIPOC=] players to personally identity with city and Dalish elves. To that end, [=DAI=]'s many cases of ScrewYouElves (as stated above) has left many players feeling it carries some UnfortunateImplications: "If you deal with systemic discrimination, ''you deserve it.'' You and your people should have [[spoiler:assimilated to the dominant religion/culture like Ameridan or [[BoomerangBigot Sera]]]] or you were asking for whatever happened to you." This left a bad taste in many players' mouths. Not helped that the Dalsih Inquisitor (esp the female Inquisitor) is a CosmicPlaything, and Dalish are framed as elitist bigots and the revelations about their history an example of BreakTheHaughty, but many players have pointed out that since the Dalish and city elves are EnslavedElves, it's less "[[ScrewYouElves knocking the haughty elitist down a peg]]" and more "grinding already disadvantaged people further into the dirt."

** There's also a third party who feel the elves are just a SpotlightStealingSquad this game and would like future games to focus on other groups. (Particularly dwarves and Qunari, who haven't gotten as much content so far).

** A common point of contention among book readers and non-book readers alike is how the AllThereInTheManual approach negatively affects storytelling: Book readers are disappointed that characters and plot lines they grew to love and wanted to see developed further only barely get touched on in the game due to the devs [[LineToGod admitting on social media]] that they didn't want to [[LockedOutOfTheLoop confuse or alienate non-book readers]] [[note]]such as expanding on why Celene and Briala broke up, how Briala came to acquire her Eluvians, how Michel and Imshael came to be at odds, Cole's strained relationship with Rhys and Evangeline, who "the slow arrow that breaks in the sad wolf's jaws" is, and so on[[/note]]. Meanwhile, non-book readers wonder why the hell they should care about random [=NPCs=] who turn up for 30 seconds, vaguely allude to some events in the recent past, then disappear again. General consensus among the game's detractors is it creates a "worst of both worlds" GoldenMeanFallacy which leaves almost everyone at least a little bit dissatisfied.
** It also does not help that the things left out from the books often completely change the context for choices the Inquisitor has to make, and there's no in-game reason you ''shouldn't'' know this stuff, because you have Leliana. Many options look completely different in light of the book canon (reconciling Celene and Briala, for example; regardless of anyone's opinion on whether it's a good idea, the events of ''Literature/TheMaskedEmpire'' makes it a ''much'' thornier decision).
* Cole's romance in Trespasser. Some people thought it was interesting to see how a character like him would function in a relationship. Other's were just weirded out by the sudden appearance of his partner or disappointed they couldn't romance him themselves.
* Also in Tresspasser: [[spoiler: Bull's betrayal. Some people felt like it tied in perfectly with his character arc, whereas others felt like it came out of nowhere. Also the fact that Bull will betray you, no matter what relationship you have with him, made people feel like their choices were pointless. The fact that you never get to know if he was ever loyal to the Inquisition at all and forced into his position, or his reasoning behind his betrayal makes everything worse.]]
* The repetitive trope [[spoiler:that you were a pawn in your mage companion's plan all along, starts to tire some people after it happened for the third time in a row.]] In Tresspasser, we learn that [[spoiler: Solas is the Dread Wolf and has been pulling the strings since the beginning of the story. After Morrigan and Anders' arcs, some people went out of their way to express their displeasure about this turn of events.]]
* Cullen's fanservice. There are several occasions where characters objectify him or joke that he's just part of the Inquisition for his looks. In one Adviser dialogue, Leliana jokes that he should "hush, just look pretty." During party banter, Varric can ask who'd win a fight: Cassandra, Leliana or Josephine; leaving 'Curly' out because he's just there to look pretty. Some people applaud the story for switching gender roles since this is how female characters are often handled, while others feel it's wrong regardless of the character's gender and Cullen being male doesn't make his objectification right.
** Cullen being sexual harassed and groped at the Winter Palace being PlayedForLaughs. Some players find it genuinely hilarious, while other players find the scene making light of Cullen's very obvious distress (and [[TheEmpath Cole]] pointing out in-universe that it's deeply traumatizing for him) to be in extremely poor taste. Others find it to be straight up DoubleStandardRapeFemaleOnMale since if the same happened to a female character (like Leliana or Josephine) it would almost surely not be PlayedForLaughs, or would have gotten a ''much'' bigger fandom blowback.
* People who don't like playing vanilla and browse the modding options, might be familiar with a few controversies within the community:
** First of all there is still an ongoing discussion whether or not it is okay to change the skintones of the characters. If you google mods, it is not hard to find alternative looks for characters like Vivienne, Josephine, Dorian, hell, even Cassandra where they have a lighter complexion and often lighter hair and blue eyes. Some people call it preference, other just point out the blatant racism, especially because mods to darken the skin of characters are basically non-existent or at least very hard to find and less popular.

