Dragon Age: Inquisition Achievement Guide & Road Map

Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition Achievement Guide

Overview:
- Estimated achievement difficulty: 8/10
- Offline: 50 [1000]
- Online: 0
- Approximate amount of time to 1000: 80 hours+ (highly skill-dependent for Nightmare)
- Minimum number of playthroughs needed: 1 [2 recommended]
- Missable achievements: 6 - "Belle of the Balle," "The Brightest of Their Age," "On Burning Wings," "Persuasive," "People Person," and "Beloved and Precious."
- Does difficulty affect achievements?: Yes
- Glitchy achievements: "Dragons' Bane," "Veteran," and "Persuasive"
- Extra equipment needed?: None

Jaws of Hakkon DLC
- Difficulty: 4/10
- Time to 165: 8-10 hours
- Glitchy/Missable/Unobtainable: None
The Descent DLC
- Difficulty: 1/10
- Time to 165: 2-4 hours
- Glitchy/Missable/Unobtainable: None
Trespasser DLC
- Difficulty: 5/10
- Time to 240: 25 hours+ [depending on saves]
- Missable: Several [see below]

Introduction:
In Dragon Age: Inquisition, you begin as a relative nobody (henceforth referred to as the Herald), thrown into a perilous situation by an unknown antagonizing force. The Chantry as you and Thedas knew it has crumbled around you and you are at the center of the smoking political ruin left to reshape the state of two neighboring states, Ferelden and Orlais: Ferelden currently in turmoil and accepting apostate Mages and rogue Templars; Orlais in a vicious battle of words and subterfuge to determine who comes out on top amidst the Chantry’s chaos.

The combat structure of Inquisition is akin to the first entry in the series. At any time you wish, you may pause combat, engage a tactical camera view, and issue commands to any or all of your party. If the command involves movement, a line is drawn from the character taking the action to where they are moving. Unlike Dragon Age: Origins, however, the combat is much more fluid now, taking what was good from Dragon Age 2 and adapting it to a slightly slower play style. On easier difficulties such as easy or normal, the tactical camera will not be necessary outside of tough battles, or unless you simply like to use it. On hard or nightmare, however, it becomes a necessity. Learn it, love it, and prepare to use it regularly.

Abbreviated Walkthrough:
In the early stages of the game, you can easily clear out some quick achievements like "Well-Prepared," "Customized," "Sharp-Eyed," "Well-Read," "Skilled," "Synergized," "Decorator," "Cavalier," and "Trailblazer." These will require little to no effort.

Throughout the middle-to end-game, you will start unlocking many of the longer ones that have multiple requirements like "Specialized," "Pathfinder," "Stargazer," "Liberator," "Persuasive," "People Person," "Loremaster," and "Quartermaster." These will require moderate effort, mostly just keeping an eye open for their requirements and acting on them when possible.

In regard to difficulty, it is recommended that you begin on hard in order to get Herald on your first playthrough, as well as learning how the tactical camera works and synergy between party members. If you are new to the series, I recommend normal as your first playthrough. Regardless of what you start with, nightmare will most likely be a second journey into the game for most of you, and you can get any of the missable achievements you may not have gotten your first time on top of finally getting Inquisitor and the completion.

Mop-Up:
Once you complete the game, you are able to continue play and get the final achievements you may have missed. For the average gamer, these will most likely include "Botanist," "Master Alchemist," "Dragons’ Bane," "Veteran," "Peerless," and "Invincible."

Follow the achievement descriptions below to polish these off.

Jaws of Hakkon DLC

Introduction:
Welcome to Jaws of Hakkon, the first official DLC for Dragon Age: Inquisition. This downloadable content brings your Inquisitor and his or her party far south on a mission to discover lost truths of the Inquisitor before. In this mountain-strewn land, you will find new friends and foes alike, uncover secrets hidden to the world of Thedas, become an integral part of an Avvar conflict, and if you're lucky, you might even get some upgrades to your gear.

If you haven't completed the full game first, it is highly recommended that you do, even though this DLC doesn't quite touch upon the events from the main story. The enemies here are quite powerful (starting in the early 20s), and if you haven't completed the original game, you might struggle a bit in combat; even after dropping the difficulty. Be prepared for a steep learning curve compared to what you last fought.

Abbreviated Walkthough:
The two story-related achievements ("Historian" and "Winter's End") are not missable and will pop as you finish the main questline for the DLC, so be sure to focus your attention on making extra saves in case you miss something while working on "Firestarter" and "Legend-Marked." With a few extra saves a single playthough should suffice.

The Descent DLC

Introduction:
In the latest installment of DLC for Dragon Age: Inquisition, we are granted access to the Deep Roads during The Descent. You will meet a host of new characters, not surprisingly almost all Dwarves, and do the typical Dragon Age formula: meet people, do quests, get loot. This DLC is intended for characters who have finished the game and are geared well, but level scales, and you will quickly be pit against some of the hardest foes you have fought to date (difficulty does not affect achievements. If you need, feel free to bump down the difficulty - keep in mind for characters that have not yet completed the game that this will obviously disable the hard and nightmare related achievements from the original 1000).

Abbreviated Walkthrough:
"Giant Slayer" will be the first to unlock naturally as you progress, then "Deep Roads Commander" will very shortly follow. Keep an eye out for the prompt detailed below as soon as you unlock the first campsite. Next will be "Fact Finder," and finally, "Shaper of Stone" will both unlock naturally by the end of the DLC.

You may also take this time to search for the three (3) Astrariums and twelve (12) shards for additional loot.

Mop-Up:
If needed, return to unlock "Deep Roads Commander," but you should easily have all four achievements for 165 with one playthrough.

Conclusion:
Overall, not as long as hoped/anticipated, but still a fun foray back into the world of Thedas, nonetheless. Enjoyable if you have the Dragon Age itch and need a good scratch for a day or two. If you've already geared your characters with Masterwork crafted items with Dragon materials, you are unlikely to find much gear worth anything to you here, but we all know the real fun comes from the ambiance and atmosphere BioWare provides us, as well as both the new and existing relationships.

Trespasser DLC

Introduction:

Set two years after the defeat of Corphyeus, the Trespasser expansion acts as an epilogue that follows a narrative filled with political strife and misfortune. Oh, and there’s also a great evil threatening all of Thedes which must be stopped, meaning the gang will be rounding up together once more. Given this expansion acts as an epilogue, it will not be available at the War Table in Skyhold until the base game has been completed. By extension, it's very difficult given the new enemies’ end-game levels, so it’s advised against playing it on Nightmare. Achievement wise, there are eleven in total but they’re split between two different areas of the game; three are related to Trespasser, while the remaining eight are tied to new “trials” that must be done via the base game, be it off previous save files or a new playthrough. These new trials act as modifiers that, in one way or another, change the way you play the game (i.e. less XP earned, decreased health potion regeneration, etc.). With all of this established, it’s recommended to focus on the Trespasser expansion first (while simultaneously working on 1 of the 8 trials), and then moving onto the other 7 trials separately.

Trespasser:
After completing the base game (and preferably the previous two expansions), visit the War Table in Skyhold and you can embark to the Winter Palace for a new quest that costs 8 Power. Once the mission has been accepted, you will not be able to return to Skyhold! Therefore, make sure to create a manual save before accepting this mission so that should you choose to, you can continue playing on this character later on; there is no post-game anything after Trespasser is complete.

