Should I Join the Dawnguard or Become a Vampire in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
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The age-old question plaguing Dragonborn across the snowy peaks of Skyrim! Should you dedicate yourself to eradicating vampires as a member of the Dawnguard, or embrace the darkness and become a powerful vampire lord under Lord Harkon? The answer, as with many choices in Skyrim, hinges entirely on your playstyle, your character’s build, and your personal preferences. There isn’t a single “right” answer. However, a careful consideration of the benefits, drawbacks, and unique gameplay mechanics of each faction will illuminate the path best suited for your Dragonborn.
Dawnguard vs. Vampire Lord: A Detailed Comparison
Choosing between the Dawnguard and the Volkihar vampires is one of the most significant decisions in the Dawnguard DLC. Let’s break down the key aspects:
1. Roleplaying Perspective
- Dawnguard: If you envision your Dragonborn as a righteous hero, a stalwart defender of the innocent, or a skilled warrior who relishes in slaying evil creatures, the Dawnguard is the natural fit. You’ll be fighting for the greater good, protecting Skyrim’s populace from the growing vampire threat. This aligns well with traditional “good” character archetypes.
- Vampire Lord: Choosing vampirism is for players who enjoy darker themes, morally ambiguous characters, or those who simply want to experience the raw power of a Vampire Lord. It allows you to embrace the role of a predator, lurking in the shadows and preying on the unsuspecting. This is perfect for a sneaky assassin or a powerful mage who doesn’t shy away from using dark magic.
2. Combat Style and Abilities
- Dawnguard: The Dawnguard focuses on conventional combat, enhanced with specialized weapons and armor designed to combat vampires. You’ll primarily rely on bows, crossbows (a Dawnguard exclusive!), swords, axes, and spells. Key benefits include:
- Access to Enhanced Crossbows: Crossbows, especially the enhanced versions with exploding bolts, are incredibly effective against vampires and other undead.
- Sunhallowed Arrows: These special arrows deal massive damage to undead and can create localized sunbursts, further hindering vampires.
- Troll Allies: Armored trolls can be recruited and upgraded, providing valuable tanking and damage support.
- Anti-Vampire Spells: Dawnguard members learn spells specifically designed to damage vampires, such as Stendarr’s Aura.
- Vampire Lord: Becoming a Vampire Lord grants access to a completely new skill tree and transformation ability. In Vampire Lord form, you gain:
- Unique Skill Tree: Unlock powerful abilities like summoning gargoyles, draining life, and turning into a swarm of bats.
- Flight (Sort Of): While not true flight, the Vampire Lord form allows you to hover and quickly traverse short distances.
- Increased Stats: Significant boosts to health, magicka, and stamina while transformed.
- Weakness to Sunlight: This is a major drawback. Spending too much time in sunlight will severely weaken you and hinder your ability to regenerate health, magicka, and stamina. Requires feeding regularly to maintain power.
- Blood Magic: Access to spells that drain the life from your enemies and bolster your own power.
3. Questline and Story
- Dawnguard: The Dawnguard questline revolves around stopping Lord Harkon from fulfilling a prophecy that would plunge Skyrim into eternal darkness. You’ll explore ancient crypts, battle powerful vampires, and work alongside Isran, the gruff but determined leader of the Dawnguard. The storyline emphasizes a sense of duty and heroism.
- Vampire Lord: Joining the Volkihar vampires puts you at the center of Harkon’s plans. You’ll work alongside his family, including his enigmatic daughter Serana, to achieve his goals. The storyline delves into the complex relationships within the vampire court and the consequences of embracing immortality. This path allows you to see the vampire’s perspective on the conflict.
4. Societal Impact and Interactions
- Dawnguard: As a member of the Dawnguard, you’ll generally be viewed favorably by the citizens of Skyrim. Guards will be more welcoming, and merchants will be more likely to offer you discounts. There are no real downsides to your societal standing.
- Vampire Lord: Being a vampire carries significant societal consequences. Guards will attack you on sight if you’re caught feeding, and many NPCs will react negatively to your presence. You’ll need to be careful about who you interact with and when. Also, being a vampire and not feeding for long enough will cause you to be attacked on sight by guards and commoners alike.
5. Transformations and Customization
- Dawnguard: While the Dawnguard doesn’t offer a specific transformation, it provides access to the Aetherial Crown, which allows you to equip two Standing Stones at once, providing enhanced abilities based on your choices.