** Many people feel like mods to alter one's sexuality are low-key 'non-consensual'. Usually, people don't really care about mods to make all romances bisexual, because in most games all the relationships are straight. However dragon age has a wide variety of LGBT characters and most of the times the gender-locked ones have some sort of explanation behind it. The one mod that received the most outrage, was Dorian's straight mod, as him being gay was a big part of his character arc and it erased the little representation gay men had in games in general.
*** It is worth pointing out, however people tend to be more okay with straight characters being made bi, as there is no lack of straight representation, opposed to gay/lesbian characters made bi or straight. Yet to this day people have discussions about this.
*** Other sorts of romance mods seem to be universally well received, though. Most of these just include some changed dialogue, extra scenes or enable certain romances (such as cullen his) for more races.
* Considering Dragon Age has always had a very specific format, it is strange to see this discussion perking up, but the role of the Inquisitor in Dragon Age 4 is still heavily discussed. There are 3 general opinions: 1) The Inquisitor should be once, again, the main character, 2) The Inquisitor should be an NPC like [[spoiler: Hawke]] was in Inquisition or 3) The Inquisitor shouldn't appear at all. All points of views have good reasoning behind it, whilst also creating some issues.
** The Inquisitor as main character: People supporting this view argue that Tresspasser ended on an open note, leaving more possible adventures for the Inquisitor and their team. One of the reasons being that at the end of DAI, the main character has created a giant network for themselves, bigger than the Hero of Ferelden or Hawke. The other one being that [[spoiler: Solas]] will most likely be the big bad in Dragon Age 4, many people believe it would make no sense to have anyone but the Inquisitor hunt him down, considering their close ties. However. Others may argue that because the two are familiar, [[spoiler: Solas]] would be able to predict the moves the Inquisition would make. Therefore, it'd be better to introduce a new character. [[spoiler: Then there's also the fact the Inquisitor lost their arm at the end of Tresspasser, no matter how you played the game. This causes issues, especially if you used a two-handed weapon. Sure, the story could whoop out yet another miracle, but frequent occurrence those in Inquisition were already a main point of criticism.]] Many people will also argue that, unlike Mass Effects, Dragon Age always had a new protagonist for every single game and that [=DA4=] should be enjoyable for new players. Aside from that, the Inquisitor already had the longest game in the franchise and arguably the "greatest legacy". Giving them a second game would create an even bigger imbalance in importance compared to the Warden and Hawke, pushing forward the Inquisitor as ''the'' Dragon Age protagonist.
** The Inquisitor makes a cameo: Considering your character [[spoiler: cannot die at the end of the game]] there is a huge chance the writers intend on letting them return as a side character, supporting the new hero. However, after the mixed reactions caused by [[spoiler: Hawke's reappearance]] many people fear to see their beloved character being ruined by the story. The two main issues would be that, as you don't have control over your Inquisitor any longer, they'd do or say things out of character. The second concern is that the story would use this as an opportunity to kill them off, especially if you consider the arguments made by people who want to keep the Inquisitor as the playable character. [[spoiler: If they are the most logical option to go after Solas, why wouldn't they? Simplest solution was letting them die early on.]]
** The third argument is basically supported by anyone who disagrees with the two prior ones, especially the one where people would like the Inquisitor to be a side character. Additionally, a lot of folks just agree that the Inquisitor just deserves to be cut some slack.
*** A very small minority also suggest the concept of switching controls between a new character and the Inquisitor, similar to the approach of the Witcher with Geralt and Ciri.
----

