The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn

 PC
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 408 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 306 out of 408
  2. Mixed: 61 out of 408
  3. Negative: 41 out of 408

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  1. Chaosmaker
    Apr 22, 2013
    10
    A very good extension that gives us back the Solstheim from Morrowind. As a Morrowind fan I loved this expansion very much It has a lot of content, new quests, powers, shouts and exploration, and a fairly large new worldspace. It's worth it.
  2. phwaap
    Feb 28, 2016
    8
    It has taken me a long time and many playthroughs to appreciate some aspects of Dragonborn. While the main quest is the weakest in Skyrim, the Black Books and side quests make up for it. I found the Black Book quests tedious at first but have grown to really enjoy the break the provide and of course their rewards.
  3. ChristianVolet
    Apr 23, 2015
    10
    I finally had a chance to play this expansion and I was completely taken back by the new environments on the island of Solstheim. This is by far the most transcendental environment of the game; in such a good way. It reminded me of the first time I experienced Blackreach, with its completely unexpected and unique ambiance. I found the story to be interesting as well. The idea that there isI finally had a chance to play this expansion and I was completely taken back by the new environments on the island of Solstheim. This is by far the most transcendental environment of the game; in such a good way. It reminded me of the first time I experienced Blackreach, with its completely unexpected and unique ambiance. I found the story to be interesting as well. The idea that there is another living (evil) Dragonborn was gripping. The new enemies can be very challenging. I was mostly able to breeze through Skyrim's main story in stealth, rarely feeling a real sense of danger. However, that wasn't always possible here. The new trash mobs can be dangerous if you don't get the first blow (thief class), spawning clones and casting powerful debuffs. If you enjoyed Skyrim, you will enjoy this expansion.… Expand
  4. CapnAwesome
    Feb 13, 2013
    9
    The new island of Solstheim is cool and beautiful. Lots of new quests and content in this game. Much better than Dawnguard, which I thought was pretty fun too. Let's hope Bethesda continues to make quality DLC for Skyrim like Dragonborn.
  5. Warhawk92
    Feb 9, 2013
    9
    What can beat the nostalgia of Morrowind? Bethesda brings us one of the best expansions since Shivering Isles and kudos to them for it. Say what you want, this DLC has it all- new shouts, an enormous Solstheim, new armors, etc. I say you should go and get this DLC right now if you loved Skyrim. Don't listen to the haters that gave the DLC a zero, because they obviously haven't tried itWhat can beat the nostalgia of Morrowind? Bethesda brings us one of the best expansions since Shivering Isles and kudos to them for it. Say what you want, this DLC has it all- new shouts, an enormous Solstheim, new armors, etc. I say you should go and get this DLC right now if you loved Skyrim. Don't listen to the haters that gave the DLC a zero, because they obviously haven't tried it out themselves. You will be drawn in as I was.… Expand
  6. StrXint
    Feb 5, 2013
    9
    What do we need when the whole world of Skyrim has been studied thoroughly? It's simple: new tasks and place of their performance, new enemies, new weapons, magic and shouts. Dragonborn has it all! And you can finally ride the dragon! This DLC should have all fans of Skyrim.
  7. AlienSpaceBats
    Aug 14, 2014
    8
    This is excellent DLC but I'm undecided; is it great on its own merits or is it great because I'm getting severe Morrowind/Bloodmoon nostalgia from it? A lot of the easter eggs were great, and the Lovecraftian Hermaeus Mora stuff was great ... but it's still buggy, though if you want/need more Skyrim buy it without hesitation. Mod and patch immediately.
  8. harmattan
    Feb 12, 2013
    8
    How some gave this a "0", I don't know. Maybe these peopel have some psycological affectations that makes them only assign negative superlatives to everything? In any case, this is a very good DLC with some issues. There is a very good amount of content and about 20-30 hours of quality questing (maybe not $20 worth, but definitely good for a DLC.) The voice acting and writing are alsoHow some gave this a "0", I don't know. Maybe these peopel have some psycological affectations that makes them only assign negative superlatives to everything? In any case, this is a very good DLC with some issues. There is a very good amount of content and about 20-30 hours of quality questing (maybe not $20 worth, but definitely good for a DLC.) The voice acting and writing are also well done. While the new enviroments are good and a welcome change from drudging through Skyrim, the atmosphere and color scheme is uncommonly drab surprising considering the setting is supposed to have more of a Morrowind feel. Some new materials and gear, but there could be more and most is paltry compared to even mediocre mods out there. All and all, a welcome addition if you're pining for quality gaming in Skyrim.… Expand
  9. lynix
    Feb 10, 2013
    9
    I loved this DLC way better then the previous Cave DLC. There were a few issues I had though and the briefness of the main story was one of them. I know it is becoming harder and hard to release DLCs with sizable content these days given the level of detail needed in them but I felt that was no excuse in this case. The issue I had was with the dungeons, there simply aren't enough of themI loved this DLC way better then the previous Cave DLC. There were a few issues I had though and the briefness of the main story was one of them. I know it is becoming harder and hard to release DLCs with sizable content these days given the level of detail needed in them but I felt that was no excuse in this case. The issue I had was with the dungeons, there simply aren't enough of them on the island and the ones that are are mostly quest based or too short to be of significance. That being said what Dragonborn doesn't deliver on quantity it does on quality, I didn't find one bug in my play through of the main quest or otherwise. Nostalgia brings me back to those Morrowind roots and reminds me how good that game was but at the same time is unique enough to not feel like a ripped off consumer. If there was any one issue that annoyed me for being overlooked it was the actual physical size of the island itself and the excessive mountains. The island is about half the physical size it was back in Morrowind and I don't remember it being quite so overrun with mountains (over half the island which makes for fairly tedious travel). Overall I think the DLC is great but not fantastic much like Morrowind itself I felt like it was missing so many pointless quests (I know this is something most people like but it bugs me that there are almost no "I want this guy dead" or "there's rats in my basement" quests.) that you just sort of do the main story and then never have to visit the place again which makes me a little sad because the island it self it really nice. In summary the DLC is worth a play through but at the same time once you are done, You're done. Don't expect more then five or six side quests.… Expand
