The first official expansion for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Dawnguard, was released in 2012 following the massive success of the base game the year before. The game has stuck around for more than a decade now, but it still has some of the highest concurrent player numbers on Steam and other platforms. Part of its success is the inclusion of DLC like Dawnguard in most future releases of the game, like Skyrim Special Edition and Anniversary Edition.

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The story of Dawnguard allows players to make an important choice between one of two factions: vampires, or vampire hunters. Each faction comes with its perks and benefits, though your choice can't be changed. Long before getting to Castle Volkihar or Fort Dawnguard, though, you need to start the Dawnguard quest.

Updated June 8, 2022 by Erik Petrovich: Since the release of the Dawnguard DLC for Skyrim, players have wondered how to start the Dawnguard quest, as it can be a little bit obtuse. When it comes to exactly how to start the Dawnguard quest in Skyrim, players have two options: head directly to the nearest city, or wait for a guard to clue them in. The DLC is well worth checking out as it is located in some of the most iconic areas ever added to Skyrim, and the main questline and side content are just as impressive as the arsenal of new abilities and armaments included with the DLC. This article was originally published upon release of the Dawnguard DLC, and has been updated chiefly for formatting and readability.

How To Start Dawnguard DLC For Skyrim

A player in the Dawnguard DLC

Starting the Dawnguard quest in Skyrim is as simple as getting to Riften and speaking to one of the city's guards. You'll have to get into Riften first by either bribing or intimidating the gate guards, after which any city guard can prompt the dialogue. There is also a chance for any guard in Skyrim to initiate the quest - if you bump into a guard and they tell you about the reforming of the Dawnguard, the quest will begin too.

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Whether you start the quest in Riften or not, once it begins you are guided to a nearby cave that serves as the entrance to Fort Dawnguard. Head south from Riften then east through the mountains to find this cave. Upon exiting the cave, you should meet Isran, who will introduce you to the Dawnguard expansion with a Crossbow.

What Else Is New In Dawnguard?

It's a good idea to start the Dawnguard quest early because, in addition to this engaging questline and several new locations and weapons, this DLC for Skyrim also adds legendary dragons to the game a few new exclusive Dragon Shouts. Once you build your character in Skyrim, you're stuck with the facial design and physical build, but Dawnguard also adds a new NPC which will allow you to alter your appearance. Head to the Riften's Ratways to find the woman who can help you with a makeover.

Skyrim Special Edition is available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S

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