Talents (Dragon Age II)

For talents in Dragon Age: Origins, see Talents (Origins).

Talents are unique selectable abilities that warriors and rogues can use. Mages do not use talents and have access to spells instead. Talents have special animations that distinguish them from standard attacks.

You can reassign your talents by using the Maker's Sigh, purchasable in the Black Emporium in Kirkwall

Types of talents

Activated

Diamond icons represent active talents that have an instant effect: the character executes a special attack or action (e.g. bashing your shield into the opponent, sending them flying).

Unless otherwise noted, all activated talents use a fixed amount of stamina.

Passive

Circle icons represent passive abilities that add a permanent bonus, change in game mechanics, or upgrade to an existing ability (e.g. adding a chance of stun to all two-handed attacks).

Sustained

Hexagons icons are sustained abilities that can be turned on and off. The character gains some bonuses or some game mechanics will change (e.g. using your shield to increase your cover vs. missiles).

Rogue

Archery

Bursting Arrow Effect Type: Activated Size: 5m sphere Activation: 30 Cooldown: 20s Requires: Level 3 This arrow explodes on impact showering the area in shrapnel and flame. Bursting Arrow Activated

Pinning Shot Effect Type: Activated Activation: 20 Cooldown: 20s Requires: Level 2 The archer looses an arrow that immobilizes a target for a short time. Pinning Shot Activated

Archer's Lance Effect Type: Activated Activation: 40 Cooldown: 30s Requires: Pinning Shot Bursting Arrow Level 7 3 points in Archery This arrow carries such force that it tears through every enemy along its deadly path. Archer's Lance Activated

Hail of Arrows may refer to: Hail of Arrows (Dragon Age II), a rogue talent in Dragon Age II Hail of Arrows (Inquisition), a rogue talent in Dragon Age: Inquisition This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the same title. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Hail of Arrows Activated

Dual Weapon

Lacerate Effect Type: Sustained Upkeep: 10% Cooldown: 10s Requires: Level 5 Backstab 2 points in Dual Weapon While this mode is active, the rogue's deadly blades have a chance to inflict bleeding wounds that continue to cause damage for a short time. Lacerate Sustained	Explosive Strike Effect Type: Activated Range: Personal Activation: 15 Cooldown: 25s Requires: Level 4 Unforgiving Chain The rogue completes the combo built up by Unforgiving Chain. Every basic melee attack that the rogue completed immediately prior to using Explosive Strike increases the damage inflicted by breaking the chain. Explosive Strike Activated	Unforgiving Chain may refer to: Unforgiving Chain (Dragon Age II), a spell, from Dragon Age II. Unforgiving Chain (Inquisition), an ability, from Dragon Age: Inquisition. This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the same title. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Unforgiving Chain Passive	Backstab Effect Type: Activated Activation: 20 Cooldown: 15s Requires: Level 2 The lightning-quick rogue vanishes in a smoke screen and reappears behind the enemy with a fierce strike to the back. Backstab Activated
Twin Fangs may refer to: Twin Fangs (Dragon Age II), a talent from Dragon Age II. Twin Fangs (Inquisition), an ability from Dragon Age: Inquisition This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the same title. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Twin Fangs Activated

Sabotage

Miasmic Flask Effect Type: Activated Range: 5m sphere Activation: 15 Cooldown: 20s The rogue lobs an explosive flask into a group of enemies, briefly stunning them. Miasmic Flask Activated

Rush Effect Type: Activated Range: Personal Activation: 15 Cooldown: 15s Requires: Level 3 The rogue rushes forward, attempting to knock down the target and all nearby enemies. Rush Activated

Confusion Effect Type: Activated Range: 4m Activation: 30 Cooldown: 30s Requires: Level 5 Miasmic Flask 2 points in Sabotage The rogue tricks nearby enemies, causing some to fight among themselves for a short time. Confusion Activated

Fatiguing Fog Effect Type: Activated Range: 6m Activation: 20 Cooldown: 20s Requires: Level 7 Rush Miasmic Flask 3 points in Sabotage The rogue envelops enemies in a dense fog that slows them to a near crawl. Fatiguing Fog Activated

