Overview of the Dragon Age 2 Timeline
Dragon Age 2 is set in Kirkwall and spans roughly twelve years of in-game history, beginning in 9:27 Dragon and ending in 9:39 Dragon. The story is framed as a recounting by an older Varric to the Inquisitor, with flashbacks to key moments shaped by player choices. This timeline is anchored to the broader Dragon Age world through documented in-game dates, dialogue references, and developer commentary. Understanding the sequence of events clarifies character ages, political shifts, and the buildup to Dragon Age: Inquisition, which occurs in 9:41 Dragon.
Key In-Game Years and Timeline Anchors
Major events in Dragon Age 2 line up with specific years in the Dragon Age calendar. The game opens in 9:27 Dragon during the Kirkwall Chantry explosion, and proceeds through the Mage-Templar conflict, the Qunari occupation, and the rise of the Arishok. These years correspond with companion origin stories, act as turning points for the city, and affect the state of Thedas by the time of Inquisition. The following table summarizes the core timeline anchors referenced in the game.
| In-Game Year (Dragon) | Event | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| 9:27 Dragon | Kirkwall Chantry explosion and Act 1 opening | In-game dialogue and events |
| 9:29 Dragon | Mage-Templar tensions escalate in Kirkwall | Codex entries and character recollection |
| 9:31 Dragon | Qunari occupation begins and Act 2 transitions | In-game narrative and mission objectives |
| 9:37 Dragon | Height of the civil unrest and Act 3 peak conflict | In-game events and companion missions |
| 9:39 Dragon | End of Dragon Age 2 and departure from Kirkwall | In-game ending and dialogue |
| 9:41 Dragon | Dragon Age: Inquisition begins | In-game and developer sources |
Chronological Structure of the Story
The game divides into three acts, each tied to a year and marked by distinct conflicts and decisions. Act 1 establishes the Kirkwall explosion and personal origins, Act 2 confronts the Qunari presence and shifting alliances, while Act 3 culminates in the civil war and a city on the brink. The timeline can be further segmented by companion-specific origin events, which may occur shortly before or after the main arc, depending on when the player recruits them. Key choice points can alter outcomes but generally preserve the sequence of major political and military events.
Act-Based Milestones
- Act 1 (9:27 Dragon): City destabilized by the Chantry blast; early tension between mages and templars.
- Act 2 (9:29–9:31 Dragon): Qunari arrival and occupation; growing divide between authorities and citizens.
- Act 3 (9:37–9:39 Dragon): Open conflict; critical decisions that shape Kirkwall’s future and influence Inquisition.
Companion Origins and Integration
Each companion arrives with a backstory that can imply placement within the broader timeline, even if their exact dates are approximate. Varric’s account aligns with known events, while characters like Sebastian and Aveline reference early moments in 9:27 Dragon or shortly after. Anders’ trajectory and Fenris’ hunt for Hawke connect directly to Kirkwall’s escalating instability. Understanding these stories helps clarify how individual paths intersect with the larger timeline.
Relationship to Dragon Age: Origins and Inquisition
Dragon Age 2 follows the Fereldan events of Origins and directly precedes Inquisition. While Origins operates on a different continent, the fall of the Grey Wardens and the state of the Chantry link the timelines conceptually. Inquisition picks up two years after Dragon Age 2, assuming the aftermath of Kirkwall’s collapse. The timeline remains consistent through codex entries, character references, and documented dates confirmed by BioWare and narrative leads.
Clarifying Common Timeline Questions
Fans often ask whether Dragon Age 2 aligns linearly with other entries, how much in-game time passes, and where specific events fit. The answer lies in in-game years, companion dialogue, and developer insights, which together support a coherent sequence. Minor discrepancies in fan discussions usually stem from interpretation, but the core order is well established. This clarity supports long-term understanding of character development, political shifts, and the evolving conflict across the Dragon Age saga.
Resources and Further Reading
- Dragon Age Wiki – detailed chronology and codex entries
- BioWare and official interviews on timeline placement
- Companion origin analyses linked to in-game dates
Conclusion
Dragon Age 2 timeline is anchored to specific years and major events, forming a reliable bridge between Origins and Inquisition. By focusing on in-game dates, narrative structure, and verified sources, players can accurately situate each moment and decision. This framework supports deeper appreciation of the story, character arcs, and the evolving world of The Dragon Age series.