The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dawnguard

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 273 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 171 out of 273
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 273
  3. Negative: 44 out of 273

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  1. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    10
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!
  2. Kostas_Spirou
    Dec 26, 2021
    8
    I absolutely love the vampire setting but unfortunately "Dawnguard" doesn't bring anything new to the table except from some few things here and there.

    The story is decent and the new characters are great (Serana is my favorite character in the entire game). I was surprised by the boss fights, they are quite challenging and they look awesome. There are also some interesting powers and    I absolutely love the vampire setting but unfortunately "Dawnguard" doesn't bring anything new to the table except from some few things here and there.

    The story is decent and the new characters are great (Serana is my favorite character in the entire game).

    I was surprised by the boss fights, they are quite challenging and they look awesome.

    There are also some interesting powers and magic spells which are very fun to use.

    New armor sets and unique weapons that make the gameplay more diverse which I enjoyed.

    Having said all that I think Dawnguard is a great expansion, it offers some interesting things despite its short length and lack of side content.

    Final Rating: "Great" - 8/10.    … Expand
  3. Kostas101
    Apr 29, 2021
    7
    I love the Vampire setting, but this expansion doesn't bring anything new to the table. The story is decent, the characters are great, Serana is my favorite character in the game, and the boss fights are pretty good. There are some interesting power ups and magic spells, which are very fun to use but it would've been even better if there was more additional side content.
  4. DanishGamingGuy
    Mar 1, 2016
    9
    good new characters with a great new story you get the choice between vampires and vampire hunters if you are a werewolf and choose vampires they take your werewolf ability there are fun new quests and weapons in general just a great dlc
  5. Monsterdragon24
    Oct 29, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First off, I love werewolves, vampires, and Skyrim. This dlc is the perfect mix of all of them. Secondly, both the keeps radiate that old gothic vibe, especially the Castle, so awesome. This dlc expanded on the base games werewolves and added in a new form, the vampire lord. This new form is like the mage version of the werewolf except it can be activated and deactivated anytime and place. Their are many new quests to partake in. This dlc adds so much content to the already content rich game of Skyrim, if you're think about getting this dlc you won't regret it.… Expand
  6. WinkOrDie
    Jul 1, 2014
    4
    This DLC made me think of Bethesda's own "Horse Armor DLC" the whole time....

    The new characters are not memorable, the quests are just fetch quests, and nothing is here that we haven't seen beaten into the ground before. I bought this when it came out and paid the initial price of $20. I played it then and replayed just for this review so I was not reviewing something I played two    This DLC made me think of Bethesda's own "Horse Armor DLC" the whole time....

    The new characters are not memorable, the quests are just fetch quests, and nothing is here that we haven't seen beaten into the ground before.

    I bought this when it came out and paid the initial price of $20. I played it then and replayed just for this review so I was not reviewing something I played two years ago. This time I explored things more and disliked it even more than a first play through.