- Vampire Lord: The Vampire Lord form is highly customizable through the skill tree. You can tailor your abilities to focus on melee combat, magic, or a combination of both. The form can be enhanced through Rings and Amulets found throughout the questline.
The Verdict: Which Path Should You Choose?
If you value heroic gameplay, fighting for good, and access to powerful anti-vampire weapons, the Dawnguard is the clear choice. If you prefer darker themes, unconventional combat, and the sheer power of a Vampire Lord, then embrace the Volkihar clan. Consider your character’s background, your preferred playstyle, and the type of story you want to experience. No matter what your choice, make sure to think it through and enjoy the game.
Remember to explore the world of Skyrim beyond the main storyline. You might even learn a thing or two about the world through the Games Learning Society, and it could enhance your gameplay experience! Check them out at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Their research highlights the educational potential hidden within games like Skyrim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I change my mind after joining a faction?
Yes, to a degree. If you initially choose to become a Vampire Lord and later regret it, you can seek out Aela the Huntress (a Companion) to become a Werewolf, overwriting your vampirism. However, if you become a Vampire Lord again after this (or if you initially joined the Dawnguard), Serana can transform you back into a Vampire Lord. You can cure vampirism by completing the quest “Rising at Dawn.”
2. What are the weaknesses of being a Vampire Lord?
The primary weakness is sunlight. Being exposed to sunlight will severely weaken you, reduce your regeneration, and negatively impact your stats. Fire is also a significant weakness.
3. What are the benefits of being a Vampire Lord?
Increased stats, access to a unique skill tree, the ability to transform into a powerful form, and enhanced stealth capabilities. You also gain resistance to diseases and poison.
4. How do I feed as a Vampire Lord?
You can feed on sleeping NPCs by selecting the “Feed” option when interacting with them. There are also other ways to regain your Vampiric strength and vitality, so be sure to experiment!
5. What are the best weapons for the Dawnguard?
Enhanced crossbows with exploding bolts are incredibly effective against vampires. Sunhallowed arrows are also invaluable. Conventional weapons like swords, axes, and bows can also be useful.
6. What are the best perks for the Vampire Lord skill tree?
This depends on your playstyle. Power of the Grave (increased health in Vampire Lord form) is always a good choice. Poison Talons can be incredibly powerful. Blood Healing is another vital perk.
7. Does joining the Dawnguard prevent me from completing other quests?
No. Joining the Dawnguard does not lock you out of other quests in Skyrim. However, some vampire-related quests may be unavailable or altered.
8. Does becoming a Vampire Lord affect my standing with other factions?
Generally, no. However, some NPCs may react negatively to your vampirism, especially if you’re caught feeding. Guards will attack you if you are too far into the vampire stage (which is cured by feeding on someone).
9. Can I still become a werewolf after joining the Dawnguard or becoming a Vampire Lord?
You can become a werewolf if you initially choose to become a Vampire Lord. Aela the Huntress will give you the option. If you are already a werewolf and then become a Vampire Lord, your werewolf form will be overwritten. There is no way to become a werewolf after joining the Dawnguard unless you were already a werewolf, then were turned into a Vampire Lord, then asked Aela to turn you back into a werewolf again.
10. Is Serana a good companion?
Absolutely! Serana is widely regarded as one of the best companions in Skyrim. She’s a powerful mage, has a compelling backstory, and her dialogue is well-written. She also cannot die, making her a great companion to bring on any quest.
11. How do I cure vampirism?
Complete the quest “Rising at Dawn” by speaking to Falion in Morthal. This requires a filled Black Soul Gem.
12. What are the best armor sets for the Dawnguard?
The Dawnguard armor is a solid choice, especially when fully upgraded. Heavy armor wearers may prefer the Ebony Mail for its poison cloak effect.
13. Can I marry Serana?
Unfortunately, no. Serana is not a marriageable character in Skyrim. This is a common request among fans, but Bethesda has not added this feature to the game.
14. Are there any unique items exclusive to the Dawnguard?
Yes. Enhanced crossbows, Sunhallowed arrows, and various anti-vampire weapons and spells are exclusive to the Dawnguard.
15. Does the GamesLearningSociety.org have any information about the Dawnguard or vampires in Skyrim?
While Games Learning Society doesn’t specifically focus on individual quests or factions, their research explores how games like Skyrim can teach valuable skills like problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking. Exploring the game world and choosing between the Dawnguard and vampires can contribute to these skills. GamesLearningSociety.org provides insights into the broader educational potential of gaming.