Hey Guys,
After waiting patiently a looong time (for a rig that will do it justice) i'll finally be installing tonight and taking my first steps into the world of Skyrim.

I have two questions, the first is specific...
1.) Should i be ok just to install and go, or would it better the experience to install any "extras"?
I think Dawnguard is an add-on, correct? Do i need it right away or can i wait til i've done the main game?

The second is more general...
2.) As someone who will be setting out and playing for the very first time, what one piece of advice would you give me? (without spoiling anything about story / choices, obviously)


Thanks in advance... Can't wait to get going!

1. You don't have to install DLC right when you install the game, but Dawnguad does have some nice things like Crossbows and etc.

2. Not sure what kind of advice I could give, maybe be careful and not try to do too much at once.

General advice: don't try to do everything with one character. Try different playstyles for different questlines. Save a lot. And don't rush through things, take your time, explore and listen.

pick up blue mountain flower which is found everywhere!! and when you get to farms , steal their wheat and with those to ingredients you can make health potions.

I've just started as a nord. Lots of sword/archery play with a little magic. I think the magic could get complicated so I will start a new character to play through when I become more familiar.

To build on this, I'd say envision which archetype you want your character to be, and stick to it. Don't try to be the master of everything, you'll have more fun being specialized and make new characters to try out each type of playstyle. The most fun levels are 15-40, getting max level is no real accomplishment.

Also, just pick one crafting skill (enchantment, alchemy, smithing) and go with it. Otherwise you can overpower yourself very quickly and then the game is not challenging or fun at all.

Play through the game without mods first, to get a feel of the world. Although it is tempting to mod-away from the beginning, I would wait a while.

1. The DLCs add things to the game, but won't be available right at the start. You'll have a chance to get your feet wet before you need to worry about them

2. My advice would be to turn off these forums, load up the game, and just go experience it for yourself.

1. - no idea, what with being PS3.
2. - to build on the specialising advice, it helps if your character has a back story which underlines why they're in Skyrim, their preferences, whom they serve, their beliefs etc etc... this is something I should do more often, before starting new characters, and if I do it enhances game play a lot. Also means you avoid obvious contradictions.

Oh, and avoid the wiki unless you're really stuck - I've given in too many times and learnt too much before I should....!

No, you don't need the DLCs right away. Honestly, I'd wait to install Dawnguard until later. The random vampire attacks are annoying as as all hell.

As for advice, be smart with your perks. You can't have all of them (or even close to all of them), so don't just pick a perk because it's available right when you level. If you're like level 59 in archery, save that perk and use it once you get up to level 60.

1. You can install the DLC at any time, I suggest waiting and enjoying the main game before you buy add-ons. I'm tempted to recommend an interface mod, but nah, play it vanilla first. You might want to take a look at the http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/19 though.

2. Don't read the forum. Don't read UESP or any other wiki. Enjoy the game, don't rush it, explore, let yourself get lost in the world. Oh, and save early, save often - you never know when you might catch a bug and it's better to be safe than sorry

1) Save a lot.
2) Refer to above.
3) Don't trust Argonians.
4) Refer to 1 and 3.

Like people have said; Dawnguard add more stuff for you to play with... not to also mention more wandering Vampires that can either kill you quickly or infect you, so keep that in mind.

My other advice for you would be to pick up a sword and a buddy, charge head on and start swinging... This way you will quickly learn and improve your character. Also save a lot.