    Just... do NOT buy.    … Expand
  7. Konstantinos
    Sep 2, 2013
    8
    If you're a fan of Skyrim, this DLC worth the money, but if you are not.. wait a little. Dawnguard is enthusing me with the story, the characters, but the armors and weapons do not. The armors and weapons, actually, surprise me, because i haven't see something more medieval in the game. You're gonna have a good time with that expansion. I thought that the game was big enough, but now itIf you're a fan of Skyrim, this DLC worth the money, but if you are not.. wait a little. Dawnguard is enthusing me with the story, the characters, but the armors and weapons do not. The armors and weapons, actually, surprise me, because i haven't see something more medieval in the game. You're gonna have a good time with that expansion. I thought that the game was big enough, but now it has really completed.… Expand
  8. Fenchurch1
    Aug 31, 2013
    7
    As a lover Skyrim and the Elder Scrolls in general, this DLC package really did reignite my love for the game and gave me some new content to sink my teeth into. The additions of crossbows, mounted combat, new talent trees and the whole turning into a vampire lord thing are very welcome and add some neat new features to play around with. But at 1600 Microsoft points (around £14) however,As a lover Skyrim and the Elder Scrolls in general, this DLC package really did reignite my love for the game and gave me some new content to sink my teeth into. The additions of crossbows, mounted combat, new talent trees and the whole turning into a vampire lord thing are very welcome and add some neat new features to play around with. But at 1600 Microsoft points (around £14) however, you have to ask yourself if this is really good value for money. My answer would be yes, but only just and only because I enjoyed Skyrim so much. If you’re bored of delving into caves, killing vampires and skeletons, dealing with all manner of kooky quest givers and are just looking for something distinct and brand new in the region of Skyrim then this is not for you.… Expand
  9. electriclight41
    Jun 3, 2013
    8
    While vampires are a nice change of pace and the story is pretty creepy, Dawnguard doesn't amaze. It offers a fair amount of new content and abilities, though, so it's good if you've done most of what you can in the main game. But if you're going to get one DLC for Skyrim, I'd recommend Dragonborn.
  10. SirMauz
    Apr 30, 2013
    7
    For the most part, the only complaints I have are that the dang bloodsuckers eat critical characters if you aren't careful. Oi. Only install this if you are lvl 15 or higher, or you WILL have some issues with the enemies slaying folks you may need in-game. Otherwise, DL it and save it for later. It IS a fun DLC, making Werewolf play actually WORTH it, and Vampire play fun as well. It alsoFor the most part, the only complaints I have are that the dang bloodsuckers eat critical characters if you aren't careful. Oi. Only install this if you are lvl 15 or higher, or you WILL have some issues with the enemies slaying folks you may need in-game. Otherwise, DL it and save it for later. It IS a fun DLC, making Werewolf play actually WORTH it, and Vampire play fun as well. It also hosts a serious hottie in your traveling companion, and a fun story, Vamps or Humies.… Expand
  11. BurningDesire
    Jan 13, 2013
    8
    a good addon to an already great game, despite what is said against it, its a good solid addon with new weapons and gear, good quest line the game is broken with older characters so beware you may need to start a newer character. but still a great addon
  12. crazywaffle124
    Dec 16, 2012
    9
    Woah woah woah. Whats with all the negative reviews. I found this DLC very enjoyable-much more content then some call of duty DLC. Even more so, this dlc got me back into skyrim.
  13. mrgamesandstuff
    Dec 12, 2012
    6
    Dawnguard, the first expansion in Skyrim. may not be exactly what some people were expecting. On one hand, Dawnguard successfully brings a new experience into the Elder Scrolls franchise. On the other, it comes off as much worse than I was hoping for. While Dawnguard plays just as well as the rest of the game, there are many glitches that should have been fixed before it had even beenDawnguard, the first expansion in Skyrim. may not be exactly what some people were expecting. On one hand, Dawnguard successfully brings a new experience into the Elder Scrolls franchise. On the other, it comes off as much worse than I was hoping for. While Dawnguard plays just as well as the rest of the game, there are many glitches that should have been fixed before it had even been released. There was a time when I literally had to shove my companion through a cave to continue the story because she would not follow me when she was supposed to, but it is hard to complain when there are many great things that Dawnguard does. For one, it adds on a new set of weapons, shouts, companions, and abilities. Weapons like dragonbone allow for one to obtain some very strong and rare maces or swords. The companion you receive is probably the strongest you could possibly have and new abilities like the vampire turn out to be pleasantly useful. Aside from that however, Dawnguard does virtually nothing to add onto the map besides maybe three or four locations. While these locations are fun to explore, you will have very little reason to return to them. Also, some of the story quests are rather more annoying than entertaining. Overall, the most disappointing thing about Dawnguard is that no matter what side you choose, it will end the same way, adding no replay value what so ever. Dawnguard may have its issues and downsides but most people who own Skyrim will want to play this dlc. If you have extra money laying around I suggest buying Dawnguard, if you don't, I suggest waiting until you can spare some extra cash.… Expand
  14. Valiko
    Dec 11, 2012
    8
    This is a good DLC, it brings more of what i love about skyrim. It brings the werewolf and vampire classes, which are awesome, and the crossbow as well as a couple of spells and shouts. The story is not too bad and still has the same breathtaking environments. Overall it is a fun and good DLC, but for the price there should of been a bit more