Scoundrel

Armistice Effect Type: Activated Range: 10m Activation: 20 Cooldown: 20s Requires: Level 4 The rogue distracts all enemies surrounding a single party member, drawing them away from that ally and redirecting them toward whichever ally each considers the second-greatest threat on the battlefield. Armistice Activated	Back-to-Back Effect Type: Activated Activation: 15 Cooldown: 30s Requires: Level 3 The rogue stealths and moves to a targeted ally's side, appearing an instant later, ready to render aid. Back-to-Back Activated	Blindside Effect Type: Passive Requires: Level 5 The rogue becomes capable of more potent attacks when engaging distracted opponents. Any target not actively engaging the rogue suffers increased damage from any of the rogue's attacks. Blindside Passive	Twist the Knife Effect Type: Passive Requires: Level 5 Blindside 2 points in Scoundrel The rogue is more concerned with victory than ensuring a fair fight. Against any stunned enemy, the rogue now inflicts automatic critical hits. Twist the Knife Passive
Goad Effect Type: Activated Range: 6m Activation: 20 Cooldown: 20s Requires: Level 6 Armistice The rogue incites all enemies in an area into attacking a chosen ally instead of their current targets. Besides simply directing foes to cluster around a particularly hardy party member, this effect complements spells or talents that provide bonuses based on the number of enemies surrounding a companion, like Bravery, Grave Robber, Savvy, or Wrath of the Elvhen. Goad Activated	Follow-Through Effect Type: Upgrade Requires: Level 7 Back-to-Back 2 points in Scoundrel The rogue thrives on continued momentum in combat, dashing from one attack to the next. The rogue now regains more stamina than normal from every basic attack. Follow-Through Activated	Brand may refer to: Brand, a pejorative term used for a casteless dwarf, referencing the face tattoo they are branded with, distinguishing them from the rest of their kin. Brand (comic), an elven pirate featured in Dragon Age: Those Who Speak and Dragon Age: Until We Sleep. Brand (ability), a rogue talent in Dragon Age II. Brand (sword), a unique sword added to Dragon Age: Inquisition by the Trespasser DLC. Brand Schematic, a weapon schematic added to Dragon Age: Inquisition by the Trespasser DLC. This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the same title. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Brand Activated

Specialist

Speed Effect Type: Sustained Upkeep: 20% Cooldown: 5s Requires: Level 4 While this mode is active, the rogue attacks with much greater speed. (This mode cannot be used at the same time as Precision or Power.) Speed Sustained

Precision Effect Type: Sustained Upkeep: 15% Cooldown: 5s Requires: Level 3 While this mode is active, the rogue focuses on accuracy in order to gain bonuses to critical hits and attack. (This mode cannot be used at the same time as Speed or Power.) Precision Sustained

Power Effect Type: Sustained Upkeep: 20% Cooldown: 5s Requires: Level 5 While this mode is active, the rogue throws more force into each shot or strike, hoping to stun enemies. Given the speed of the rogue's attack, the chance to stun is significant. (This mode cannot be used at the same time as Precision or Speed.) Power Sustained

Harmony Effect Type: Passive Requires: Level 6 Speed Precision Power 3 points in Specialist While in any of the Power, Precision, or Speed modes, the rogue gains an additional bonus from the other two. Harmony Passive

Subterfuge

Evade may refer to: Evade (Dragon Age II), a rogue talent from Dragon Age II Evade (Inquisition), a rogue ability from Dragon Age: Inquisition This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the same title. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Evade Activated	Stealth Effect Type: Activated Activation: 20 Cooldown: 30s Requires: Level 3 The rogue fades from view, stalking the battlefield. Enemies immediately cease attacking the stealthed rogue, although any action beyond movement will break the cover. Stealth Activated	Ambush may refer to: Ambush (Dragon Age II), a rogue talent from Dragon Age II Ambush (Inquisition), a rogue ability from Dragon Age: Inquisition This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the same title. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Ambush Passive	Subtlety Effect Type: Passive Requires: Level 6 Evade 2 points in Subterfuge The rogue is adept at the art of subtlety and distraction, generating significantly less threat from all attacks and abilities. As a result, enemies are far less likely to turn on the rogue. Subtlety Passive
Chameleon's Breath Effect Type: Activated Range: 5m Activation: 20 Cooldown: 30s Requires: Level 4 Evade The rogue tosses a flask that shatters in a haze of smoke, obscuring nearby allies for a short time, which means that enemy attacks are much more likely to miss them. Chameleon's Breath Activated

