Skyrim Dawnguard DLC: Vampire or Vampire Hunter? A Detailed Guide
So, you’re diving into the Dawnguard DLC in Skyrim? Prepare to experience ancient vampires and vampire hunters. It’s a classic showdown. The key question isn’t just survival, but choosing sides. Will you side with the Dawnguard or Lord Harkon and the Volkihar clan? Tough call. Let’s break this down for your Dragonborn.
Siding with Dawnguard or Harkon: The Showdown
Dawnguard or Harkon: Which Side Offers More Loot?
Let’s get straight to the point. In Skyrim, loot often influences decisions. Which side has shinier toys? Generally, Dawnguard provides more material rewards. Think crossbows. Who can resist an Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow? These are exclusive to the Dawnguard. Vampires may have a crossbow or two, but the strongest options belong to Dawnguard.
It’s not just about crossbows; it’s about the whole arsenal. Joining Dawnguard grants access to Fort Dawnguard, an armory full of weapons and spells to defeat vampires. Dawnguard armor looks great and gives solid protection. There are also spells like Sun Damage and Vampire’s Bane for punishing those bloodsuckers. Dwarven Bolts and Exploding Dwarven Bolts are a bonus. Exploding bolts! Enough said.
Sure, the vampire side has perks, especially for those feeling evil. Yet, in terms of tangible rewards, the Dawnguard shines. Who wouldn’t want to roleplay as Van Helsing in Skyrim? It seems practically necessary.
Better: Dawnguard or Vampire Lord?
Here’s the gold question: Vampire Lord form or Dawnguard membership? Players often lean toward Volkihar vampires because of the cool Vampire Lord transformation, allowing you to fly. But is it indeed better than siding with Dawnguard? That depends on your definition of “better.”
If “better” equates to raw power, Vampire Lord form has a strong case. You gain a new skill tree, potent spells, and life-draining powers. It’s all about magic and mobility. However, if “better” means practical benefits and less sun vulnerability, Dawnguard may be the winner.
Consider this: Dawnguard gives tools to fight vampires in normal form. Crossbows work well against vampires. Armor and spells cater to vampire hunting. As a Vampire Lord, you are powerful but inherit vampire weaknesses, especially sunlight. Ever faced a dragon as a Vampire Lord in daylight? Not ideal.
Ultimately, “better” is subjective and hinges on playstyle. Want stealth and magic? Go Vampire Lord. Prefer grounded, weapon-based tactics? Dawnguard is likely best for you. Or, like me, flip a coin after hours of indecision.
Endgame Impact: Does Choice Matter?
Here’s a secret: in Skyrim’s narrative, whether you choose Dawnguard or vampires won’t dramatically impact the endgame. Both paths lead to similar conclusions. You will face Harkon, deal with Auriel’s Bow, and solve the vampire threat. The questline’s main story beats don’t change much with your faction choice.
Think of it like picking ice cream flavors. Vanilla (Dawnguard) or chocolate (Vampire) both taste great; you’re still eating ice cream at the end. The main experience of Dawnguard – quests, locations, characters – is accessible no matter which side you choose. So don’t stress about locking essential content or altering the ending drastically. Skyrim is forgiving that way.
This doesn’t make your choice meaningless. It influences quest types, alliances, and overall experience. However, for major plot outcomes, you won’t miss any dramatically different endings by choosing one over the other. Pick the side that excites you most, and enjoy the journey without worrying about consequences.
Becoming a Vampire Lord: Embrace the Night?
Is Vampire Lord Transformation Worth It?
The allure of becoming a Vampire Lord exists in Skyrim as a superhero fantasy with a twist: you commit crimes instead of fighting them. Is the Vampire Lord transformation worth it in Dawnguard DLC? Let’s examine the pros and cons.
In vanilla Skyrim, being a vampire leans more toward drawbacks than benefits. Sunlight sensitivities and constant hunger for blood complicate things. However, Dawnguard alters that with the Vampire Lord form, granting powerful abilities. Think Bat Form for quick escapes and Vampire Drain for leeching life from foes.
The transformation reduces some traditional vampire downsides. While sunlight still affects your humanoid form, as a Vampire Lord, you’re less vulnerable. You gain disease resistance, poison resistance, and enhance unarmed attacks. The Vampire Lord skill tree allows for customization tailored to your playstyle. Want a tanky Vampire Lord? Focus on health and armor; prefer magical focus? Invest in Blood Magic.
