Can You Be Cured of Being a Werewolf in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, Dragonborn, you absolutely can be cured of Lycanthropy in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The beast within can be banished, although the path to freedom isn’t without its trials. Curing yourself is a significant decision, impacting your gameplay and character build, so it’s vital to understand the process and its consequences. This article will detail the cure, its prerequisites, and address frequently asked questions surrounding this transformation. Prepare to bid farewell to your furry form, or perhaps reconsider embracing it!

The Cure: Glory of the Dead and Glenmoril Witch Heads

The primary method to cure your werewolf curse is intertwined with the Companions questline. Specifically, during the final quest, “Glory of the Dead,” you’ll have an opportunity to cleanse your spirit. However, this cure isn’t automatically granted.

The Crucial Ingredient: Glenmoril Witch Heads

To perform the ritual and purge yourself of Lycanthropy, you’ll need at least one Glenmoril Witch Head. These heads are harvested from the Glenmoril Witches who reside in the Glenmoril Coven. To cure yourself you’ll need two heads in total, as one head is specifically required to cure Kodlak Whitemane’s spirit during the Glory of the Dead quest. This means you must kill at least two witches. It’s a good idea to acquire a few extra heads during your venture into the coven, as the cure can be repeated once after the main questline.

The Ritual: Ysgramor’s Tomb

During “Glory of the Dead,” after defeating Kodlak’s Wolf Spirit, you will then need to ignite the Flame of the Harbinger using a Glenmoril Witch Head. After this is done, you must also draw out the spirit of the wolf from your own body and defeat it. This will release your spirit and rid you of Lycanthropy.

Things to Consider Before Curing Lycanthropy

Curing Lycanthropy is a significant decision. Once you’re cured through the Companions questline, you’ll be immune to contracting the disease again. This immunity also protects you from other diseases, including Vampirism. Consider the benefits of being a werewolf, such as disease resistance, the powerful Beast Form, and the unique gameplay experience. On the other hand, consider the drawbacks, such as the inability to gain rested bonuses and potential hostility from NPCs when transforming.

Hybrid Builds and Additional Cures

There are ways to regain Lycanthropy after being cured, and even potentially become a “hybrid,” possessing both Werewolf and Vampire Lord powers. These methods typically involve glitches or specific quest sequences.

• Regaining Lycanthropy: After completing the Companions questline, you can ask Aela the Huntress to turn you back into a werewolf again. You can do this one time only, as there are only two available spots to cure yourself.

• Hybrid Builds: The way this is accomplished is to finish Dawnguard first and have Serana able to turn you before you become a werewolf to make a hybrid. The simplest is to transform to a vampire lord and perform the blood ritual for werewolf at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Curing Lycanthropy in Skyrim

1. Can I become a Vampire Lord after being a Werewolf?

Yes, but you must cure your Lycanthropy first. Being a werewolf grants complete disease resistance, making it impossible to contract Sanguinare Vampiris, the disease that leads to vampirism. Once cured, you can contract the disease and progress through the Dawnguard questline to become a Vampire Lord.

2. How long does the Werewolf transformation last?

The base transformation lasts for 150 seconds (2 minutes and 30 seconds). However, you can extend this duration by feeding on corpses. The “Savage Feeding” perk allows you to feed on almost any dead creature, further extending your time in beast form.

3. Do the Dawnguard care if I’m a Werewolf?

Surprisingly, no. The Dawnguard are primarily concerned with hunting vampires. As long as you aren’t a vampire, they’ll welcome you into their ranks. This allows you to explore their questline and acquire powerful anti-vampire weapons and abilities even while remaining a werewolf.

4. What are the negative effects of being a Werewolf?

While the Beast Form is powerful, there are drawbacks:

• Restricted Abilities: You cannot use items, cast spells, or access your inventory while transformed.
• Social Consequences: Transforming in front of citizens can result in a 1,000 Septim bounty, and followers may become hostile.
• Restless Nights: You don’t receive any rested bonuses from sleeping in human form.
• Limited Actions: You cannot pick locks or loot bodies in werewolf form.
• Heart Eating: While not strictly a negative effect, many players may disapprove of needing to consume peoples hearts.

5. Can I reacquire Lycanthropy after being cured?

Yes, once. After completing the Companions questline and curing yourself, you can ask Aela the Huntress to turn you back into a werewolf.

6. Can I enter the Soul Cairn as a Werewolf?

No, you cannot enter the Soul Cairn as a werewolf normally. You need to either be a vampire or have your soul partially trapped.

7. What happens if I become a Vampire to enter the Soul Cairn?

If you choose to become a vampire to enter the Soul Cairn while allied with the Dawnguard, you’ll be temporarily kicked out until you cure yourself of vampirism.

8. What are the benefits of being a Werewolf in Skyrim?

The advantages of Lycanthropy include:

• Powerful Beast Form: Access to a formidable transformation with increased strength and claw attacks.
• Disease Resistance: Complete immunity to all diseases, including Vampirism.
• Health Replenishment: Feeding on corpses replenishes health and extends the transformation duration.
• Fear Howl: The ability to terrify enemies, causing them to flee.

9. Should I remove Lycanthropy in Skyrim?

This is a personal decision. If you find the drawbacks of the Beast Form outweigh its benefits, or if you wish to pursue a vampire build, then curing yourself is the right choice. However, if you enjoy the raw power and unique gameplay of being a werewolf, it might be best to retain your Lycanthropy.

10. How do I become a Hybrid (Werewolf and Vampire Lord)?

Achieving a hybrid state is a complicated process, typically involving glitches and specific questline order. The general steps are:

1. Complete the Dawnguard questline to the point where Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord.
2. Cure yourself of Lycanthropy.
3. Transform into a Vampire Lord.
4. Simultaneously perform the transformation into a Vampire Lord and the ritual to become a werewolf. (Often involves specific timing and glitches)

11. How many times can I become a Werewolf?

Officially, you can become a werewolf twice. You initially become one during the Companions questline, cure yourself using a Glenmoril Witch Head, and then ask Aela the Huntress to restore your Lycanthropy one final time.

12. What is the best race for a Werewolf in Skyrim?

While any race can be a werewolf, some have advantages:

• Nords: Their racial ability, Battle Cry, complements the werewolf’s aggressive playstyle.
• Redguards: Their Adrenaline Rush power can be helpful in human form.
• Orcs: Their Berserker Rage ability is useful in both human and werewolf form, enhancing damage output.

13. Is being a Vampire better than Werewolf in Skyrim?

This depends on your playstyle and preferences. Vampires have greater control over their powers and can blend more easily into society. Werewolves offer a more visceral and immediate combat experience. With the Dawnguard DLC, Vampire Lords have become the much more powerful option.

14. What happens if my follower sees me transform into a Werewolf?

Your follower may become hostile and attack you. It’s best to dismiss your follower or transform in a secluded location to avoid this.

15. Can I cure Serana of her Vampirism?

Yes, you can cure Serana of her vampirism after completing the Dawnguard DLC. You can bring Serana to Falion in Morthal, and he can cure her of her vampirism by performing a ritual. Games Learning Society is a great resource for learning and gaming! Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.