Classes and specializations (Origins)

There are three '''classes''' – [[Warrior (Origins)|warrior]], [[Rogue (Origins)|rogue]] and [[Mage (Origins)|mage]] – in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]'', each with four '''specializations'''. Six additional specializations (two per class) were added in the expansion ''[[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]]''.

== Basics ==
=== Classes ===
[[Human]]s and [[Elf|elves]] can be of any class, [[Dwarf|dwarves]] are unable to be mages.

=== Specializations ===
Specializations are sub-class choices that further define and customize characters. Each character can have up to two specializations in ''Origins'' and up to three in ''Awakening''. Most [[Companions (Origins)|companions]] join the party with one specialization preselected and are thus able to take one more.

Specializations are achieved in two steps. Firstly, all specializations require unlocking through a trainer (a person who can teach it), a [[Manuals|manual]] (purchased from a [[Merchants (Origins)|vendor]]), or a plot event. Specializations can be unlocked at any level and will stay unlocked on subsequent replays. Thus, it is possible, before making a decision that will get you a specialization but will cause approval loss for party members, to save, unlock the specialization and then revert to the save.

Secondly, in order to actually use the unlocked specialization the character must spend specialization points. Characters will receive one specialization point at level 7 and another at level 14. Specialization points can be saved for later levels or used mid-level (the "Level Up" button on the stats sheet will be active if there are unspent specialization points). In ''[[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening|Awakening]]'', a third specialization point is granted at level 22. If you acquire an attribute point, skill point, or spell or talent point in the ''[[Witch Hunt]]'' [[Downloadable content (Origins)|DLC]] while at maximum level, you may also receive a specialization point, even if this pushes your total specializations to four.

Taking a specialization grants a one-time bonus to [[Attributes (Origins)|attributes]] and unlocks special [[Talents (Origins)|talents]] tied to the specialization. Note that attribute bonuses granted by specializations are applied as attribute modifiers (similar to equipped items) and do not modify the base attribute values. Talents and spells with an attribute requirement check for base attribute values only, meaning specialization attribute bonuses will not unlock talents or spells if you lack the listed attribute value that is required to learn a specific talent/spell.

{{Note|If you reinstall the game, most unlocked specializations may disappear. This is for specializations unlocked through other means than books. Characters may decline to teach specializations even with high approval.
This is because specialization unlocks are meant to carry across all saved characters and are therefore stored outside of common savegame files. The game tracks this information via the file '''profile.dap''' — the same file that tracks achievements, etc. — located in your user's ''"...Documents\BioWare\Dragon Age\Settings\"'' folder. Should you wish to preserve specialization unlocks through a (clean) re-installation '''OR''' should you wish have the option of reverting back to a "locked" state (e.g., if they become unlocked illegally/unintentionally via cheats, mods, or the like), backing up and restoring this file is an option.}}

== ''Origins'' specializations ==
=== Warrior ===
{{:Berserker (Origins)|style=skillspelltalentrow}}
{{:Champion (Origins)|style=skillspelltalentrow}}
{{:Reaver (Origins)|style=skillspelltalentrow}}
{{:Templar (Origins)|style=skillspelltalentrow}}

==== Unlocking ====
{{:Berserker (Origins)|style=iconmini}} is unlocked by [[Oghren]] or a [[Manual: Berserker|manual]] available from [[Gorim Saelac]]'s initial stock in the [[Denerim Market District]] for {{Currency|110000}}.{{clrl}}
{{:Champion (Origins)|style=iconmini}} is unlocked by accepting the reward for completing [[Arl of Redcliffe]] or taught by [[secret companion]].{{clrl}}
{{:Reaver (Origins)|style=iconmini}} is unlocked by [[Kolgrim]] after siding with him in [[The Urn of Sacred Ashes]]. It is also unlocked in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening|Awakening]]'' by a [[Manual: Reaver|manual]] from [[Bartender (Awakening)|Bartender]] at [[The Crown and Lion]] for {{Currency|99000}}.{{clrl}}
{{:Templar (Origins)|style=iconmini}} is unlocked by [[Alistair]] or a [[Manual: Templar|manual]] available from [[Bodahn Feddic]] in the [[Party Camp]] for {{Currency|150000}}.{{clrl}}

