Dragonborn Before Alduin? Unraveling the Mysteries of Skyrim’s DLC Order
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Yes, you absolutely can complete the Dragonborn DLC before finishing the main quest in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The game’s open-world structure allows for incredible flexibility in how you approach its various storylines. However, while technically possible, whether it’s advisable depends on your playstyle, character level, and desired narrative experience. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of tackling Solstheim before facing Alduin, weighing the pros and cons to help you make the most informed decision for your Skyrim adventure.
The Lure of Solstheim: Freedom vs. Flow
Skyrim thrives on its non-linear approach. The ability to freely explore Solstheim early in the game is a testament to this design. As soon as you’ve spoken with the Greybeards at High Hrothgar, cultists of Miraak will accost you, initiating the Dragonborn DLC questline. A ship in Windhelm is then ready to transport you to the ash-covered shores of Solstheim.
However, this freedom comes with a caveat. While you can go to Solstheim practically at level 1, surviving, let alone thriving, is another matter entirely. Solstheim is designed for higher-level characters, featuring tougher enemies like Ash Spawn, Rieklings, and formidable dragons. Progressing far in the Dragonborn questline requires overcoming these challenges, demanding a well-equipped and skilled character.
Narratively, completing Dragonborn before the main quest means you’ll be juggling two “Dragonborn” plots simultaneously. While the stories are self-contained, some players might prefer the thematic consistency of first establishing their Dragonborn status by defeating Alduin before confronting Miraak, another Dragonborn with unique ambitions.
The Leveling Consideration: A Question of Survival
The main obstacle to tackling Dragonborn early is the difficulty curve. The game subtly pushes you towards completing the main quest or other side questlines first to gain levels, skills, and equipment that will make you more competitive on Solstheim. A character around level 20 or higher will find the experience significantly smoother and more enjoyable.
Attempting Dragonborn at a lower level isn’t impossible, but be prepared for a challenging experience. You’ll need to rely heavily on stealth, careful planning, and potentially lowering the game difficulty to survive. Grinding levels in Skyrim or focusing on crafting powerful gear can prepare you for Solstheim’s challenges, regardless of your level when you first arrive.
Dawnguard and Hearthfire: Side Quests or Prior Engagements?
While considering the Dragonborn DLC, the other DLCs like Dawnguard and Hearthfire also come into play. Dawnguard, which focuses on vampires and vampire hunters, can be tackled at any point, and its narrative isn’t directly tied to either the main quest or the Dragonborn DLC. Many players interweave Dawnguard with other quests, often completing it before or alongside the main storyline.
Hearthfire, offering the option to build and customize homes, is entirely independent and can be enjoyed whenever you desire a break from adventuring. Hearthfire is a nice distraction from the main quest line, and can allow you to have a safe place for your character to stay.
A common and logical approach is to tackle Dawnguard after making some progress in the main quest, followed by Hearthfire for downtime, and then finally embark on the Dragonborn adventure once your character is well-equipped and experienced.
The “Intended” Order: Release Dates and Narrative Flow
While Skyrim offers freedom, considering the DLC release dates can provide insight into the “intended” order. Dawnguard was released first, followed by Hearthfire, and then Dragonborn. This suggests that Bethesda envisioned players tackling the vampire threat and home-building before venturing to Solstheim.
Narratively, this order also makes sense. Completing the main quest solidifies your role as the Dragonborn, making the confrontation with Miraak feel like a more logical progression of your destiny. However, this is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you go to Solstheim before the main quest?
Yes, you can travel to Solstheim at any time after the game begins. Simply speak to the captain of the ship in Windhelm and pay for passage. However, the Dragonborn questline itself will not trigger until you’ve spoken to the Greybeards and been recognized as Dragonborn.
2. What level should I be to play Dragonborn?
A character around level 20 or higher is generally recommended for the Dragonborn DLC. While you can visit Solstheim earlier, the enemies and challenges will be significantly more difficult. At least level 15 is recommended.
3. Does completing Dawnguard before the main quest affect anything?
Completing Dawnguard before the main quest has minimal impact on the overall story. The only notable difference is how you acquire the Dragon Elder Scroll, which is necessary for both questlines. You’ll simply need to reacquire it if you’ve already used it for the Dawnguard storyline.
4. Should I stay with the Dawnguard or become a Vampire Lord?
The choice is entirely yours! Siding with the Dawnguard offers access to powerful anti-vampire weapons and a more “righteous” storyline. Becoming a Vampire Lord grants unique abilities and access to Castle Volkihar. Both paths have their advantages.
5. Can I become a Vampire Lord before starting Dawnguard?
No, you cannot become a Vampire Lord before starting the Dawnguard questline. The option to embrace vampirism is presented during the Bloodline quest, early in the Dawnguard story.
6. Can you start Dragonborn without encountering the cultists?
While you can travel to Solstheim and explore without triggering the questline, the main Dragonborn questline cannot begin without first encountering the cultists. The game requires this initial trigger to activate the story.
7. What happens if I visit Solstheim at level 1?
You can visit Solstheim at level 1, but survival will be incredibly challenging. You’ll need to rely on stealth, cunning, and potentially avoiding combat altogether. The powerful enemies will likely overwhelm you.
8. How long does it take to complete the Dragonborn DLC?
Completing the main objectives of the Dragonborn DLC takes around 6-7 hours. A completionist run, exploring all content and side quests, can easily take 20-25 hours.
9. What are some good quests to do before starting the main quest?
Several early-game quests can prepare you for the main quest and DLCs. Look for quests like “Argonian Ale Extraction,” “The Taste of Death,” and the Dark Brotherhood questline’s “Innocence Lost.”
10. Who is the hardest boss in Solstheim?
Many consider Karstaag the Frost Giant the toughest boss in Solstheim. Located in the Glacial Cave, Karstaag is a formidable opponent requiring careful strategy and a high-level character.
11. How many dragon shouts are on Solstheim?
The Dragonborn DLC introduces four new dragon shouts: Battle Fury, Bend Will, Cyclone, and Dragon Aspect. These shouts are essential for navigating Solstheim and defeating Miraak.
12. Is Solstheim bigger than Skyrim?
No, Solstheim is significantly smaller than Skyrim. It’s roughly the size of a single hold within Skyrim, like The Rift or Eastmarch.
13. Is the Last Dragonborn the most powerful?
The Last Dragonborn is arguably the most powerful character in the Skyrim universe. Their ability to absorb dragon souls and master powerful shouts makes them a force to be reckoned with, surpassing even Miraak in raw power.
14. What are the disadvantages of being a vampire in Skyrim?
The main disadvantage of being a vampire is the weakness to sunlight. Vampires suffer reduced stats and cannot regenerate health, magicka, or stamina in direct sunlight. They also face hostility from NPCs at higher stages of vampirism.
15. Is it better to be a Vampire Lord or a Werewolf?
Both Vampire Lord and Werewolf forms offer unique advantages. Vampire Lords are generally considered more powerful due to their versatile abilities and access to powerful magic. Werewolves offer raw physical strength and immunity to diseases. The choice depends on your preferred playstyle.
In Conclusion: Forge Your Own Path
Ultimately, the order in which you tackle Skyrim’s quests and DLCs is a matter of personal preference. While completing the Dragonborn DLC before the main quest is technically feasible, consider your character’s level, playstyle, and desired narrative flow. Don’t be afraid to experiment and forge your own path through the vast and engaging world of Skyrim. If you’re interested in the intersection of games and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for insightful research and resources. Enjoy your adventure, Dragonborn!