But it isn’t all perks in Vampire Lord territory. Fire remains a vulnerability and managing your Blood Meter requires feeding on victims. Transformation also restricts normal gear use; no favorite weapons or armor in this form. It’s a trade-off between power and limitations on equipment.
So, is it worth it? It depends on your playstyle and preferences. If you enjoy playing powerful magic characters and can adapt to mechanics, then it’s fun and rewarding. If traditional warrior or archer builds appeal more, you may find it less enjoyable. Either way, trying things out is part of Skyrim’s charm – experimentation reigns supreme, and you can always reverse decisions if needed.
mind. Speaking of which…
Vampire Lord and Dawnguard: Can You Have Your Cake and Eat It Too?
Good news, indecisive Dragonborn! You don’t have to choose between Vampire Lord and Dawnguard. Skyrim lets you straddle both sides, at least for a while. Yes, even if you join the Dawnguard initially, you can become a Vampire Lord.
How? Serana is the key. Regardless of your faction, she plays a vital role in the Dawnguard questline. Importantly, she can turn you into a Vampire Lord. Even if you promised Isran loyalty, you can still ask Serana for the gift. Sneaky, right?
This means you can enjoy the Dawnguard questline as a hunter. You get the thrill of crossbow action, slaying vampires, and still transform into a winged terror later. It’s like having the best of both worlds. You acquire Dawnguard gear and story. When you crave power, embrace your inner Vampire Lord. Just ask Serana before you convince her to seek a cure for her vampirism. Once cured, she’s unable to bestow the blessing.
But there’s a catch. If you choose to become a Vampire Lord while with the Dawnguard, Fort Dawnguard won’t be happy. They are not vampire fans. They won’t attack outright, especially if you’re a member, but they will show their discontent. Continuing Dawnguard quests in Vampire Lord form might be tough. Picture an awkward family dinner where you’re in vampire garb and everyone else wears hunter gear. It can work, but it’s not ideal.
If becoming a Vampire Lord while with the Dawnguard is your plan, finish the main quest first. Then ask Serana for the transformation. Enjoy Dawnguard content without friction, then unleash your Vampire Lord side on Skyrim. Or maybe use those powers for good. Probably not.
From Vampire to Human (and Back Again?): Curing Vampirism
You embraced the vampire life. You’ve soared as a Vampire Lord, drained necks, and lived an undead existence. But perhaps you’re missing sunlight on your skin. Or maybe fire mages are becoming too much. Fear not, Dragonborn. Skyrim offers a way to reverse vampirism. Yes, you can go back to being a (mostly) normal adventurer.
The process depends on your transformation stage. If you’ve just contracted Sanguinare Vampiris, you’re in luck. A Cure Disease potion or a shrine prayer can help. Easy peasy. But, if you’re fully vampiric, seek out Falion in Morthal. He is Skyrim’s vampirism expert.
To cure full vampirism, visit Falion with a filled Black Soul Gem. These gems trap human souls—morbid, but it’s Skyrim’s way. You can find them in some places or craft them at the Atronach Forge in Winterhold College. Once you have one, bring it to Falion. He’ll perform a ritual at the summoning stones outside Morthal and poof! Vampirism gone.
The best part? You can repeat this as often as you like. Want to be a vampire again? See Serana if she’s willing. Tired of being one? Back to Falion you go. It’s like a revolving door of undeath, making vampirism feel like a lifestyle choice instead of a commitment. Just don’t give Falion too much repeat business; he might raise his rates.
For the truly commitment-phobic, there’s a drastic way to cure vampirism: lycanthropy. Join the Companions and become a werewolf. This automatically rids you of vampirism. It acts as a “reset” button on your supernatural status. Of course, becoming a werewolf has its pros and cons, but it’s an option for getting rid of vampirism.
Hybrid Dreams: Vampire Lord Werewolf?
The mythical hybrid—a power fantasy. Imagine being both a Vampire Lord and a Werewolf. Raw beast strength combined with a vampire’s magic prowess sounds great, right? In vanilla Skyrim, however, being a true hybrid—holding both forms—is sadly not possible through standard gameplay.
If you become a werewolf, any vampirism disappears. Alternatively, becoming a Vampire Lord removes lycanthropy. The game enforces a strict choice between the two. It’s like Skyrim has an HOA on supernatural creatures and will not allow such combinations.