=== Rogue ===
{{:Assassin (Origins)|style=skillspelltalentrow}}
{{:Bard|style=skillspelltalentrow}}
{{:Duelist (Origins)|style=skillspelltalentrow}}
{{:Ranger|style=skillspelltalentrow}}

==== Unlocking ====
{{:Assassin (Origins)|style=iconmini}} is unlocked by [[Zevran Arainai|Zevran]] or a [[Manual: Assassin|manual]] available from [[Alarith]] in his [[Alarith's Store|store]] at the [[Denerim Alienage]] for {{Currency|110000}}.{{clrl}}
{{:Bard|style=iconmini}} is unlocked by [[Leliana]] or a [[Manual: Bard|manual]] available from [[Alimar]] at [[Alimar's Emporium]] in [[Dust Town]] for {{Currency|140000}}.{{clrl}}
{{:Duelist (Origins)|style=iconmini}} is unlocked by [[Isabela]] in [[The Pearl]] after beating her in a game, sleeping with her, or persuading her.{{clrl}}
{{:Ranger|style=iconmini}} is unlocked by a [[Manual: Ranger|manual]] available from [[Bodahn Feddic]] in the [[Party Camp]] for {{Currency|150000}}.{{clrl}}

=== Mage ===
{{:Arcane Warrior|style=skillspelltalentrow}}
{{:Blood Mage (Origins)|style=skillspelltalentrow}}
{{:Shapeshifter|style=skillspelltalentrow}}
{{:Spirit Healer (Origins)|style=skillspelltalentrow}}

==== Unlocking ====
{{:Arcane Warrior|style=iconmini}} is unlocked by a soul trapped in a [[phylactery]] encountered in the [[Lower Ruins]] accessible during (or after) the [[Nature of the Beast]].{{clrl}}
{{:Blood Mage (Origins)|style=iconmini}} is unlocked by the [[Desire Demon]] during [[Arl of Redcliffe]] if the Warden is a mage, enters the [[Fade]] personally, and requests arcane secrets. It can also be unlocked in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening|Awakening]]'' by a [[Manual: Blood Mage|manual]] from the [[Bartender (Awakening)|Bartender]] at [[The Crown and Lion]] for {{Currency|99000}}.{{clrl}}
{{:Shapeshifter|style=iconmini}} is unlocked by [[Morrigan]] or a [[Manual: Shapeshifter|manual]] available from [[Varathorn]] in the [[Dalish Camp]] for {{Currency|120000}}.{{clrl}}
{{:Spirit Healer (Origins)|style=iconmini}} is unlocked by a [[Manual: Spirit Healer|manual]] available from [[Wonders of Thedas]] in [[Denerim]] for {{Currency|150000}} or from [[Levi Dryden]] in [[Soldier's Peak]] (the latter requiring the ''[[Warden's Keep]]'' [[Downloadable content (Origins)|DLC]]).{{clrl}}

== ''Awakening'' specializations ==
These specializations require ''[[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]]'' and cannot be used in ''Origins''.

=== Warrior ===
{{:Guardian (Origins)|style=skillspelltalentrow}}
{{:Spirit Warrior|style=skillspelltalentrow}}

==== Unlocking ====
{{:Guardian (Origins)|style=iconmini}} is unlocked through a [[Manual: Guardian|manual]] purchased from [[Herren]] at [[Vigil's Keep]] courtyard for {{Currency|120000}}.{{clrl}}
{{:Spirit Warrior|style=iconmini}} is unlocked through a [[Manual: Spirit Warrior|manual]] purchased from [[Octham]] the Grocer at the [[City of Amaranthine]] for {{Currency|120000}}.{{clrl}}

