In the richly layered fantasy world of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, gear and armor are more than mere protective wear they’re expressions of history, culture, and power. Among the many sets available, the Extravagant Plate stands out for its ornate design and superior defensive stats. Whether you’re a seasoned warrior looking for maximum resilience or a collector drawn to the finer aesthetics of Thedas, the Extravagant Plate deserves your attention. Understanding where to find it, how to equip it, and what makes it so desirable will give you a distinct edge in both gameplay and immersion.
What Is the Extravagant Plate?
Defining a Signature Armor Set
The Extravagant Plate is a high-tier heavy armor set available in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. It is primarily designed for frontline combatants like warriors and templars, offering maximum physical protection with moderate resistance to elemental and magical damage. This plate armor doesn’t just offer protection it also radiates authority, with embossed detailing, vibrant accents, and a regal silhouette that fits the grandeur of Orlais or the battle-hardened pride of Ferelden knights.
Stats and Bonuses
- +85 Physical Resistance
- +40 Elemental Resistance
- +20 Strength
- +15 Constitution
- Set Bonus: Reduced stamina cost on shield abilities
These stats make the Extravagant Plate ideal for tanking roles or for those who favor a more aggressive, head-on combat strategy. When paired with matching boots and a helm, players unlock the full set bonus, giving them a notable advantage in drawn-out encounters or boss fights.
How to Obtain the Extravagant Plate
Crafting vs. Loot
There are generally two paths to acquiring the Extravagant Plate in Dragon Age: The Veilguard through quest-related loot or high-level crafting. The armor can occasionally be found as a rare drop in elite strongholds or as a reward in side quests involving noble houses. However, for those who prefer a more hands-on approach, crafting the plate is an option if you’ve unlocked the proper blueprints and gathered the necessary rare materials.
Materials Needed for Crafting
- High-Quality Iron (x12)
- Silverite or Dragonbone (x8)
- Velveteen or Ornate Cloth (x5)
- Runic Alloy (x4)
Once all components are secured, visit a master armorsmith in one of the major cities like Minrathous or Val Royeaux. Upgraded versions of the plate can be unlocked as your character level progresses or after completing certain plot milestones.
Who Should Wear the Extravagant Plate?
Best Class Compatibility
While technically wearable by any character with the required strength stats, the Extravagant Plate is best suited for:
- Two-Handed Weapon Warriors: These heroes benefit from its damage absorption while dishing out powerful melee blows.
- Sword-and-Shield Tanks: This set enhances block effectiveness and stamina regeneration when paired with shield-based abilities.
- Templars: The magic resistance and set bonuses sync perfectly with templar abilities that disrupt enemy spellcasters.
Rogues and mages, on the other hand, will find the armor too cumbersome, and it will likely reduce their mobility and spellcasting efficiency.
Companion Compatibility
Many companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard can benefit from the Extravagant Plate as well. If you’re not using a tank-focused main character, consider giving this armor to:
- Blackwall: A returning Grey Warden who thrives in melee range and needs high defense.
- Iron Bull: His Reaver abilities pair well with the added constitution and strength.
- New warrior-class Veilguard companions: Especially those with frontline roles.
Design and Lore Significance
Ornate Aesthetic, Deeper Meaning
The Extravagant Plate is not just functional it’s a statement. Its elaborate design often features motifs of dragons, lions, or ancient elven runes depending on where it was acquired. Rumors within the lore suggest that the armor’s origin dates back to pre-Inquisition times when elite guardsmen of the Orlesian royal court wore similar designs. Others believe it to be modeled after ancient dwarven battle armor, explaining its structural durability and craftsmanship.
Role in Factions and Politics
Wearing the Extravagant Plate may also influence NPC dialogue and interactions in certain areas. Characters in Orlais may show you more respect, or Fereldan veterans may reference legendary warriors known to don similar gear. It adds a subtle layer of narrative immersion for players who pay attention to how the world reacts to their choices even when those choices are aesthetic.
Customization Options
Dyes, Enhancements, and Runes
The armor can be further customized through the in-game armor enhancement system. Depending on your crafting and rune skills, you can slot in bonuses such as:
- Rune of Fortitude: Adds +10% to max health
- Rune of Warding: Adds additional elemental resistance
- Dye Kits: Change the color palette to match your banner or party theme
These options make the Extravagant Plate not only powerful but also a versatile choice for those who enjoy building both aesthetics and efficiency into their loadouts.
Combat Performance and Practical Use
In Battle Scenarios
When fully equipped, the Extravagant Plate provides enough damage mitigation to let you engage directly with elite enemies and mini-bosses. It’s particularly useful in:
- Fortress Sieges: When you need to soak up enemy aggro
- Dragon Hunts: Helps resist AoE breath attacks and tail swipes
- Deep Roads Expeditions: Extra resilience is a must when isolated underground
Pair it with potions and a defensive stance, and you’ll be nearly unbreakable in drawn-out encounters.
The Extravagant Plate in Dragon Age: The Veilguard is more than just a suit of armor it’s a powerful tool, a collectible item, and a piece of the game’s rich lore. Its defensive prowess, customizable nature, and narrative weight make it a must-have for any serious warrior in Thedas. Whether you’re braving corrupted Fade breaches, storming enemy fortresses, or simply trying to look regal as you command your allies, this armor will serve you well. Explore every stronghold, complete key side quests, and invest in your crafting you’ll be rewarded with one of the finest suits of armor available in the game.