 Dawnguard , the first downloadable add @-@ on for Skyrim , revolves around a battle between the Dawnguard and Clan Volkihar . The Dawnguard , a band of vampire hunters , rely on the use of their trademark crossbow weapons in their pursuit against Clan Volkihar , a family of vampires . Early in Dawnguard 's quest line , players must choose which faction they join forces with . Dawnguard adds new content to the game including weapons , magic and armor , and expands the abilities afforded to players who choose to become either a vampire or a werewolf . It also adds two new areas outside of the main land of Skyrim to explore — the Soul Cairn , a plane of the realm Oblivion , and the Forgotten Vale , a secluded glacial valley . Dawnguard released on the Xbox 360 in English @-@ speaking territories on June 26 , 2012 , and in European countries in mid @-@ July 2012 . Via the digital distribution platform Steam , Dawnguard released for Windows on August 2 , 2012 . Performance issues on the PlayStation 3 platform hampered Dawnguard 's , and subsequent content add @-@ ons ' , release on it . Dawnguard eventually released on the PlayStation 3 on February 26 , 2013 in North America and on February 27 , 2013 , in Europe . 
