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Can You Reclaim the Beast Within? A Guide to Becoming a Werewolf Again in Skyrim

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Yes, you absolutely can become a werewolf again in Skyrim, but the process depends on whether you have the Dawnguard DLC or the Special Edition. Without these additions, your lycanthropic journey is, sadly, a one-way ticket (with a small exception involving Hircine’s Ring). But fear not, aspiring beast, with the right conditions, you can embrace your inner wolf once more. Let’s dive into the specifics, unravel the intricacies, and answer all your burning questions about reclaiming the beast within!

The Path to Re-Lycanthropy

The key to becoming a werewolf again lies with Aela the Huntress, a prominent member of the Companions. She is found at Jorrvaskr in Whiterun. However, there’s a catch! This method is only available if you have the Dawnguard DLC or are playing the Special Edition of Skyrim.

Dawnguard DLC and Special Edition Availability

With the Dawnguard DLC or Special Edition, after completing the Companions questline and curing yourself of lycanthropy (typically by using a Glenmoril witch head), you can approach Aela. If you speak with her, she will offer you the gift of lycanthropy again. This offer is available only once after the initial Companions storyline cure.

The Base Game Limitation

In the base game, without the Dawnguard DLC or the Special Edition, your chance to be a werewolf is essentially a one-time deal. Once you cure yourself, that’s it. The only exception to this rule is using Hircine’s Ring, which provides another way to transform into a werewolf. However, it doesn’t permanently reinfect you with lycanthropy after a cure. It just allows for an extra transformation.

Lycanthropy vs. Vampirism: A Constant Tug-of-War

The world of Skyrim presents players with a choice: become a werewolf, become a vampire, or remain a “normal” mortal. What’s interesting is the interplay between lycanthropy (werewolfism) and vampirism. Should you find yourself a vampire lord, you’ll lose the possibility to become a werewolf during this playthrough.

Vampirism Cures Lycanthropy (and Vice Versa)

If you are a werewolf and then contract vampirism (for instance, by accepting Lord Harkon’s gift in the Dawnguard questline, or simply by being attacked by a vampire), the vampirism will override your lycanthropy, effectively “curing” you of the latter. Conversely, if you are a vampire and then become a werewolf, the lycanthropy will cure your vampirism. You can not be both a werewolf and a vampire at the same time in Skyrim.

Serena’s Influence

Serena, a powerful vampire and a key character in the Dawnguard DLC, can turn you into a Vampire Lord. By accepting her gift, she essentially overrides any existing lycanthropy. Aela the Huntress reverses this process by turning you back into a werewolf, thereby removing vampirism.

Consequences of Curing Lycanthropy

Curing lycanthropy has a few immediate consequences:

You lose access to the Underforge (until you reach the Glory of the Dead quest).
You can no longer complete the Totems of Hircine quests if you haven’t already finished them.
You can’t complete the Dragonborn quest Visit the hunters at Frostmoon Crag.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s a comprehensive list of FAQs designed to answer every question you might have about becoming a werewolf again and related topics:

What happens if I cure myself of being a werewolf? Once cured, you lose your werewolf abilities, transformations, and the associated perks. You also lose access to specific quests and locations tied to the werewolf form.
How do I turn back into a werewolf after curing myself? If you have the Dawnguard DLC or Special Edition, speak to Aela the Huntress in Jorrvaskr. She can give you the beast blood again once after you’ve cured yourself the first time from the Companions questline.
Can I become a werewolf an infinite number of times using the Vampire Lord route? You can cure Lycanthropy by becoming a VL an infinite number of times. However, Aela will only allow you to regain Lycanthropy once after the initial Companions time. So you can only cure a 2nd time (as you can’t become a werewolf a 3rd time).
Will becoming a werewolf cure my vampirism? Yes, if you are a vampire, becoming a werewolf will cure you of vampirism. Lycanthropy overrides vampirism.
Can I be both a werewolf and a Vampire Lord at the same time? No, you cannot be both. One will always override the other.
What are the benefits of being a werewolf? Werewolves gain increased strength, stamina, and speed in beast form. They also have unique perks that enhance their combat abilities and resistance to disease.
What are the drawbacks of being a werewolf? You are unable to gain rested bonuses while in human form, you’re vulnerable to silver weapons, and you may face negative reactions from some NPCs who fear or despise werewolves.
Is Vampire Lord or werewolf better in Skyrim? Vampire Lords are generally considered stronger, especially in late-game scenarios. However, the choice depends on your playstyle. Werewolves offer raw melee power, while Vampire Lords have a broader range of abilities.
What causes someone to turn into a werewolf in Skyrim? Typically, it’s through contracting lycanthropy from another werewolf. In the game, this primarily occurs during the Companions questline or through specific encounters like Hircine’s Ring.
Are there different types of werewolves in Skyrim? Not in the way you might think. The werewolf “type” doesn’t vary in Skyrim as much as the power of the werewolf does. Perks can be unlocked that make your transformation and how it affects others more or less deadly.
Can a Khajiit or Argonian become a werewolf? Absolutely! Any race in Skyrim can become a werewolf.
If I start a new game, can I become a werewolf again even if I cured myself in a previous playthrough? Yes, each new game is a fresh start. You can become a werewolf again in each separate playthrough.
What happens if I complete the Companions questline without becoming a werewolf? You can still become a werewolf later by speaking to Aela, even after completing the main questline.
Can the Hircine’s Ring make you a werewolf? Hircine’s Ring will allow you to transform an unlimited number of times in werewolf form, but only while equipped. It can also provide you with your first experience with the beast blood, so be careful when equipping it.
Are there any mods that change how lycanthropy works? Yes, there are many mods that can alter the mechanics of lycanthropy, allowing for multiple cures, different werewolf forms, enhanced abilities, and more.

Conclusion

Reclaiming your werewolf form in Skyrim is entirely possible, especially with the Dawnguard DLC or the Special Edition. The ability to transform back and forth between human and beast adds another layer of depth to your gameplay. This allows you to tailor your experience to your preferences and the challenges you face.

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