** On the one hand, [[https://the-gaider-archives.tumblr.com/page/17 Word of Gaider]] has stated that the developers based the elves off real-world Medieval Jews, and admitted to their [[{{Applicability}} similarities to "historically oppressed groups" like African and Native Americans]], to the point that it's not uncommon for Jewish and/or [=BIPOC=] players to personally identity with city and Dalish elves. To that end, [=DAI=]'s many cases of ScrewYouElves (as stated above) has left many players feeling it carries some UnfortunateImplications: "If you deal with systemic discrimination, ''you deserve it.'' Your ancestors ''deserved'' to be enslaved, colonized, and/or segregated because of their faults. If you/they had just assimilated to the dominant religion/culture [[spoiler:as Ameridcan claims he tried to get the Dales elves to worship the Maker, and it's impossible to talk Sera out of rejecting everything "elfy"]], you wouldn't be dealing with your own oppression." This left a bad taste in many players' mouths. Not helped that the Dalish are framed as elitist snobs and the revelations about their history an example of BreakTheHaughty, but many players have pointed out that since the Dalish and city elves are EnslavedElves, it's less "[[ScrewYouElves knocking the haughty elitist down a peg]]" and more "grinding already disadvantaged people further into the dirt."
** On the other hand, many players feel that these fans are over-reacting since [[CaptainObvious Thedas elves aren't real]], their similarities to real minorities are "[[https://pshspawprint.com/2009/uncategorized/whitewashing-forcing-the-video-game-industry-backwards/ tenuous at best]]", and the devs constantly shitting on elves this game just means they're setting them up to be uplifted in future games. Many players also feel the Dalish ''are'' that awful, and thus the many helpings of ScrewYouElves are well-deserved. Others still feel [[spoiler:the revelations that elves destroyed themselves]] is a refreshing change to the usual NobleSavage depiction of African and Native American-coded characters being perfectly innocent victims, since most real-life colonized cultures were and are as flawed as their colonizers. They also feel the reveal that [[spoiler:the elves destroyed themselves]] gives the elves much-needed agency in their own fate, [[spoiler:not just helpless victims of circumstance]]. Others also feel that the friendly and supportive [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Flowers_for_Senna Elven]] [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Shallow_Breaths NPC]]'s the Inquisitor can encounter in the Hinterlands and Exalted Plains, and some sympathetic portrayals of Dalish elves in [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Codex:_History#The_Exalted_March_of_the_Dales codices]] and [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Bestow_Mourning_Halla War Table Missions]], makes up for almost every cinematic and story-required Elven NPC being full of ScrewYouElves

** Speaking of Cassandra, many sapphic players were aggravated at ''yet another'' Creator/BioWare title making the more "butch" female companion strictly straight (like [[VideoGame/MassEffect Ashley Williams]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Morrigan]], [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 Jack, and Miranda]] before her) while only the hyper-femme Sera and [[ProperLady Josephine]] could be romanced by women (like [[VideoGame/MassEffect Liara]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Leliana]], and [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 Kelly Chambers]] before them). Some are fine with it, some appreciate Creator/BioWare trying to avoid the "butch lesbian" trope, while others feel it's reductive. After all, there's TruthInTelevision to the "butch lesbian" stereotype since many sapphic women ''do'' find traditionally considered "masculine" women attractive.
** Some fans were disappointed that KnightInShiningArmor types like Cassandra, Cullen, Blackwall, etc were straight, while mostly [[{{Gayngster}} rogue, mercenary, and apostate]] characters were gay/bi again. Not only were many sapphic women hoping to romance [[LGBTFanbase Cassandra]] and many gay/bi men hoping to romance a more [[ManlyGay traditionally masculine]] yet sensitive love interest for a change (like Alistair in ''[=DAO=]'') for a change, but some fans some felt it carries some {{unfortunate implications}} that ''of course'' morally upright KnightInShiningArmor types would be straight as a board, while mostly "social deviants" and outcasts would be "sexual deviants" too. (Downplayed as [[PrincessClassic Josephine]] is bi, but still...)

* The romantic orientations in general. As mentioned above, if you play as a female elf, you have so much more romantic options than if you play as, let's say, a Qunari. Many people were displeased to find out some characters had very limited romantic interests. Most notable Solas, who is only available to female elves (1/8th of the character creation options) and Cullen, who is only interested in female humans or elves. While this was A lot of people stated that it'd be nice if Solas was bi (considering his interest in elves only) does make sense in his lore and that, just like Cassandra, Cullen was romance-able by all female races.