  15. Cuddlezombie
    Dec 8, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am aware that a number of people were disappointed with the Dawnguard dlc and it is due to that, that I feel its worth stressing the fact that this piece of dlc was an add-on. The fact that Dawnguard is on add-on impressed me more when playing, as Bethesda have managed to introduce new and interesting areas without having to leave the Skyrim area. I will not deny the fact that at times you are sent to areas which you may or may not have previously visited. However, these missions are generally side-quests and do not pertain to the main quest line. Also, the new npcs introduce new companions and the new ability trees allow you to experience being either a vampire or werewolf in a new and more in depth way. Once again Bethesda have shown that they know how to make brilliant dlc, which actually fits within the world of Skyrim. Therefore, I found this content very interesting, detailed and fun to play and I especially loved the attention to detail used by Bethesda when creating the new npcs.… Expand
  16. warblinggangste
    Dec 3, 2012
    8
    YAWN!!!!!!! this is gayest dumb poop ive play it. stup. dont. dum. Chell dies in the end of Max Payne 3, definitely recommend among 4 hardcore gamers and softcore boners
  17. Harumpel
    Nov 27, 2012
    4
    This is an epic looking, well animated wasteland of boredom. In Skyrim, you can do or become everything, but the story is so thin and interaction is so poor, that I lost interest after about 10 hours. Whats the point running around in a world that does not keep you involved? Combat is fun, enemy types are, too. Enemy A.I. is poor, but sufficient. I enjoyed Fallout 3 / New Vegas and FableThis is an epic looking, well animated wasteland of boredom. In Skyrim, you can do or become everything, but the story is so thin and interaction is so poor, that I lost interest after about 10 hours. Whats the point running around in a world that does not keep you involved? Combat is fun, enemy types are, too. Enemy A.I. is poor, but sufficient. I enjoyed Fallout 3 / New Vegas and Fable II, but this one gets boring very fast.… Expand
  18. OnAnarchy
    Nov 19, 2012
    8
    As far as DLC these days goes, it's not a bad investment as it adds an entire new game mechanic to an already exciting RPG. Bethesda did an excellent job at adding beautiful landscapes and new worlds to explore, but after a while the whole quest line and story becomes both unbelievable and tedious.
  19. Tomahawk22
    Nov 17, 2012
    5
    Main story was average as **** Like the Snow Elves being added and extra Dwarven ruins to explore made it a pass. The game needed a big DLC, ala Knights of the Nine (I thought Shivering Isles was way overrated, just fyi). This just wasn't up to scratch.
  20. Monstr92
    Nov 2, 2012
    8
    Skyrim is one big open world full of plenty to do. Skyrim might quite possibly be a buggy game, full of fast-travelling places, and riding horses. But for that quick moment when encountering a dragon, makes up for the long grinding of repetitive dungeon scouring. The main story-track of Skyrim is suffice, and does justice with beautiful spectacles, stealth, and plenty of dragon slaying.Skyrim is one big open world full of plenty to do. Skyrim might quite possibly be a buggy game, full of fast-travelling places, and riding horses. But for that quick moment when encountering a dragon, makes up for the long grinding of repetitive dungeon scouring. The main story-track of Skyrim is suffice, and does justice with beautiful spectacles, stealth, and plenty of dragon slaying. The game though, falls short of it's loosely put together procedural quest generator, and minor annoyances. Though, that doesn't make the game terrible. Skyrim does right with it's beautiful vistas, mountains, and fields to walk and ride through. The ai, may fall short in some scenarios, and you'll find yourself doing things over and over again. Climbing into dungeons, going fifteen levels deep, learning a trade, collecting, and re-doing that over and over again. But what makes the long grind worth it, is the spectacle. The feeling of being in Skyrim, befriending others, completing side quests, and the sheer joy of exploration is what makes Skyrim all worth it in the end. Just prepare, to fork over long hours to complete this games main story track and along with it the side quests that will stray you away from the main story track. There's plenty of gameplay, plenty of story, and plenty of quests that will keep you occupied as you simply explore the land of Skyrim.… Expand
  21. KristinWard
    Oct 31, 2012
    9
    Game is huge, you can spend hours playing it and world is amazing. However the relay to much on the radiant quests, which can get old quick. While they do have some amusing quests, it lacks the character of some of the older games.
  22. SethyChan
    Oct 29, 2012
    6
    Overpriced, and fairly disappointing when I played it. Vampire attacks become so common it becomes just plain irritating. Good items had been added, but for what it is, just seemed a but of a waste of money. Lag and bugs were so common I had to get rid of the software.
  23. jonbravo2
    Oct 16, 2012
    5
    I honestly expected more out of this DLC than I have before. I played the storyline, and beat it in one day, and I must say: I am very much disappointed. The new content, such as the armor and characters was good, (except for the crossbow) but they didn't do a very good job with the ending of the story. I beat the final objective, and said to myself, "Is that the DLC I bought?" The peopleI honestly expected more out of this DLC than I have before. I played the storyline, and beat it in one day, and I must say: I am very much disappointed. The new content, such as the armor and characters was good, (except for the crossbow) but they didn't do a very good job with the ending of the story. I beat the final objective, and said to myself, "Is that the DLC I bought?" The people who made it cut the story line off WAY too soon, and on top of that, they didn't even make it worth playing. When you beat it, you don't get any sort of grand prize or anything.

