Planning a return to the frosty lands of Skyrim or just curious which expansions actually left a mark? Picking the best Skyrim DLC in 2025 isn’t about what’s shiny and new, but what still hits hard after all these years. Today we’re ranking Dawnguard, Hearthfire, Dragonborn, and the Anniversary Edition.
When The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim launched in 2011, it blew minds. It was this massive, open world you could get lost in for hundreds of hours. And Bethesda managed to keep it alive with add-ons that really mattered. Not fluff, not filler. Actual content that added depth, exploration, and replayability. Each one shifted the way people played, and they’re a big reason Skyrim still refuses to die.
| Game | Release | What's DLC About? | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim | 2021-11-11 | Explore the vast open world of Tamriel's northern province, where players become the Dragonborn, harnessing powerful shouts and embarking on epic quests across stunning landscapes filled with diverse wildlife, ancient ruins, and rich lore. |
 | Dawnguard | 2012-08-02 | Embark on an epic conflict between vampires and hunters, choosing sides, wielding powerful new weapons, and exploring mysterious fortresses like the Soul Cairn. |
 | Hearthfire | 2012-10-04 | Embark on an epic conflict between vampires and hunters, choosing sides, wielding powerful new weapons, and exploring mysterious fortresses like the Soul Cairn. |
 | Dragonborn | 2013-02-05 | Travel to Solstheim to confront the original Dragonborn, mastering new shouts and exploring ash-ridden landscapes filled with quests and ancient secrets. |
We’re looking at what each DLC brought, how it changed things, and why it’s still worth booting up in 2025. Whether you’re chasing vampires, building the perfect house, or facing the OG Dragonborn, one of these expansions will be your jam.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
| Release date: | 2016-10-27 |
| Genre: | Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure |
| Developer: | Bethesda Game Studios |
When Skyrim dropped, it redefined what a fantasy RPG could be. Set in the frozen north of Tamriel, 200 years after Oblivion, it threw you into the role of the Dragonborn.
Your job is to stop Alduin, the World-Eater. What really stood out was the freedom. You could hike into the mountains, clear a dungeon, or just ignore the main story and go hunting dragons.
Character progression was wide open. No strict classes. You could build your character however you wanted. Dual-wielding magic and weapons was fresh. The game had bugs and yes, the melee could feel a bit loose, but none of that stopped it from becoming one of the best-selling games of all time.
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Dawnguard
| Release date: | 2012-08-02 |
| Genre: | Role-playing (RPG) |
| Developer: | Bethesda Game Studios |
Dawnguard was the first DLC and it didn’t play it safe. You’re thrown into a war between vampire hunters and an ancient vampire clan. You pick a side and roll with it. That choice changes your path, your powers, and even the ending.
This DLC brought the Vampire Lord and Werewolf skill trees. Being a Vampire Lord meant getting life-draining powers and the ability to summon gargoyles. Werewolves finally had a proper upgrade path too.
Add in places like the Soul Cairn and Forgotten Vale and you’ve got serious reasons to explore again. Some animations were a bit stiff, but the story and powers made it worth it
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Hearthfire
| Release date: | 2012-10-04 |
| Genre: | Role-playing (RPG) |
| Developer: | Bethesda Game Studios |
Hearthfire was chill. No epic battles or ancient threats. Just you, some land, and the tools to build your dream house. Pick a plot, lay down a cottage, then expand it into whatever setup you want.
It brought house customization, furniture crafting, and a bit of family stuff with child adoption. You could even hire people to run errands or play music in your home.
Some bugs popped up, but if you wanted a break from the usual chaos, Hearthfire let you settle down and just enjoy Skyrim life.
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Dragonborn
| Release date: | 2013-02-05 |
| Genre: | Role-playing (RPG) |
| Developer: | Bethesda Game Studios |
Dragonborn was massive. It took you to Solstheim, an island split between ice and volcanic ash. Morrowind fans knew the place. New enemies, new locations, and a new main villain: Miraak. He was the first Dragonborn and he wasn’t too happy to share the spotlight.
You got new shouts, including one that let you ride dragons. It wasn’t super precise, but come on, it’s dragon riding.
You also explored Hermaeus Mora’s twisted world and unlocked hidden knowledge through creepy Black Books. This was the expansion with real weight.
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Which One Rules?
Then there’s the Anniversary Edition, released in 2021. It bundled in everything from the Special Edition, plus 74 pieces of curated content from the Creation Club. That means more quests, gear, houses, even fishing and aquariums. If you want the all-in package, that’s it.
But let’s be real. Dragonborn probably wins for content and impact. Dawnguard is close, thanks to its strong story and gameplay changes. Hearthfire is great for those who like chill vibes between battles. And Anniversary Edition is perfect if you want everything in one place.