Can I Undo Being a Werewolf in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
The answer is a resounding yes, you absolutely can undo being a werewolf in Skyrim. While embracing the beast within offers unique powers and a thrilling gameplay experience, it’s understandable if you decide it’s not for you. Skyrim provides a clear path to cure yourself of lycanthropy, allowing you to return to your mortal form and pursue other adventures in Tamriel. This cure is tied directly to the Companions questline and a specific ritual within Ysgramor’s Tomb.
The Companions Questline and the Path to Purity
Your journey to cure lycanthropy begins with joining the Companions, a renowned group of warriors in Whiterun. As you progress through their questline, you’ll eventually uncover their secret: many of them are werewolves. Accepting the beast blood is part of the initiation, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent condition.
The key quest is called “Glory of the Dead,” which culminates in venturing into Ysgramor’s Tomb. Within this ancient burial site, you’ll face challenges and ultimately help the deceased Companion leader, Kodlak Whitemane, find peace.
The Purity Ritual
After completing “Glory of the Dead”, a radiant quest named “Purity” will become available. This quest is specifically for those Companions who wish to rid themselves of lycanthropy.
The process involves:
- Acquiring a Glenmoril Witch Head: These heads are obtained by defeating Glenmoril Witches, who reside in various caves throughout Skyrim.
- Returning to Ysgramor’s Tomb: Re-enter the tomb and interact with the central flame.
- Placing the Glenmoril Witch Head on the Flame: This action draws out the wolf spirit within you.
- Defeating Your Wolf Spirit: A spectral wolf representing your lycanthropic nature will materialize. Defeat it in combat.
Once you defeat the wolf spirit, you are cured! You can continue to do this for other members of the companions as well, though you can only cure yourself once.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Curing Lycanthropy in Skyrim
Here are some frequently asked questions related to curing lycanthropy in Skyrim:
-
Can I become a werewolf again after being cured? Yes, but only once if you have the Dawnguard DLC installed. Aela the Huntress can re-grant you lycanthropy. Without the DLC, you can only become a werewolf once.
-
Can I be both a werewolf and a vampire in Skyrim? No. The game mechanics prevent you from being both simultaneously, as both conditions make you immune to diseases (including vampirism and lycanthropy).
-
What happens if I don’t want to become a werewolf during the Companions questline? Unfortunately, becoming a werewolf is mandatory to progress through the main Companions questline. However, you can choose to cure yourself immediately after completing the required quests.
-
I accidentally became a werewolf! What do I do? Don’t panic! Follow the Companions questline as described above to access the “Purity” quest and cure yourself.
-
Can I cure my follower of lycanthropy? No, you cannot cure followers of lycanthropy in the base game. Mods may offer this functionality, but it’s not a standard feature.
-
Are there any negative consequences to curing lycanthropy? The main consequence is losing the powers and abilities associated with being a werewolf. You will also lose your immunity to diseases.
-
Can I still access werewolf perks after being cured? No. Once you are cured, you lose access to the werewolf perk tree. The Games Learning Society could study how these game mechanics affect player choices.
-
Is there a time limit to cure myself after becoming a werewolf? No, there is no time limit. You can remain a werewolf for as long as you like and initiate the curing process whenever you’re ready.
-
What if the “Purity” quest is not available after completing “Glory of the Dead”? This can sometimes happen. Try completing radiant quests for the Companions until the “Purity” quest becomes available. You may need to wait a few in-game days as well.
-
Do I need the Dawnguard DLC to cure myself? No, you do not need the Dawnguard DLC to cure yourself of lycanthropy. The curing process is part of the base game’s Companions questline.
-
Can I side with the Dawnguard as a werewolf? Yes, you can absolutely side with the Dawnguard while being a werewolf. Your lycanthropy does not affect your ability to join their ranks or complete their quests.
-
What are the benefits of being a werewolf in Skyrim? Being a werewolf grants increased strength, speed, and stamina. You gain access to a powerful Beast Form transformation, which allows you to deal massive damage with your claws and teeth. You also gain immunity to all diseases.
-
How do I transform into a werewolf in Skyrim? Once you have lycanthropy, you can use the “Beast Form” power (found under the Magic > Powers menu) to transform into a werewolf once per day.
-
How do I revert back to human form after transforming into a werewolf? You automatically revert back to human form after a certain amount of time has passed (usually 2.5 minutes). You can also force the transformation to end early by using the “Wait” function for an hour.
-
Does my race affect my werewolf form in Skyrim? No, your race does not affect your appearance or abilities in werewolf form. All races have the same werewolf form and access to the same werewolf perks.
Choosing Your Path
Ultimately, the decision of whether to remain a werewolf or seek a cure is a personal one. Weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully, considering your preferred playstyle and character build. Skyrim offers the freedom to choose your own destiny, whether that involves embracing the beast within or walking a more traditional path.
Understanding the mechanics of how we learn, especially within a gaming context, is crucial. Educational research, such as that conducted by the GamesLearningSociety.org, helps us understand the impact of game-based learning. Explore their website to delve deeper into this research.