But as always in Skyrim, where there’s a will, there’s a way—especially when it involves glitches or mods. Players have reported achieving hybrid forms through glitches during the Companions questline and Dawnguard DLC. These glitches involve precise timing and can be finicky but do exist for determined hybrid seekers. Usually, you become a werewolf first, exploiting a loophole to become a Vampire Lord without losing werewolf form.
The modding community plays a role too, with mods like “Hybrid – Become a Vampire Lord and a Werewolf.” They let you be a hybrid without glitches, tweaking game mechanics for simultaneous lycanthropy and vampirism. They often add unique abilities and balance tweaks to ensure functionality without breaking the game.
But is being a hybrid truly “better” than solely being a Vampire Lord or Werewolf? That’s debatable. While cool in concept, managing both powerful forms can get tedious. You could end up constantly switching forms to maximize advantages. This may become more cumbersome than enjoyable. Plus, hybrid builds can feel over-the-top and might lessen game challenges. Still, if your goal is to be the supreme predator of Skyrim switching between forms at will, go for it. Just be ready for a potentially complex gameplay experience.
Werewolf Vampires: A Love Story?
Let’s clarify: you cannot be a vampire if you are already a werewolf in Skyrim. Similarly, gaining lycanthropy while being a vampire also isn’t possible without glitches or mods. Attempting to contract vampirism as a werewolf cures your current supernatural condition and replaces it with the new one. In vanilla Skyrim, it’s either-or.
But why is that? Lore doesn’t explicitly explain why Dragonborn can’t be both creatures. Perhaps it stems from two incompatible powers with conflicting origins. Or it may be a gameplay choice aimed at maintaining balance and preventing players from becoming overpowered. Whatever the reason may be, game mechanics remain clear:
werewolf and vampire cannot coexist in their standard forms.
This means if you’re enjoying your werewolf life, howling at the moon, and eating hearts, and want to try being a Vampire Lord, you’ll have to give up lycanthropy. The same goes for Vampire Lords who want to join the Companions. Each transformation has unique skills and styles. Think wisely before swapping.
Serana is your go-to for vampire transformations. If you get cured of vampirism (like becoming a werewolf), you can ask her to change you back into a Vampire Lord. If you tire of being a Vampire Lord again, you can cure yourself via Falion or be a werewolf. Skyrim gives you options. It wants you to savor every bit of monster mayhem.
Serana’s Saga: More Than Just a Vampire Follower
Serana: Your Constant Companion (No Matter What)
Serana is one of the most interesting characters in Skyrim. She plays a crucial role in the Dawnguard DLC. Whether you choose Dawnguard or Volkihar, Serana sticks by your side. She faces challenges with you. She’s not just a follower; she shapes the Dawnguard journey.
No matter your faction choice, Serana will follow you through the Dawnguard questline. She’s key to the main story, and the game ensures she accompanies you. Even if you refuse Harkon’s gift, she will still be with you at Fort Dawnguard, becoming a valuable ally. She is a formidable mage and warrior, more interesting than most Skyrim followers. Also, her vampire experience helps in battles.
After finishing the Dawnguard questline, Serana remains a permanent follower. She does not vanish after the story. She’s there, ready for more adventures across Skyrim, battling dragons, and offering witty vampire commentary. She’s crucial, immune to death, which is a blessing and a curse. However, most players appreciate her presence.
Serana is also the key to becoming a Vampire Lord, irrespective of your faction. If you wish to embrace vampirism after completing the main Dawnguard questline, talk to Serana. She may happily, or hesitantly, turn you into a creature of the night. So, she’s not just a follower; she is your personal Vampire Lord concierge. Treat her right, Dragonborn. She’s worth it.
Banishment and Bite Refusal: What Happens if You Say “No” to Harkon?
During the “Bloodline” quest, Lord Harkon offers you a “gift”: vampirism and transformation into a Vampire Lord. This moment is pivotal in the Dawnguard DLC, significantly affecting your journey. So, what occurs if you refuse his offer?
If you say no to Harkon, he won’t handle it well. Vampire lords lack understanding. Instead of a friendly denial, you’ll be banished from Castle Volkihar. That means permanent banishment. The vampires will become enemies, and you cannot re-enter Castle Volkihar while you remain out of Harkon’s good graces.
