Should I Finish the Main Quest Before Dawnguard?
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an open-world, action-packed game that offers a vast array of quests, characters, and storylines to explore. One of the most popular DLCs (Downloadable Content) for the game is Dawnguard, which introduces a new storyline, characters, and gameplay mechanics. But, before diving into Dawnguard, you may be wondering: should I finish the main quest before starting the DLC?
The Answer
In short, the answer is no, you don’t necessarily need to finish the main quest before starting Dawnguard. In fact, you can start Dawnguard at any point in the game, as long as you meet the level requirement of 10. However, finishing the main quest can provide a more cohesive and enjoyable experience, especially if you’re new to the game or haven’t played it before.
Why Finish the Main Quest?
There are several reasons why you may want to finish the main quest before starting Dawnguard:
- Cohesive Storyline: The main quest is designed to take you through the story of Skyrim, introducing you to the world, its characters, and its lore. Finishing the main quest provides a sense of closure and resolution, making it easier to jump into Dawnguard and its own storyline.
- Character Development: As you progress through the main quest, your character will develop and grow, gaining new abilities, skills, and equipment. Finishing the main quest can help you feel more prepared for the challenges of Dawnguard.
- Gameplay Mechanics: Dawnguard introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as vampirism and werewolf transformations. Finishing the main quest can help you understand the game’s core mechanics and make it easier to adapt to the new features in Dawnguard.
Why Not Finish the Main Quest?
On the other hand, there are also reasons why you may not want to finish the main quest before starting Dawnguard:
- Dawnguard is a Self-Contained Storyline: Dawnguard has its own storyline, characters, and plot twists, which can be enjoyed independently of the main quest. You don’t need to finish the main quest to appreciate the DLC.
- New Gameplay Mechanics: Dawnguard introduces new gameplay mechanics that can be enjoyed without finishing the main quest. For example, you can become a vampire or werewolf and experience the unique challenges and benefits that come with it.
- Start Fresh: If you’re feeling stuck or burnt out on the main quest, starting Dawnguard can be a fresh start. You can create a new character or continue with your existing one, and experience a new storyline and gameplay mechanics.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not to finish the main quest before starting Dawnguard is up to you. If you’re new to the game or want a cohesive storyline, finishing the main quest may be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a fresh start or want to experience the new gameplay mechanics and storyline of Dawnguard, you can start the DLC at any point in the game.
Table: Comparison of Main Quest and Dawnguard
| Main Quest | Dawnguard | |
|---|---|---|
| Storyline | Core storyline of Skyrim | Self-contained storyline |
| Gameplay Mechanics | Core gameplay mechanics | New gameplay mechanics (vampirism, werewolf transformations) |
| Character Development | Character development and growth | New character development and growth |
| Level Requirement | No level requirement | Level 10 required |
| Start Point | Any point in the game | Any point in the game |
References
- "Should I finish the main quest before Dawnguard?" on Vintageisthenewold.com
- "The Cons Of Becoming A Vampire" on Screenrant.com
- "Dawnguard FAQ" on UESP.net
I hope this article provides a helpful overview of whether or not to finish the main quest before starting Dawnguard.