**Introduction: The Adventurous Tale of Varric**

Welcome, adventurer! If you’ve found your way here, you’re probably either a fan of *Dragon Age: Inquisition* or simply curious about how to build Varric, the witty dwarven rogue, into an unstoppable force on the battlefield. Well, you’re in the right place! Varric isn’t just your friendly party companion who loves telling stories, he can also pack quite a punch (or rather, a crossbow bolt). In this article, we’ll dive deep into Varric builds, break down what works, what doesn’t, and how you can turn him into the ultimate damage dealer in *Dragon Age: Inquisition*. Let’s get started!
**The Problem: Varric’s Role in Combat**
Varric may seem like a charming, backseat adventurer who’s mostly here for comic relief, but in reality, he is one of the most important members of your team. The question is, how can you make him truly shine in combat? As a ranged damage dealer, Varric has potential, but his effectiveness depends on how you build him. So, what’s the challenge?
Many players struggle to balance Varric’s rogue abilities with his limited defensive capabilities. As a squishy character who doesn’t wear heavy armor, Varric can easily be taken down if you’re not careful. And with his unique weapon – Bianca, his trusty crossbow – you’ll need to consider the right skills to unlock its full potential. Plus, do you want him to be a stealthy assassin, or would you prefer a more ranged, high-damage sharpshooter?
The good news is, this problem has a solution. In the next section, we’ll explore how to build Varric for maximum effectiveness.
**The Solution: Building Varric into a Combat Powerhouse**
So, how do you build the perfect Varric? Let’s take a look at the key aspects that can turn him into a combat god:
1. **Focus on Dexterity and Constitution**: As a rogue, Varric’s primary stat is Dexterity, which will increase his damage and attack speed. Boosting his Constitution is also important, since it will improve his health and survivability. This way, Varric can dish out damage while staying alive a bit longer.
2. **The Art of Bianca**: Varric’s crossbow, Bianca, is a unique weapon with tons of potential. You want to maximize its damage output. The best way to do this is by focusing on skills like *Sabotage* and *Mark of the Assassin*, which increase the damage and effectiveness of Bianca. You’ll also want to unlock the *Flanking* skill for bonus damage when hitting enemies from behind.

3. **Consider the Archery Tree**: To get the most out of Varric’s ranged attacks, investing in the *Archery* tree is key. Skills like *Rapid Fire* and *Pincushion* will ensure Varric is constantly hitting enemies with a barrage of bolts. If you’re focusing on dealing high damage, this is the way to go.
4. **Support Skills for Team Synergy**: Although Varric is a damage dealer, he’s also a great support character. Skills like *Poisoned Weapons* and *Dirty Fighting* can help weaken enemies or apply status effects, giving your team an advantage. Make sure to use these to complement your main tank or mage.
By building Varric in this way, you will be able to turn him into a dangerous sharpshooter that can drop enemies from afar without breaking a sweat.
**Player Feedback: What the Community Thinks**
So, what do other players think about Varric builds? After digging through online forums and community discussions, here are some common points that stand out:
– **”Varric is underrated!”**: Many players have expressed surprise at how strong Varric can be when built correctly. They say his damage output is surprisingly high, especially when combined with the right skills and stats.
– **”I love his personality, but sometimes he dies too quickly!”**: On the flip side, some players report that while Varric is a powerhouse at range, his lack of armor and defensive skills makes him fragile. It’s a challenge to keep him alive in higher difficulties, and players suggest boosting his health with Constitution as a solution.
– **”Bianca feels underwhelming at first, but when you max out the right skills, it’s a game-changer!”**: A lot of players note that while Bianca feels weak in the beginning, once you unlock the correct abilities, she becomes a major asset.
Overall, the community loves Varric’s versatility, but many recommend putting in the effort to properly develop his skill tree to really make him stand out.

**Your Turn: How Do You Build Varric?**
Now that we’ve laid out the foundations for the ultimate Varric build, it’s your turn! What’s your approach? Do you prefer Varric to be an elusive assassin or a ranged sharpshooter? Or do you have your own unique build that works wonders in your playthrough? Feel free to share your tips and tricks in the comments below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
**Conclusion: Mastering Varric for Maximum Fun**
To wrap it all up, Varric is more than just a charming storyteller in *Dragon Age: Inquisition*; he’s an incredibly useful character when built correctly. By focusing on Dexterity, Constitution, and maximizing his Bianca crossbow abilities, you can turn him into a fearsome rogue that can take down foes from a distance with style and efficiency.
Just remember, Varric’s survivability depends on your careful balancing of offensive and defensive skills. And hey, don’t forget to enjoy his witty commentary along the way!
What’s your go-to Varric build? How has he helped you in your journey through Thedas? Let us know your experience, and as always, happy adventuring!