Upon completing the entirety of the Trespasser narrative, "Marked Forever" will unlock. Along the way, there are also two sets of missable collectibles (Taken Shape Gear and Ancient Statue Caches). Finding all four pieces of the Taken Shape Gear set will unlock "Coroner," while opening all four treasure caches guarded by Ancient Statues will yield "Lateral Thinker". Refer to the guide below for more information on these.

Lastly, when you first arrive at the Winter Palace, open the main wheel and head into “Options.” Now click on “Trials” and activate the trial called “Walk Softly.” This trial will randomly “promote” enemies on the battlefield by giving them more health. By the time you finish the Trespasser narrative, you should have naturally unlocked "Trial of the Emperor" for killing 20 enemies affected by “Walk Softly.”

Base Game Trials:
The remaining seven achievements that come with this DLC are all tied to the other trials found in the “Options - Trials” menu. If you’re lucky, you may have previous save files from earlier on in your playthrough that will help here a lot. The saves you will need, at a bare minimum, are as follows:

For "Trial of the Magician", a save prior to beginning the “In Hushed Whispers” or “Champions of the Just” quests
For "Trial of Temperance", a save prior to ever entering Emprise du Lion
For "Trial of the Empress", a save prior to slaying the Fereldan Frostback Dragon in The Hinterlands
For "Trial of the Tower", a save prior to slaying the Hivernal High Dragon in Emprise du Lion

If you happen to have those saves, you will end up saving yourself many hours of having to go through a new character/playthrough. If not, the guide below will detail everything needed for those four achievements. Luckily, "Trial of the Hermit" can be completed on any post-game save file of your current character, as all it requires is to kill 10 Great Bears in the Emerald Graves that are promoted by the “Grizzly End” trial.

Last but not least, the final two achievements, "Trial of the Lovers" and "Trial of the Fool", must absolutely - no matter what - be completed on an entirely new character/playthrough. If you do not have the aforementioned save files listed above, everything can be done in one new playthrough, though it will take a very long time to do so.

Conclusion:
The Trespasser expansion is bittersweet. While the narrative present in the epilogue finally adds some much needed closure to certain characters and events from the base game, the trial related achievements really sour the overall mood. Two of these trials will require a rushed, tedious playthrough, and unless you’re lucky and have perfect saves necessary for another four trials, stacking all six of these achievements in one playthrough will be one of the most unenjoyable experiences yet. At any rate, you’re looking at several hours of gameplay in order to see everything done, and remember…Trespasser’s two collectible sets are missable!

Conclusion:
Dragon Age: Inquisition is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling RPGs to date, and I don’t mean just this year. Even if it is a little heavy on the waypoint hunting, the story and character interactions are top notch and the voice acting is what you’ve come to expect from BioWare. A rich and satisfying combat mechanic round out the whole positive experience. You won’t have many troubles with most of these achievements and you’re in for a long, enjoyable ride.

[XBA would like to thank Floyd. for this Roadmap]

[XBA would like to thank Floyd. & bantycakes for the Jaws of Hakkon DLC Roadmap]

[XBA would like to thank Floyd. for The Descent DLC Roadmap]

[XBA would like to thank BiggD for the Trespasser DLC Roadmap]

The Wrath of Heaven

15
Progress the story to unlock this achievement.
(3)
Story related, cannot be missed.
Opposition in All Things

15
Progress the story to unlock this achievement.
(2)
Story related, cannot be missed.
In Your Heart Shall Burn

15
Progress the story to unlock this achievement.
(5)
Story related, cannot be missed.
Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts

15
Progress the story to unlock this achievement.
(1)
Story related, cannot be missed.
Here Lies the Abyss

15
Progress the story to unlock this achievement.
(2)
Story related, cannot be missed.
What Pride Had Wrought

15
Progress the story to unlock this achievement.
(1)
Story related, cannot be missed.
On Burning Wings

15
Progress the story to unlock this achievement.
(4)
Progress the story to the point of "What Pride Had Wrought". During it you will be able to direct the conversation to enable your character to drink from a well or have someone else do it. To avoid spoilers, make your character be the one to drink, and after progressing the story past the next quest, you will unlock the achievement.
Doom upon All the World

100
Progress the story to unlock this achievement.
(1)
Story related, cannot be missed.
The Brightest of Their Age

30
Progress the story to unlock this achievement.
(9)
The full list of all nine possible companions in the single player campaign are:
- Blackwall
  - By progressing the story, Leliana will eventually approach you before you can enter the War Room and offer you the quest "The Lone Warden."
  - Go to The Hinterlands and complete this quest as soon as possible, as it will expire over time.
- Cassandra
  - Cannot be missed, acquired at the start of the game.
- Cole
  - Progress the story, he will ask to join.
- Dorian
  - Progress the story, he will ask to join.
- Iron Bull
  - Progress the story and eventually, a messenger will appear outside the gates to Haven's Chantry, claiming to be part of a mercenary band.
  - Accept the invitation he presents and complete the quest.
- Sera
  - When you enter Val Royeaux, an arrow will be fired near your Inquisitor with a letter attached.
  - Complete the quest.
- Solas
  - Cannot be missed, acquired at the start of the game.
- Varric
  - Cannot be missed, acquired at the start of the game.
- Vivienne
  - In the courtyard of Val Royeaux, there will be a messenger by a fountain near the exit as soon as you are about to leave for the first time, dressed in regal attire and a mask.
  - Complete the quest.
  - DO NOT fast travel to the exit when leaving for the first time (her quest can be missed by doing so)!
Recruit them all into your party in a single playthrough to unlock the achievement.
Beloved and Precious

15
Progress the story to unlock this achievement.
(5)
Much like in other BioWare games, romances are included here, as well. This achievement is unlocked easiest with a party member whom your character’s morality lines up with and is involved in your active party, as you will consistently be increasing your approval rating with them. Whenever possible, choose conversation options with them that provide a ‘Heart’ symbol in the middle of your dialogue wheel (romantic dialogue) and say things that align with their morality and state of mind. If they are of a sexuality that does not align with yours, they will decline your advances.

Continue choosing the ‘Heart’ whenever possible and increasing their approval rating to eventually unlock the ability to romance them.

Keep in mind that this does not immediately unlock once you commit to a person, even though that is the achievement's description. You must further progress the romance to a certain point, different for each individual, to unlock the achievement.
They Who Stand

15
Progress the story to unlock this achievement.
(1)
Please see "The Brightest of Their Age" for more information.
Speak Only the Word

15
Progress the story to unlock this achievement.
Story related, cannot be missed.
Saddled Up

15
Purchase or secure five different mounts of any kind.
(7)
Your first mount, a Fereldan Forder, is granted to you by a man named Dennet in the northwest of The Hinterlands while you attempt to secure horses for the Inquisition. Follow his branching quest line to acquire the mount and unlock "Cavalier".

When you acquire Skyhold, the same horsemaster will offer to sell you multiple mounts, provided you completed the quests Farmland Security, Horses for the Inquisition, and Master of Horses, then asked him to join the Inquisition. Buy/acquire a total of five to unlock the achievement.

