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Can You Become a Werewolf in Elder Scrolls Online? Unleashing Your Inner Beast

Yes, you absolutely can become a Werewolf in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)! Transforming into a fearsome lycanthrope is a thrilling experience, offering a unique playstyle with powerful abilities. There are multiple paths to embrace this primal power, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s dive deep into how to unleash your inner beast and explore everything you need to know about becoming a Werewolf in ESO.

The Paths to Lycanthropy: How to Become a Werewolf

Becoming a Werewolf in ESO isn’t as simple as howling at the moon (though that might add to the atmosphere!). There are three distinct methods to acquire the Werewolf skill line:

1. The Crown Store: A Quick but Costly Transformation

The most straightforward, albeit expensive, method is purchasing the Werewolf Bite directly from the Crown Store. This option costs 1500 Crowns, ESO’s premium currency. It instantly grants you the Werewolf skill line, bypassing the need to find specific NPCs or rely on other players. This is the fastest option for impatient players who want to immediately experience the Werewolf gameplay. However, given the availability of other methods, it’s generally not the most economical choice.

2. NPC Encounters: A Rare and Risky Gamble

In certain zones, specific NPC Werewolves spawn during particular phases of the lunar cycle. These NPCs are capable of infecting players with Lycanthropy. The key zones to search include:

Bangkorai
The Rift
Reaper’s March

These areas become hunting grounds for aspiring Werewolves during full moon nights. However, be warned! These Werewolves are rare spawns, and getting infected isn’t guaranteed. You’ll need to be attacked by them, and even then, the infection isn’t always successful. It’s a time-consuming and potentially frustrating method.

3. Player Bites: The Most Common and Cost-Effective Approach

The most common and generally preferred method is getting bitten by another player who is already a Werewolf. Players who have the Werewolf skill line can transform into Werewolves and use a specific skill to infect other players, granting them the Lycanthropy disease. Many generous players offer free bites near the Shrine of Hircine in the zones mentioned above.

This process is usually simple:

Ask in zone chat if anyone is offering Werewolf bites.
Head to the Shrine of Hircine in Bangkorai, The Rift, or Reaper’s March.
Wait for a player Werewolf to offer a bite.
Accept the bite and complete the subsequent questline.

This method is free, efficient, and allows you to connect with other Werewolf enthusiasts in the game.

Curing Lycanthropy: Reclaiming Your Humanity

If, after experiencing the Werewolf life, you decide it’s not for you, you can easily cure yourself of Lycanthropy. You can do so by:

Visiting a Priest of Arkay in a major city’s Mages Guild and requesting a cure.
Purchasing a cure from the Crown Store (again, costing Crowns).

Curing Lycanthropy is a simple process, allowing you to freely switch between human and beast as desired.

Is Lycanthropy Right for You? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Before you embark on your journey to becoming a Werewolf, consider the advantages and disadvantages of this path.

Benefits:

Powerful Transformation: Access to a unique Werewolf form with devastating attacks.
Increased Weapon and Spell Damage: A passive bonus to your overall damage output.
Major Resolve: A significant boost to your Physical and Spell Resistance.
Unique Skill Line: Access to a dedicated Werewolf skill line with specialized abilities.
Group Synergy: Reduced transformation cost when grouped with other Werewolves.

Drawbacks:

Limited Skill Access: While transformed, you can only use Werewolf skills.
Transformation Time Limit: Transformations are temporary, requiring strategic management.
Vulnerability to Poison Damage: Werewolves are particularly susceptible to poison attacks.
Social Stigma (RP): In roleplaying scenarios, Werewolves may face discrimination.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Werewolves in ESO

Here are some frequently asked questions about becoming and playing as a Werewolf in Elder Scrolls Online, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your transformation.

1. Do I need DLC to become a Werewolf?

No, you do not need any DLC to become a Werewolf in ESO. The zones where you can get infected by NPCs or player bites are part of the base game.

2. What is the best race for a Werewolf character?

While any race can become a Werewolf, some races offer better synergy. Redguards are often considered strong contenders due to their stamina-based passives. Other viable options include Orcs, Khajiit, Bosmer, and Dunmer.

3. What is the best class to play as a Werewolf?

The best class for a Werewolf depends on your playstyle. Sorcerers can benefit from their class passives, which often remain effective even in Werewolf form. Stamina-based classes like Nightblades and Wardens can also complement the Werewolf’s physical prowess.

4. Can Werewolves tank in ESO?

Yes, Werewolves can tank in ESO, although it’s not a traditional tank build. A Werewolf tank relies on high health, stamina, and self-healing to survive. It’s a fun and unique playstyle, but it may require specific gear and skill setups.

5. How often do Werewolf NPCs spawn?

Infectious NPC Werewolves spawn every night during the full moon cycle in their respective zones. This cycle typically lasts around 8 real days, occurring roughly three times per month.

6. Can I be both a Werewolf and a Vampire in ESO?

You can be both a Werewolf and a Vampire in ESO, but you cannot have both active at the same time. You can switch between the two by curing one and then acquiring the other.

7. How do I level up the Werewolf skill line?

To level up the Werewolf skill line, you must gain experience while in Werewolf form. This involves killing enemies, completing quests, and participating in PvP activities while transformed.

8. What skills are available in the Werewolf skill line?

The Werewolf skill line includes a variety of skills focused on damage, healing, and utility. Key skills include:

Pounce: A gap-closer that deals significant damage.
Hircine’s Rage: A powerful area-of-effect attack.
Roar: A fear-inducing crowd control ability.
Howl of Agony: A debuff that increases damage taken by enemies.

9. How can I extend my Werewolf transformation time?

You can extend your Werewolf transformation time by investing skill points into the Werewolf skill line, particularly the passive abilities that increase transformation duration and reduce transformation cost.

10. Are Werewolves good for PvP or PvE?

Werewolves can be effective in both PvP and PvE, depending on the build and playstyle. In PvP, their burst damage and mobility can be devastating. In PvE, they can excel as damage dealers or off-tanks.

11. What gear should I use as a Werewolf?

Focus on gear that enhances stamina, weapon damage, and critical hit chance. Sets that provide sustain and self-healing are also beneficial.

12. Are Werewolves vulnerable to anything specific?

Werewolves are particularly vulnerable to poison damage. Be mindful of enemies that inflict poison effects and consider using skills or gear that mitigate poison damage.

13. Can any player Werewolf bite me?

Any player with the Bloodmoon passive in the Werewolf skill line can bite another player and transmit Lycanthropy. However, players can only bite another player at the Hircine Shrines in Bangkorai, The Rift or Reaper’s March.

14. Is there a Werebear form in ESO?

No, there is no Werebear form in ESO. The Werewolf is the only playable lycanthrope transformation available.

15. Where can I learn more about the lore of Werewolves in Elder Scrolls?

You can learn more about the lore of Werewolves in the Elder Scrolls universe by exploring in-game books, interacting with NPCs, and researching online resources like the GamesLearningSociety.org website, which explores the educational aspects and lore embedded within games. The Games Learning Society provides valuable insights into the deeper narratives and cultural contexts that enrich the gaming experience.

Embracing the Werewolf transformation in Elder Scrolls Online offers a thrilling and unique gameplay experience. By understanding the different methods to acquire Lycanthropy, the benefits and drawbacks of the Werewolf form, and the best practices for building a powerful Werewolf character, you can unleash your inner beast and dominate the world of Tamriel!

Can you become a werewolf in eso?