But do not fret, this doesn’t end the game. Being banished sets you on the Dawnguard path. After saying no, your objective directs you to return to Isran at Fort Dawnguard. This decision cements your alliance with vampire hunters and locks you into the Dawnguard storyline. You’ll miss out on Volkihar vampire quests and benefits but gain access to Dawnguard’s arsenal.
Interestingly, refusing Harkon’s gift doesn’t hurt your relationship with Serana. She stays by your side, regardless of your decision. She may comment on your choice, but remains loyal during the Dawnguard questline, even after telling her father to take a hike. Serana is unique in her loyalties among vampires.
Refusing Harkon’s gift is a valid choice supported by the story. It suits players who want to be vampire hunters and prefer the Dawnguard’s arsenal and allies. But know this is a point of no return for faction choice. Once you deny Harkon, you are firmly on the Dawnguard side, with no chance to join the Volkihar vampires on this playthrough. Unless you reload a previous save, of course.
Serana: Marriage Material? (Spoiler: Sort Of)
Romance in Skyrim is… well, it exists. For many, the question of marrying Serana comes up. She’s captivating and powerful and has her brooding vampire qualities. So, can you marry her? The quick answer is: not in vanilla Skyrim without mods.
In base Skyrim, Serana is not a marriageable NPC. Despite her prominence in the Dawnguard DLC and close bond with the Dragonborn, Bethesda did not make her eligible. Why? Lore? Balance? Maybe they forgot? Whatever the reason, standard marriage mechanics don’t apply to Serana. You can’t give her an Amulet of Mara or propose a wedding.
However, the modding community has come to the rescue for those wanting to marry Serana. Numerous mods allow marriage with her. These tweaks usually make her marriageable by adding dialogue options and ensuring compatibility with standard marriage quests. Some mods even enhance the experience with unique interactions. Check Nexus Mods for many Serana marriage mods.
Why isn’t Serana marriageable in the base game? Lore-wise, she appears emotionally scarred by her past, especially her transformation into a pure-blood vampire. This trauma may deter her from romantic relationships and marriage. Her dialogue often suggests hesitation to form attachments. From a lore angle, it makes sense that Serana wouldn’t want to settle down with the Dragonborn.
If you dream of marrying Serana, modding is your best bet. Without mods, she’s off-limits in the spouse department. You’ll have to remain best vampire-hunting friends instead. Which is pretty cool too.
Curing Serana: A Moral Dilemma?
After finishing the Dawnguard questline, you can convince Serana to seek a cure for her vampirism. This decision matters for her character arc and gameplay. So, should you cure Serana? Is it worth it? Let’s discuss pros and cons.
Curing Serana appears compassionate, freeing her from vampirism and allowing her a “normal” life. If you’ve grown close to her in the questline, you might feel inclined to help her find peace by curing her. For role-playing, it can be meaningful and resonant.
However, curing Serana has gameplay consequences. Curing her takes away her vampire abilities. That means she…
cannot turn you into a Vampire Lord anymore. She also cannot make Bloodcursed Elven Arrows. These arrows are essential to block the sun with Auriel’s Bow. If you plan to use the Vampire Lord form or rely on Bloodcursed Arrows, curing Serana will remove those options.
Some players feel curing Serana contradicts her character. Serana is a pure-blood vampire and centuries old. Her vampirism is part of her identity. Trying to cure her may impose your values on her and deny who she is. Accepting her as a vampire, with strengths and weaknesses, shows respect.
The choice to cure Serana is personal. There is no right answer. Curing her has drawbacks for gameplay. However, it can hold meaning in roleplaying and character development. Consider your Dragonborn’s personality and your bond with Serana. What matters in your Skyrim journey? Do you value gameplay advantages over character growth? Do you view vampirism as a curse or part of Serana? Your answers will guide your decision. If you regret it later, there are console commands or mods to revert changes. Skyrim allows flexibility.
Faction Dynamics and Fallout: Choosing Sides Wisely
Dawnguard Hostility: Vampire Dragonborn Beware!
You embraced the vampire life. Harkon’s offer was too tempting, or Serana’s bite was alluring. But what happens when you, a new vampire, visit Fort Dawnguard? Will the hunters welcome you? Probably not.
The Dawnguard are not fans of vampires. They dedicate themselves to hunting and eradicating them. Thus, going to Fort Dawnguard as a vampire isn’t wise. Before joining a faction, if you near Fort Dawnguard as a vampire, the members will instantly attack.
