Do the Dawnguard Missions Ever End? A Skyrim Deep Dive

The short answer is a resounding no, not entirely. While the main Dawnguard questline, focused on defeating Lord Harkon and ending the vampire threat, does indeed have a definitive conclusion, a significant portion of the Dawnguard’s missions are radiant quests. These are repeatable, procedurally generated tasks designed to provide endless gameplay and keep you engaged in the fight against the undead long after Harkon is dust.

The distinction is crucial. The core narrative, involving retrieving Auriel’s Bow, navigating forgotten crypts, and ultimately confronting Harkon in a climactic battle at Castle Volkihar, does end. Once you’ve slain Harkon, the immediate threat to Tamriel is neutralized, and the main storyline is resolved. However, the Dawnguard’s war against vampires is a persistent one.

This is where the radiant quests come in. After the main quest wraps up, you’ll continue to receive assignments from Isran and other members of the Dawnguard. These typically involve hunting down vampire nests, rescuing citizens, and eliminating powerful vampire threats that emerge across Skyrim. These quests are designed to be repeatable, providing an endless stream of content for players who enjoy the gameplay loop of hunting vampires and protecting the innocent. They never truly “end.” You can always go back to the Dawnguard and receive more assignments. This encourages players to explore the vast world of Skyrim, hone their combat skills, and consistently feel like they are making a difference in the fight against evil.

This system is similar to the radiant quests found within the Companions guild, the Thieves Guild, and even the “Help the People of…” quests found throughout Skyrim. They are designed to provide ongoing content and replayability, ensuring that the game remains engaging long after the main storylines have been completed. The quality and depth of these radiant quests vary, but they serve as a vital component of Skyrim’s longevity.

Understanding the Dawnguard Quest Structure

To fully grasp the concept of the Dawnguard’s ending (or lack thereof), it’s essential to understand the quest structure. The Dawnguard questline is divided into two main components:

• Main Questline: A series of quests that tell a linear story, culminating in the defeat of Lord Harkon. This has a definite beginning, middle, and end.

• Radiant Quests: Repeatable, randomly generated quests that provide ongoing content and keep the player engaged in the faction’s activities. These have no defined end.

The main questline delivers the narrative meat, while the radiant quests provide the sustained gameplay experience. Understanding this distinction clarifies why some aspects of the Dawnguard “end” while others continue indefinitely. It is this design that is explored by many in the Games Learning Society.

Factors influencing the “End” of the Dawnguard Experience

Several factors can influence how a player perceives the “end” of the Dawnguard experience. These include:

• Completionist Tendencies: Players who aim to complete every quest and explore every location may find the radiant quests frustrating, as they are designed to be endless.

• Roleplaying Preferences: Players who are deeply invested in the roleplaying aspect of the game may feel that the story concludes satisfyingly after defeating Harkon, regardless of the remaining radiant quests.

• Gameplay Fatigue: Some players may tire of the repetitive nature of the radiant quests and choose to move on to other aspects of the game or start a new character.

Ultimately, the “end” of the Dawnguard experience is subjective and depends on the individual player’s preferences and playstyle. However, it’s crucial to remember that the main story concludes, while the ongoing conflict against vampires continues indefinitely through radiant quests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Dawnguard

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the Dawnguard questline and its (lack of a complete) ending:

1. What happens after I defeat Lord Harkon?

After defeating Lord Harkon, the main Dawnguard questline concludes. You will receive a reward from Isran, and the Dawnguard will celebrate their victory. The vampire threat is significantly reduced, but not entirely eliminated, allowing for ongoing radiant quests.

2. Can I still do Dawnguard quests after completing the main storyline?

Yes! You can continue to accept radiant quests from Isran and other members of the Dawnguard, which will send you on missions to hunt vampires and protect Skyrim.

3. Are the Dawnguard radiant quests worth doing?

The value of radiant quests depends on your preferences. They offer a consistent source of experience, gold, and loot, and they provide an opportunity to explore different parts of Skyrim. However, they can become repetitive over time.

4. Do the vampires ever stop attacking settlements after the main quest?

Vampire attacks may still occur, but they will likely be less frequent and less severe than during the main questline. The radiant quests also contribute to reducing vampire activity.

5. Can I become a vampire after joining the Dawnguard?

Yes. You can become a vampire even after joining the Dawnguard, but doing so will result in Isran being very disappointed. The other members of the Dawnguard will turn hostile if you become a vampire.

6. What are the benefits of siding with the Dawnguard over the vampires?

Siding with the Dawnguard allows you to access unique crossbow upgrades, enhanced dwarven armor, and the support of a dedicated vampire hunting organization.

7. Is it possible to cure vampirism if I side with the Dawnguard?

Yes, it’s possible to cure vampirism after siding with the Dawnguard. You can seek out Falion in Morthal to perform the cure, just as you would if you had become a vampire through other means.

8. Does Serana leave my party after the Dawnguard questline?

No, Serana remains a valuable follower even after the main questline is complete. You can continue to travel with her and utilize her unique skills and abilities.

9. Can I marry Serana after finishing the Dawnguard DLC?

Unfortunately, you cannot marry Serana without using mods. Despite her unique dialogue and compelling backstory, she is not a marriageable character in the vanilla game.

10. What level should I be to start the Dawnguard questline?

The Dawnguard questline becomes available at level 10, but it’s generally recommended to be at least level 30 before tackling it, as the enemies can be challenging.

11. How long does it take to complete the Dawnguard questline?

The main Dawnguard questline takes approximately 7-8 hours to complete if focusing solely on the main objectives. Completionists can expect to spend around 19 hours to fully explore all aspects of the DLC.

12. Does the Dawnguard questline affect the main Skyrim storyline?

No, the Dawnguard questline is a self-contained storyline that does not directly impact the main Skyrim questline.

13. Are there any unique rewards for completing all of the Dawnguard’s radiant quests?

There is no specific reward for completing all possible radiant quests, as they are designed to be endless. However, you will accumulate significant wealth, experience, and valuable loot.

14. Can I clear out all vampire nests in Skyrim through the Dawnguard quests?

While you can clear out many vampire nests through the Dawnguard’s radiant quests, new nests may emerge over time, ensuring a continued supply of missions.

15. Is it better to be a vampire or join the Dawnguard?

The choice between becoming a vampire or joining the Dawnguard depends on your playstyle and preferences. The Dawnguard offers unique weapons and armor and allows you to fight against evil, while vampirism grants powerful abilities but comes with drawbacks like sunlight weakness. Joining the Dawnguard is often considered the “better” choice for most players.