Warrior

Battlemaster

Rally Effect Type: Activated Activation: 15 Cooldown: 30s Requires: Level 4 The warrior rallies fellow combatants, briefly boosting other party members' mana or stamina regeneration rates and lending them the benefits of Might, Control, Turn the Blade, or Elemental Aegis if the warrior currently has one of those sustained modes active. Rally Activated	Bolster Effect Type: Activated Range: Personal Cooldown: None Requires: Level 3 Steeling for battle, the warrior takes a deep breath to regain some stamina. Bolster Activated	Second Wind Effect Type: Activated Range: Personal Cooldown: 60s Requires: Level 8 Bolster Long years of training grant access to deep reserves of vigor, instantly restoring the warrior's stamina. Second Wind Activated	Battle Synergy Effect Type: Sustained Range: 10m Upkeep: 30% Cooldown: 10s Requires: Level 5 Rally While this mode is active, the warrior and other party members within range fight as a cohesive unit that is deadlier than the sum of its parts. (This mode cannot be used at the same time as Bravery.) Battle Synergy Sustained
Deep Reserves may refer to: Deep Reserves (Dragon Age II), a warrior talent from Dragon Age II Deep Reserves (Inquisition), a warrior ability from Dragon Age: Inquisition This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the same title. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Deep Reserves Passive

Defender

Stonewall Effect Type: Activated Activation: 20 Cooldown: 15s The warrior braces for impact, shrugging off damage for a brief moment and pushing back against any foe who attacks. Stonewall Activated	Elemental Aegis Effect Type: Sustained Upkeep: 15% Cooldown: 5s Requires: Level 3 The secret to warding off the elements is to rely on your armor, keeping it between you and the blast. The warrior has learned this lesson well, and can anticipate magical attacks. (This mode cannot be used at the same time as Turn the Blade.) Elemental Aegis Sustained	Turn the Blade may refer to: Turn the Blade (Dragon Age II), a talent from Dragon Age II Turn the Blade (Inquisition), an ability from Dragon Age: Inquisition This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the same title. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Turn the Blade Sustained	Resilience Effect Type: Passive Requires: Level 5 Turn the Blade Elemental Aegis Warriors trained in resilience have learned not to flinch from wounds, making it almost impossible to break their attacks, push them backwards, or distract them with elemental effects like mild immolation. The warrior will only be interrupted by attacks that deal so much force as to knock the warrior completely down or that cause lengthy elemental effects. Resilience Passive
Adamant may refer to: Adamant (Dragon Age II), a warrior talent in Dragon Age II Adamant (Inquisition), a warrior talent in Dragon Age: Inquisition Adamant Fortress, a location in Orlais This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the same title. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Adamant Passive	Resolute Effect Type: Passive Requires: Level 8 Elemental Aegis 4 points in Defender The warrior has faced more mages in battle than most denizens of Thedas even see in a lifetime. This experience has built a mental fortitude that any templar would envy. Resolute Passive

Two-Handed

Mighty Blow Effect Type: Activated Activation: 20 Cooldown: 20s Requires: Level 2 The warrior leaps into the air, crashing down on foes with tremendous force. Mighty Blow Activated	Giant's Reach Effect Type: Passive Requires: Level 3 1 point in Two-Handed The warrior's two-handed attacks rip through the air with such power that each generates a shockwave past the point of impact, effectively extending the weapon's reach. This affects basic attacks, Whirlwind, Mighty Blow and Scythe. Giant's Reach Passive	Whirlwind Effect Type: Activated Range: Personal Size: 6m Activation: 30 Cooldown: 30s Requires: Level 7 Mighty Blow Giant's Reach 3 points in Two-Handed The warrior cuts through foes, hitting all targets within melee range with a single sweeping arc. Whirlwind Activated	Sunder Effect Type: Passive Requires: Level 4 1 point in Two-Handed The warrior's strikes carry such weight that critical hits gain a chance to STAGGER the victim. Sunder Passive
Scythe Effect Type: Activated Range: Unknown Activation: 30 Cooldown: 20s Requires: Level 5 Mighty Blow 2 points in Two-Handed The warrior charges through enemy lines, felling combatants in the way. Scythe Activated

