The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim continues to capture the imaginations of gamers years after its release. Its massive open world, rich lore, and the freedom to forge your own path contribute to its enduring appeal. One of the most compelling choices players face comes with the Dawnguard DLC: Do you side with the noble vampire hunters of the Dawnguard, or embrace the darkness as a Vampire Lord?
The Dawnguard DLC injects a surge of fresh content into Skyrim, including new characters, formidable dragons, and a host of unique abilities. But the heart of the expansion lies in the conflict between the Dawnguard and the Volkihar vampires, led by the powerful Lord Harkon. This choice isn’t just cosmetic; it fundamentally alters your gameplay experience.
So, which side should you choose? This article offers a comprehensive comparison of the Dawnguard and the vampire factions in Skyrim, weighing the pros and cons of each. We’ll explore how your decision impacts quests, character development, and the overall flow of the game. Whether you crave righteous vengeance or crave immortal power, this guide will help you make an informed choice in the eternal battle between vampire vs dawnguard.
The Dawnguard: Vigilant Protectors of Skyrim
The Dawnguard are essentially the Van Helsing crew of Skyrim. Operating out of Fort Dawnguard, these dedicated vampire hunters are all about eradicating the vampire menace wherever it rises.
Origins and Ideology
The Dawnguard’s history is steeped in the tradition of defending the innocent from the predations of vampires. They’re not just some ragtag group of monster hunters, though. They employ specialized weapons and combat tactics honed over generations to effectively combat these creatures of the night. Their motivation is simple: protect the people of Skyrim from the growing threat of vampirism.
Benefits of Joining the Dawnguard
So, why would you want to join these guys? Here’s the lowdown:
- Unique Weapons and Equipment: Joining the Dawnguard grants you access to Fort Dawnguard, their base of operations, and a whole armory of specialized gear. The Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow is a prime example, along with a variety of Dwarven Bolts, including the Exploding Dwarven Bolts for those extra-satisfying vampire takedowns.
- Powerful Allies and Companions: You’ll gain access to formidable followers like Armored Trolls, ready to smash anything that gets in your way. Plus, you can recruit Huskies like Bran and Sceolang as loyal companions to sniff out those pesky vampires.
- Enhanced Combat Skills: The Dawnguard offers unique quests and training designed to improve your vampire hunting skills. You’ll learn new tactics and strategies to effectively combat vampires and other undead creatures.
Drawbacks of Joining the Dawnguard
Of course, there’s a price to pay for all that vampire-slaying goodness:
- Limited Vampire Abilities: If you’re thinking of embracing the dark side and becoming a Vampire Lord, joining the Dawnguard is not the way to go. You’ll be locked out of those sweet vampire powers.
- Vampire Hostility: Be prepared to face hostility from vampires throughout Skyrim. Once you’re branded as a Dawnguard, vampires will attack you on sight.
- Quest Restrictions: Joining the Dawnguard may make certain quests unavailable, particularly those that align with vampire interests.
The Volkihar Clan: Masters of the Night
If you’re drawn to the allure of darkness and power, siding with the Volkihar Clan might be your path in Skyrim. Led by the ancient and formidable Lord Harkon, the Volkihar are a clan of pure-blooded vampires with a long and bloody history. But what exactly does joining them entail?
Origins and Ideology
The Volkihar Clan isn’t just a group of vampires; they’re an ancient power with a grand ambition: to shroud Skyrim in eternal darkness. They see mortals as mere cattle, a source of sustenance to be exploited. Survival for them means dominance, fueled by blood and dark magic. They are masters of necromancy, raising the dead to serve their will and wielding powerful spells that manipulate blood and shadow.
Benefits of Joining the Volkihar Clan
Choosing the Volkihar offers some unique and compelling advantages:
- Vampire Lord Transformation: You gain the ability to transform into a Vampire Lord, unlocking devastating powers and a unique skill tree. Imagine swooping down on your enemies as a monstrous bat-like creature, draining their life force with ease.
- Exclusive Quests and Location: You’ll gain access to Castle Volkihar, a sprawling fortress hidden away in a remote corner of Skyrim, along with a series of radiant quests exclusive to the vampire faction.
- Blood Magic and Shadow Manipulation: As a Volkihar vampire, you’ll master spells and abilities that manipulate blood and shadow, allowing you to control your enemies and dominate the battlefield. Unique Vampire Lord skill tree perks will make you even more powerful.
- Control Over Castle Volkihar: You’ll have access to the castle’s resources, including vampire-specific items and crafting stations, allowing you to create powerful weapons and armor to further enhance your abilities.
Drawbacks of Joining the Volkihar Clan
The path of a vampire is not without its challenges:
- Sunlight Vulnerability: Like all vampires, you’ll be weakened by sunlight, reducing your abilities and making daytime travel dangerous. You’ll need to find ways to mitigate this weakness, such as traveling at night or using spells to shield yourself from the sun.
- Hostility from Mortals: Many NPCs in towns and cities will react negatively to your vampiric nature, making it difficult to interact with them. Guards may attack you on sight, and you’ll face discrimination and prejudice from the general population.
- Loss of Dawnguard Content: Choosing the Volkihar means losing access to the Dawnguard-specific quests, equipment, and locations. This includes powerful weapons and armor that are designed to fight vampires, as well as the ability to recruit Dawnguard members as followers.
Gameplay and Quest Differences
The choice between the Volkihar vampires and the Dawnguard isn’t just about aesthetics or moral alignment; it fundamentally alters your gameplay experience. You’ll be facing different enemies, using different skills, and embarking on completely different questlines, depending on which side you pick.
