Dawnguard or Volkihar: Making the Right Choice in Skyrim’s DLC
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So, you’re standing at the precipice of a major decision in Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC: Dawnguard or Volkihar? The answer, like most things in Skyrim, isn’t a simple one. It depends entirely on your playstyle, your character’s build, and your personal preferences. If you favor righteous hunter gameplay, the Dawnguard is arguably the way to go. You gain access to the enhanced Dwarven Crossbow, strong restoration spells, armored trolls, and the satisfaction of vanquishing vampires. If you lean towards dark, stealthy, or magically inclined characters, the Volkihar Clan might be more appealing. The Vampire Lord transformation is incredibly powerful, and you’ll gain access to unique vampiric abilities and powers.
Ultimately, consider what aligns most with your existing character and preferred combat style. Both factions offer unique experiences and rewards, so there’s no definitive “right” answer.
Understanding the Dawnguard
What Does the Dawnguard Offer?
The Dawnguard, resurrected to combat the rising vampire threat, offers a compelling storyline centered around hunting and eradicating the Volkihar Clan. Joining them provides several key advantages:
- Crossbows: A primary draw for many, crossbows offer significant damage, especially against vampires. The Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow is a particularly powerful weapon.
- Fort Dawnguard: A well-equipped base of operations.
- Restoration Spells: The Dawnguard provides access to unique restoration spells, specifically effective against undead. These are invaluable for combatting vampires and other creatures of the night.
- Armored Trolls and Huskies: Gain access to armored trolls and huskies as followers, which can bolster your combat effectiveness, especially early in the game.
- Moral High Ground: If you prefer playing a “good” character, the Dawnguard aligns with that ideal.
Key Considerations for Choosing the Dawnguard
If these factors resonate with you, siding with the Dawnguard is a sound choice:
- Archery Focus: If your character relies heavily on archery, the Dawnguard’s crossbows are a game-changer.
- “Good Guy” Playthrough: If you want to embody a heroic archetype, the Dawnguard’s mission is inherently righteous.
- Tactical Combat: Crossbows and armored followers favor a more strategic approach to combat.
Why Some Players Might Prefer Volkihar
While the Dawnguard offers numerous benefits, the Volkihar Clan presents a compelling alternative, especially for players drawn to darker themes and powerful vampiric abilities. Siding with them grants access to the Vampire Lord transformation, unique vampiric abilities, powerful rings, and the chance to embrace the darkness. But, this choice alters your relationship with the inhabitants of Skyrim. Some might fear you more, and you’ll be more susceptible to sunlight.
Ultimately, your choice should align with the roleplaying experience you desire. Are you embracing a life of hunting evil, or are you becoming the evil yourself?
Can You Still Be a Vampire Lord with the Dawnguard?
A common concern is whether joining the Dawnguard locks you out of becoming a Vampire Lord. The answer is no. During the questline, Serana can offer you vampirism even if you initially side with the Dawnguard.
FAQs About Choosing Between Dawnguard and Volkihar
1. What are the key differences in questlines?
The main questline differs significantly depending on your choice. The Dawnguard questline focuses on hunting and eliminating vampires, while the Volkihar questline involves furthering the vampire’s goals.
2. Are the rewards significantly different?
Yes, the rewards differ. The Dawnguard offers crossbow upgrades, restoration spells, and the ability to summon armored trolls and huskies. The Volkihar Clan provides unique rings that enhance vampiric abilities and access to the Vampire Lord form’s powers and abilities. While the quest rewards are slightly better for Dawnguard, the Vampire Lord has significant powers to offer.
3. Can I switch sides later?
No, you cannot switch sides once you make your initial choice to join either the Dawnguard or the Volkihar Clan during the “Bloodline” quest.
4. Does my race matter?
No, your race doesn’t directly influence which side you should choose. Any race can benefit from the advantages offered by either faction. However, consider how your character’s racial abilities might synergize with the abilities offered by each side. For example, a Nord’s resistance to frost might make them a formidable Vampire Lord.
5. What level should I be to start the Dawnguard DLC?
You can start the Dawnguard DLC at any level, but it is generally recommended to be at least level 10 or higher. This ensures you can handle the tougher enemies and quests.
6. Will joining the Dawnguard affect my ability to become a werewolf?
No, joining the Dawnguard does not prevent you from becoming a werewolf. You can still acquire lycanthropy through the Companions questline in Whiterun. However, you can’t be both a Vampire Lord and a werewolf simultaneously without specific exploits or mods.
7. Can I marry Serana?
Unfortunately, you cannot marry Serana without using mods. She is a popular character, and several mods exist that allow you to marry her. An internet search for Skyrim mods for Serana could help you find what you need. You can also search for other Dawnguard candidates to marry through the use of a mod.
8. What happens if I refuse Harkon’s offer?
If you refuse Harkon’s offer to become a Vampire Lord, you will be banished from Castle Volkihar and unable to return. You’ll then need to return to Isran at Fort Dawnguard to continue the questline from their perspective.
9. Can I cure Serana’s vampirism?
Yes, you can cure Serana of her vampirism after completing the Dawnguard DLC by taking her to Falion in Morthal.
10. Does the Dawnguard accept werewolves?
Yes, the Dawnguard will accept you even if you are a werewolf. They are primarily concerned with eradicating vampires, not werewolves.
11. What are the benefits of being a Vampire Lord?
Being a Vampire Lord grants access to a unique skill tree, powerful abilities, and increased resistances. You also gain the ability to transform into a powerful bat-like creature, capable of draining life from enemies. Nightstalker’s Footsteps makes the Dragonborn 25 percent harder to detect when they’re sneaking.
12. Is it better to side with the Dawnguard or Vampires for a stealth archer build?
Both sides offer benefits for a stealth archer. The Dawnguard’s crossbows provide superior ranged damage, while the Vampire Lord’s Nightstalker’s Footsteps ability enhances sneaking. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prioritize raw damage or improved stealth.
13. Can I still do quests for the “other” side after choosing a faction?
No, once you commit to either the Dawnguard or the Volkihar Clan, you cannot complete quests specific to the opposing faction.
14. Are there any significant story differences based on my choice?
Yes, the story unfolds differently depending on your chosen side. You’ll experience different perspectives on the conflict and interact with different characters.
15. Where can I learn more about the impact of games on learning?
To delve deeper into the connection between gaming and education, explore the valuable resources and research available at the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org strives to understand and improve the games and learning ecosystem.