Should You Do Dawnguard Before or After the Main Quest?
The Dawnguard DLC is an exciting addition to the world of Skyrim, offering a new storyline and gameplay mechanics that enhance the overall experience. However, many players are unsure about when they should complete the main quest and when they should start the Dawnguard. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of completing the Dawnguard before or after the main quest, helping you make an informed decision.
When Can You Start the Dawnguard?
Before we dive into the discussion, it’s essential to know when you can start the Dawnguard. You can automatically start the Dawnguard quest at level 10. This is a significant point, as it allows you to choose when you want to start the DLC. If you’re a beginner, you might want to complete the main quest first, while more experienced players might want to jump straight into the Dawnguard.
Pros of Completing the Dawnguard Before the Main Quest
• No Spoilers: By completing the Dawnguard first, you won’t encounter any spoilers from the main quest. The Dawnguard has its own unique storyline, which you can enjoy without any knowledge of the main quest’s plot.
• Enhanced Immersion: Completing the Dawnguard first can enhance your immersion in the game. The DLC introduces new locations, characters, and gameplay mechanics, which can make the game feel fresh and exciting.
• More Flexible Gameplay: With the Dawnguard completed first, you’ll have more freedom to choose how you want to play the game. You can focus on the main quest or explore other storylines and side quests.
Cons of Completing the Dawnguard Before the Main Quest
• Missed Opportunities: By completing the Dawnguard first, you might miss out on opportunities to join the Dawnguard after killing Harkon. This could limit your ability to interact with certain characters and locations.
• Out of Order Storytelling: Completing the Dawnguard before the main quest can lead to out-of-order storytelling. You might encounter characters and locations from the main quest before they’re properly introduced, which can disrupt your sense of progression.
Pros of Completing the Main Quest Before the Dawnguard
• Logical Story Progression: Completing the main quest first ensures a logical story progression. You’ll experience the game’s story in the intended order, with each quest building upon the previous one.
• More Meaningful Dawnguard Experience: By completing the main quest first, you’ll appreciate the Dawnguard’s storyline more. You’ll have a better understanding of the world and its characters, making the DLC’s plot more impactful.
Cons of Completing the Main Quest Before the Dawnguard
• Less Flexibility: Completing the main quest first can limit your flexibility in terms of gameplay. You’ll be more invested in the main storyline, making it harder to switch to the Dawnguard’s questline.
• Less Immersive Experience: Some players might find that completing the main quest first makes the Dawnguard feel less immersive. The DLC’s unique storyline and mechanics might be overshadowed by the main quest’s plot.
In Conclusion
Whether you should complete the Dawnguard before or after the main quest is ultimately up to personal preference. Both approaches have their pros and cons, and it’s essential to weigh these factors before making a decision.
If you want to experience the Dawnguard’s unique storyline and gameplay mechanics, completing it before the main quest might be the way to go. However, if you’re more invested in the main quest and want to experience the game’s story in the intended order, completing the main quest first is a better option.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how you want to experience Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC.