Quick Links
Where To Find The Scattered Glyphs
Investigate The Elven Glyphs
How To Defeat The Highest One
Dragon Age: Inquisition bears the weight of a burden few could have anticipated when this third game in the series debuted all the way back in late 2014 - it's been forced to stand tall as the most recent entry for well over eight years and counting. In our minds, it's acquitted itself well; plenty of players still enjoy righting the wrongs of western Thedas with their motley band of castle-bound misfits to this day.
Related: Dragon Age: Who Are The Seekers Of Truth? Their History, Ranks, And Beliefs
Still, there's no denying a certain simplicity behind many of Inquisition's side quests - which is what makes the nicely in-depth stuff like 'God of Secrets' stand out all the more so. There's a lot to chew on in this optional chain of events, so we've compiled a full-fledged guide to assist you in your exploits.
Where To Find The Scattered Glyphs
There are a handful of things that need to be taken care of prior to unlocking 'God of Secrets'. First, you must reach Dragon Age: Inquisition's second act , at which point the Exalted Plains zone will be unlocked. Since the game doesn't expressly state its acts, just note that this will occur after the discovery of Skyhold and once that second batch of regions becomes available at the war table.
The simplest way to initiate 'Scattered Glyphs' is to bump into one of the titular glyphs all on your own, but the easiest way, and thus the more likely, is to speak with Keeper Hawen at the Dalish Encampment here at the Exalted Plains. The Dalish Encampment is situated toward the southern stretch of the Exalted Plains, on the south side of a stream. This small village hosts a number of other side quests, so it's worth checking out.
Regardless of how you initiate the quest, you'll need to speak with Hawen eventually. Once that's been settled, locate each of the glyphs in the following locations:
- Ancient Baths: Shatter the wall (or jump the rail) to reach the bottom of this section. You'll find the glyph along the front wall.
- Shrine to Sylaise: The glyph's easy to spot on your way in. Showing up here will either trigger or continue the 'Something to Prove' side quest, depending on whether you've spoken with Emalien at the Dalish Encampment yet.
- Halin'sulahn: Follow the steps from the Shrine to Sylaise over a hill and toward a collapsed tunnel. The glyph is here.
- Enavuris Area: Due north of the Dalish Encampment, inside a shattered structure.
Investigate The Elven Glyphs
Only once you've obtained the four glyphs and gone back home to Skyhold will you be able to initiate 'God of Secrets' in earnest. Head to the war table and start the operation 'Investigate the Elven Glyphs', at which point the Lost Temple of Dirthamen is unlocked. This will cost five power.
You'll head here directly from the map. We recommend at least one of every battle archetype in your party (warrior, mage, rogue) since there are walls to break, runes to activate, and locks to pick.
Bring Solas for some further insight into the culture of the fallen folk of Dirthamen. The elf is, as ever, a wellspring of knowledge on the past.
Six body parts, all belonging to the High Priest, must be recovered as you explore this scenic (and deadly) dungeon. You cannot reclaim them without wielding the Veilfire torch as you do so. In a Zelda-like twist, you will need to circumvent areas with waterfalls and leaking streams that would put out your Veilfire torch if approached directly.
How To Defeat The Highest One
Once the parts have been gathered, bring them to the ritual chamber. Heal up before interacting with the device here, as you will be summoning a level 15 despair demon called the Highest One. It will be flanked by quite a few corpses, so if you aren't careful, you may find yourself cornered.
It's best to return to the staircase, which will do well to contain the number of corpses that can shamble their way up to your physically weaker party members. Control your tank directly to ensure they don't sneak past. You'll want access to Dispel to dissipate the Highest One's relentless love of placing barriers upon himself.
Note that it's weak to Fire damage, so by all means, let Dorian do his thing (or tap into any of the game's other fire-based sources, though Dorian is particularly adept in this field).
'God of Secrets' will end when you've looted the main (glowing) chest after the Highest One is beaten. Rewards are varied as ever, but will include Dirthamen's Wisdom, a valuable shield. Be warned, however, that a number of foes will attempt to ambush you on your way out. It's a fairly easy battle, but one which is sure to surprise the unprepared!
Next: Dragon Age: How to Influence Who Becomes The Next Divine In Inquisition
