Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Play UK
    Mar 21, 2013
    70
    It's fresh Skyrim and a lot of it, which is obviously good. On the other hand, the wonky design of the Vampire Lord undermines what should be the standout idea, and so there's a strong whiff of disappointment also present in Dawnguard. [Issue#229, p.72]
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 48
  2. Negative: 9 out of 48
  1. Dec 2, 2021
    10
    An excellent DLC. It adds a lot lore wise atop great characters, gameplay additions and of cause new items. The story unfolds around anAn excellent DLC. It adds a lot lore wise atop great characters, gameplay additions and of cause new items. The story unfolds around an ancient prophecy from the extinct snow elves called “Tyranny of the Sun”. It is said that night and day will become one when the dragons return. This is something which would make vampires far more powerful as it would remove their main weakness aka the daylight. Of cause the vampire are interested in this and will try to fulfill it. You the Dragonborn will be drawn into this events but it is not foretold on which side. I fully like the story as it has a branching part that forces you to make a lasting decision. Also it is enjoyably long and the gameplay aspects are nice. They added an ability tree for vampires and werewolf's, new weapons including crossbows, armors, abilities, spells and more. The characters are also really good by Elder Scroll standards. Especially Serena became a fan favorite but both sides have other fascinating characters with own personalities. These work well and enhance the experience. The new areas are good integrated in the game and have variety. I wont go into details because of spoilers. Overall this was an excellent add on and I enjoyed it from beginning to the end. The quest line became my favorite as became the characters. The new cross bow is an excellent addition to ranged combat especially with the better ammunition. I recommend this for anyone. Full Review »
  2. Aug 18, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Serana is the most interesting, well-developed character in Skyrim. The strongest part of this DLC is the relationship between the Dragonborn and Serana, which many (most?) players play as unrequited love story. Also has fun new gameplay stuff, especially crossbows. It's one major flaw is in its failure to integrate with the rest of the world very well; worldbuilding is the central strength of the Elder Scrolls game, so I think this DLC gets underrated on not really playing to Skyrim's central strength. But it is a good game on its own terms. Full Review »
  3. Nov 22, 2019
    0
    1) The quest marker to start the quest is woefully incorrect. Bethesda couldn't muster up the tiniest amount of willpower to fix the location1) The quest marker to start the quest is woefully incorrect. Bethesda couldn't muster up the tiniest amount of willpower to fix the location of the objective marker. The marker is SOUTH EAST of Stendarr's Marker and the cave is NORTH WEST. Literally opposite directions.

    2) EVERY guide on the internet says the location of Dawnspring Canyon is NORTH EAST of the Stendarr's Beacon. This is stupidly and belligerently incorrect. It is north WEST. ok? North. Freakin', West. How tragically dumb does the entire internet have to be in order for this to happen?

    3) The cave entrance is absolutely tiny and nondescript.

    What a horrible, not fun user experience of trying to start the damn DLC, let alone play it.
    Full Review »