    I think Bethesda did a good job with their idea, but it could have used a LOT more work before they put it on the market.    … Expand
  24. DeviantWaffle
    Oct 7, 2012
    8
    This game was AMAZING the first time around. I very much enjoyed the quests and combats. The graphics were okay, not the best. I found the world extremely bland and tasteless. Be prepared to see a lot of brown, gray, white and yellow when you buy this game. The sounds and voice acting was okay... Besides a few voices which didn't match the NPCs body. While on the subject of voices...This game was AMAZING the first time around. I very much enjoyed the quests and combats. The graphics were okay, not the best. I found the world extremely bland and tasteless. Be prepared to see a lot of brown, gray, white and yellow when you buy this game. The sounds and voice acting was okay... Besides a few voices which didn't match the NPCs body. While on the subject of voices... WHERE ARE ALL THE VOICE ACTORS!?!? THERE ARE LIKE 10 DIFFERENT VOICES IN THIS DAMN GAME SAYING THE SAME THING. The most ANNOYING thing about this game I have to say. If you're like me, then you would want to create the most evilest bastard whom ever lived... So lets say you're going for a stroll and you get a thirst for slaughtering helpless villagers... TOO BAD... Most of the game NPCs in this damn game are invincible. What got me the most about this game was the freedom to do ALMOST anything you wanted, which was in the last Elder Scrolls... The world was very wide and just tempting you to explore. After completing the main quest of slaying big-n-nasteh (which really wasn't too long..) I found myself lost. Very much... Bored. I mean there are a TON of fun quests in this game that will make you laugh and twist your emotions... But past those fun quests are dull and endless quests that have you run across the world to kill some bandits then run across the world to kill some more... IT WAS BORING... Don't get me wrong though, this game is a MUST PLAY. The story will suck you in and not let you go until you slay that ugly bastard. Slicing the heads off of random people will keep you entertained for quite some time and it is worth your moneys worth. Don't worry, when you complete all the fun stuff it will call you back for more and you will make a new character.… Expand
  25. Madd_H4773r
    Sep 27, 2012
    9
    This being the first DLC for SKYRIM I believe it was amazing, however, I also feel it could have been longer and more challenging. I also liked taking on other forms, but I would have liked even more to see my standard character get a couple of extra perks.
  26. Svikteren
    Sep 23, 2012
    4
    This is a dissappointing addition to Elders Scrolls V: Skyrim. With some bugs, lack of content and repetetive dungeons and caves, I do not recommend this DLC.
  27. disview912
    Sep 4, 2012
    8
    Dawnguard is short, doesn't really add much to Skyrim, and is a bit steep at 1600 MSP. However I give it an 8 because I love the crossbow and had a lot of fun with the quests. The way I see it, consoles don't have mod support so I will pay what I must to prolong my adventures in Skyrim.
  28. ChadFirestorm
    Aug 28, 2012
    3
    The only reason im not giving this content a 1 is because i have yet to play it as dawnguard and have only played as a vampire so far. Fair enough Bethesda want fewer but longer content, im all game for that, but it felt it was dragged out a bit by making each portal very mazy. My biggest gripe with the content is not always being able to walk through a door, now it might sound petty butThe only reason im not giving this content a 1 is because i have yet to play it as dawnguard and have only played as a vampire so far. Fair enough Bethesda want fewer but longer content, im all game for that, but it felt it was dragged out a bit by making each portal very mazy. My biggest gripe with the content is not always being able to walk through a door, now it might sound petty but if you want to stay a vampire it can be infuriating, i had to change back to human and back to vampire to walk through and to walk up stairs. It only takes about 5 seconds to switch between the two, but it feels like forever. Rumours of the next expansion sound immense, so was this Bethesda just giving us something to stop our whinging? Big shames… Expand
  29. YHWH
    Aug 26, 2012
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Predictable, bug-ridden fare. BUT IT IS SKYRIM, MUST BE GOOD
    -Reddit    … Expand
  30. Breegullbeak
    Aug 25, 2012
    5
    Skyrim is a great game. It's a glitch filled mess that I could forgive due too it being such a massive world. Most glitches have been fixed and the ones that haven't will forever bug me. Dawnguard however is to small to excuse these major glitches such as when a major character is to busy being hostile to talk to you. Luckily people found a way around this glitch otherwise I would haveSkyrim is a great game. It's a glitch filled mess that I could forgive due too it being such a massive world. Most glitches have been fixed and the ones that haven't will forever bug me. Dawnguard however is to small to excuse these major glitches such as when a major character is to busy being hostile to talk to you. Luckily people found a way around this glitch otherwise I would have left before the new features had a chance to suck. Playing as a vampire lord is boring. You are only able to survive in a fight at night(which is understandable) and if you chose the Dawnguard side of the quest, you are given no tutorial on how to play as one. You are given the ability to become a werewolf again, but only once, which sucks because they actually made being a werewolf a decent experience. The story is far more interesting then the one the game gives you, but overall this is not worth the $20.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2012
36
#36 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 47 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 47
  3. Negative: 0 out of 47
  1. DailyGame
    Feb 25, 2013
    95
    Dawnguard is much more substantial add-on than Hearthfire, adding on a full storyline centered on a war between the vampires and the Dawnguard.
    Read full review
  2. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 14, 2012
    85
    The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard. Bethesda shows how a dlc should be done. Dawnguard's 20-euro price tag is quite steep, but the amount of quality content more than makes up for it. Also, playing as a vampire lord is a welcome distraction. [Sept 2012]
  3. Hyper Magazine
    Aug 8, 2012
    50
    Predictable, bug-ridden fare. [Sept 2012, p.72]
See all critic reviews »