Table of Contents

Dawnguard or Dragonborn First? A Skyrim DLC Order Guide

Quick answer

This page answers Should you do Dawnguard or Dragonborn first? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

Choosing the order in which to tackle the DLCs for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim can feel like navigating a snow-blind blizzard. Both Dawnguard and Dragonborn offer compelling storylines, new locations, and powerful items. The short answer? It depends on your character level, playstyle, and desired roleplaying experience, but a generally recommended order is Dawnguard first, then Dragonborn. Let’s delve into why.

Deciding on your DLC Order: Factors to Consider

Several elements influence the ideal order for experiencing these add-ons.

Level and Difficulty

The most straightforward reason to consider Dawnguard before Dragonborn is the level requirement and overall difficulty. Dawnguard kicks off at level 10, with enemies and challenges tailored for characters in that range. While you can technically start Dragonborn earlier (the quest triggers after speaking to the Greybeards, which happens relatively early in the main quest), the island of Solstheim and its denizens are significantly tougher. Many players report feeling overwhelmed starting Dragonborn before level 20, or even higher, depending on their build and difficulty setting. The enemies, particularly the cultists and later Miraak, can pose a serious threat to a low-level Dragonborn.

Narrative Flow

From a narrative perspective, the order is less critical, but there are nuances. Dawnguard, with its focus on vampires and vampire hunters, feels more connected to the established world of Skyrim. You’re dealing with a threat to the province itself, and your choices directly impact its citizens. Dragonborn, on the other hand, feels more self-contained and epic. You’re journeying to a new land, confronting an ancient Dragon Priest, and learning more about your own destiny as Dragonborn.

Completing the main quest before Dragonborn allows for some unique dialogue options and reinforces the feeling that you’re a seasoned hero facing a cosmic threat. In this way, experiencing Dawnguard first allows for a smoother transition into the more detached yet grand experience of Dragonborn.

Reward Timing

Dawnguard offers some compelling early-game rewards, particularly if you side with the Dawnguard faction. The Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow, for instance, is one of the best ranged weapons available early on. This timing advantage can significantly improve your combat capabilities throughout the rest of the game, including the tougher challenges of Dragonborn. Furthermore, completing Dawnguard reduces the frequency of vampire attacks in Skyrim’s cities and towns, improving your overall quality of life within the game.

Roleplaying Considerations

Your character’s personality and goals should also factor into your decision. If you’re playing a virtuous, sun-loving character, siding with the Dawnguard early on makes perfect sense. Conversely, if you’re embracing a darker path, embracing vampirism and siding with Lord Harkon may be more appealing. Dragonborn, with its themes of power, destiny, and the allure of forbidden knowledge, can be approached from any alignment, making it more flexible in terms of roleplaying.

The Case for Dawnguard First

Here’s a summary of why tackling Dawnguard before Dragonborn is often recommended:

Lower Level Requirement: More accessible for characters around level 10.
Smoother Difficulty Curve: Eases you into the challenges of the DLC.
Early Rewards: Access to powerful weapons and gear early on.
Reduced Vampire Attacks: Improves the overall Skyrim experience.
Narrative Cohesion: Feels more connected to the main Skyrim storyline initially.

The Case for Dragonborn First

Despite the aforementioned points, there are reasons to consider Dragonborn first:

Escape Skyrim: If you’re feeling burned out by Skyrim’s main landscape, Solstheim offers a refreshing change of scenery.
Dragon Shouts: Early access to new Dragon Shouts on Solstheim.
Unique Enemies: Fight unique enemies and creatures.
Unlocking Skills: New ways to unlock skills and level up.
Less Concern: If you aren’t concerned with character level and love challenges.

Ultimately, It’s Your Adventure

The beauty of Skyrim lies in its freedom. There’s no right or wrong way to experience the DLCs. Experiment, explore, and discover what works best for your Dragonborn. Embrace the chaos, and don’t be afraid to change your mind mid-playthrough! The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey. Games offer us a chance to learn and grow, and the Games Learning Society is committed to researching and promoting the educational and social benefits of gaming. You can learn more at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Dawnguard and Dragonborn DLCs and the order in which to play them:

Can I start Dragonborn immediately after leaving Helgen?

While technically possible, it’s highly discouraged. The enemies in Solstheim will likely overwhelm a very low-level character. It’s best to reach at least level 15-20 before venturing to Solstheim.
What level should I be to start Dawnguard?

Dawnguard is designed for characters around level 10. You’ll likely encounter the first Dawnguard quest giver (Durak) around that level.
Does the order I play the DLCs affect the main questline?

No, the order of the DLCs has no significant impact on the main quest. There are minor dialogue variations based on your progress in the DLCs, but the overall story remains unchanged.
Is it better to side with the Dawnguard or the vampires?

The “better” side depends on your character’s alignment and playstyle. The Dawnguard offers powerful crossbows and anti-vampire weapons, while the Volkihar Clan provides access to Vampire Lord powers and dark magic.
Can I be a vampire and join the Dawnguard?

You can join the Dawnguard as a vampire initially, but you’ll eventually be forced to cure yourself to progress in their questline.
What happens if I complete Dawnguard before the main quest?

Nothing drastic. You’ll simply acquire the Dragon Elder Scroll through the Dawnguard questline. When the main quest requires it, you’ll either still have it or need to reacquire it.
What’s the scariest quest in Skyrim?

That’s subjective, but many players find quests like “Listen to Your Mother” (Dark Brotherhood), “Blood on the Ice” (Windhelm murders), and “Laid to Rest” (Morthal burnt house) particularly creepy. The tone is what makes these quests frightening.
What’s the hardest quest in Skyrim?

Again, subjective, but “The Ebony Warrior” is a notoriously difficult fight. “No Stone Unturned” (collecting all Stones of Barenziah) is also a long and tedious undertaking.
Can I go to Solstheim without starting the Dragonborn quest?

Yes! You can travel to Solstheim by speaking to the captain of the ship the Northern Maiden in Windhelm.
How long does it take to complete the Dragonborn DLC?

The main questline of Dragonborn takes around 6-7 hours. Achieving 100% completion can take upwards of 20 hours.
Are there any level-scaling issues in the Dragonborn DLC?

Yes, some enemies and encounters in Dragonborn scale to your level. This can make them challenging even at higher levels.
If I’m a warrior or archer, should I side with the Dawnguard or Volkihar?

The Dawnguard is generally considered a better fit for warriors and archers due to the powerful crossbows and melee weapons they offer.
Can I cure vampirism after completing the Dawnguard questline?

Yes, you can cure vampirism by seeking out Falion in Morthal.
Can I finish Dawnguard without being Dragonborn?

Yes, you can complete the Dawnguard questline regardless of whether you’ve started or finished the Dragonborn DLC. They are entirely independent.
Will Serana still follow me after completing the Dawnguard questline?

Yes! Serana is an integral part of the Dawnguard story, and she will remain available as a follower even after the main quest is completed.

By considering these factors and exploring the unique offerings of each DLC, you can create a truly personalized and unforgettable Skyrim experience. The best order is the one that you enjoy the most!