Unleash Your Inner Beast: Becoming a Werewolf in ESO Without DLC
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, you absolutely can become a werewolf in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) without owning any DLC. The base game provides the means to contract Lycanthropy, either through specific NPC encounters or by being bitten by another player. The DLCs only offer alternative routes, such as purchasing the bite with Crowns, which is generally considered an unnecessary expense. Embrace the primal power of the werewolf – you don’t need to pay extra to do it!
The Free Paths to Lycanthropy
So, how exactly do you transform into a hairy, howling terror without spending real-world money? There are two primary methods:
1. The Wild Encounter: NPC Werewolf Infection
This method involves braving the night in search of specific NPC werewolves that roam certain zones. These NPCs, known as bloodmoon werewolves, only appear during the full moon in specific zones, making them a rare but free way to contract Lycanthropy.
- Zones to Search: The most commonly cited zones are Bangkorai (for Daggerfall Covenant players), Reaper’s March (for Aldmeri Dominion players), and The Rift (for Ebonheart Pact players).
- Timing is Key: These werewolves only spawn during the full moon phase, which lasts for a few days in the game’s lunar cycle. Keep an eye on in-game calendars and player forums to track the full moon.
- The Attack: You must be attacked by one of these bloodmoon werewolves to contract the Noxiphilic Rodentia debuff, which is the first stage of becoming a werewolf.
Important Note: Not every werewolf you see will infect you. It needs to be the specially designated bloodmoon werewolf. The areas where these werewolves spawn can be crowded with players also seeking infection, so be patient and persistent.
2. The Player Bite: A Social Contract
The most common and often easiest method is to get bitten by another player who is already a werewolf. Players with the Bloodmoon skill line unlocked can use the “Bloodmoon’s Blessing” skill to turn another player into a werewolf.
- Finding a Willing Werewolf: The best way to find a player willing to give you a bite is to ask in zone chat. Be polite and offer some gold as a gesture of appreciation, though many players are happy to provide a bite for free, especially at the designated Hircine Shrines.
- Designated Shrine Locations: These shrines are located in the same zones where bloodmoon werewolves spawn: Bangkorai, Reaper’s March, and The Rift.
- The Process: The werewolf needs to use the “Bloodmoon’s Blessing” skill on you while you are standing near the Hircine Shrine. This will inflict you with Noxiphilic Rodentia.
Important Note: Player bites have a cooldown. A werewolf can only bite another player once every 7 days, so their availability may vary. Don’t be discouraged if the first werewolf you ask is on cooldown; just keep asking in zone chat.
After the Bite: Completing the Transformation
Once you have the Noxiphilic Rodentia debuff, you need to complete a quest to fully transform into a werewolf.
- The Quest Giver: Head to your alliance’s starting city (Daggerfall, Davon’s Watch, or Vulkhel Guard) and find the quest giver. They will have a quest marker above their head.
- The Hircine’s Gift Quest: Accept the quest, which will involve traveling to a specific location and performing a ritual before Hircine.
- Embrace the Beast: Completing the quest will officially turn you into a werewolf, granting you access to the werewolf skill line.
Why Avoid the Crown Store Bite?
While the Crown Store offers a convenient shortcut to becoming a werewolf, it’s generally not recommended. The cost is significant (1500 Crowns), and the in-game methods are relatively easy and free. Spending Crowns on a werewolf bite is essentially paying for convenience when a little patience and social interaction can achieve the same result. Save your Crowns for other cosmetic items, DLCs, or Crown Store-exclusive content that you can’t obtain in-game. The Games Learning Society understands that smart resource management is key to an enjoyable gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Werewolves in ESO
1. Can any race become a werewolf in ESO?
Yes, any race in Elder Scrolls Online can become a werewolf. Your race has no bearing on your ability to contract Lycanthropy. Khajiit, Argonians, Nords – all are equally capable of howling at the moon.
2. Do I need ESO Plus to become a werewolf?
No, ESO Plus is not required to become a werewolf. The ability to contract Lycanthropy is part of the base game. ESO Plus primarily provides access to DLC zones, the crafting bag, and other quality-of-life improvements, but it’s not necessary for becoming a beast.
3. What happens if I don’t complete the werewolf quest after getting the bite?
If you don’t complete the werewolf quest after contracting Noxiphilic Rodentia, the debuff will eventually fade, and you will not become a werewolf. You must complete the quest to embrace the transformation.
4. Can I be both a vampire and a werewolf?
No, you cannot be both a vampire and a werewolf at the same time in ESO. If you are already a vampire and become a werewolf, you will be cured of vampirism, and vice versa. You can only have one affliction at a time.
5. How do I cure Lycanthropy if I no longer want to be a werewolf?
You can cure Lycanthropy by visiting a Priest of Arkay in your alliance’s capital city (Daggerfall, Davon’s Watch, or Vulkhel Guard). Alternatively, you can purchase a cure from the Crown Store, but this is generally unnecessary.
6. What are the benefits of being a werewolf in ESO?
The benefits of being a werewolf include access to a unique skill line focused on stamina and weapon damage, increased weapon and spell damage in werewolf form, and increased physical and spell resistance. The werewolf skill line offers powerful offensive capabilities and self-healing, but comes with vulnerabilities, like increased poison damage.
7. What are the drawbacks of being a werewolf in ESO?
The drawbacks include vulnerability to poison damage, a time limit on werewolf transformations, and a brief period of vulnerability when reverting to human form. Furthermore, some players find the werewolf gameplay style limited compared to other builds.
8. What is the best class for a werewolf build?
There’s no single “best” class, but Sorcerers are often cited as strong contenders due to their synergy with werewolf abilities, such as reduced ultimate costs and increased physical damage. However, any class can be effective as a werewolf with the right build.
9. Can I tank as a werewolf in ESO?
Yes, you can tank as a werewolf, though it’s considered a more niche or casual build. Werewolf tanks can provide group support and withstand considerable damage, but they have limitations compared to traditional tank builds.
10. Do werewolf skills scale with stamina or magicka?
Werewolf skills primarily scale with stamina and weapon damage. This makes stamina-based builds more naturally suited to the werewolf playstyle.
11. How do I level up the werewolf skill line?
You level up the werewolf skill line by gaining experience while in werewolf form or by having werewolf skills slotted on your active skill bars. The more you use werewolf skills, the faster the skill line will level up.
12. Can I become a Werebear in ESO?
No, you cannot become a Werebear in Elder Scrolls Online. Werebears are present in the game as NPCs, but there is no way for players to transform into them.
13. Are there any specific sets or gear that benefit werewolves?
Yes, several item sets and gear pieces can significantly enhance werewolf builds. Sets like Hircine’s Veneer and Blood Moon are popular choices for their bonuses to werewolf transformation duration and effectiveness.
14. Do werewolves have any unique dialogue options or interactions?
While there are no widespread unique dialogue options, some NPCs may react differently to you while you are in werewolf form, particularly in areas with werewolf lore or presence.
15. Are werewolves good for PvP (Player vs. Player) combat?
Werewolves can be powerful in PvP, offering strong burst damage and mobility. However, their vulnerability to poison and limited transformation time can be significant weaknesses. A well-built and skilled werewolf player can certainly be a force to be reckoned with in PvP.
Embrace your inner beast, explore the wilds of Tamriel, and remember that the path to becoming a werewolf in ESO doesn’t require opening your wallet – just a little bit of patience and a thirst for transformation. The GamesLearningSociety.org encourages players to explore the multifaceted experiences within games like ESO, appreciating the depth and complexity that contribute to a richer gaming experience.