Dragon Age: Inquisition - which area is for my level?

I'm little bit confused with "level vs area" progression in Dragon Age: Inquisition. Could someone give quick reference which zone is meant for which (character) level to be played?

Hinterlands seems like starting area, but after some time, all zones seems like little bit overpowered for my hero while hinterland map, except few higher level (like level 12 rifts) areas, starts to feel both an easy and without new quests.


I just came across this Reddit post, which lists the following indications (from what I've experienced, they seem correct):

  • Haven: 1+ (1-4)
  • Hinterlands: 2+ (4-7, 8-12)
  • Val Royeaux: 4+ (4-6)
  • Storm Coast: 5+ (7-11, 13-15)
  • Fallow Mire: 8+ (8-10, 12-15)
  • Forbidden Oasis: 8+ (8-12, 5-15, 18-20)
  • Skyhold: 10+
  • Crestwood: 10+ (10-13)
  • Western Approach: 10+ (10-14)
  • Exalted Plains: 10+ (10-16)
  • Emerald Graves: 12+ (14-20)
  • Emprise du Lion: 16+ (16-22)
  • Hissing Wastes: 16+ (19-23)

Be sure to head into Exalted Plains around 10-12 - it's a fun zone. I didn't go there until last night, at level 17, which makes everything a bit too easy.

Personally, I stayed in Hinterlands until about 8, at which point the only remaining stuff to do was like level 12-ish. I then went to Storm Coast, Forbidden Oasis and Fallen Mire, where leveling was slow enough to make me around 10-12 before moving on the main quest and finishing off Hinterlands. After that, I started Crestwood and The Western Approach - following the areas in the main quests.

Another note: don't be afraid to move the main quest, I thought I might finish it early but it's paced very well and it unlocks more stuff to do. By the time I got to an important point (after which the game really opens up) I was already 25 hours in and had barely done anything noteworthy.


After you completed the basics in the Hinterlands, I'd strongly recommend to continue the main quest in Val Royeaux. That part is pretty short and opens up new options for you, especially in companion choice.

The next part of the main quest can be done at a low level as well.

The Storm Coast is the next area that has low-level enemies around level 5-7. The Forbidden Oasis is a bit higher level, but not that much. The Fallow Mire is the one area that is unlocked early that you should probably avoid at first, I returned quickly after only encountering level 12 enemies.


I had same problems. Halfway through the Hinterlands, Fallow mire opened up so I tried going there.... Not a nice experience. MISSING a helper text on the areas like they made for the main quest line. A warning would be nice before you step into a group of undead that are 5-6 levels above you...

Finished hinterlands at about 8 Went to Stormcoast and stayed till 10 Fallow mire done at 11 now I have no idea where to go next. Main quest says hept the empress 12-15 and im still 11 so im kind of stuck too.