Bonus mounts:
- Red Hart, Bog Unicorn, and Armored Mount (Deluxe Edition)
- Dracolisk (Collector's Strategy Guide)
Well-Prepared

15
Craft a weapon or piece of armor in single-player mode.
Shortly after the tutorial is completed, you will be given a quest that includes going to speak with the smith. Once you arrive, the smith will update your quest and instruct you to loot one of the crates beside him for crafting materials. After doing so, turn and face inwards to the smithing area and the table closest to you will say “Craft Armor.” Activate it with and follow the prompts to craft your first piece of armor.
Customized

15
Enchant or upgrade a piece of equipment in single-player mode.
Shortly after the tutorial is completed, you will be given a quest that includes going to speak with the smith. On your way there, do not sell your starter armor, for once you arrive, there will be a loot chest beside the smith (a crate) that includes an upgrade for said armor. Pick it up, then turn and face the two men striking anvils. As you just acquired an armor upgrade, face the anvil that says “Modify Armor” and press to activate the upgrade station. Follow the prompts to complete your first upgrade.

Alternatively, you can first complete the steps for "Well-Prepared" and then upgrade that, as it is the same piece as your starter armor.
Commander

15
Complete a timed mission on the war table.
Please see "High Commander" for more information.
Trailblazer

15
Discover a campsite and establish an Inquisition camp in any wilderness area.
(1)
Please see "Pathfinder" for more information.
Sharp-Eyed

15
Find and recover a shard identified by an ocularum.
(1)
Throughout your adventures in Thedas, you will discover short poles with skulls mounted atop them known as ocularum. They appear on your quest map as skull icons. First, you must approach one and interact with . This will bring you into a mode reminiscent of a telescope, and you must identify one (or many) shards by searching for a beam of fragmented light. Once the center of your screen matches up the fragmented light to it’s source, that shard has been identified, and you must now go to the location marked on your quest map. Interact with the shard using to unlock the achievement.
Well-Read

15
Discover a veilfire rune.
You can get this as early as the beginning of The Hinterlands. Take the eastern road out of the Crossroads and north slightly until you run into a human scout standing beside a fork in the road; continue past her underneath an arch and into an area called the East Road. Slightly further east, you will run across a Dalish mage fighting a Shade. Assist her, engage in conversation, and she will inform you of a potential relic hidden in the cave behind her, initiating a quest that is unrelated. At the entrance of this cave, Solas will be required to interact with a pile of rubble using (unless you are a mage), clearing the way. Inside and to your left will be an interactive torch that requires a mage to use. Once again, switch to Solas and use (unless you are a mage) to create a plume of Veilfire. Before using it, clear the entire area of enemies, as performing anything other than movement will cause your controlled character to drop the Veilfire torch.

Once the area is free of hostiles, interact with the Veilfire using again (character choice does not matter once it is lit) and walk down the stairs to the end of the cavernous structure. When facing the far wall opposite the stairs, there will be a collapsed part of the building with glowing runes on it, and as you approach, a party member will comment on how the runes are reacting to the Veilfire. Interact with the runes using to collect a Veilfire Rune and unlock the achievement.
Skilled

15
Upgrade any ability once in single-player mode.
(2)
Near the end of the tutorial, regardless of how many enemies you fought, you will be granted enough experience points to level up your character. Spend the granted skill point wherever you wish through the Abilities menu in your Character Record and the achievement will unlock once you click to apply.
Specialized

15
Choose a specialization class.
(1)
Once you reach Skyhold, you will be able to pursue a specialization by completing a quest given to you automatically. Each class has three choices, but only one may be taken; once chosen, it cannot be undone, so choose wisely! Make sure you do some research and pick the one you know you’ll want for the rest of the game. They are as follows:
- Warrior: Champion, Reaver, or Templar
- Rogue: Artificer, Assassin, or Tempest
- Mage: Knight Enchanter, Necromancer, or Rift Mage
Finalize your decision and take on the new specialization to unlock the achievement.
Cavalier

15
Secure a mount.
Please see "Saddled Up" for more information.
Synergized

15
Trigger a cross-class combo with a character you control in single-player mode.
In the first half hour of play, you will acquire a Mage who has Winter’s Touch already unlocked and uses it regularly during combat. Once he freezes a target, you will need to use a Detonator* ability on that mob to perform a cross-class combo. As a Rogue, Twin Fangs is an example and is unlocked from the start.

This also works on any targets in the future that are frozen, chilled, shocked, paralyzed, panicked, or sleeping.

*When accessing the Abilities menu, you can highlight a skill and read the synopsis to see if it is classified as a Detonator or not.
Botanist

15
Harvest 50 herbs from Skyhold's garden in a single playthrough.
(2)
One of the upgradeable locations you have in Skyhold is your Garden. As soon as you have control of Skyhold, there are two pots you may immediately begin using there, but first, you must have seeds. You will now have the ability to randomly harvest seeds from herbs you gather in the field or choose to purchase them from herbalists. By visiting your Quarters to the north of your throne, a codex entry on your desk will provide a quest called Greener Gardens. Collect the required materials and visit the garden to build a better structure, allowing six pots instead of the original two to speed up the process (do not choose the Chantry option).

Using seeds you have collected, you may plant them in your collection of pots, and they will bear yield after you leave for a short while and come back. Collect herbs from these pots 50 times to unlock the achievement.
Wyrmslayer

15
Kill a high dragon in single-player mode.
(4)
Please see "Dragons’ Bane" for more information.
Decorator

15
Purchase any new decoration element for Skyhold.
(1)
As the story progresses, Val Royeaux will eventually be a travelable location. Once you acquire Skyhold, merchants will sell decoration elements here, on the main level in the southeastern corner (the merchant whose store is full of beds). Purchase anything he has for sale to unlock the achievement.
Belle of the Ball

15
Gain the full approval of the Orlesian court.
(6)
To unlock this achievement, you must have your approval rating at 100/100 by the end of the Wicked Eyes, Wicked Hearts quest.
- Talk to to members of the court and make sure to say the right thing to impress them, speaking politically and whimsically
- When wandering outside of the party to locations like the library, try to move quickly as you lose points every few seconds
- When dancing with the Duchess, choose the middle right option every time, and say you trust the Inquisition (40-50 points can be gained here alone)
- Throwing coins in the pool and listening to whispers while letting Leliana know also gives you approval
- Waiting for the second bell to be fashionably late will gain 10 points each time, but make sure not to wait until the third or you will lose 20 points
When the quest is near it's end, you will be presented a choice by Cullen as you re-enter the ballroom. In order to unlock the achievement, you must choose to speak with, then publicly expose, then detain, then warn the court. If this is not how you wish the quest to end, make sure you have saved before entering so you can reload and play it out how you like.
Hard Hitter

15
Land a single blow in excess of 1,000 damage in single-player mode.
(1)
The easiest way to unlock this outside of normal character progression is to invest in a powerful offensive skill, get the upgrade for it, and do your best to provide optimal combat circumstance to capitalize on it.

For example, as an Archer: Stealth + Full Draw + First Blood on a debilitated enemy. Or, as a Dual Wield Rogue: Stealth + Ambush + Twin Fangs on a debilitated enemy

There are a large amount of combinations for you to try out. As your level increases, so will your damage output, so don't worry about this too much. Simply deal 1,000 damage or more (criticals count) in a single attack to unlock the achievement.
Master Builder

15
Craft an item from Tier 4 materials in all non-masterwork slots in single-player mode.
(2)
Choose an item with two upgrade slots to do this quickest. Once you have enough Tier 4 materials to upgrade said item, do so to unlock the achievement. This is more easily completed once you have started hunting dragons and have an abundance of their crafting materials to spare.