** Speaking of Cassandra and orientations in general, many sapphic players were aggravated at ''yet another'' Creator/BioWare title making the more "butch" female companion strictly straight (like [[VideoGame/MassEffect Ashley Williams]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Morrigan]], [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 Jack and Miranda]] before her) while only the hyper-femme Sera and [[ProperLady Josephine]] (like [[VideoGame/MassEffect Liara]], [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Leliana]], and [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 Kelly Chambers]] before them) could be romanceable. Some appreciate Creator/BioWare trying to avoid the "butch lesbian" trope, while others feel it reduces f/f romances to eye candy for potential male viewers.
** Some fans were disappointed the straight-laced KnightInShiningArmor types like Cassandra, Cullen, Blackwall, etc were straight, while mostly [[{{Gayngster}} rogue, mercenary, and apostate]] characters were gay/bi again. Not only were many sapphic women hoping to romance a butch woman like [[LGBTFanbase Cassandra]] and many gay/bi men hoping to romance a more [[ManlyGay traditionally masculine]] yet sensitive love interest (like Alistair in ''[=DAO=]'' for a change, but some fans some felt it carries some {{unfortunate implications}} that ''of course'' morally upright KnightInShiningArmor types would be straight, while mostly "social deviants" and outcasts would be "sexual deviants" too. (Downplayed as [[PrincessClassic Josephine]] is bi, but still...)

* How the devs handled PlayerCharacter debates with companions and advisers. Namely, many companions and advisers state a controversial opinion[[note]]Dorian claims slavery is no different from inescapable poverty in Southern Thedas, despite being a noble who benefited from slave labor, and will say this even to an [[YouKnowImBlackRight Elven Inquisitor]]; Vivienne claims the Circles are a NecessaryEvil to protect mages from ordinary citizens who would lynch them for fear of their magic; Sera equates "elfiness" with haughty intolerance and refuses to tolerate any "elfy" beliefs or opinions herself; Cullen claims allowing mages freedom will ''inevitably'' result in abominations, and defend Meredith as "protecting people[[/note]], yet the Inquisitor can never meaningfully counter any of these points. Often, they can only sputter out a weak reply, concede, or change the subject. Many players dislike this and feel the Inquisitor should be able to meaningfully counter other's arguments. Others feel this is a refreshing change where (unlike most Creator/BioWare games) the PlayerCharacter doesn't always [[EasyEvangelism find the right words to sway others to their line of thinking]], and feel it's more realistic that you can't change everyone's minds.

* While some characters are universally well-liked by the fanbase (like Varric) and some are often criticized (read: Vivienne), many of them have a "you either love or hate them" vibe going on. Most notably Sera. Some find her extremely funny and a pleasure to have in your party, but can come across as not taking things too seriously. Others find her rude or condescending, if not outright mean-spirited and spiteful. It is safe to say she has by far the most polarized opinions. If you look at people making their top 10 most loved Dragon Age companions, she often ends up either at the bottom or at the top.
** To a lesser extend, Dorian. Though generally better accepted by fans than Sera, sometimes his flamboyance and bragging gets on the nerves of players.
** And Solas... His entire character arc doesn't help a bit.

* The double standard surrounding Cullen's fanservice. There are several occasions where people objectify him or joke that he's just part of the Inquisition so they'd look prettier. In one of the dialogues, Leliana jokes that he should "hush, just look pretty" and during the party banter, Varric will ask who'd win a fight Cassandra, Leliana or Josephine, leaving 'Curly' out of the equation because we all know he's just there to look pretty. Some people applaud the story for switching the game narrative, because usually, this is how female characters are handled. However, some of them find the fact that nobody whines about it because he's male, a big double standard.
** Especially if you pay attention to the dialogue during the Winterball, it is mentioned that Cullen gets groped. This is even worse when you have Cole in your party, for he mentions the latter is very distressed. However, this is played off as a joke, rather than a serious issue. But please take a moment to imagine the backlash Bioware would receive if we had the exact same situation with Josephine or Cassandra...

* Many people were unpleasantly surprised that there was still no dwarven romance option. This sentiment only worsened with the introduction of Scout Harding, a character many had hoped to romance. Simultaneously, most people who play as dwarf are by now used to the fact they have to stick to humans or elves, and generally express no displeasure. Though there are plenty dwarf fans who're still annoyed (at least) that they don't get to date a fellow dwarf at all.

