Which DLC to Play First in Skyrim?
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a magnificent game that offers a vast open world to explore, a rich storyline, and plenty of exciting content. One of the most significant aspects of Skyrim is its DLCs (Downloadable Content), which enhance the game’s replay value and add new experiences to the mix. With four DLCs available, choosing the right order to play them can be daunting. In this article, we’ll explore the most recommended order to play the Skyrim DLCs, ensuring an enjoyable experience without any major spoilers.
Main Quest and Dawnguard Order
According to Bethesda’s release dates and story progression, we recommend playing the DLCs in the following order:
- Main Quest: Complete the main storyline before jumping into the DLCs.
- Dawnguard: Play the Dawnguard DLC after completing the main quest, as it introduces Serana, a crucial character in the Elder Scrolls lore.
Why Choose This Order?
By completing the main quest first, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the game’s world, characters, and story. This foundation will help you appreciate the Dawnguard DLC, which builds upon the main narrative. Additionally, playing Dawnguard after the main quest allows you to participate in the Vampire Lord’s side quest, which is closely tied to the main storyline.
Hearthfire and Dragonborn Order
After completing the Dawnguard DLC, you can start playing the Hearthfire and Dragonborn DLCs in any order you prefer. Here’s a suggested order:
- Hearthfire: Play Hearthfire first, as it focuses on building homes, adopting children, and exploring your character’s domestic side.
- Dragonborn: Play the Dragonborn DLC last, as it concludes the series and provides a thrilling conclusion to your Skyrim experience.
Why Choose This Order?
Hearthfire adds a new layer of depth to your character by allowing you to build homes and adopt children. Playing it second allows you to appreciate the domestic side of your character’s life after experiencing the intense battles and adventures of Dawnguard.
The Dragonborn DLC: A Thrilling Conclusion
The Dragonborn DLC wraps up the Skyrim story, featuring a new landmass, Paarthurnax, and an epic battle against Alduin. To fully appreciate the story, play it last, as it is designed to be the culmination of your journey.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Console Commands: If you’re having trouble accessing the Castle Volkihar in Dawnguard, use the console command ‘coc VolkiharTower’ to teleport there.
- Dragonborn’s Connection to Main Quest: The Dragonborn DLC ties into the main quest, so ensure you’ve completed the main storyline before playing it.
- Hearthfire’s Flexibility: Hearthfire allows you to build homes and adopt children at any point in the game, making it a great DLC to play whenever you want.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our recommended order for playing the Skyrim DLCs is:
- Main Quest
- Dawnguard
- Hearthfire
- Dragonborn
This order ensures a cohesive experience, as each DLC builds upon the previous one, and you’ll appreciate the narrative and gameplay enhancements they offer. Follow this guide, and you’ll be set for an unforgettable adventure in the world of Skyrim!
Table: Skyrim DLC Order
| DLC | Recommended Order | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Dawnguard | 2. After Main Quest | Builds upon the main narrative and introduces Serana |
| Hearthfire | 3. After Dawnguard | Adds depth to your character’s domestic life |
| Dragonborn | 4. Last | Wraps up the Skyrim story and provides an epic conclusion |
Bullet Points: Remember to:
- Complete the main quest before playing the DLCs
- Play Dawnguard after completing the main quest
- Play Hearthfire and Dragonborn in any order
- Use console commands to access blocked areas (if needed)
- Appreciate the narrative and gameplay enhancements each DLC offers