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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard: Exploring the Add-On

Yes, Dawnguard is a downloadable content (DLC) add-on for the popular action role-playing open-world video game, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This means it’s not part of the original base game but is an expansion that players can purchase and install to enhance their Skyrim experience. Dawnguard introduces a new storyline, characters, locations, and gameplay mechanics centered around a conflict between the Dawnguard, a vampire hunting faction, and the powerful Volkihar vampire clan. It is a significant addition to the game, enriching it with many hours of gameplay and a new narrative path.

Dawnguard: What You Need to Know

Accessing the Dawnguard DLC

To access the Dawnguard DLC, you need to own the base game, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The DLC is typically available for purchase and download through digital storefronts like Steam, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live. If you have Skyrim: Special Edition, Dawnguard is included along with the other DLCs: Hearthfire and Dragonborn. You do not need a separate purchase if you own the Special Edition.

Starting the Questline

The Dawnguard questline can be initiated once you reach level 10. After reaching that level, you’ll be approached by an Orc named Durak, who will inquire if you know anything about the growing vampire threat. Alternatively, traveling to Riften and speaking with a city guard can prompt the beginning of the Dawnguard quest, which will guide you to Fort Dawnguard, the faction’s headquarters located in Dayspring Canyon.

Installation Process

Installing the Dawnguard DLC is generally straightforward. For digital versions of the game, you simply need to download the DLC from the platform you purchased it from, and it will install automatically to be ready for the next gameplay session. For disc versions, you can navigate to the game’s options under the game category in your console’s XMB™ and select the Skyrim DLC to install the add-on. Each add-on has its own individual icon.

Core Content of Dawnguard

The Dawnguard DLC adds a variety of new elements to Skyrim. These include:

New Characters: Approximately 80 new characters are added, most notably Serana, a powerful and popular vampire companion.
New Factions: The Dawnguard, a dedicated vampire hunting organization, and the Volkihar vampire clan, led by the ancient vampire Lord Harkon.
New Areas: Dawnguard introduces two main locations: Fort Dawnguard and Castle Volkihar, alongside 23 minor locations.
New Quests: The core storyline involves a conflict between vampires and vampire hunters.
New Items: New weapons like crossbows, magical bolts, and vampire-themed items are introduced.
Vampire Lord Form: Players can become a Vampire Lord through the Volkihar questline.

Choosing Your Path: Dawnguard vs. Volkihar

One of the major choices players have to make in Dawnguard is whether to join the Dawnguard or the Volkihar. Each path offers a unique experience, with different quests, characters, and rewards.

Dawnguard: This faction offers a more traditional ‘good’ path. They provide access to unique weapons like crossbows and magical bolts, and they’re focused on hunting vampires. This is generally viewed as the more trustworthy faction to align with.
Volkihar: Choosing the Volkihar will turn you into a Vampire Lord with all the powers and perks associated with that transformation, and access to Castle Volkihar. It’s a more ‘evil’ path with a focus on vampire power.

Important Considerations

You can only choose one side. You cannot fully join both the Dawnguard and the Volkihar clan. At a certain point in the questline, you must make a choice and will be rejected by the other faction.
Even if you choose to side with the Dawnguard, you can still become a Vampire Lord later, with the help of Serana.
Players who choose to side with Volkihar have permanent access to Castle Volkihar, but those who side with Dawnguard will gain access to better weapons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dawnguard

1. Is Dawnguard included in Skyrim Special Edition?

Yes, Dawnguard is included in Skyrim: Special Edition. You do not need to purchase it separately if you own the Special Edition. The Special Edition comes with all three DLCs: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.

2. How do I start the Dawnguard questline?

After reaching level 10, you will either be approached by an Orc named Durak or you can travel to Riften and talk with the city guard. The guard will mark Fort Dawnguard on your map, allowing you to begin the DLC’s main questline.

3. Can I become a Vampire Lord if I side with the Dawnguard?

Yes, you can. Although the initial choice is between the Dawnguard and the Volkihar clan, after completing the main Dawnguard questline you can ask Serana to transform you into a Vampire Lord.

4. What are the major additions in the Dawnguard DLC?

Dawnguard introduces new characters, two main areas (Fort Dawnguard and Castle Volkihar), 23 minor locations, new quests, new weapons (including crossbows), new spells, and the ability to transform into a Vampire Lord.

5. What level should I be to start Dawnguard?

The recommended level to start the Dawnguard DLC is level 10. It automatically triggers at that point.

6. Can I join both the Dawnguard and Volkihar clans?

No, you cannot fully join both. You will eventually be required to choose a side and will be rejected by the other faction.

7. Can you cure vampirism in Skyrim?

Yes, you can cure vampirism by speaking with Falion in Morthal. He will require a filled Black Soul Gem and will perform a ritual to cure you. This process can be repeated if you ever become a vampire again.

8. Should I play Dragonborn or Dawnguard first?

While the game will introduce the Dragonborn DLC questline earlier (right after talking with the Greybeards), story-wise, you can do them in either order. However, Dragonborn is significantly harder and requires a higher level than Dawnguard.

9. What happens if you’re already a vampire before starting Dawnguard?

If you are already a vampire when you encounter the Dawnguard for the first time, they will ask you to get cured before offering you any quests.

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

Yes, being a vampire has downsides including a weakness to sunlight. Sunlight will prevent health, stamina, and magicka regeneration. If you progress to the fourth stage of vampirism, you may also find yourself becoming hostile towards regular NPCs.

11. Can you marry Serana?

No, you cannot marry Serana without mods. She does have unique dialogues about marriage, but she is not a marriage candidate within the base game.

12. Where can I find Fort Dawnguard?

Fort Dawnguard is located in Dayspring Canyon. Head to Stendarr’s Beacon ESE of Riften, then head north. You will find a cave entrance with a flaming brazier, leading into the canyon.

13. What are the key differences between the Dawnguard and Volkihar factions?

The Dawnguard is a faction of vampire hunters, offering unique weapons and a more ‘heroic’ storyline. The Volkihar Clan is a vampire faction focusing on gaining power by transforming into a Vampire Lord, giving players access to Castle Volkihar.

14. What happens if you visit Castle Volkihar before doing the Dawnguard quest?

If you visit the castle before starting the Dawnguard questline, you cannot get in. There is also a bug that can cause quest problems, so visiting the castle before beginning the story is not recommended.

15. What does the Dawnguard DLC cost?

The price can vary, but generally the standalone DLCs were approximately $20 when sold separately. However, purchasing Skyrim: Special Edition will include all three DLCs without having to purchase them individually.

In conclusion, Dawnguard is a substantial and engaging DLC that enhances the Skyrim experience. Whether you choose to side with the Dawnguard or embrace the power of the Volkihar clan, this add-on provides a compelling narrative and a wealth of new content for players to explore.

Is Dawnguard an add on?