Save beforehand and load after unlocking if desired.
Master Alchemist

15
Upgrade your alchemic potions, grenades, or tonics 30 times in a single playthrough.
(2)
Throughout your adventures in Thedas, you will come across various alchemical materials such as Elfroot and many others, mostly by keeping an eye out in the wilderness and utilizing your Search feature by pressing , as well as being able to purchase select materials from random vendors. As the game progresses, you will stockpile these ingredients (you will need hundreds), and eventually you will be able to spend them at your potions table. Keep in mind that you must discover or purchase some additional recipes as the base potions will not provide enough upgrade opportunities.

When farming herbs, if you travel out of the zone and travel back, the spawn nodes will have instantly refreshed themselves (does not include the garden pots in Skyhold). Simply fast traveling within the same zone will not accomplish this, so find some nodes near a camp you want to farm and go to town. Travel there, harvest the nodes, leave the zone, and travel back; lather, rinse, repeat.

Interact with your potions table and choose to upgrade any of the three categories by spending the required resources. Do this process thirty individual times to unlock the achievement.
Dragons' Bane

30
Slay 10 high dragons in single-player mode.
(39)
- The Hinterlands (Fire, level 12)
  - Travel to the northeastern camp and head through the tunnel just north. As you exit, the dragon will be flying above, and will land in the area just north of the dragonlings.
- Crestwood (Electricity, level 13)
  - South of the keep (or far south of New Crestwood) will be a shoreline. Beside the water in a vast sandy area is a desolate structure, and perched atop is the dragon. You will see it easily from a distance.
- Western Approach (Fire, level 14)
  - South of the southernmost camp will be an NPC named The Researcher; complete his quest line to lure the dragon out.
- The Exalted Plains (Electricity, level 15)
  - In the northern part of the map (just south of Riverside Garrison), you will discover an area that triggers an operation on the War Table. Complete it, come to the area again, and the rubble will be removed. The dragon will be waiting for you on the other side (you must complete the Dark Hand puzzle to progress through to her).
- Emerald Graves (Cold, level 17)
  - Travel to Direstone Camp in the northeast, then proceed over the river further northeast, and when you hit the tomb, head northwest. She will be waiting for you on the northern edge in a pile of rubble.
- The Storm Coast (Electricity, level 19)
  - Follow the coast south (west when able) from the starting camp and you will eventually run into a Dwarven entrance that's sealed. To open this door, you need to receive and complete the quest from Cullen involving stopping Samson's smugglers and their shipments.
  - Battle your way through the cave and take out a Red Lyrium Behemoth. After that battle, you will find a row boat that will take you out into the middle of the sea to Dragon Isle. You will find the dragon here.
- Hissing Wastes (Fire, level 20)
  - Travel to Sand Crags Camp, and from here, you can head east towards the mountains (or northeast from the initial starting camp). On the mountainside will be two large stone figures you can pass between. She will be located beyond this path in a large open area.
- Emprise du Lion (Cold, level 19)
  - After completing Taking Back the Lion, you are able to take the keep just west of Tower Camp. After doing so, head to the east of Tower Camp and you will discover a bridge in disrepair. Once you have, an operation will appear on your War Table; complete it to cross the bridge. The dragon will be perched on top of the first coliseum, so make your way up to confront her.
- Emprise du Lion (Cold, level 21)
  - Continue past the previous dragon's coliseum on to the next to confront the second dragon.
- Emprise du Lion (Fire, level 23)
  - The third coliseum will have an entrance you may drop down into. If you prefer not to, you may continue past this entrance towards the bridge and take a right onto a path into the arena. The third and final dragon of the zone is located inside.
Please note that this achievement is very glitchy for most players. Upon killing one of the dragons, odds are it will count in-game, but not on your achievement tracker. To circumvent this, reload a save before killing a dragon and repeat the process. This repeat kill will not affect anything in game, but for some reason, it tracks for a second time, enabling you to hit 10/10 and unlock the achievement.
Herald

30
Finish the single-player campaign on at least Hard without lowering the difficulty.

Recommended starting difficulty to get a feel for the tactical side of the game (unless you are new to the series and need to learn the ropes, in which case begin on Normal). Play through the entire single-player campaign on Hard without lowering the difficulty. You may increase it to Nightmare whenever you wish, but it will not grant you the "Inquisitor" achievement.
Inquisitor

90
Finish the single-player campaign on Nightmare without lowering the difficulty.
(24)
This will all come down to learning the game slowly over time and personal skill level at this kind of ARPG. Some game-breaking tips include: Making your Inquisitor a Mage and speccing into Knight Enchanter for Barrier abuse (and/or including Vivienne in your party), or making your Inquisitor a Rogue and speccing into Tempest for Thousand Cuts + Fire Flask abuse (and/or including Sera in your party). Please ask for further information in the guide's thread if required.
Stargazer

15
Unlock 15 astrariums in a single playthrough.
(4)
Throughout your adventures in Thedas, you will come across many Astrarium, displayed on the Quest Map as a star within a circular icon. Interact with each using to begin a ‘connect the dots’ minigame. Complete the diagram by referencing the picture it displays in the bottom right hand corner of your screen without doing the same line twice, but lines can cross over each other, and it is necessary to do so for many of the puzzles. Do this at fifteen different Astrariums to unlock the achievement.

Some of these can be quite tricky. Keep at it, keep a level head, and don't be hesitant to hit to restart the puzzle. You won't get many of these on your first try.
Focused

15
Spend 10 points in a single ability tree with any one single-player character.
Each time you level up, you are granted an ability point. By opening your Character Record and accessing the Abilities tab, you may spend these points however you wish, but to obtain the achievement you must spend 10 in a single tree and then hit to Apply. For example: Double Daggers, Spirit, or Weapon and Shield.

At any point in the game, you may visit your smith to purchase an amulet called The Tactician's Renewal which grants a full respec on equip. Save your game, respec, dump 10 points in any tree, and load to quickly unlock the achievement.
Well-Funded

15
Earn 50,000 or more gold across all single-player playthroughs.
This one is more daunting than you might think at first. Gold isn’t exactly abundant in Thedas, but luckily for you, this includes all playthroughs and is a cumulative earning, meaning it doesn’t have to be on you all at once. Sell what you don’t need, craft for further profit, and loot whenever possible. Finally earn a total of 50,000 gold to unlock the achievement.

There is an easy way to get this that is obviously unintended. Once you have something in your inventory worth a decent amount of gold, sell it to a vendor, use the Buy Back feature to retrieve it, and repeat the process until the achievement unlocks.
Keymaster

15
Enter the heart of the Solasan temple.
(1)
On the far western section of the Orlesian side of the War Table, there will be an operation called Investigate the Shards (4 Power) which will require Josephine to be available. Use her for the operation and it will immediately open up the new area called The Forbidden Oasis. As soon as you arrive, a dwarven scout will inform you of the temple to the north and mark it on your map.

During your travel there, don't forget to grab the Ocularums and their associated shards, as you will need all shards possible to make the full journey into the temple. The first door costs six shards, expending them and removing them from your inventory. After spending these six, another three doors present themselves:
- A Spirit door, costing six; open it to present a second, costing twelve; open it to present the third and final, costing eighteen (36 in total on Spirit)
- A Cold door, costing six; open it to present a second, costing twelve; open it to present the third and final, costing eighteen (36 in total on Cold)
- A Fire door, costing six; open it to present a second, costing twelve; open it to present the third and final, costing eighteen (36 in total on Fire)
Each time you open a door and clear the area of enemies, you will be granted a permanent resistance to whichever element's door you have opened. After the third and final door, you will face a more powerful Horror of the associated element along with a contingent of guards, and once defeated, you will be granted a purple belt of resistance to that element and more permanent resistance.

