Released initially in 2012, Dawnguard is the first official DLC for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, which introduces the Dawnguard and the Volkihar Clan. These two new main factions are central to the expansion's storyline. The Dawnguard is an organization of intrepid warriors firmly determined to rid the lands of vampires. On the other side, the Volkihar are an ancient legion of pure-blooded vampires who pledge allegiance to the Daedric Prince Molag Bal in The Elder Scrolls V. Both factions are joinable, and which one the Dragonborn chooses to join will alter Dawnguard's conclusion.

Skyrim's Dawnguard expansion also adds two unique skills trees for players who've partaken of the Companion's beast blood and become a Werewolf and for those who've joined the Volkihar Clan to become a Vampire Lord. However, Elder Scrolls fans should note that they cannot simultaneously be a Werewolf and Vampire Lord without exploitative workarounds. Additionally, joining the Dawnguard or Vampires is irreversible, so players need to be sure of their decision in advance.

Related: Skyrim: How To Get Dawnfang And Duskfang

There are three ways to begin the Dawnguard DLC's questline. The first method is by reaching Level 10 and encountering Durak in a major town or city in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Durak is an Orc ranger and a member of the Dawnguard. After the player is Level 10, he will approach and speak about the "vampire menace" in Skyrim. Finally, if players accept his invitation to become a vampire hunter, a quest marker will pinpoint Dayspring Canyon, the hidden entrance to Fort Dawnguard. However, do keep in mind that, due to a glitch, the map marker may not always be accurate in displaying Dayspring Canyon's location.

How to Trigger the Dawnguard DLC Questline in Skyrim

Skyrim: How to Begin the Dawnguard DLC

Another way to initiate Dawnguard's questline is hearing a rumor about the Dawnguard faction from Hold guards. If Durak has yet to appear, guards may randomly suggest that the Dragonborn in The Elder Scrolls V can become a vampire hunter at Fort Dawnguard, automatically marking the location's entrance on the map. This event can occur at any time during a playthrough, so if players aren't in a hurry to experience Dawnguard, this method provides the most convenience.

The third way to start the Dawnguard DLC in Skyrim is going directly to Dayspring Canyon, which sits to the southeast of Riften, near Stendarr's Beacon. However, this approach can be tricky, as the map can sometimes be cloudy around mountainous regions. Nevertheless, supposing players find the hidden entrance to Fort Dawnguard successfully, they can continue down the path to the vampire hunter's headquarters location in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Next: Skyrim: How to Become a Vampire-Werewolf Hybrid

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.