To start the Dawnguard DLC in Skyrim, you must either be approached by an Orc named Durak or visit Fort Dawnguard. Durak can be found in major cities or near any Orc stronghold. The Dawnguard DLC can also be triggered by a notification while fast traveling.
Starting the Dawnguard DLC in Skyrim
To start the Dawnguard DLC in Skyrim, players need to have installed the Dawnguard downloadable content on their game. This DLC introduces the Dawnguard, a group of vampire hunters, as well as the Volkihar Clan, a faction of powerful vampires. Once the DLC is installed, players can begin the questline by meeting certain requirements within the game world.
Finding Fort Dawnguard or Castle Volkihar
The main questline of the Dawnguard DLC can be initiated by either finding Fort Dawnguard or Castle Volkihar. Fort Dawnguard is located in the southern part of the Rift, near Riften, while Castle Volkihar is located on an island west of Solitude. Players can choose which faction to join - the Dawnguard or the vampires - by visiting either of these locations.
Approaching the Dawnguard Faction
If players choose to side with the Dawnguard, they need to approach Fort Dawnguard. This location will be marked on the map once the DLC is installed. Upon arriving at Fort Dawnguard, players will meet Isran, the leader of the Dawnguard faction. Isran will provide players with the initial quest, "Dawnguard," which serves as the starting point for the DLC questline.
Joining the Vampire Faction
Alternatively, if players wish to side with the vampires, they need to approach Castle Volkihar. This location will also be marked on the map after installing the DLC. Upon reaching Castle Volkihar, players will come across a group of vampires led by Lord Harkon. Lord Harkon will offer players the choice to become a vampire and join the Volkihar Clan, initiating the DLC questline from the vampire perspective.
Progressing through the DLC Quests
Regardless of the faction chosen, players will embark on a series of quests and missions as part of the Dawnguard DLC storyline. These quests involve hunting vampires, exploring ancient ruins, acquiring powerful artifacts, and unraveling the mysteries surrounding the conflict between the Dawnguard and the Volkihar Clan. The choices players make throughout the questline will have lasting consequences on the outcome of the DLC.
Exploring New Locations and Encountering New Characters
As players progress through the Dawnguard DLC, they will have the opportunity to explore new locations introduced by the expansion. These include forgotten crypts, vampire lairs, and ancient ruins filled with dangers and treasures. Additionally, players will encounter new characters unique to the DLC, each with their own motivations and backstories that add depth to the overarching narrative.
Completing the Dawnguard DLC
After completing the main questline of the Dawnguard DLC, players will have the option to continue exploring side quests and radiant quests related to the factions they have aligned with. The DLC also introduces new gameplay features, such as the ability to become a vampire lord or join the Dawnguard as a vampire hunter. Ultimately, players can choose how to shape the fate of Skyrim and determine the future of the Dawnguard and the Volkihar Clan.