Table of Contents

Is it Better to Become a Vampire or Stay with the Dawnguard in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

The burning question that plagues every Dragonborn venturing into the Dawnguard DLC: should you embrace the darkness and become a Vampire Lord, or stand firm against the night and join the righteous Dawnguard? The truth is, there’s no objectively “better” choice; it all boils down to your playstyle, your RP aspirations, and what you want to get out of your Skyrim experience. However, if we’re weighing the raw power and flexibility, the Vampire Lord form, especially when maximized and combined with certain playstyles, offers a more potent and dynamic skillset. But for a more grounded, straightforward experience with powerful anti-undead tools, the Dawnguard provides a satisfying path.

Understanding the Core Differences

The core difference isn’t about which side offers “better” quests; as the article notes, the main questlines are functionally the same, only diverging in a few key moments. Instead, the crucial distinction lies in the perks, abilities, and gameplay styles facilitated by each faction.

The Allure of the Vampire Lord

Becoming a Vampire Lord offers a significant power boost, granting access to a unique skill tree, powerful spells, and the ability to transform into a fearsome winged beast. Here are some key advantages:

Powerful Vampire Lord Form: This is the main draw. The Vampire Lord form allows you to float above the battlefield, unleashing potent Blood Magic spells and claw attacks. With dedicated perk investment, you become a true force of nature.
Nightstalker’s Footsteps: As mentioned in the article, this passive ability enhances stealth, making it easier to sneak past enemies, especially useful for stealth archers or assassins.
Vampiric Resilience: Increased resistance to diseases and poisons is a welcome perk, making you more resilient to the dangers of Skyrim.
Serana’s Re-Vamping: Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord as many times as you want, allowing you to experiment with different playstyles and even cure vampirism temporarily without permanently losing the option.
Roleplaying Potential: Embrace the dark side and revel in the power and mystery of being a vampire. The Games Learning Society often explores themes of morality and choice in games, and the vampire path offers a rich canvas for such exploration.

The Righteous Path of the Dawnguard

Joining the Dawnguard offers a more traditional hero’s path, focused on hunting vampires and protecting the innocent. Here’s what they bring to the table:

Dwarven Crossbows: A powerful ranged weapon, especially when enhanced and equipped with exploding bolts. This provides significant damage against vampires and other undead creatures.
Enhanced Crossbows and Exploding Bolts: Ignoring 50% of armor with enhanced crossbows is incredibly powerful, making them effective against heavily armored enemies. Exploding bolts add an extra layer of damage and crowd control.
Anti-Undead Arsenal: Access to specialized weapons and spells designed to combat vampires and other undead, making you a formidable hunter.
Strong Moral Ground: Play as the hero, fighting against the forces of darkness and protecting the innocent people of Skyrim.
High-Level Skill Trainers: The Dawnguard base offers access to trainers who can help you improve your combat skills.

Balancing the Scales: Weaknesses and Drawbacks

Both paths come with their own drawbacks:

Vampire Weaknesses: Sunlight is a vampire’s greatest enemy. Being exposed to the sun inhibits health, stamina, and magicka regeneration, making daytime travel challenging. NPCs may also become hostile if you reach the later stages of vampirism.
Dawnguard Restrictions: While the Dawnguard accepts werewolves, they will immediately expel you if you become a vampire. This limits your flexibility and forces you to choose between these two powerful forms.

Making Your Decision

Ultimately, the “better” choice depends on your individual preferences. If you crave power, enjoy a unique and dynamic gameplay style, and don’t mind managing the weaknesses of vampirism, the Vampire Lord path is likely the more rewarding option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional hero’s journey, enjoy using crossbows, and want to focus on hunting vampires, the Dawnguard is the perfect fit. Keep in mind that you get Serana as a follower no matter what you choose.

Here are some additional factors to consider:

Roleplaying: Do you want to play as a morally ambiguous character, or a righteous hero?
Combat Style: Do you prefer ranged combat with crossbows, or the versatility of the Vampire Lord form?
Difficulty: Are you willing to manage the weaknesses of vampirism, or do you prefer a more straightforward gameplay experience?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dawnguard DLC, covering various aspects of the vampire and Dawnguard factions:

1. Is it worth becoming a vampire in Dawnguard?

Yes, if you enjoy the playstyle. The Vampire Lord form is incredibly powerful and offers a unique gameplay experience, especially with perk investment. The Nightstalker’s Footsteps ability is also beneficial for stealth-based characters.

2. What happens with Dawnguard if I become a vampire?

You will be kicked out of the Dawnguard and will not be allowed to return until you cure your vampirism.

3. What are the benefits of staying with the Dawnguard?

Access to dwarven crossbows, the ability to enhance them, and the ability to make exploding bolts. You also gain access to a variety of high-level skill trainers.

4. Can you side with Dawnguard and keep Serana?

Yes, you get Serana as a follower regardless of which side you choose. She will eventually find you and join your quest.

5. Should you accept Harkon’s blood?

If you want to become a Vampire Lord immediately, then yes. However, you can also refuse and have Serana turn you later, so the decision is not permanent.

6. Can you still marry Serana if you join the Dawnguard?

No, Serana is not a marriageable character in the base game or even with the DLC. You need mods to marry her, although she does have unique dialogue about marriage.

7. Do the Dawnguard care if you’re a werewolf?

No, they only care if you are a vampire. They are dedicated to hunting vampires and are indifferent to werewolves.

8. Can I stop being a vampire after Dawnguard?

Yes, you can cure vampirism by going to Falion of Morthal.

9. Is Vampire Lord or Werewolf better?

Generally, Vampire Lords are considered stronger than werewolves, especially in the late game with proper perk investment.

10. Should I let Serana make me a vampire?

It is up to you! If you want to be a Vampire Lord there are no downsides to having her turn you.

11. Does Serana want to be cured?

Serana’s feelings about being cured are complex. She initially refers to her condition as a “gift,” but her feelings may change over time.

12. Is there a downside to becoming a vampire in Skyrim?

Yes, the main downside is the weakness to sunlight, which inhibits health, stamina, and magicka regeneration. You may also face hostility from NPCs at higher stages of vampirism.

13. Can I join both Dawnguard and vampires?

Yes, but only temporarily. Eventually, you will be forced to choose a side and commit to either the Dawnguard or the vampires.

14. How many times can Serana make you a vampire?

Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord as many times as you want, allowing you to switch between being a vampire and being cured repeatedly.

15. Can I still become a vampire if I refuse Harkon?

Yes, Serana will offer to turn you into a Vampire Lord later on in the DLC.

Ultimately, the choice between becoming a vampire and staying with the Dawnguard is a personal one. Consider your playstyle, your roleplaying preferences, and the strengths and weaknesses of each faction before making your decision. Whichever path you choose, the Dawnguard DLC offers a rich and rewarding experience. Learn more about the impacts of gaming at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Is it better to become a vampire or stay with the Dawnguard?