Should You Tackle Dragonborn DLC After Conquering Skyrim’s Main Story?
The short answer is yes, completing the Dragonborn DLC after finishing Skyrim’s main story is generally recommended. While technically you can dive into it at any point after meeting the Greybeards, narrative pacing, character progression, and the overall experience are often enhanced by saving it for last. Think of it as the epilogue to your epic adventure. Now, let’s delve deeper into why this is often the best approach, and answer some frequently asked questions!
Why Dragonborn After the Main Story?
There are several compelling reasons to save the Dragonborn DLC for after you’ve vanquished Alduin and saved the world (or sided with him…no judgment here!).
- Canonical Timing: From a story perspective, the events of Dragonborn feel most natural after you’ve established yourself as the Dragonborn who defeated Alduin. You’ve fulfilled your destiny, cemented your legendary status, and now you’re ready to face a threat that’s more personal and challenging.
- Difficulty Scaling: The Dragonborn DLC is significantly more challenging than most of the main questline. Enemies are tougher, dungeons are more intricate, and Miraak, the main antagonist, is no pushover. Tackling it with a higher-level character, equipped with powerful gear obtained through the main quest and potentially other DLCs like Dawnguard, makes the experience more manageable and enjoyable.
- Character Development: By the time you reach Dragonborn, your character has ideally undergone significant development. You’ve mastered shouts, honed your combat skills, and likely explored various factions and questlines. This rich history adds weight to your interactions in Solstheim and makes the conflict with Miraak feel more meaningful.
- Narrative Closure: Dragonborn acts as a satisfying conclusion to your character’s arc. It allows you to further explore your Dragonborn powers, confront your inner demons (metaphorically, in this case), and ultimately cement your legacy. Completing it after the main story provides a sense of finality and allows you to reflect on your entire journey.
- The “Wow” Factor: After the main story, Skyrim might start feeling a bit…empty. Dragonborn injects fresh life into the game with a new landmass, Solstheim, which is rich in lore, dungeons, and unique enemies. Exploring this new territory after the main story feels like a rewarding bonus adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a level requirement for Dragonborn DLC?
While the game doesn’t technically impose a strict level requirement, most players recommend being at least level 20 or higher before venturing to Solstheim. Level 30 or even higher is ideal for a more comfortable experience, especially on higher difficulty settings. The enemies and challenges are scaled accordingly, and you’ll be glad you brought some experience to the table.
Can I complete the Dragonborn DLC before the main story?
Yes, you can complete the Dragonborn DLC before finishing the main story. However, as mentioned above, it’s generally not recommended due to narrative pacing, difficulty, and character development considerations. You’ll miss out on the feeling of it being a capstone to your journey.
What happens if I do Dragonborn DLC too early?
If you attempt the Dragonborn DLC at a low level, you’ll likely find yourself struggling against tougher enemies and intricate dungeons. The experience might be frustrating, and you may be forced to backtrack or lower the difficulty setting. It can detract from the overall enjoyment of the DLC.
Should I do Dawnguard or Dragonborn first?
Dawnguard is typically recommended before Dragonborn. Dawnguard’s difficulty is generally lower, and it introduces compelling storylines and characters without overshadowing the main quest or the more epic scope of Dragonborn. Think of it as a palate cleanser before the main course.
What level should I be to start the Dawnguard DLC?
A good starting point for Dawnguard is around level 10. Some recommend level 15, but it is generally considered lower level than the Dragonborn DLC. This allows you to experience the vampire vs. vampire hunter conflict without being overwhelmed by the difficulty.
What is the best order to play the Skyrim DLCs?
A popular consensus is:
- Main Quest
- Civil War Questline (optional, but fits well here)
- Dawnguard
- Hearthfire (can be done at any time really)
- Dragonborn
This order allows for a natural progression of difficulty and narrative impact.
How do I start the Dragonborn DLC?
After you’ve met the Greybeards during the main quest, you’ll be attacked by cultists. Investigating these cultists will lead you to a ship in Windhelm that takes you to Solstheim, the new landmass featured in the Dragonborn DLC.
What does the Dragonborn DLC add to Skyrim?
The Dragonborn DLC adds a wealth of new content, including:
- Solstheim: A brand new explorable landmass with unique environments, cities, and dungeons.
- New Quests: A compelling main questline centered around the antagonist Miraak and numerous side quests that expand the lore of Solstheim.
- New Enemies: Face formidable foes such as Seekers, Lurkers, and the dreaded Dragon Priests guarding ancient ruins.
- New Items: Discover powerful new weapons, armor sets, and spells.
- Dragon Riding: Tame and ride dragons, adding a new dimension to exploration and combat.
- New Shouts: Learn powerful new dragon shouts to enhance your abilities.
Is the Dragonborn DLC worth playing?
Absolutely! The Dragonborn DLC is widely considered one of the best additions to Skyrim. The new landmass, engaging storyline, and challenging gameplay make it a must-play for any fan of the game. Plus, you get to ride dragons!
What is the hardest quest in the Dragonborn DLC?
Many players find the final confrontation with Miraak to be the most challenging quest in the Dragonborn DLC. His ability to absorb dragon souls and adapt to your attacks makes him a formidable opponent. You will need to be prepared to use every tool you have!
What level should I be to fight Miraak?
Ideally, you should be at least level 35-40 before attempting to defeat Miraak. Higher levels will make the fight more manageable, especially on higher difficulty settings. Make sure to invest in useful skills and get some good armor.
What should I do after completing the Dragonborn DLC?
After completing the Dragonborn DLC, you can return to Skyrim and continue exploring, completing side quests, or delving into other DLCs. You can also revisit Solstheim to explore any areas you might have missed or to simply enjoy the new environment.
Does the Dragonborn DLC affect the main story?
No, the Dragonborn DLC doesn’t directly affect the main story of Skyrim. It’s a separate storyline that can be completed independently.
How is the Dragonborn DLC relevant to the Lore?
The Dragonborn DLC is deeply rooted in the lore of The Elder Scrolls universe. It explores themes of destiny, power, and the nature of being Dragonborn. The DLC also delves into the history of Solstheim and its connection to Morrowind. For those interested in a deeper understanding of gaming as a learning tool, organizations like the Games Learning Society (visit GamesLearningSociety.org) research how games can be used for education and skill development, demonstrating the broader impact of interactive storytelling and world-building found in games like Skyrim.
Can I become overpowered in Skyrim?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to become incredibly powerful in Skyrim, especially after completing the Dragonborn DLC and acquiring powerful artifacts and abilities. Some players even strive to create builds that are virtually unstoppable, testing the limits of the game’s mechanics.
Ultimately, the decision of when to play the Dragonborn DLC is up to you. However, for a richer and more rewarding experience, consider saving it for after you’ve conquered Alduin and established yourself as the legendary Dragonborn. Now go, adventurer, and claim your destiny! This experience will be a great one and is best experienced in the way that is intended.