Hallo! I am playing DA:O for the first time. I am playing the Ultimate Edition from gog.com.

I am playing a Human Noble Warrior, who will use 2H weapons. I will probably use Alistair, Leliana, and Morrigan. But I will also probably switch each companion out temporarily to try other companions, to see their dialogues/quests/story, in an effort to see as much of the game as possible during my playthrough.

One of the things I love about games like this is having different companions to pick from, with different personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. It all adds a flavor to the game that I absolutely love.

So with that said, my question is this:

What is your opinion, fellow DA:O players, about using the Auto-level up option, for when companions go up a level?

My thinking is that the designers have a personality in mind for each companion, and if this option is turned on, then the designers have a certain pre-determined path of advancement for each companion, which would presumably match their personality, role, background, etc., and would thus enhance (or at least stay the most true to) their flavor, so to speak.

I'm not a min-max-er, I much more enjoy the flavor, if that makes sense. So do you think there is any "flavor" benefit to using the Auto-level up option? Or is it really just meant for those players lacking experience with CRPGs?

(Note that I will -not- be using the Auto-level up option for my main dude.)

I've played this game more times than I'd like to admit, and never used the auto level up, but since you going with a 2 handed warrior, and skills being level locked or strength locked, you will probably choose the same skills anyway. Only your Specialization will make a real difference.
I never liked that they made Leliana a archer, when all the rogue skills are designed around backstabs.
And don't believe Zevran when he tells you he can pick locks. (He lies)

But my next playthrough I will use only auto level up and see what I get.

Heh, I hope Auto-level up-ing doesn't nerf my companions lol.

I'll be interested to hear your take on the Auto-level up-ing, as you already know how the companions are, and if the game's choices fits the companions, and if the game's choices cripples their usefulness.

To be continued...

Morrigan or Shale make the best tanks Morrigan needs str to tank and autolevel will not do that

auto level up is fine for your first play because you don't really understand the game and so will tend towards very basic tatics

Zeb can do the locks if you give him cunning instead of dex... cunning works well for daggers and back stabbers but dex is what you want for bow work

now as a 2H warrior you are going to want Alistair to be your tank which is going to be a problem against big targets