  10. Grenade_Cobra
    Mar 6, 2013
    8
    I found it miles better and enjoyable DLC compared to Dawnguard which I found very forced and dull at times like doing chores towards the end of it. This is worth the money if you like anything related to Elder Scrolls Skyrim game wise and lore wise.
  11. YeastyPorpoise
    Mar 22, 2013
    10
    Awesome. DLC that satisfies both the die-hard Elder Scrolls fans with the nostalgia of Morrowind and new-comers to Skyrim with amazing features, such as dragon-riding and some interesting new shouts.
  12. reviewing-games
    Mar 29, 2013
    10
    It is not a DLC, it is an expansion. The latest expansion "Drgaonborn" takes you to a small island off of Morrowind called Solstheim. half of this island is covered in ash and the other half is like Skyrim. that makes it a very unique and fun place to explore. It adds a few sets of armor weapons, spells, and shouts. But the real highlight of this expansion is the side quests. I was able toIt is not a DLC, it is an expansion. The latest expansion "Drgaonborn" takes you to a small island off of Morrowind called Solstheim. half of this island is covered in ash and the other half is like Skyrim. that makes it a very unique and fun place to explore. It adds a few sets of armor weapons, spells, and shouts. But the real highlight of this expansion is the side quests. I was able to spend 10 to 20 hours of the DLC roaming around and finding side quests to do before I even started the main quest line. The main quest line is brief. I enjoyed because it had to do with the normal main quest line in Skyrim. It great because of the dark side that it had with the black books and apocrypha. It also had a epic battle at the end with Miraak. at the end of the main quest line it added a feature that I always wanted, you can spend dragon souls on any perk in a perk tree. There is still a lot of other things that you can do that I have not mentioned. You can become a house owner in the city of Raven Rock, you can ride dragons, you can stop the ash spawn, craft stalhrim armor, you can kill where-bears, and you can fight for or against little riekling goblin things. Overall this is the best DLC/Expansion since Bethesda's shivering Isles for elder scrools IV oblivion. I you dont have it get it, this DLC/expansion is a must have. I give it a 10/10 without a doubt.… Expand
  13. MasteRR
    May 2, 2013
    8
    We all loved The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, it's great environment, exciting story, and flawless gameplay.
    Dragonborn DLC on the other side isn't as awesome as the game is, the story and the new stuff is great, like the new dimension, Apocrypha, new shouts, and new dragon races. This all makes the game more enjoyable,but the main thing is that is unbelievably short, I could finish it in 1-2    We all loved The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, it's great environment, exciting story, and flawless gameplay.
    Dragonborn DLC on the other side isn't as awesome as the game is, the story and the new stuff is great, like the new dimension, Apocrypha, new shouts, and new dragon races. This all makes the game more enjoyable,but the main thing is that is unbelievably short, I could finish it in 1-2 hours, while the past DLC, DawnGuard in 1-2days, is significantly shorter, if it wasn't that short it would have been a perfect experience, but...not enough.    … Expand
  14. Necrotaur
    Feb 9, 2013
    9
    Dragonborn adds quite a bit; weapons, armor, shouts, new enemies and retooled areas. The only criticism I can level at it is that yes, Solstheim is basically the same environment as Skyrim, and we have indeed been here before during Bloodmoon. The game manages to make up for it in many ways though, with a continuation of Solstheim's history, some unique, quest-related areas, and severalDragonborn adds quite a bit; weapons, armor, shouts, new enemies and retooled areas. The only criticism I can level at it is that yes, Solstheim is basically the same environment as Skyrim, and we have indeed been here before during Bloodmoon. The game manages to make up for it in many ways though, with a continuation of Solstheim's history, some unique, quest-related areas, and several easter eggs. In the end, it felt more like a homecoming than a rehash. Updated to add: I've gone through the main quest and most of the sidequests, and there's no sign of Radiant AI busywork. Every quest and location seems to have it's own specific story. That's definitely worth another point!… Expand
  15. Schlafanzug
    Feb 11, 2013
    10
    Awesome DLC! Though I didn't expect it to be as good as the Shivering Isles, It still was awesome. The whole new island is cool and different and it brings back a lot of memories from Morrowind. There are tons of side quests (which was a good feature) and an entertaining "main" quest line. Definitely the best DLC for Skyrim thus far... I hope that Bethesda continues to make great games andAwesome DLC! Though I didn't expect it to be as good as the Shivering Isles, It still was awesome. The whole new island is cool and different and it brings back a lot of memories from Morrowind. There are tons of side quests (which was a good feature) and an entertaining "main" quest line. Definitely the best DLC for Skyrim thus far... I hope that Bethesda continues to make great games and DLCs. (No Horse armor please)… Expand
  16. faceless-1
    May 24, 2013
    8
    One of the best DLC i ever played. But it got some pretty bad bugs (like Miraak freeze and you devour soul of near dragon). Still there are fan made patches out that fix these bugs.
  17. MishterBobo
    Mar 10, 2013
    10
    There is so much extra content that this DLC provides, it's absolutely amazing. New weapons are amazing, armor is very unique, and there are AMAZINGLY good new abilities. The only downside to this is that the main questline is way too short and not very difficult at all.
  18. awfitzwater
    Apr 26, 2013
    10
    This game world is so detailed and beautiful it is amazing. Love the quests love the main story. love the DLC there is nothing wrong with this game at all! simply amazing
  19. StaticSpine
    Jan 3, 2014
    8
    Another decent DLC for a good game: a whole large island to explore, new story line, new quests, new enemies, new locations, nice atmosphere. If you liked Skyrim you definitely need to check this out.
  20. Kostas_Spirou
    Dec 26, 2021
    9
    Dragonborn is hands down the best expansion of Skyrim, it's a love-letter to newcomers and old fans alike.

