Can you start Dawnguard before the main quest?

Can You Start Dawnguard Before the Main Quest?

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an open-world fantasy role-playing game that offers players a vast array of quests, characters, and storylines to explore. One of the most popular DLCs (Downloadable Content) for the game is Dawnguard, which adds a new storyline and gameplay mechanics to the game. But have you ever wondered if you can start Dawnguard before completing the main quest? In this article, we’ll delve into the details and provide you with a comprehensive answer.

Main Quest vs. Dawnguard

Before we dive into the answer, let’s briefly discuss the main quest and Dawnguard. The main quest is the primary storyline of the game, which follows the Dragonborn as they try to defeat Alduin the World-Eater and save the world from destruction. Dawnguard, on the other hand, is a DLC that adds a new storyline and gameplay mechanics to the game. It introduces a new faction, the Dawnguard, and a new threat to the world of Skyrim.

Can You Start Dawnguard Before the Main Quest?

According to various sources, including the UESP (Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages) and GameFAQs, you can start Dawnguard before completing the main quest. However, there are some caveats to consider.

Starting Dawnguard Before the Main Quest

If you choose to start Dawnguard before completing the main quest, you’ll still be able to access the Dawnguard storyline and gameplay mechanics. However, you may encounter some bugs or glitches that can affect your gameplay experience.

Bugs and Glitches

As mentioned earlier, starting Dawnguard before the main quest can cause some bugs and glitches. For example, you may encounter issues with the game’s quest system, NPC behavior, or even crashes. These bugs can be frustrating, but they are generally minor and can be fixed by reloading a saved game or restarting the game.

Consequences of Starting Dawnguard Before the Main Quest

Starting Dawnguard before the main quest can also have some consequences on your gameplay experience. For example:

• Storyline: Starting Dawnguard before the main quest can disrupt the storyline of the game. You may encounter characters or events that are out of order or don’t make sense in the context of the main quest.
• Quests: You may encounter quests or missions that are not relevant to the main quest or Dawnguard storyline. These quests can be skipped or ignored, but they can also provide valuable rewards and experience points.
• NPCs: Starting Dawnguard before the main quest can also affect the behavior of NPCs (non-player characters). Some NPCs may not be present or may behave differently than they would in the main quest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can start Dawnguard before the main quest, but there are some caveats to consider. Starting Dawnguard before the main quest can cause bugs and glitches, disrupt the storyline, and affect the behavior of NPCs. However, these issues are generally minor and can be fixed by reloading a saved game or restarting the game.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you navigate the Dawnguard DLC:

• Complete the main quest before starting Dawnguard: While it’s possible to start Dawnguard before the main quest, it’s recommended to complete the main quest first to avoid any potential bugs or glitches.
• Save frequently: Save your game frequently to avoid losing progress in case of a bug or glitch.
• Use mods: Mods can help fix bugs and glitches, and can also add new content to the game. However, be careful when using mods, as they can also cause problems with the game.
• Join the Dawnguard faction: Joining the Dawnguard faction can provide you with new quests, rewards, and gameplay mechanics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about starting Dawnguard before the main quest:

• Q: Can I start Dawnguard before completing the main quest?
  A: Yes, you can start Dawnguard before completing the main quest. However, there are some caveats to consider.
• Q: Will I encounter bugs or glitches if I start Dawnguard before the main quest?
  A: Yes, you may encounter bugs or glitches if you start Dawnguard before the main quest. These issues are generally minor and can be fixed by reloading a saved game or restarting the game.
• Q: Will starting Dawnguard before the main quest affect the storyline or quests?
  A: Yes, starting Dawnguard before the main quest can affect the storyline or quests. You may encounter characters or events that are out of order or don’t make sense in the context of the main quest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, starting Dawnguard before the main quest is possible, but it’s recommended to complete the main quest first to avoid any potential bugs or glitches. With these tips and tricks, you can navigate the Dawnguard DLC and enjoy a fun and rewarding gameplay experience.