Vanguard

Control Effect Type: Sustained Upkeep: 15% Cooldown: 5s Requires: Level 3 The warrior fights with discipline, not anger, making every swing count. (This mode cannot be used at the same time as Might.) Control Sustained	Might Effect Type: Sustained Upkeep: 20% Cooldown: 5s Requires: Level 3 The warrior focuses on heavy swings that cleave through foes. (This mode cannot be used at the same time as Control.) Might Sustained	Assail Effect Type: Activated Activation: 20 Cooldown: 30s Requires: Level 5 Might 3 point in Vanguard For a short time, the warrior throws more weight into each swing, significantly increasing the force of any attack, as well as boosting the damage output. Assail Activated	Cleave Effect Type: Activated Activation: 30 Cooldown: 25s Requires: Level 6 Control Might 2 points in Vanguard For a short time, the warrior's damage output increases tremendously. Cleave Activated
Destroyer Effect Type: Passive Requires: Level 7 Control 3 points in Vanguard The warrior is now an elite combatant, so experienced in battle that enemies suffer more pain when fighting the warrior than they would when fighting anyone else. Destroyer Passive	Massacre Effect Type: Passive Requires: Level 12 Cleave 4 points in Vanguard The warrior culls the weak. In most cases, when an enemy falls below a certain health threshold, the next hit is fatal. Massacre Passive

Warmonger

Pommel Strike Effect Type: Activated Activation: 10 Cooldown: 15s Instead of leading with the fatal attack an enemy expects, the warrior strikes out with a weapon's blunt end to stun the opponent. Pommel Strike Activated

Taunt Effect Type: Activated Range: Personal Size: 10m Activation: 30 Cooldown: 20s Requires: Level 3 A mocking cry catches the attention of nearby foes, causing them to immediately abandon attacks on other allies to concentrate on the warrior instead. Taunt Activated

Bravery Effect Type: Sustained Range: 10m Upkeep: 30% Cooldown: 10s Requires: Level 6 Taunt The warrior's unwavering courage grants bonuses that increase proportionally to the number of enemies the warrior is engaging. This mode cannot be used at the same time as Battle Synergy. Bravery Sustained

Tremor Effect Type: Activated Range: Personal Size: 6m Activation: 30 Cooldown: 20s Requires: Pommel Strike Push a warrior and prepare to be pushed back. Nearby enemies are knocked back as the warrior slams a weapon into the ground. Tremor Activated

Weapon and Shield

Shield Defense Effect Type: Sustained Upkeep: 15% Cooldown: 5s Requires: Level 3 The warrior assumes a defensive stance, reducing damage taken from the front. However, the warrior inflicts less damage against enemies and sacrifices the ability to make closing attacks. Shield Defense Sustained	Shield Bash Effect Type: Activated Activation: 10 Cooldown: 15s Requires: Level 2 The warrior's shield arcs out, striking foes like a battering ram. Shield Bash Activated	Assault Effect Type: Activated Activation: 20 Cooldown: 20s Requires: Level 5 Shield Bash The warrior spins into a vicious assault that inflicts significant damage and often throws enemies back. Assault Activated	Scatter Effect Type: Activated Range: Personal Size: 6m (180° front) Activation: 30 Cooldown: 25s Requires: Level 6 Shield Bash Shield Defense 2 points in Weapon and Shield The warrior clears a forward arc, throwing enemies back. Scatter Activated
Safeguard Effect Type: Passive Requires: Level 7 Perception Scatter 4 points in Weapon and Shield While a shield is equipped, the warrior shrugs off the extra damage from critical hits. Safeguard Passive	Perception Effect Type: Passive Requires: Level 4 Shield Defense The warrior maintains constant awareness of the battlefield. So long as the warrior has a shield equipped, enemies receive no bonus for attacking from behind. Perception Passive

External links

• All Dragon Age 2 rogue talents and specializations with their description in one large image
• All Dragon Age 2 warrior talents and specializations with their description in one large image
• All Dragon Age 2 Demo Abilities (Video)