The choice to knock out or reason with the First Warden occurs during The Siege of Weisshaupt quest in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Check out the consequences of each choice and see if you should punch or reason with the First Warden in this guide!

Should You Knock Out or Reason with the First Warden?

Punch the First Warden

Knocking the First Warden out is the best choice since five companions will greatly approve of your choice. However, if you are trying to romance Bellara or Emmrich then talk sense into the First Warden instead to greatly increase your approval with them!

How to Romance Every Companion

Outcomes and Consequences of Punching the First Warden

Summary of Choice Outcomes

Prompt
First Warden: That's an order, Warden!
Choice	Consequence
Knock the First Warden out and take charge: Well. I tried talking.	・Greatly Increases Approval with Lucanis, Davrin, Taash, Neve, and Harding ・Greatly Decreases Approval with Bellara and Emmrich ・The First Warden reappears in The Profane and the Lost quest and will be deranged
Talk sense into the First Warden: Let's be reasonable.	・Greatly Increases Approval with Bellara, Emmrich, and Harding ・Greatly Decreases Approval with Lucanis, Davrin, Taash, and Neve ・The First Warden reappears in The Profane and the Lost quest and still be sane

Knock Out the First Warden

Obviously, choosing to knock out the First Warden will lead to Rook punching them. This decision results in the First Warden being a sword enemy of Rook. The First Warden will show up before fighting the Archdemon Razikale.

The First Warden Will Lose His Mind

During Davrin's companion quest called The Profane and the Lost, the First Warden will appear again infected by the Blight. During the quest, the First Warden thinks they're still in Weisshaupt. The interaction ends with Davrin ending the First Warden's life.

Talk Sense Into the First Warden

Talking sense to the First Warden will make him an unexpected ally as he eventually accepts Rook's advice. Similar to the first choice, the First Warden will also reappear before The Siege of Weisshaupt's boss fight.

The First Warden Will Still be Sane

When the First Warden reappears during The Profane and the Lost, they will be infected by the Blight. However, they will not appear mentally broken and will give Rook and Davrin tips on how to defeat the Gloom Howler.

Sadly, you still can't save the First Warden and Davrin will also kill the First Warden to end his misery.

Choice Does Not Affect the Ending

Do note that punching or reasoning with the First Warden does not affect the ending of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

When Does the Choice Appear?

During The Siege of Weisshaupt

The choice is prompted during the The Siege of Weisshaupt main quest, after Rook reaches the War Room.

Main Quests and Campaign Guide

Dragon Age The Veilguard Related Guides

All Major Choices and Consequences

All Choices with Minor Consequences