Should I do Dragonborn DLC or Dawnguard First in Skyrim? A Veteran’s Guide
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The age-old question plagues every new (and returning) Skyrim adventurer: Dawnguard or Dragonborn first? While Skyrim’s DLCs are designed to be non-linear, meaning you can tackle them in any order, a thoughtful approach can significantly enhance your experience. My definitive answer, drawing from countless playthroughs? Dawnguard first, followed by the main quest, and then Dragonborn. Let’s delve into why this order is optimal and address some common concerns.
Why Dawnguard Before Dragonborn? Level, Story, and Immersion
Level Scaling and Difficulty
Dawnguard is generally considered to be more accessible at lower levels. You’ll encounter the initial questline trigger, typically an Orc named Durak, around level 10. While Dragonborn can technically start earlier (immediately after speaking to the Greybeards), its enemies and challenges are designed for higher-level characters, ideally around level 20 or more. Attempting it too early can lead to frustration and a significantly less enjoyable experience. Miraak, the main antagonist, is no pushover!
Narrative Flow and Thematic Cohesion
While both DLCs offer unique and compelling narratives, Dawnguard‘s focus on vampires and ancient prophecies provides a more grounded and immediately engaging experience. It delves into the lore of the world of Skyrim in a way that feels less detached from the central Dragonborn storyline. This allows you to ease into the expanded content before venturing to the more isolated and esoteric island of Solstheim in Dragonborn.
Following Dawnguard, completing the main quest feels like a natural progression. You’ve dealt with a significant threat to Skyrim’s people, strengthened your Dragonborn abilities, and are now ready to face Alduin. This allows you to build your hero’s legend gradually. Finally, you are equipped, both in power and knowledge of Skyrim’s world, to face the challenges of Dragonborn.
Unique Dialogue & Character Development
The game recognizes your accomplishments. Completing the main quest before Dragonborn can unlock unique dialogue options and character interactions that enrich the narrative. Miraak, for instance, will acknowledge your status as the Dragonborn who defeated Alduin, adding weight and context to your confrontation. This adds depth to the roleplaying experience.
Choosing Your Path: Vampire Lord or Dawnguard
The Dawnguard DLC presents a pivotal choice: join the vampire hunters of the Dawnguard or embrace the power of the Vampire Lord by siding with Lord Harkon. While both paths offer unique gameplay experiences, joining the Dawnguard is arguably the superior choice for a first playthrough.
Dawnguard Advantages:
- Moral Alignment: For players who prefer a heroic playthrough, the Dawnguard aligns with a more traditional good-versus-evil narrative.
- Gameplay Variety: While both factions offer new abilities, the Dawnguard provides a more balanced experience, with access to powerful crossbows, enhanced dwarven technology, and dedicated vampire-hunting skills.
- Serana’s Loyalty: Regardless of your chosen faction, Serana, a powerful and complex vampire companion, will remain by your side.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, but consider your preferred playstyle and character alignment when making this decision.
Exploring the Learning Potential in Skyrim
Beyond the thrills of questing and combat, Skyrim provides a dynamic environment for learning and skill development. Like many modern video games, Skyrim utilizes skill trees that can be used to teach planning, resource management, and critical thinking. The Games Learning Society explores how games like Skyrim can be harnessed for educational purposes. By combining engaging gameplay with opportunities for strategic decision-making, games can inspire learning and cultivate essential skills. For further insights, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Skyrim DLC Order
1. Can I do Dragonborn before Dawnguard?
Yes, you can. The game doesn’t lock you out of either DLC based on your progress in the other. However, due to the higher difficulty of Dragonborn, it’s generally not recommended for a first playthrough.
2. At what level should I start Dawnguard?
The Dawnguard questline typically triggers around level 10. While you can start it earlier if you stumble upon Fort Dawnguard, waiting until level 10 allows you to be better equipped for the initial encounters.
3. At what level should I start Dragonborn?
Ideally, you should be around level 20 or higher before tackling Dragonborn. The enemies are significantly tougher than those found in the base game or Dawnguard, and you’ll face challenges that require a well-developed character.
4. Does it matter which order I do the Skyrim DLCs?
While the game allows you to tackle them in any order, doing Dawnguard before Dragonborn offers a smoother difficulty curve and a more natural narrative progression. Consider completing the main quest in between.
5. Should I finish the main quest before Dragonborn?
It’s entirely up to you. Finishing the main quest unlocks unique dialogue options in Dragonborn, acknowledging your role as the Dragonborn who defeated Alduin. However, it’s not strictly necessary.
6. Can you be a vampire and join the Dawnguard?
Yes, you can join the Dawnguard initially as a vampire. However, they will eventually ask you to cure your vampirism before progressing further in their questline.
7. What happens if you do Dawnguard before the main quest?
Nothing game-breaking. The only difference is how you acquire the Dragon Elder Scroll. You’ll need it for both questlines, so you might have to retrieve it again if you’ve already completed one.
8. Should I join Dawnguard or vampires?
For a first playthrough, joining the Dawnguard is often recommended due to its more balanced gameplay and alignment with a more traditional heroic narrative.
9. Can you become a Vampire Lord before Dawnguard?
No, you cannot. The opportunity to become a Vampire Lord is directly tied to the Dawnguard DLC and the quest “Bloodline.”
10. Can you do both sides of Dawnguard and vampire quests?
Not in a single playthrough. You must choose to side with either the Dawnguard or the Volkihar vampires, and that decision locks you into their respective questlines. However, after completing the Dawnguard questline, you can ask Serana to turn you into a Vampire Lord without being kicked out.
11. Will Serana follow you if you choose Dawnguard?
Yes! Serana is a central character in the Dawnguard DLC, and she will become your follower regardless of which side you choose.
12. Can you finish Dawnguard without being Dragonborn?
Yes, absolutely. The Dawnguard DLC is independent of the main quest and the Dragonborn DLC. You can complete it without ever interacting with dragons or traveling to Solstheim.
13. Is there a downside to becoming a vampire in Skyrim?
Yes, there are several downsides. Vampires are weakened by sunlight, which prevents health, stamina, and magicka regeneration. NPCs may also become hostile if you reach the fourth stage of vampirism.
14. Is Vampire Lord or werewolf better?
This is subjective and depends on your playstyle. Vampire Lords are generally considered stronger at higher levels, with a wider range of abilities. Werewolves offer raw power and melee-focused combat.
15. What does the Dragonborn DLC give you?
The Dragonborn DLC introduces new locations, enemies, weapons, armor, and, most notably, the ability to tame and ride dragons. It also expands upon the lore of the Dragonborn and introduces a compelling new antagonist in Miraak.
Final Thoughts: Your Skyrim, Your Choice
Ultimately, the best order to experience the Skyrim DLCs is the one that you find most enjoyable. However, by considering the level scaling, narrative flow, and unique dialogue opportunities, you can craft a more rewarding and immersive adventure. So, grab your sword, prepare your spells, and venture forth into the world of Skyrim!