Once all shards have been expended, the final door near the entrance of the temple will open and you will fight a Pride Demon and his minions, unlocking the achievement in the process. Loot the final chest to receive multiple purples, a permanent boost to Electricity resistance, and a lesson in pride and greed.
Pathfinder

15
Discover a campsite and establish at least one Inquisition camp in 10 wilderness areas.
(5)
Throughout your adventures in Thedas, you will find many campsites scattered across the wilderness, displayed on the Quest Map as a tent icon. Across 10 different areas (for example, the first area you come across is The Hinterlands), you must approach one of these areas, target the interactive marker in the center of the camp, and press to establish a camp there. Do this at least once in all 10 wilderness areas (NOT just 10 camps total!) to unlock the achievement.
Liberator

15
Liberate three keeps in a single playthrough.
(1)
Throughout your adventures in Thedas, you will come across large fortified structures known as keeps. Once through the front door, there will be many combat situations, so make sure you're well stocked beforehand. The miniature adventure will culminate at the top of the keep in a larger scale fight with harder foes. Defeat them all, then interact with the flagpole using to raise a flag for the Inquisition.

Your keeps will then serve as a more robust and functioning base of operations in the area. You may rest, equip potions, fill requisitions, and do what you normally can at a camp, but there will also be crafting and upgrade tables for use, as well as one or more merchants.

The three locations are:
- Western Approach: On the western side, just to the west of the gaseous area.
- Crestwood: The mayor of New Crestwood will provide the quest to liberate this keep in the southwest.
- Emprise du Lion: West from the tower camp after completing the quest Taking Back the Lion.
High Commander

15
Complete 50 missions or operations in a single playthrough.
On your War Table (the interactive map laid out in the room where you gather all of your advisors), there will be locations you can select with multiple choices available for each one, some as missions and others as operations. The first example you will see of an operation is when you are tasked to have Leliana’s spies scout out The Hinterlands in advance of your arrival. Don’t worry if this seems like a lot, because there are over 300 available in total on the War Table, so you will eventually get this without trouble by simply progressing the game.

Keep in mind that most of these tasks take a certain amount of time to be carried out, all in real time, and the amount differs on which advisor you select to carry it out. Do the quick ones while carrying out your business in Haven, do moderate ones while out adventuring, and queue up the long ones before you exit the game; they will continue to complete even if you are logged out.
Regal

15
Completely upgrade one throne.
(4)
During any point in the story after having acquired Skyhold, you will uncover operations on the War Table that reward either coin, resources, or both. A throne accessory is randomly a reward on these operations and you'll have to roll the dice to get them, requiring two in total to be considered "completely upgraded." Keep running them until you are given your upgrades to unlock the achievement.
Persuasive

15
Acquire 10 Inquisition agents in a single playthrough.
(7)
Throughout your adventures in Thedas, you will come across many potential Inquisition agents, most often as random quest givers or receivers. Until you perform the task associated with them, they will act as a regular NPC. Complete their task, however, and dialogue will open up with the option of asking them to join the Inquisition. Do so 10 times (and succeed, as some may decline) to unlock the achievement.

Side note: The occasional NPC unrelated to a quest will sometimes be available for recruitment. To make sure you are inflating your ranks to the utmost potential, speak to everyone you can, and always exhaust all potential conversation options.

A list of all possible agents:
- Barter by Belle
- Enchanter Ellendra
- Lord Berand
- Speaker Anais
- Sky Watcher
- Florianne
- Fairbanks
- Ritts
- Jana
- Tanner
- Frederic
- Alexius - A Magister in Disgrace
- Servis
- Clemence
- Blades of Hessarian
- Loranil
- Corporal Vale
- Ser Barris
- Michel De Chevin
- Horsemaster Dennet
Veteran

30
Reach level 20 in single-player mode.
(4)
If you go out of your way to complete all of the areas, do all the other achievements, and spend time collecting every codex entry you see, this will come naturally. Some tips for quicker progression:
- Purchase the four Inquisition perks that increase experience gained from codex entries. By doing so, you raise the gain from 50 xp to 150 xp, a staggering increase for the amount of codex entries you will find while playing. Unlock these early.
- Purchase the Inquisition perk in Cullen's tree to gain +5% experience from killing enemies.
- Purchase the Inquisition perk in Leliana's tree to gain +50% retroactive experience on all research items turned in.
Please note that some players have encountered a glitch with this achievement. If you are controlling a character other than your own when they reach level 20, it is possible that the achievement will not unlock. For guaranteed results, please make sure to have control of your PC when leveling up to 20.
Peerless

30
Level up the Inquisition to rank 10.
(1)
Throughout your adventures in Thedas, you will perform many acts that level up the Inquisition, such as (but not limited to) sealing Rifts, setting up camps, recruiting agents, etc. Level progress is displayed on the bottom of your screen as a blue/green bar each time you gain experience for the Inquisition. As you progress the game, this will come naturally, so don’t worry about attempting to grind it unless you aren’t a fan of exploring. If you wish to grind it out, focus on going from objective to objective quickly and then moving on. Reach rank 10 to unlock the achievement.
People Person

15
Become friends with at least three of your inner circle in one playthrough.
There will be many opportunities for dialogue, including your downtime back at the Inquisition camp. During many conversations, choosing certain options will cause either a great approval, approval, slight approval, slight disapproval, disapproval, or great disapproval with one or more companions involved in the discussion. To make this easier on yourself, try to fill your party with members whose morality align with yours so group conversations turn out more favorable.

During private dialogues, even if it’s not necessarily what you would normally say, consider being diplomatic and responding the way you think they would want you to. The approval rating is often more valuable than saying what’s on your mind and getting a disapproval in response.

Once you have garnished enough approval rating with your companions, their personal quests will become available, requiring you to journey with them on a certain objective. Complete at least three of these, and then approach Varric for a cutscene. Progress through it however you like to unlock the achievement.
Loremaster

15
Collect 250 codex entries in a single playthrough.
(4)
You will come across many ways of discovering a codex entry, including (but not limited to): interacting with notes, reading books, extracting information through conversation, exploring, etc. Once a codex entry has been unlocked, you will receive a notification in the bottom left side of your screen. As there are a large abundance of codex entries to be found, going out of your way for this is not necessary; simply interact with everything available and choose to extract information from as many conversations as possible. This will easily come with time. You must collect 250 of these entries to unlock the achievement.
Demonslayer

15
Defeat 1,000 demons in single-player mode.
You will regularly encounter what are called rifts, especially if you are planning on unlocking the "Marked for Greatness" achievement detailed further down this guide. Around these rifts, as well as in random locations (like the Fade), you will find many demons. Defeat a total of 1,000 demons to unlock the achievement (these kills also count towards your progress of "Invincible").
Invincible

15
Defeat 2,500 enemies in single-player mode.
You will regularly encounter enemies and participate in all manners of combat. Keep an eye open for opportunities to fight and defeat a total of 2,500 enemies to unlock this achievement.

