Dragon Age: The Veilguard Concept Art Reveals Early Plans for Solas

Early Dragon Age: The Veilguard Concept Art Reveals a Darker Solas

Early concept sketches by former BioWare artist Nick Thornborrow offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Solas's character in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. These sketches, showcased on Thornborrow's website, reveal a more overtly vengeful and god-like Solas than the advisor role he ultimately plays in the final game.

Thornborrow, who contributed to The Veilguard's development by creating a visual novel prototype to explore story possibilities, shared over 100 sketches. While many scenes closely resemble the final product, several depictions of Solas differ significantly. The concept art portrays him as a colossal, shadowy figure, far removed from the more subdued presence in the released game. This contrast suggests a potentially darker, more active role for Solas was initially envisioned.

The divergence between concept and final game is particularly striking in scenes depicting Solas's actions related to the Veil. While the initial tearing of the Veil remains largely consistent, other scenes present a more sinister and powerful Solas, leaving ambiguity as to whether these events occur within Rook's dreams or manifest in the real world.

This behind-the-scenes look highlights the significant creative shifts during The Veilguard's development. The substantial changes, including the game's title alteration from Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, underscore the evolution of Solas's character and narrative arc from initial conception to final release. Thornborrow's contribution provides valuable context for understanding the final game's narrative choices.