Embracing the Beast Within: Your Guide to Starting the Werewolf Questline in ESO
So, you’re yearning to unleash your inner beast and join the ranks of Hircine’s chosen in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)? The call of the wild is strong, and becoming a werewolf is a transformative experience in Tamriel. Here’s the lowdown on how to begin your lycanthropic journey:
The most common and recommended way to begin the werewolf questline is by contracting the disease Sanies Lupinus. This can be obtained in two primary ways: being bitten by a werewolf NPC or, far more efficiently, being bitten by another player who already possesses the werewolf skill line. There are specific areas where werewolf NPCs spawn. These areas are dependent on your alliance. The Ebonheart Pact werewolf spawn location is in The Rift, Daggerfall Covenant werewolves spawn in Bangkorai, and Aldmeri Dominion werewolves appear in Reaper’s March. You can find them in the wilderness at night. Look for werewolves that are hostile and will attack you. Once bitten, a quest will become available called Hircine’s Gift. This starts the Werewolf questline.
If you’re lucky enough to have a friend or guildmate who is already a werewolf, they can infect you at a Werewolf Shrine. These shrines are located in the same zones where wild werewolves spawn: The Rift (Ebonheart Pact), Bangkorai (Daggerfall Covenant), and Reaper’s March (Aldmeri Dominion). This is often the fastest and safest way to become infected. Remember that a werewolf can only infect another player every 7 days.
Becoming a Werewolf in ESO: A Deep Dive
Embarking on the Werewolf questline in ESO is more than just a simple quest; it’s an investment in a powerful and unique playstyle. Before you dive in, let’s explore the key aspects of starting this transformative journey.
The Initial Spark: Contracting Sanies Lupinus
Your transformation begins with contracting Sanies Lupinus, the disease that initiates the Werewolf questline. As mentioned, you can get this in one of two ways:
- Wild Werewolves: The most traditional method involves venturing into the designated zones – The Rift, Bangkorai, or Reaper’s March – at night and seeking out hostile werewolves. These creatures aren’t guaranteed to spawn, so persistence is key. When they attack, there is a chance to contract Sanies Lupinus.
- Player Bites: A more reliable option is to have a player who is already a werewolf bite you at a Werewolf Shrine. This method ensures you contract the disease. The best way to find someone to give you a bite is to simply ask in zone chat. You may be asked to pay a small fee or asked for nothing at all. Werewolves can only offer a bite every seven days, so there can be competition.
The Quest Begins: Hircine’s Gift
Once you’ve contracted Sanies Lupinus, you’ll receive the quest “Hircine’s Gift.” This is where your journey truly begins. The quest marker will direct you to the appropriate Werewolf Shrine in the zone.
Journey to the Ritual Site
Follow the quest marker to the Werewolf Shrine within your alliance’s zone. These shrines are sacred places to Hircine, the Daedric Prince of the Hunt, and are crucial for initiating the transformation.
The Ritual and Transformation
At the shrine, you’ll meet with a Pack Master, who guides you through the ritual. The ritual involves traveling to Hircine’s Hunting Grounds, a special instance where you’ll face challenges and ultimately prove your worthiness to receive the gift of lycanthropy.
Embracing Your Inner Beast
Once you complete the ritual, you’ll be granted the Werewolf Transformation skill. This skill allows you to transform into a powerful werewolf form, granting you unique abilities and strengths. You can access this form via your character’s Skill Menu and equip it as an Ultimate ability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Becoming a Werewolf in ESO
Here are some common questions about becoming a werewolf in ESO, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your transformation:
1. Do I need DLC to become a Werewolf in ESO?
No, you do not need DLC to become a werewolf in ESO. The zones where werewolves spawn and the Werewolf Shrines are located are part of the base game.
2. What level do I need to be to become a Werewolf?
There’s no level requirement to contract Sanies Lupinus. However, the “Hircine’s Gift” quest can be challenging for lower-level players. It is recommended that you are level 30+ before undertaking the quest.
3. Can I become a Werewolf and a Vampire?
No, you cannot be both a Werewolf and a Vampire at the same time in ESO. If you become one after already being the other, you will lose your previous affliction.
4. Can I cure Lycanthropy if I don’t like being a Werewolf?
Yes, you can cure Lycanthropy by visiting a priest of Arkay. There is a gold cost to cure it.
5. What are the benefits of being a Werewolf in ESO?
Being a werewolf grants you access to a unique skill line with powerful abilities, increased stamina regeneration in werewolf form, and resistance to diseases. It also offers a unique role-playing experience.
6. What are the downsides of being a Werewolf?
The downsides include vulnerability to poison damage, a specific skill line to level, and a different play style than a regular character. You may also face stigma from other players in role-playing situations.
7. Where are the Werewolf Shrines located?
The Werewolf Shrines are located in:
- The Rift (Ebonheart Pact)
- Bangkorai (Daggerfall Covenant)
- Reaper’s March (Aldmeri Dominion)
8. What is the best class to be a Werewolf?
There isn’t a single “best” class, but classes that synergize well with stamina builds, such as Stamina Sorcerers, Stamina Nightblades, and Stamina Wardens, often perform well as Werewolves.
9. How often can a player bite another player to turn them into a Werewolf?
A player can only bite another player and transmit Sanies Lupinus once every 7 days.
10. Does the moon phase affect Werewolf spawns?
No, the moon phase does not affect the spawn rate of werewolves in ESO. They simply spawn at night.
11. What happens if I already have a skill point in the Vampire skill line when I become a Werewolf?
If you already have skill points invested in the Vampire skill line and then become a Werewolf, those skill points will be refunded to you, and you will lose your Vampire status.
12. Can I access the Werewolf skill line without transforming into a Werewolf?
No, you must complete the “Hircine’s Gift” quest and unlock the Werewolf Transformation skill to access the full Werewolf skill line.
13. Are there any specific achievements related to being a Werewolf?
Yes, there are several achievements related to the Werewolf skill line, including transforming into a werewolf, using specific abilities, and defeating certain enemies in Werewolf form.
14. How do I maintain my Werewolf form?
While transformed, you must manage your stamina effectively. Using abilities and taking damage consumes stamina, and if it runs out, you’ll revert to your human form. Some skills extend the duration or manage stamina drain.
15. Is there a Werewolf skill line guide I can follow?
Numerous online guides and resources offer detailed information on the Werewolf skill line, including recommended skills, rotations, and playstyles. A quick search for “ESO Werewolf Build” will turn up lots of great builds to try out!
Becoming a werewolf in ESO is a thrilling and rewarding experience. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can embrace your inner beast and dominate the battlegrounds of Tamriel. And remember, the Games Learning Society is a great resource for learning more about the educational aspects of gaming and game-based learning, so be sure to visit GamesLearningSociety.org for additional information. Now go forth and heed the call of Hircine!