There will be many areas where monster spawns are large, in excess of 5-6 mobs at once. If you clear the area, leave, and come back shortly, the mobs will have respawned. Do this in areas you feel are worth it to quickly rack up the kills, but do not grind this out until you have completed everything else first. There will always be enemies to fight while doing other achievements.
Quartermaster

15
Complete 20 requisition requests in a single playthrough.
Throughout your adventures in Thedas, both your Quartermaster and Requisition Officers will offer you quests in the form of these requisitions either in the wilderness or back at camp, asking that you find certain items or stake out particular areas for the Inquisition. Complete 20 of these tasks to unlock the achievement.
Marked for Greatness

30
Seal 75 rifts in a single playthrough.
(4)
You will come across rifts quite regularly, marked as the same icon displayed when an autosave occurs. For a seal to occur, you must first defeat all demons in and around the immediate area. During the fight, you may target the rift and press to disrupt it multiple times, stunning the demons you are engaged with and making the fight somewhat easier. Once all the demons are defeated, target the rift and press again. Your Herald will dispose of the rift with their mark of Andraste. Seal a total of 75 rifts to unlock the achievement.

There are more than 75 rifts in the game. Keep an eye open in every area while you progress other achievement requirements.

There are 4 achievements with a total of 165 points

Firestarter

15
Destroy all the Winter Shards and light all the fires in the Old Temple.
(4)
You won’t encounter the Old Temple until you complete most of the questline started by the quest Worthy of Publication. After completing On Ameridan’s Trail where you light the trail markers across the Frostback Basin and destroying the wall of ice blocking the old Lowlander Fortress that houses the Jaws of Hakkon, you’ll have to report back to the chief at Stone-Bear Hold and agree to assault the fortress. You’ll fight your way through Jaws mercenaries until you find the entrance to the Temple.

The mechanic to note in the Temple is a Warmth bar that will decrease over time when not near a lit fire. As indicated by the achievement text, you’ll find Winter Shards – an enemy that will die in one hit and subsequently explode into freezing ice - throughout the temple as well as fires to be lit which will aid your progress.

There are a total of 15 required fires and Winter Shards for this quest, all within the Old Temple. If you encounter Shards outside of it, they will not count towards the achievement, so there's no need to focus on them. You must bring a Rogue with you, as there is a locked door required to be opened in the Temple, and a Mage as well, in order to light the fires.

Create a new save outside the Old Temple. Once you have entered, make sure to travel through each area possible, counting or ticking off how many Shards and fires you have destroyed or lit. If you are not at 12 by the time you reach the boss, you have missed some, so head back and find them before you fight him. During the boss fight, he will spawn three Winter Shards, so destroy them each time to pop the achievement.
Legend-Marked

30
Impress the Avvar of Stone-Bear Hold and gain their friendship.
(6)
Near the beginning of this DLC, you will be tasked with speaking to the Avvar leader, Svarah Sun-Hair. She is located in the middle of the Hold, just inside the mountain off to the side of where there are Avvar practicing either their climbing or combat prowess. Head in to her, follow the dialogue, and trigger the quest Guests of the Hold; this will provide you a tracker of 0/5 towards impressing them. The list of potential quests to get 5/5 are as listed below:

A Father's Name - Obtained from the young man beside the Master of the Hunt in the Hold, directly up the hill from Svarah Sun-Hair and before the Arena Master. At the quest's end, you must choose to give the offering to the Master of the Hunt and not the son in order to receive approval.

In Exile - On the western side of the zone is an Avvar who is, you guessed it: in exile. Speak with her to obtain the quest.

Up and Away - Obtained from an NPC in the fisherman's village just south of the Hold after receiving Guests of the Hold.

Hakkon's Trials - Obtained from the Arena Master just up the path from the Master of the Hunt and the NPC who gives you A Father's Name.

On top of these, there are also two War Table missions that can provide approval ratings:

Send Relics of Tyrdda Bright-Axe - If you have already found all the landmarks in the Hinterlands and completed the War Table mission Locate Weapon of Tyrdda Bright-Axe, this will be available after receiving Guests of the Hold.

Send Skywatcher to Stone-Bear Hold - At the end of the Fallow Mire questline, Skywatcher will be an NPC who can be recruited into the Inquisition and sent to the Hold.

Once you have completed five of the required quests and gotten the 5/5 approval rating, you must complete the DLC and then revisit Svarah Sun-Hair. Progress through the dialogue to unlock the achievement.
Historian

30
Uncover the secrets of a legendary figure.
(1)
Story-related and cannot be missed.
Winter's End

90
Dispel a myth of ancient days.
(5)
Story-related and cannot be missed.

There are 4 achievements with a total of 165 points

Deep Roads Commander

15
Complete a mission at the expedition table in the Legion of the Dead camp.
(1)
Once you find your first campsite in the Deep Roads, the game will prompt you to interact with the expedition table right in front of you. Do so and select the single mission available to unlock the achievement. If you missed this prompt or simply did not want to do the mission for whatever reason, you can come back at any time in the future.
Giant Slayer

30
Defeat an ogre alpha.
(1)
Story related and unmissable.
Fact Finder

30
Help Shaper Valta discover secret dwarven history.
(1)
Story related and unmissable.
Shaper of Stone

90
End the earthquakes threatening the surface.
(1)
Story related and unmissable.

There are 11 achievements with a total of 240 points

Trial of the Hermit

15
Slay 10 great bears promoted by Grizzly End.
(8)
Once “Grizzly End” has been activated, it will "promote" bears by giving them more health. This achievement only counts for Great Bears affected by the trial and must be done in one playthrough.

Using any end-game save file, load up your playthrough, activate the trial, and head over the Briathos’ Steps base camp in the Emerald Graves. Now head north towards the river than runs across the region horizontally. Comb the river from west and east and you should be able to spot 1 or 2 Great Bears in and around the surrounding banks of the waters. Engage them in combat and kill them if you come across any. If you don’t see any on your run, return to a base camp, fast travel to the camp furthest south of the region and then re-fast travel back to Briathos’ Steps; this “resets” the enemies in the region. Continue to comb the river from west to east and you should eventually have this done within thirty minutes to an hour.
Trial of Temperance

15
Rest Easy trial always on in Emprise du Lion: claim Suledin Keep.
Once “Rest Easy” has been activated, it will remove all Focus for every party member every time you fast travel or use a base camp to rest. Please be aware that this trial must be activated before ever entering Emprise du Lion. Do not make the mistake of accidentally traveling there for the first time without the trial activated.

Once you're far enough into the game and finally have enough Power, turn on the trial, unlock the region, and travel there. Now work your way through Emprise as you normally would – killing enemies and completing smaller quests – but focus on making your way to Suledin Keep in the north. Fight your way through the Keep just like you did in the base game, and the achievement will finally unlock once Ishmael has been defeated (or reasoned with) and the Inquisition flag has been raised full mast.
Trial of the Magician

15
Travel Light on for "In Hushed Whispers": finish the quest.
(1)
Once “Travel Light” has been activated, it will remove all supply caches from the game. This achievement should be done on the lowest difficulty possible and the trial needs to be activated before starting “In Hushed Whispers.” Due to glitchy experiences, some players suggest turning this trial on as soon as your playthrough starts (provided you are doing this in a new playthrough).

After finishing the “The Threat Remains” quest, you must side with the Mages for “In Hushed Whispers.” DO NOT side with the Templars for “Champions of the Just.”