    The lovecraftian approach to the story is very interesting, and the new characters are pretty good. Solstheim looks absolutely beautiful and it's quite big, there are many things that you can do in it. Overall the amount of side content is more than enough. As for the new armor    Dragonborn is hands down the best expansion of Skyrim, it's a love-letter to newcomers and old fans alike.

    The lovecraftian approach to the story is very interesting, and the new characters are pretty good.

    Solstheim looks absolutely beautiful and it's quite big, there are many things that you can do in it. Overall the amount of side content is more than enough.

    As for the new armor sets and weapons, they're very strong and valuable, definitely worth grinding for.

    Final Rating: "Amazing" ~ 9/10.    … Expand
  21. CaptainThom
    Nov 10, 2013
    9
    After a disappointing experience with Dawnguard i was worried that Dragonborn might be underwhelming, luckily Dragonborn is far better than Dawnguard and definitely adds really nicely to the base game with some fresh experiences. Dragonborns main storyline may be poorly thought out but the rest of the island of solstheim makes up for it, there are new enemies and a real morrowind vibeAfter a disappointing experience with Dawnguard i was worried that Dragonborn might be underwhelming, luckily Dragonborn is far better than Dawnguard and definitely adds really nicely to the base game with some fresh experiences. Dragonborns main storyline may be poorly thought out but the rest of the island of solstheim makes up for it, there are new enemies and a real morrowind vibe especially in the mainly Dunmer settlement of Raven Rock which adds some greatly appreciated variation to nordic Skyrim.