Main Quest Variations
The core storyline of the Dawnguard DLC splits pretty early on, depending on your choice. Both factions are trying to prevent the prophecy of the Tyranny of the Sun, but how they go about it is completely different. The walkthroughs for the two questlines are distinct, because you’ll be sent to different locations, facing different challenges, and ultimately working toward different goals.
Key quest differences are plentiful. For example, the Dawnguard are actively recruiting and building up their fort, while the vampires are consolidating power within their castle. Each side has unique objectives; vampires might be tasked with turning specific individuals, while the Dawnguard are hunting down vampire lairs. The rewards also differ significantly, ranging from unique weapons and armor to powerful spells and abilities.
Side Quests and Radiant Quests
Beyond the main quest, each faction offers unique side quests. The vampires, naturally, get access to quests that involve feeding, recruiting new members, and generally furthering their influence in Skyrim. The Dawnguard side quests revolve around hunting down vampires, rescuing civilians, and destroying vampire strongholds.
Both factions heavily utilize the radiant quest system, a feature that provides a continuous stream of procedurally generated tasks. These radiant quests ensure that you always have something to do and offer a steady source of experience and rewards. While the content of the radiant quests might be similar (go here, kill this), the context and flavor are distinct, reflecting the values and goals of each faction.
Skills and Abilities
Perhaps the most significant gameplay difference lies in the skills and abilities available to each faction. Choosing the vampires unlocks the Vampire Lord skill tree, a completely unique set of perks and powers that transform you into a winged monstrosity. You can unlock abilities like summoning gargoyles, draining life, and transforming into a mist form.
The Dawnguard, on the other hand, focus on anti-vampire weaponry and tactics. They gain access to powerful crossbows, enhanced with elemental bolts, and learn new ways to exploit vampire weaknesses. While they don’t have a transformation skill tree, they gain access to powerful enchantments and blessings that enhance their combat prowess.
It’s worth noting that the Werewolf skill tree, while not directly tied to either faction, offers a contrasting playstyle to the Vampire Lord. The Totems of Terror, Predator, Ice Brothers, and the Moon offer varied werewolf transformations, providing an alternative beastial path.
Choosing a Side: Things to Consider
Picking between the Dawnguard and the Volkihar vampires isn’t just about choosing a side; it’s about shaping your entire Skyrim experience. Here’s what you should think about before making your choice:
How do you like to play?
Do you prefer sniping enemies from afar with a crossbow, or getting up close and personal with vampiric powers? The Dawnguard favors ranged combat, while the Volkihar relish melee.
And, maybe more importantly, do you want to play as a hero or a villain? The Dawnguard are generally seen as the “good guys,” while the Volkihar… well, they’re vampires.
What’s your character like?
Think about your character’s backstory and what drives them. Does their moral compass point towards righteousness, or are they more comfortable embracing the shadows? Choose the faction that best reflects their values and beliefs.
What are your long-term goals?
Consider what you want to achieve with your character. Which faction offers the best opportunities for growth and development? Do you want to become a legendary vampire hunter, or a powerful vampire lord?
How do you want to interact with the world?
Joining a faction will change how NPCs react to you. Dawnguard members might receive a warmer welcome in certain towns, while vampires might face prejudice and fear. Think about how these interactions will affect your overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to go with the Dawnguard or vampires?
That really depends on your playstyle! The Dawnguard offers a more “heroic” experience, focusing on vampire hunting with access to crossbows and armored trolls. Becoming a vampire lord provides powerful abilities and a unique skill tree, but comes with sun vulnerability and potentially negative reactions from NPCs.
Will the Dawnguard hate you if you become a vampire?
Yep, they absolutely will. If you embrace vampirism, the Dawnguard will become hostile towards you. You’ll have to cure yourself to rejoin their ranks. Sneaking around as a vampire to complete Dawnguard quests is a risky (but potentially fun!) challenge.
Is it worth becoming a vampire in Skyrim Dawnguard?
If you enjoy playing powerful, morally ambiguous characters, then becoming a Vampire Lord is definitely worth it. The Vampire Lord form offers incredible abilities and a unique gameplay experience. However, be prepared for the downsides, like sun damage and dealing with pesky Vampire Hunters.
Is it better to be a vampire or not in Skyrim?
Again, personal preference! Being a vampire offers unique powers and roleplaying opportunities, like increased strength and the ability to turn invisible. However, it also comes with drawbacks like sun vulnerability and feeding requirements. If you prefer a less complicated playthrough, staying human (or becoming a werewolf!) might be better.
Key Takeaways
The Dawnguard and the Volkihar Clan offer starkly different experiences in Skyrim. The Dawnguard are vampire hunters who rely on advanced weaponry and sturdy allies to eradicate the undead. The Volkihar are ancient vampires who embrace their dark gifts and wield powerful blood magic.
Choosing between them is a matter of taste. Do you want to play a noble hero or a creature of the night? The Dawnguard offers unique crossbows and armored trolls, while the Volkihar grants access to the formidable Vampire Lord form and the secrets of Castle Volkihar.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal playstyle and roleplaying preferences. Both factions provide hours of engaging content, but joining one locks you out of the other’s questline. So, consider what you value most in your Skyrim adventure. If you prioritize sunlight and silver bolts, join the Dawnguard. If you crave the power of the night and the allure of immortality, embrace the Volkihar. No matter which you choose, may your journey be filled with adventure!