“In Hushed Whispers” is a relatively long quest with plenty of enemies to kill along the way, but since you’ll be playing on Casual/Easy, you shouldn’t much of an issue with the removal of supply caches. I’d recommend bringing Vivienne along in your party during this quest so that you have two Mages (Dorian is forced into your party for this quest) for more protection via the Barrier skill. Once Alexius has been defeated and the quest concludes, the achievement will unlock during the next cutscene where you and your party finally close the breach.

NOTE: Refer below to "Trial of the Fool" if you need to stack this with two other tedious trial achievements in a new playthrough.
Trial of the Tower

15
Rub Some Dirt on It on: slay the Hivernal high dragon.
(2)
Once “Rub Some Dirt on It” has been activated, it will make all healing potions only regenerate 1 point of HP. In other words, potions become useless.

Unlike most trials, this one is fairly simple. Provided you have a previous save file to jump off from, or even if you need to do this in a new playthrough, just travel to Emprise du Lion and turn on the necessary trial. Progress through the region a fair way until you reach the broken bridge that must be repaired via a War Table operation. Once the bridge has been repaired, cross it and take notice of the ruined coliseum on your right; this is the nest of the Hivernal High Dragon. Head up to its nest and engage the dragon!

Since healing potions are basically unavailable with this trial activated, I would recommend to either do this at a level that's higher than the Dragon (20+), or bring along two Spirit-focused Mages for maximum Barrier protection and the Revival skill. Once the Dragon has been slain, the achievement will unlock.
Trial of the Emperor

15
Defeat 20 foes promoted by Walk Softly.
(2)
Once “Walk Softly” has been activated, it will randomly, from time to time, promote enemies in combat by giving them more health and deadlier attacks. This achievement must be done in one playthrough and it's recommended to turn on this trial when starting the Trespasser narrative.

If you’re lucky, you should unlock the achievement by the end of the narrative; if not, reload any previous end-game save file and head over to the Fallow Mire with the trial activated. As mentioned by Blue Slime, undead archers will always spawn out of the rivers/swamps in this region, which makes it a perfect farming spot for killing enemies affected by the trial. You can tell when an enemy has been promoted by using the tactical camera; promoted enemies have much more HP than enemies of their same level. On average, it shouldn’t take any longer than half an hour of running around the swamps killing archers to get it done in this manner.
Trial of the Empress

15
Even Ground on: slay a level 16 or higher Fereldan Frostback.
(3)
Once “Even Ground” has been activated, it will scale the level of every enemy to match your own level, regardless of region.

Like the trial regarding the Hivernal High Dragon, this achievement is fairly simple. Provided you have a previous save file to jump off from where the Frostback has not been killed and you are a Level 16 or higher, or even if you need to do this in a new playthrough (although it will take a while), simply travel to The Hinterlands and turn on the necessary trial. Journey towards the Dusklight base camp, through the nearby caves, and you will emerge into a large, wooded area. Continue throughout this land until your pass through a small canyon crevice and into the Frostback’s nesting grounds.

NOTE: Your entire party must be Level 16+ in order to the Dragon to match it...it can’t just be your character at Level 16.

There’s not much else to say other than the fight will be tough regardless of whether you’re a Level 16 or a Level 20 since the Dragon will always match your level. Bring along your strongest party members (I prefer 2 Warriors [Blackwall & Iron Bull] and 1 Mage) and once the Frostback has been defeated, the achievement will unlock.
Trial of the Fool

15
Take It Slow on: reach Skyhold at level 5 or less.
(2)
Once “Take It Slow” has been activated, it’ll halve the amount of experience points you receive from every action and kill, thus making it a challenge to level up quickly. For this achievement, you need to reach Skyhold after the "In Your Heart Shall Burn" quest at or below Level 5. This means you'll be speed running through a lot of the quests, skipping side quests entirely, running past enemies unless they're part of a quest you must complete, and doing the bare minimum you can to progress through the narrative.

Also, take note that this achievement cannot be done via a previous save file. This must be done on a brand new playthrough, and the trial must be turned on the moment you are able to open the “Options” menu.

Take a look below for a comprehensive list and guideline of how to get this achievement done with ease from the moment the game opens to reaching Skyhold at or below Level 5.

General Tips
- Play on Casual/Easy
- Never pick up a document
- Avoid side quests unless you need Power (to be explained below)
- Avoid recruiting followers (if stacking with "Trial of the Lovers", you can recruit everyone without worrying)
Comprehensive Guideline
1. As soon as you have control of your character, make your way through the opening sections of the game with Cassandra (then soon after, Solas and Varric) as quickly as possible.
2. Avoid combat with Demons entirely unless it's to close a Fade Rift (there's no way around this).
3. Once at Haven, travel to The Hinterlands and speak with Mother Giselle.
4. Eliminate all the enemies at the crossroads here (there's no way around this) before speaking with her.
5. At this point, you'll need 4 Power to unlock "The Chantry Remains" and 15 Power to unlock either "In Hushed Whispers" or "Champions of the Just."
  - Return to The Hinterlands and roam the region to unlock every base camp while avoiding combat entirely unless necessary (1 Power per base camp, no XP gain).
  - While at the final base camp, save your game and then speak with the Requisition Officer (1 Power earned for each Requisition fulfilled).
  - Reload your save if the Requisition involves killing enemies.
  - You can close a few Rifts if needed (1 Power earned per Rift), but be aware that this also nets XP.
  - Speak with Horse Master Dennet and receive your mount; this will make traveling across the region quicker as to avoid combat.
  - Return to Haven and complete the Requisitions for Mother Giselle and Threnn.
6. Travel to Val Royeaux for the "The Threat Remains" quest.
7. At this point, make a backup save just in case!
8. If stacking "Trial of the Lovers", take your time to recruit Sera and Vivienne as their quests begin in this city.
9. Take notice that when getting ready to leave the city, Fiona will ask you to visit Redcliffe in The Hinterlands.
10. For now, return to Haven and collect the recruitment quests for Blackwall and Iron Bull.
  - Go recruit Blackwall, then unlock the Storm Coast and recruit Iron Bull.
11. With Sera, Vivienne, Blackwall and Iron Bull recruited, make a backup save just in case!
12. Return to The Hinterlands and make your way to Redcliffe.
13. Along the way, do what you can for the remaining Power needed to start "In Hushed Whispers."
  - I closed almost every Rift in The Hinterlands and was fine in terms of my Level.
14. Once you have 15 Power, make a backup save just in case!
15. If you want to stack "Trial of the Magician", activate the "Travel Light" trial right now; it can be turned off after the quest is complete and the achievement unlocks.
16. When you're all ready, return to Haven and start "In Hushed Whispers" for 15 Power.
  - If you can run by enemies during this quest, do so as to avoid XP gain.
  - The two Rifts outside the castle grounds during this quest can be avoided completely, as can the Rift inside the room where you're required to use a crank to open a large door.
17. After the quest concludes, begin "In Your Heart Shall Burn" right away.
18. You should be an early-to-mid, maybe even late-Level 4 at this point, which is fine.
19. Proceed through this quest as you normally would, dealing with the two trebuchets.
  - On the second trebuchet, ignore the fighting and simply focus on turning the wheel 100%.
  - Once it's fully turned, a cutscene leading to the next portion of the quest will begin, thus avoiding a lot of killing (and as a result, XP gain).
20. While running back to the Chantry, don't stop to help anyone.
21. After the cutscene inside the Chantry, run past all the enemies on your way to the final trebuchet.
22. If you absolutely need to kill a few Darkspawn for breathing room, don't be afraid to do so!
23. When you reach the trebuchet and clear out the area, make a backup save just in case!
24. Start turning the wheel of the trebuchet, stop only to fend off against the Darkspawn if necessary.
25. When Knight Captain Denim appears, have your team take the aggro while you continue to turn the wheel, that way you avoid the XP gain for killing him or any of the other Darkspawn in the area.
26. After a long cutscene, you'll awake in a cave and have to push on towards a few Demons.
  - Take them out with your new ability and proceed onwards, out of the cave and through the snowy mountain pass until your companions rescue you.
27. If you were a mid-to-late Level 4 during the trebuchet section of "In Your Heart Shall Burn," you will now be a Level 5, give or take a few XP.
28. The achievement will unlock once you finally regain control of your character inside Skyhold's castle.
This achievement is tedious and annoying. But with the guidelines detailed above, hopefully it helps you gain just enough Power quickly enough to proceed with the necessary quests to advanced towards Skyhold. Just remember: avoid killing enemies unless you absolutely have to, don't be afraid of closing Rifts in The Hinterlands, and skip the boss fight during "In Your Heart Shall Burn" for less XP gain!