    While Dragonborn is no shivering isles its unfair to dismiss it based on that comparison, it does add some interesting quests to the game and some cool looking armour and weapons.    … Expand
  22. GhostRJ
    Dec 20, 2013
    10
    Nice bought it these days and i tought it was awesome New everything, new foes, new map, new storyline, pretty better than dawnguard!! Best dlc that i have ever bought!!!
  23. A-Person
    Feb 2, 2014
    9
    The ultimate DLC. Featuring a short (but exceptional) story. Featuring new music as well as music from the Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. While Solstheim is small, it is an excellent world space featuring unique landscapes. This DLC also adds the Daedric Realm of Apocrypha, which acts as linear puzzle dungeons which I always enjoyed exploring. However, it is over-priced, and some of theThe ultimate DLC. Featuring a short (but exceptional) story. Featuring new music as well as music from the Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. While Solstheim is small, it is an excellent world space featuring unique landscapes. This DLC also adds the Daedric Realm of Apocrypha, which acts as linear puzzle dungeons which I always enjoyed exploring. However, it is over-priced, and some of the quests limit you to making one-response answers. I would recommend this DLC if you have played The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind - Bloodmoon as you will feel a recognisable, yet still new and unique feeling of nostalgia. Many of the armours added are not as good as end-game armours, meaning that it would be ideal to play this DLC at mid-level.
    I would recommend installing the "Unofficial Dragonborn patch" if you own this on PC, as it fixes numerous bugs which may be considered game breaking.    … Expand
  24. Denathorn
    Dec 22, 2016
    8
    Another great expansion to the perfect game. Was it necessary? No. Is it good? Yes. It did seem a bit rushed, however, for the graphics aren't exactly the best (especially the repeated textures of the landscape and the lack of foliage).
  25. UncleEd
    Feb 25, 2021
    10
    Definitely the best Skyrim expansion. It introduces a big island with full of quests to explore. The main questline story is not very good but the design of Apocrypha is amazing. What I loved the most about this expansion is the island of Solstheim where it takes place. It is an island from Morrowind and it does make you feel like you are playing Morrowind with Skyrim graphics.

    My major    Definitely the best Skyrim expansion. It introduces a big island with full of quests to explore. The main questline story is not very good but the design of Apocrypha is amazing. What I loved the most about this expansion is the island of Solstheim where it takes place. It is an island from Morrowind and it does make you feel like you are playing Morrowind with Skyrim graphics.

    My major disappointment was riding dragons. It may be a good idea, but it’s very poorly implemented. Dragon control is weird and riding dragons in Skyrim is simply not fun.

    9.5/10    … Expand
  26. NightGeisha
    Jan 5, 2019
    9
    For any Skyrim fan, any DLC is a "most have". And Dragonborn is the best of them all.

    Without giving any kind of spoiler, Dragonborn takes us to a new map independent of the core game, with new history, new enemies, different architecture, weapons and armor and above all many hours of fun.

    Fantastic extra content, better and bigger than many full games I've played before.
  27. SilverOrlov
    Feb 12, 2021
    9
    I am a fan of Lovecraft, so I gave a separate +1 to the DLC when I got into the "Library". But beyond that, the whole story is very interesting too. I can't say that after the huge World of the main game, I was satisfied with the expansion's island, but I can definitely say that the story itself is worth playing.
  28. Kostas101
    Jul 16, 2020
    8
    The best expansion of Skyrim, it even stays true to the lore of the Elder Scrolls games. The story is very good, the characters are pretty nice and Solstheim is a very interesting place to explore. The side content is decent, the new armor sets and weapons are very strong and valuable and they are worth grinding, what a great expansion.
  29. Dimocracy
    Jul 6, 2023
    9
    Very high-quality DLC that adds new beautiful locations, quests, and a remarkable main storyline.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. PC PowerPlay
    Mar 30, 2013
    80
    Feels like a focused Bethesda, no longer stretched too thin in its task of crafting a world the size of Skyrim. [Apr 2013, p.93]
  2. PC Gamer
    Feb 28, 2013
    88
    Despite a rather ho-hum main quest, Dragonborn is crammed with enough side quests and new stuff to be an exciting add-on.
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  3. Riot Pixels
    Feb 28, 2013
    75
    If you compare Dragonborn’s price on Steam to that of the original game, you’d think they’re offering you a third of Skyrim. Naturally, this isn’t the case – the island of Solstheim is not so action-packed. Yet a sandbox, even a small one, is way more enjoyable than a handful of new locations and random quests from Dawnguard.
    Read full review
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