The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dawnguard vs The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Skyrim's first official add‑on, Dawnguard, expands the world with a new faction of vampire hunters and the ancient Volkihar Clan. Players choose to side with the Dawnguard to stop a prophecy that would plunge Nirn into eternal night, or embrace vampirism and become a powerful Vampire Lord. The DLC adds two unique skill trees, dozens of quests, new weapons, armor, and characters, while preserving Skyrim’s open‑world sandbox experience. All content is single‑player and available on PlayStation 3, PC, and Xbox 360.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a story-driven open-world RPG in which you play Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter. It is celebrated for its mature writing, meaningful side quests, and a massive, hand-crafted world.
Around $39.99, frequently discounted; expansions sold separately or in a Complete Edition.
- Deep narrative choice with lasting consequences
- Two entirely new skill trees expand character builds
- Adds substantial quest content and new gear
- Integrates smoothly with the base game
- Outstanding writing and side quests
- Huge, atmospheric world
- Great value with expansions
- Frequent deep discounts
- Requires the base Skyrim game to play
- Some players find the new questline less polished than the original
- Limited to single‑player experience
- Combat feels dated to some
- Overwhelming amount of content
- Slow start
What reviewers say
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dawnguard Reviews
No reviews yet.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Reviews
4.3 (4)Recommend The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Picked up The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt recently. Outstanding writing and side quests. One gripe: overwhelming amount of content. Would recommend.
So much fun
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has been my go-to lately. Frequent deep discounts. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Love it
Picked up The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt recently. Huge, atmospheric world. One gripe: combat feels dated to some. Would recommend.
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A dark, choice‑driven RPG where every decision shapes the fate of kingdoms.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataThe Witcher 3 offers a richer, standalone open‑world RPG experience with deeper story and more content, while Skyrim Dawnguard adds focused DLC to an existing game at a lower price.
Key differences
- •Standalone vs. DLC: Witcher 3 is a full game; Dawnguard requires owning Skyrim.
- •Content scope: Witcher 3 includes a massive world and two expansions; Dawnguard adds ~20 quests and new skill trees.
- •Pricing model: Witcher 3 base price ~ $39.99 (often discounted) with optional expansions; Dawnguard costs $19.99 but needs the base game purchase.
- •Combat style: Witcher 3 uses alchemy and signs with a more tactical feel; Dawnguard introduces crossbows and vampire/lycanthrope powers.
- •Platform reach: Witcher 3 runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch; Dawnguard listed only with generic specs, no platform list.
Gameplay & fun factor
Witcher 3 praised for deep combat, alchemy, signs and branching quests; Dawnguard adds limited new mechanics.
Platform availability
Witcher 3 officially supports PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch; Dawnguard platform details not provided.
Pricing & value
Dawnguard costs $19.99 (plus required Skyrim purchase); Witcher 3 base ~ $39.99 but includes two expansions in Complete Edition.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Witcher 3 offers a sprawling world with dense side content and two expansions; Dawnguard adds ~20 quests.
Difficulty & accessibility
Dawnguard’s smaller scope may be easier for newcomers; Witcher 3 can feel overwhelming.
Graphics & performance
Witcher 3 runs on modern consoles and Switch with acclaimed visuals; Dawnguard specs not listed.
Choose The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dawnguard if…
Skyrim owners seeking affordable DLC with new quests and vampire/lycanthrope options.
Choose The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt if…
Players wanting a complete, story‑rich RPG without needing another game.
Common questions
Do I need to buy another game to play Dawnguard?
Yes, Dawnguard is a DLC that requires the base Skyrim game.
Which option gives more overall gameplay hours?
Witcher 3, with its massive world and two expansions, provides significantly more content than Dawnguard’s ~20 quests.
Is the Witcher 3 cheaper if I wait for a sale?
Witcher 3 is frequently discounted from its around $39.99 list price, sometimes below Dawnguard’s $19.99 price.