by: Meghan Watt

Ever since Dragon Age's release, hundreds of gamers and computer aficionados have taken the extra step to take this critically acclaimed RPG to new heights, creating downloadable add-ons for anyone at home to install. Online, you can find countless modifications, some worthwhile and others a little off the cuff.

Personally, I dislike add-ons that offer unfair advantages to the user. Stat boosts, extra money and invincibility simply aren't my type. But from BioWare's official social site to less populated fansites, there are plenty of ways to make the game a little more convenient and fun. I'm actually a little peeved I didn't use these during my first playthrough.

Browsing online, it can be hard to sift through the muck. So we've done the work for you and collected 10 must-have add-ons for your perusal. If you download and install an add-on you don't like, it only takes a simple click to undo. Just uncheck the box under Downloadable Content's far right tab on the game's main menu and it's gone. Easy peasy.

Every one of these add-ons I've tested myself and am currently using. Some, specifically Auto Loot, have a couple bugs but they won't break your game (although if they do, I take no responsibility – use these at your own risk, folks). Just make sure to read the instructions. I can't speak for add-ons that aren't on the list, but if you really want to add 70s porno music to your romantic encounters, it and plenty of other add-ons are available. So, off we go!

Character Respecialization v1.6

What it is: This add-on allows you to totally redo your character's stats, skills and spells from scratch. Once you install it, a raven appears on the right-hand side of your camp with a vial tied around its leg. Remove the vial and a Potion of Respec appears in your inventory. One drink will wipe your slate clean. You keep all of the level-up points you've earned throughout the game (including those you may have gotten through other means, like the Fade); they're simply no longer assigned.

Why you want it: Midway through the game, you may discover that certain skills work better than others or that you'd rather specialize in Blood Magic instead of Shapeshifting. Or maybe you just allocated your points all willy-nilly and it's starting to take its toll. Either way, this add-on gives you a second chance to make any one of your party members without having to wait for your second playthrough.