=== Rogue ===
{{:Legionnaire Scout|style=skillspelltalentrow}}
{{:Shadow (Origins)|style=skillspelltalentrow}}

==== Unlocking ====
{{:Legionnaire Scout|style=iconmini}} is unlocked through a [[Manual: Legionnaire Scout|manual]] purchased from [[Glassric]] the Weaponsmith at the [[City of Amaranthine]] for {{Currency|120000}}.{{clrl}}
{{:Shadow (Origins)|style=iconmini}} is unlocked through a [[Manual: Shadow|manual]] purchased from [[Yuriah]] at [[Vigil's Keep - Throne Room]] for {{Currency|120000}}.{{clrl}}

=== Mage ===
{{:Battlemage|style=skillspelltalentrow}}
{{:Keeper (Specialization)|style=skillspelltalentrow}}

==== Unlocking ====
{{:Battlemage|style=iconmini}} is unlocked through a [[Manual: Battlemage|manual]] purchased from Ambassador [[Cera]] in [[Vigil's Keep - Throne Room]] for {{Currency|110000}}.{{clrl}}
{{:Keeper|style=iconmini}} is unlocked through a [[Manual: Keeper|manual]] purchased from Master [[Henley]] at the [[City of Amaranthine]] for {{Currency|120000}}.{{clrl}}

== Equipment ==
=== Class specific ===
For mages, all [[Staves (Origins)|staves]] are specific to them but besides that this is a list of class/specialization specific equipment.

{| class="daotable" width="90%"
!style="width: 25%; "|{{:Mage (Origins)|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
!style="width: 25%; "|{{:Rogue (Origins)|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
!style="width: 25%; "|{{:Warrior (Origins)|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
|-valign="top"
|
{{:Cameo Cowl|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Collective Arming Cowl|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Cord of Shattered Dreams|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Destructionist's Belt|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Enchanter's Arming Cap|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Enchanter's Footing|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Fade Striders|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Imperial Weavers|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}} 
{{:The Libertarian's Cowl|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Magus War Boots|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Reaper's Vestments|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Reinforced Magus Cowl (Origins)|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Ring of Faith|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Tevinter Enchanter's Robes|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}

|
{{:Angled Strikers|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Backhands|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Biteback Axe|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Coarse Cut Gauntlets|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Dalish Leather Belt|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Elfrope|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Family Sword|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Harvest Festival Ring|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Pushback Strikers|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Red Jenny Seekers|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
|
{{:Dalish Leather Belt|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Elfrope|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Family Sword|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Harvest Festival Ring|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Keening Blade|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
|}

=== Specialization specific ===
; Arcane Warrior
: {{:Spellweaver|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}

; Blood Mage
: {{:Blood Ring|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
: {{:Lifedrinker|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}} {{clrl}}

; Templar
: {{:Armor of the Divine Will|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
: {{:Knight Commander's Plate|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
: {{:Templar Armor (Origins)|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}

== Bugs ==
* {{platforms|ps3}} If you use multiple [[Tomes (Origins)|tomes]] (via some other exploit) to gain more talent/spell points than there are available talents/spells, you can gain an "extra" specialization:
** Use a specialization point, then use all but one of your attribute points, and click "auto level up." This will give you the specialization you chose.
** Leave the menu. Next time you open it, your specialization will not be shown, but the talents/spells from it will be available to choose.
* {{Platforms|Xbox360}} Some specializations may remain locked even after you complete the requirements to unlock them, and the manuals to teach them will be unavailable for purchase. {{confirm}}
* {{Platforms|Xbox360}} Patching the game may cause all unlocked specializations to become locked, forcing you to complete the quests/buy the manuals to unlock them again. This can be fixed by recovering your gamertag:
** Sign out of all profiles, select Profile Sign-In, select Recover Gamertag, and input the information for your Xbox 360.
** Load an old save file, unlock one specialization, and save in a new file.
** Exit the game completely. When you reload, all specializations that you previously unlocked should be available again.

{{Specializations (Origins)}}