Conquer Skyrim’s Darkness: When Should You Join the Dawnguard?
The question of when to join the Dawnguard in Skyrim is a common one, swirling with considerations of character level, build, and personal preference. While the game triggers the Dawnguard questline at level 10, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should jump in immediately. The sweet spot for beginning the Dawnguard DLC generally falls between levels 30 and 40. This provides a balance: you’re strong enough to handle the tougher enemies, possess sufficient skills and perks to maximize your chosen playstyle, and haven’t yet become so overpowered that the challenges lose their luster. Waiting also allows you to develop your character’s backstory and motivation for either aiding or opposing the vampire threat. It also lets you explore other facets of Skyrim before diving into the intensive vampire hunting that awaits.
Why Level Matters in Dawnguard
Difficulty Scaling and Enemy Power
Skyrim employs a dynamic leveling system, meaning the strength of enemies scales, to some extent, with your character’s level. However, the Dawnguard DLC introduces particularly challenging foes, especially the various flavors of vampires, gargoyles, and Death Hounds. Attempting the DLC at level 10, while technically possible, can result in frustratingly difficult encounters, potentially requiring constant kiting and relying heavily on followers.
Gear Acquisition and Crafting
Reaching a higher level before starting Dawnguard gives you a better chance to acquire superior gear, either through looting, purchasing from merchants, or crafting. A well-enchanted set of armor and a powerful weapon make a significant difference in your survivability and damage output. Furthermore, improving your crafting skills like Smithing, Enchanting, and Alchemy provides access to even more powerful equipment and buffs, allowing you to tailor your character to effectively combat the vampire threat.
Skill Development and Perk Allocation
By waiting until a higher level, you’ll have more opportunities to develop your core skills and acquire key perks. For example, a warrior build might focus on skills like One-Handed, Two-Handed, Archery, Block, and Heavy Armor, picking perks that enhance damage, defense, and stamina. A mage build might prioritize Destruction, Conjuration, Restoration, and Alteration, selecting perks that reduce magicka costs, increase spell damage, and improve survivability. Having a well-defined build with relevant perks significantly improves your combat effectiveness against the Dawnguard’s enemies.
Factors Beyond Level: Playstyle and Roleplaying
Character Build and Combat Preference
The ideal level to start Dawnguard also depends on your preferred playstyle. A stealth archer, relying on sneak attacks and ranged damage, might be able to tackle the DLC at a slightly lower level due to their ability to engage enemies from a distance and avoid direct confrontations. A tank-like warrior, focused on absorbing damage and dealing it in close combat, might need to wait until a higher level to ensure they have sufficient health, armor, and resistance to withstand the enemy’s attacks.
Roleplaying Considerations
Ultimately, the decision of when to start Dawnguard can be influenced by your character’s backstory and motivations. A character with a strong sense of justice and a hatred of the undead might be eager to join the Dawnguard as soon as possible, while a character with a more ambiguous moral compass might delay the decision, weighing the pros and cons of each faction. This choice is highly personal and adds a layer of immersion to the experience. GamesLearningSociety.org can offer insight on the intersection of gaming and learning in storytelling.
Dawnguard: Factions, Rewards, and Choices
Joining the Dawnguard
By siding with the Dawnguard, you gain access to Fort Dawnguard and its resources, including specialized weapons and armor, such as the Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow – a favorite among archers. The Dawnguard also offers unique quests and followers, providing a different perspective on the vampire threat.
Embracing the Volkihar Clan
Alternatively, you can choose to join the Volkihar Clan, becoming a Vampire Lord under the guidance of Lord Harkon. This path unlocks powerful vampire abilities, a new skill tree, and access to Castle Volkihar. However, it also comes with disadvantages, such as weakness to sunlight.
Narrative Impact and Character Development
The choice between the Dawnguard and the Volkihar Clan has significant narrative consequences, affecting the storyline, character interactions, and available quests. This decision allows for significant character development and offers a compelling roleplaying opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Starting Dawnguard
1. Can I join the Dawnguard before level 10?
While the Dawnguard quest officially begins at level 10, you can technically visit Fort Dawnguard at any time. However, you won’t receive the quest marker or the official invitation until you reach the required level.
2. Should I join Volkihar or Dawnguard?
The choice depends on your character build and preferences. The Dawnguard is suited for warriors and archers who prefer hunting vampires, while the Volkihar Clan is ideal for those who embrace the power of the Vampire Lord.
3. Does Serana care if you join Dawnguard?
Serana plays a crucial role in the Dawnguard storyline regardless of your chosen faction. She will seek you out, making her a vital character.
4. Is being a vampire worth it in Dawnguard?
Becoming a vampire offers strong abilities, such as Nightstalker’s Footsteps, but it also comes with weaknesses like vulnerability to sunlight. It’s a trade-off that depends on your playstyle.
5. Can you become a Vampire Lord before Dawnguard?
No, you can only become a Vampire Lord as part of the Dawnguard questline, specifically during the quest called Bloodline.
6. Should I play Dragonborn or Dawnguard first?
While the Dragonborn DLC quest is triggered earlier, Dawnguard is generally considered easier and is often recommended to be played first.
7. How do you become a vampire before Dawnguard?
Before starting Dawnguard, you can contract vampirism by taking damage from vampire enemies and contracting Sanguinare Vampiris.
8. Can I join both Dawnguard and vampires?
You can initially work with both factions, but you will eventually have to choose a side. Accepting Harkon’s gift will lead to rejection from the Dawnguard.
9. Can you marry Serana?
Without mods, you cannot marry Serana. However, several mods, such as “Marriable Serana”, allow you to marry her.
10. Can you start Dawnguard as a vampire?
Yes, you can start Dawnguard as a vampire. Both Serana and Harkon have unique dialogue options for vampires.
11. Who is the strongest Dawnguard follower?
Serana is widely regarded as the strongest follower in Skyrim, possessing high levels in multiple combat skills and providing versatile support.
12. Are the Dawnguard good guys?
The Dawnguard is generally considered the “righteous” side, dedicated to protecting the population from vampires. The Volkihar Clan, on the other hand, often engages in activities that harm innocents.
13. What are the disadvantages of being a vampire in Skyrim?
Disadvantages include weakness to sunlight, which inhibits health, stamina, and magicka regeneration. Additionally, NPCs may become hostile toward vampires.
14. Can you join the Dawnguard after killing Harkon?
Yes, after killing Harkon, you can join the Dawnguard if you are not a vampire. If you are a vampire, Castle Volkihar will become your home.
15. Does the Dawnguard accept werewolves?
The Dawnguard primarily targets vampires, so being a werewolf does not prevent you from joining their ranks as long as you haven’t sided with the Volkihar Clan.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Hunt
Ultimately, the best level to start the Dawnguard DLC is a subjective decision, influenced by your character build, playstyle, and roleplaying preferences. Aiming for the level 30-40 range will likely provide the most balanced and enjoyable experience, allowing you to overcome the DLC’s challenges without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you choose to stand with the Dawnguard or embrace the darkness as a Vampire Lord, the Dawnguard DLC offers a compelling and immersive experience that will test your skills and shape your destiny in Skyrim. For insights into the educational aspects of gaming, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.