* The romantic orientations in general. As mentioned above, if you play as a female elf, you have so much more romantic options than if you play as, let's say, a Qunari. Many people were displeased to find out some characters had very limited romantic interests. Most notable Solas, who is only available to female elves (1/8th of the character creation options) and Cullen, who is only interested in female humans or elves. A lot of people stated that it'd be nice if Solas was bi, considering his interest in elves only does make sense in his lore and that, just like Cassandra, Cullen was romance-able by all female races.
** Also Cassandra being straight caused some confusion. If you know her character arc, it is clear what the creators were going for, but it is not a reach to say that many people expected her to be bi. It doesn't help that [[WordOfGod David Gaider]] admitted he based her off a real-life straight female friend who is often MistakenForGay, which some fans felt he was baiting female players.
** Some fans were disappointed that the more straight-laced KnightInShiningArmor characters like Cassandra, Cullen, Blackwall, etc were straight, while mostly [[{{Gayngster}} rogue, mercenary, and apostate]] characters were gay/bi again. Not only were many sapphic women hoping to romance [[LGBTFanbase Cassandra]] and many gay/bi men hoping to romance a more [[ManlyGay traditionally masculine]] yet romance-driven love interest for a change (and break Creator/BioWare's tradition of keeping "butch" female characters strictly straight while only [[LipstickLesbian overtly feminine]] women can be romanced by a female player character [[note]]like [[TheSocialDarwinist Morrigan]] to [[TheChick Leliana]] in [=DAO=], [[FemininityFailure Aveline]] to [[BuxomIsBetter Isabela]] and [[{{Moe}} Merrill]] in [=DA2=]... Not to mention ''Franchise/MassEffect'' making [[MilitaryBrat Ashley]] straight but [[NiceGirl Liara]] bi in ''[=ME1=]'', Jack and Miranda romanceable only to Male Shepard but Kelly Chambers (a minor side character) romanceable in ''[=ME2=]'', and that's not getting into ''[=ME3=]...[[/note]] and making male love interests mostly [[{{Elfeminate}} effeminate]] and/or sex-driven like [[{{Elfeminate}} Zevran, Fenris]], [[CampGay Dorian]], [[BrainsAndBondage Bull]], etc), but some fans some felt it carried some {{unfortunate implications}} that of course morally upright KnightInShiningArmor types would be straight, while mostly social deviants and outcasts would be "sexual" deviants too. (Downplayed as [[RatedMForManly Iron Bull]] and [[PrincessClassic Josephine]] are bi, but still...)

* How the devs handled PlayerCharacter debates with companions and advisers. Namely, many companions and advisers state a controversial opinion[[note]]Dorian claims slavery is no different from inescapable poverty in Southern Thedas, despite being a noble who benefited from slave labor, and will say this even to an [[YouKnowImBlackRight Elven Inquisitor]]; Vivienne claims the Circles are a NecessaryEvil to protect mages from ordinary citizens who would lynch them for fear of their magic; Sera equates "elfiness" with haughty intolerance and refuses to tolerate any "elfy" beliefs or opinions herself; Cullen claims allowing mages freedom will ''inevitably'' result in abominations, and defend Meredith as "protecting people[[/note]], yet the Inquisitor can never meaningfully counter any of these points; can only sputter out a weak reply, concede, or change the subject. Many players dislike this and feel the Inquisitor should be able to meaningfully counter other's arguments. Others feel this is a refreshing change where (unlike most Creator/BioWare games) the PlayerCharacter doesn't always [[EasyEvangelism find the right words to sway others to their line of thinking]], and feel it's more realistic that you can't change everyone's minds.

* How the devs handled PlayerCharacter debates with companions and advisers. Namely, many companions and advisers state a controversial opinion[[note]]Dorian claims slavery is NotSoDifferent from inescapable poverty in Southern Thedas, despite being a noble who benefited from slave labor, and will say this even to an [[YouKnowImBlackRight Elven Inquisitor]]; Vivienne claims the Circles are a NecessaryEvil to protect mages from ordinary citizens who would lynch them for fear of their magic; Sera equates "elfiness" with haughty intolerance and refuses to tolerate any "elfy" beliefs or opinions herself; Cullen claims allowing mages freedom will ''inevitably'' result in abominations, and defend Meredith as "protecting people[[/note]], yet the Inquisitor can never meaningfully counter any of these points; can only sputter out a weak reply, concede, or change the subject. Many players dislike this and feel the Inquisitor should be able to meaningfully counter other's arguments. Others feel this is a refreshing change where (unlike most Creator/BioWare games) the PlayerCharacter doesn't always [[EasyEvangelism find the right words to sway others to their line of thinking]], and feel it's more realistic that you can't change everyone's minds.

