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When should you start Skyrim DLC?

Skyrim is a popular open-world RPG developed by Bethesda Game Studios. Since its release in 2011, the game has received critical acclaim for its immersive gameplay, expansive world, and engaging storylines. In addition to the base game, Skyrim also has three DLCs: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.

While the base game provides countless hours of gameplay, many players wonder when they should start playing the DLCs. Should they jump into the DLCs right away, or wait until they’ve completed the main storyline? Here we will provide some guidance on when players should start playing the Skyrim DLCs, so they can get the most out of their gaming experience.

What is Skyrim DLC?

Skyrim DLC, or downloadable content, is additional content created by the game developer to enhance the gaming experience. The 3 DLCs for Skyrim add new areas to explore, quests to complete, weapons and spells to use, and even new homes to build. Playing Skyrim DLCs can add many hours of gameplay to an already huge open world, but players may be unsure of when they should start playing them.

One thing to keep in mind is that the DLCs for Skyrim are designed to be played after completing the main storyline of the base game. While players can access the DLCs at any time, some of the content may spoil parts of the main story. With that said, let’s take a closer look at each of the three Skyrim DLCs and when players should start playing them.

When should you start the Dawnguard DLC?

Explore the Castle Volkihar in Skyrim's Dawnguard DLC — Explore the Castle Volkihar in Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC

Dawnguard is the first DLC released for Skyrim. It was released on June 26, 2012, on Xbox 360, and it introduces a new storyline involving a war between vampires and vampire hunters. This DLC adds new weapons, armor, and spells, as well as the ability to transform into a vampire lord or werewolf.

Players can start playing Dawnguard after reaching level 10 or hearing a rumor about vampire hunters and receiving a notification that the Dawnguard storyline has begun. This is usually denoted by a random vampire attacking someone. It seems I am always in Whiterun when this happens.

Castle Volkihar in Skyrim's Dawnguard DLC is located in the northwest corner of the map — Castle Volkihar in Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC is located in the northwest corner of the map

I would recommend that players have completed the main storyline of the base game before starting Dawnguard, as some of the content in Dawnguard may spoil parts of the main story.

When should you start the Hearthfire DLC?

Build your own manor in the Skyrim DLC Hearthfire

Hearthfire was the second DLC released for Skyrim. It was released on September 4, 2012, for Xbox 360, and it focuses on building and customizing a home. With this DLC, players can purchase land, design and build their own house from scratch, and adopt children to live with them. Hearthfire also adds new crafting options, such as the ability to craft furniture and decorations for your home.

You can access Hearthfire content as soon as you complete the “Bleak Falls Barrow” quest in the main storyline of the base game. However, it’s recommended that most players wait until they have reached a higher level and have accumulated some gold before starting Hearthfire. This is because building a home and furnishing it can be expensive, and players will need a good supply of materials to build and decorate their home.

When should you start the Dragonborn DLC?

The Dragonborn DLC adds an entire new island to explore — The Dragonborn DLC adds an entirely new island to explore

Dragonborn is the third and final Skyrim DLC. It was released for Xbox 360 first on December 4, 2012, and it adds a new island to explore, as well as a new storyline involving the first Dragonborn. Dragonborn introduces new enemies, weapons, armor, and spells, as well as the ability to ride dragons.

You can start playing Dragonborn after completing the “The Way of the Voice” quest in the main storyline of the base game. Either some cultists will approach you or you can travel to Solstheim.

Fast travel to Solstheim from the eastern (right) side of the map

I would recommend that players have completed the main storyline and the Dawnguard DLC before starting Dragonborn, as some of the content in Dragonborn may spoil parts of those storylines. You probably will also want to be a little higher level as some of the enemies are more difficult to handle.

When you should start playing Skyrim DLCs depends on your individual gaming preferences. However, as a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended that players complete the main storyline of the base game before starting any of the DLCs.

I like waiting until after the main storyline because you get the original feel for the game and avoid any potential spoilers. Additionally, you should consider your level and resources before starting the Hearthfire DLC, as building and furnishing a home can be expensive.

Also to note is that the Skyrim Anniversary Edition added even more content. But this content is not considered to be a true DLC. The content added by the Skyrim Anniversary Edition is essentially adding custom mod creations that were developed and approved by Bethesda from the Creation Club.

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