Should You Do Dawnguard Before the Main Quest in Skyrim?
Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an action role-playing game that offers its players a vast open world to explore, filled with engaging quests, characters, and storylines. One of the major DLCs for Skyrim, Dawnguard, introduces a new storyline focused on vampires and werewolves. But the question that remains is: should you complete Dawnguard before finishing the main questline of the game?
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of completing Dawnguard before the main quest. We will also provide recommendations based on your gaming style and preferences.
Background and Storyline of Dawnguard
Dawnguard is a 40-hour DLC that picks up where the main story ends. The quest focuses on the player character ( Dragonborn) who stumbles upon a group called the Dawnguard, which is dedicated to defending humanity against the vampire empire, the Volkihar clan. The story starts in the town of Snow Veil Sanctum where you meet the leader, Isran, who pleads for your help. This sets off a complex narrative that involves battling ancient dragons, vampires, werewolves, and saving humanity from extinction.
When to Complete Dawnguard
Level Dependency
Dawnguard can be completed at different stages of the game depending on your level. Bethesda’s design allows players to tackle the DLC at whatever point they feel comfortable in terms of level and equipped.
Main Quest Complimentarity
Finishing the main quest might require you to level up further, which means having sufficient experience and gear from previous quests. This synergy provides a more cohesive playing experience, as the additional gear and abilities gained by finishing the main quest give you a better chance against the formidable enemies in the Dawnguard.
Cons of Completing Dawnguard Before the Main Quest
Difficulty Changes
Dawnguard offers a significant difficulty leap in comparison to the standard main quest. You face tough enemies, like advanced vampires and werewolves, which can be particularly challenging if you’re early in the game. Completing it at a lower level (and without the main quest upgrades) might result in excessive difficulty and frustration. On the other hand, the main quest provides a solid experience pool to help you excel against these enemies.
No Impact on Main Storyline
Dawnguard offers some unique story elements not available in the main storyline, but it doesn’t drastically alter the main tale or its conclusion. You won’t encounter any major spoilers that alter the overall story pacing, so you can rest assured that completing Dawnguard won’t spoil or interfere with the main experience.
Pros of Completing Dawnguard Before the Main Quest
Branching Storylines
Once you complete Dawnguard, you’ll have branches and side quests to attend to, which might open new storylines or options to explore. These off-shoots provide new dialogue, characters, and opportunities to engage with existing world lore.
Fresh and Exciting Gameplay Experience
Dawnguard adds a fresh layer of strategic complexity to the game. Conquering the night alongside a new set of alliances will give you a changed dynamic to explore the gameworld. You’ll receive additional skills, powers, and abilities that complement existing perks, making your experiences and battles more exciting and enjoyable.
Ultimate Verdict
Based on these points, it becomes evident that completing Dawnguard before the main quest should depend on your own preference and gaming style:
- Play safely and level up first. If you’re sensitive about difficulty, it’s advisable to power through the main quest or levels 10-15 in a safe environment.
- Explore freely after completing the main story. Once you wrap up the main storyline and your character is adequately levveled, you can fully dedicate yourself to Dawnguard and its unique storyline. By then, you’re better equipped to overcome challenges and will maximize your enjoyment without compromise.
Additional Factors
- Time committed. If you wish to complete Dawnguard on a lower level but fear it might impact enjoyment, consider the time constraint.
- Play preference. If you’re keen on exploring a changed environment and new gameplay features before finishing the main narrative, Dawnguard after completing the main quest or once you’ve leveled sufficiently up.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Dawnguard is a notable extension to the Skyrim package that offers a rich additional narrative and gameplay experience. As you weigh the decisions in this article, focus on your gaming preferences for level, play, or storyline to suitably integrate Dawnguard. If you choose Dawnguard first, follow through with the main storyline when you’re prepared or later in the game and see how the new gear, abilities, and play styles enhance your experience as Dragonborn.
By analyzing this article, you might ask yourself:
- Would I prefer a distinct departure from the main gameplay? (Dawnguard)
- Have I completed the main story without any major concerns in level or difficulty?
- Am I craving variety in my gaming setup with new skills, roles, and storylines?
Before making your final determination, consider the Ultimate Verdict’s suggestions and adapt those conclusions to your individual perspectives for an optimal experience that reflects your gaming preferences within The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.