** Some revelations about the Fall of the Dales in ''Jaws of Hakkon'': [[spoiler:Some find [[OrwellianEditor Inquisitor Ameridan's story]] to be a beautifully tragic parallel to the current Inquisitor's (particularly if they're Elven and possibly a Mage), and sheds more tragic light on [[ForWantOfANail how easily the Fall of the Dales might have been avoided]], given that Ameridan the elven mage was a close personal friend of Emperor Drakon, worshiped both the Maker and Creators, and tried to convince the Dales to do the same before he disappeared. Other fans are a little annoyed at ''yet another'' example of the writers [[ScrewYouElves blaming the elves for their own oppression under humans again]]. Some think it's another brilliant case of GrayAndGreyMorality, others feel it ignores established lore that Emperor Drakon was an ''Imperial expansionist'' who already led several [[TheFundamentalist religious-based]] military campaigns against neighboring human kingdoms (and refused to tolerate ''any'' alternate Maker worship, like [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Codex_entry:_The_Daughters_of_Song The Daughters of Song]]). Many find it doubtful that, in the long run, Drakon or his descendants would have just ''left the elves alone'' even if they had accepted Chantry missionaries, when even human neighbors who already worshiped the Maker weren't spared.]]

** Some revelations about the Fall of the Dales in ''Jaws of Hakkon'': [[spoiler:Some find [[OrwellianEditor Inquisitor Ameridan's story]] a beautifully tragic parallel to the current Inquisitor's (particularly if they're Elven), and sheds more tragic light on [[ForWantOfANail how easily the Fall of the Dales might have been avoided]], given that Ameridan the elven mage was a close personal friend of Emperor Drakon, worshiped both the Maker and Creators, and tried to convince the Dales to do the same before he disappeared. Other fans are a little annoyed at ''yet another example'' of the writers [[ScrewYouElves blaming the elves for their own oppression under humans]], since Ameridan implies if the Dales had ''only'' accepted dual Maker/Creators worship like him, relations with Orlais might not have gone sour. Some think this to be another brilliant case of GrayAndGreyMorality, others feel this ignores established lore about how Emperor Drakon was an ''Imperial expansionist'' who refused to tolerate ''any'' alternate worship of the Maker (including the peaceful [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Codex_entry:_The_Daughters_of_Song Daughters of Song]]), and already led several military campaigns against neighboring human kingdoms. Many find it doubtful that in the long run Drakon or his descendants would have just ''left the elves alone'', when even humans who already worshiped the Maker weren't spared.]]

** On the one hand, [[https://the-gaider-archives.tumblr.com/page/17 Word of Gaider]] has stated that the developers based the elves off real-world Medieval Jews, and admitted to their [[{{Applicability}} similarities to "historically oppressed groups" like African and Native Americans]], to the point that it's not uncommon for Jewish and/or [=BIPOC=] players to identity with City and Dalish elves. To that end, [=DAI=]'s many cases of ScrewYouElves (as stated above) has left many players feeling it carries some UnfortunateImplications: "If you deal with systemic discrimination, ''you deserve it.'' Your ancestors ''deserved'' to be enslaved, colonized, and/or segregated because of their flaws. If you/they had just assimilated to the dominant religion/culture [[spoiler:as Ameridcan claims he tried to get the Dales elves to worship the Maker, and it's impossible to talk Sera out of rejecting everything "elfy"]], you wouldn't be dealing with your own oppression." This left a bad taste in many players' mouths. Not helped that the Dalish are framed as elitist snobs and the revelations an example of BreakTheHaughty, but many players have pointed out that since the Dalish and city elves are EnslavedElves, it's less "[[ScrewYouElves knocking the haughty elitist down a peg]]" and more "grinding already disadvantaged people further into the dirt."
** On the other hand, many players feel that these fans are over-reacting since [[CaptainObvious Thedas elves aren't real]], their similarities to real minorities are "[[https://pshspawprint.com/2009/uncategorized/whitewashing-forcing-the-video-game-industry-backwards/ tenuous at best]]", and the devs constantly shitting on elves this game just means they're setting them up to be uplifted in future games. Many players also feel the Dalish ''are'' that awful, and thus the many helpings of ScrewYouElves are well-deserved. Others still feel [[spoiler:the revelations that elves destroyed themselves]] is a refreshing change to the usual NobleSavage depiction of African and Native American-coded characters, since many colonized cultures were just as flawed as their colonizers. They also feel the reveal that [[spoiler:the elves destroyed themselves]] gives the elves much-needed agency in their own fate, [[spoiler:not just helpless victims of circumstance]]. Others also feel that the friendly and supportive [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Flowers_for_Senna Elven]] [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Shallow_Breaths NPC]]'s the Inquisitor can encounter in the Hinterlands and Exalted Plains, and some sympathetic portrayals of Dalish elves in [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Codex:_History#The_Exalted_March_of_the_Dales codices]] and [[https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Bestow_Mourning_Halla War Table Missions]], makes up for almost every cinematic and story-required Elven NPC being full of ScrewYouElves