The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dawnguard

Mechanics

Selecting each side gives different profits. Joining the followers of Harkon allows the player to transform into a lord of vampires. This works similarly as transformation into a werewolf from the basic version of the game and it allows using unique abilities like vampire catch, which lures and immobilizes enemies while weakening them at the same time. As the vampire hunter the player gains access to interesting weapons like crossbows and he learns a new cry – Soul Tear which forces the soul of the fallen enemy to fight alongside Dovahkiin. Both factions have separate, atmospheric hideouts. Harkon has the dark castle Volkihar located on an island and Dawnguard have their fort hidden in the mountains.

The expansion introduces two new ability trees – one for the vampire and one for the werewolf. The developers had taken into consideration that players with high experience level could have trouble with developing them and because of that decided to assign these trees’ abilities not for experience points, but for killing enemies who possess them. The player will also face new enemies – legendary dragons, gargoyles and armored trolls. The expansion introduces the possibility to fight from the back of the horse – it is something that many players missed in the basic version of the game.

Players who aren’t happy about the look of their character can now change it – they simply have to speak to the right person in the sewers under the city of Riften. As the main story of the expansion progresses, the players will visit a realm of the imprisoned souls – the Soul Cairn, where they will face undead enemies and where they will gain new abilities.