As a final reminder, if you're stacking "Trial of the Lovers" with this achievement given they both require a fresh new playthrough, don't forget to recruit those companions that don't come naturally during the narrative; that includes Sera, Vivienne, Blackwall, and Iron Bull!
Trial of the Lovers

15
Fair-Weather Friends always on: enter Halamshiral with all followers.
(1)
Once “Fair-Weather Friends” has been activated, it’ll double a companion’s disapproval ratings, thus making it a challenge to keep all 9 companions around during the course of your playthrough. For this achievement, you need to bring all 9 of them to Halamshiral during “Wicked Eyes, Wicked Hearts.” Don’t worry, this achievement is not nearly as hard as it may seem.

Also, take note that this achievement cannot be done via a previous save file. This must be done on a new playthrough, and the trial must be turned on the moment you are able to open the “Options” menu.

As generously outlined by fellow guide writer ixii over on the sister site, be sure to refer below to a checklist that includes how/where each companion is recruited, as well as what sort of actions and dialogue choices nets approval and disapproval.

Cassandra
- She will automatically join during the prologue.
- She approves of an Inquisitor who accepts that he/she is Andraste's Chosen.
- She approves of justice and punishment that fits the crime.
- She disapproves of siding with the mages.
- She greatly disapproves of an Inquisitor who speaks of their own power or personal gain.
- She does not trust Cole, and thus if the Inquisitor speaks highly of him, she will disapprove.
Varric
- He will automatically join during the prologue.
- He slightly approves when the Inquisitor uses good humor and sarcasm.
Solas
- He will automatically join during the prologue.
- He approves of an Inquisitor who asks questions and who wants to protect knowledge.
- He approves of finding and activating the scattered elven artifacts.
- He approves when the Inquisitor does or says anything positive about elves and mages.
- He disapproves of Templars and harsh justice on mages.
- He disapproves when the Inquisitor speaks of personal gain.
- He disapproves if the Inquisitor believes he/she is Andraste’s chosen.
Iron Bull
- Early in your playthrough, you will find Krem, a mercenary, standing outside the Chantry in Haven.
- Speaking with him will begin the quest that will lead to Iron Bull (in the Storm Coast).
- Iron Bull approves of most things, and is easy to keep happy.
- He supports the Templars and Grey Wardens.
- He approves and enjoys killing dragons with the Inquisitor.
- He disapproves allying the Inquisition with the mages or disbanding the Templars.
Dorian
- If you side with the Mages during “In Hushed Whispers,” he will join your party during the middle of the quest.
- If you side the Templars during “Champions of the Just,” he will join your party after the quest is finished.
- Either way, you must ask him to stick around and help the Inquisition once either quest is finished.
- He approves of humor and sarcasm but not egotism or aggression.
- He approves when the Inquisitor treats mages well.
- He disapproves of making anyone Tranquil and allying with the Templars.
- He disapproves if you speak of your personal gain or power as Inquisitor.
Cole
- He will automatically join during the siege cutscene in the “In Your Heart Shall Burn” quest.
- He approves of siding with any side that is the oppressed or maligned side.
- He disapproves of harsh judgment to anyone.
Vivienne
- In Val Royeaux, you will meet a man who issues an invitation, thus triggering "The Imperial Enchanter" quest.
- Head to this new location, speak with Vivienne, and ask her to join the Inquisition.
- She approves of discipline above all else.
- She approves if you ally with the Templars or conscript the mages.
- She will disapprove if you disband the Templars, or if you allow the Grey Wardens to join you.
- She does not trust Cole or Morrigan, so be careful with your dialogue about them.
Sera
- In Val Royeaux, an arrow will be shot into the ground by your feet; read it immediately to trigger Sera’s quest and recruit her.
- She approves whenever the Inquisitor protects or aids the poor people.
- She disapproves of the Templars and similar oppressive regimes.
- She approves of an Inquisitor who says things like "because it's right."
Blackwall
- After progressing past "The Threat Remains" quest and returning from Val Royeaux, you will automatically be given "The Lone Warden" quest by your Circle.
- Complete this quest to meet Blackwall and recruit him to the Inquisition.
- He approves of mercy and justice.
- He approves of helping the poor and weak, and approves of self-sacrifice.
- He disapproves of force and harsh punishment.
Once you accept the “Wicked Eyes, Wicked Hearts” quest, the achievement will unlock upon entering the Winter Palace via cutscene so long as all 9 companions are still part of the Inquisition. Remember, this achievement is best paired alongside "Trial of the Fool" since both require a fresh, new playthrough. By extension, since "Trial of the Fool" has you rushing and skipping many quests, it will make earning disapproval a lot harder, thus making this achievement much easier!
Forever Marked

90
Progress the story to unlock.
(2)
Story related, cannot be missed.

This achievement will unlock at the very end of the narrative once you finally come face to face with he who is behind the threat present throughout Trespasser.
Lateral Thinker

15
Unlock all caches watched over by ancient statues.
(2)
Throughout the Trespasser narrative, you will come across four Ancient Statues of the Dread Wolf, all of which are tied to a puzzle that must be solved for this achievement. Upon solving the puzzle, a treasure cache at the base the statue will open for your looting pleasures.

The first Statue/cache you come across is unmissable, as you must solve its puzzle in order to progress through the quest at that time. You will notice during this first encounter that there is usually a stone tablet nearby that gives a subtle clue in how to solve the puzzle. A text-based guide would only complicate the matter, so please refer to the video guide below, provided by ixii.

NOTE: You must loot all of the items inside the Statue caches in order for it to count towards the achievement.
Coroner

15
Find all of the wearable items that make up the Taken Shape.
(4)
Throughout the Trespasser narrative, there are four hidden rooms inside the Deep Roads hub (the area with all the mirrors linking different zones). Inside these four rooms are treasure chests that house one piece of the Taken Shape Gear set (Armor, Belt, Ring, & Amulet).

When you attempt to loot the treasure chest in these rooms, Demons will immediately spawn. You must kill them all in order to then open the chest and take your Taken Shape item. It’s a tad confusing detailing where all these hidden room entrances are located, so please refer to the excellent video guide below provided once again by ixii.