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Can You Become a Werewolf in Skyrim Twice? A Comprehensive Guide

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The short answer is yes, you can become a werewolf in Skyrim twice, but with a very important caveat: You need the Dawnguard DLC or the Special Edition of the game. Without these, you only get a single chance at lycanthropy. So make sure you have the Dawnguard DLC!

The Companions Questline and Your First Transformation

Your journey into becoming a werewolf begins with joining the Companions, a guild of warriors based in Whiterun. As you progress through their questline, you’ll eventually be invited into the inner circle, where you’re offered the “gift” of beast blood by Aela the Huntress. Accepting this transforms you into a werewolf, granting you the Beast Form power.

This first transformation is straightforward and a key part of the Companions storyline. It’s essential for completing certain quests and experiencing the raw power of a werewolf. However, many players eventually choose to cure themselves of lycanthropy, either because they dislike the drawbacks or prefer a different gameplay style, such as becoming a Vampire Lord.

Curing Lycanthropy: Ysgramor’s Tomb

The process for curing yourself of lycanthropy involves completing the Companions questline. The final quest, “Glory of the Dead,” sends you to Ysgramor’s Tomb. Here, you’ll fight the ghosts of previous Companions and ultimately free Kodlak Whitemane’s wolf spirit. This is done by throwing a Glenmoril Witch head onto the flame within the tomb. After Kodlak is freed, you can use the flame to also free yourself from the beast blood and reverse the transformation.

Regaining Beast Blood: Aela’s Gift

If you have the Dawnguard DLC or the Special Edition, you have a second chance. After curing yourself, simply speak to Aela the Huntress. She will offer you the gift of beast blood once again. This is a crucial distinction – without the DLC, this option will not be available. Aela only provides this service once. Therefore, after becoming a werewolf for the second time and curing yourself again, you can never become a werewolf again. This makes the decision to cure yourself of lycanthropy a particularly difficult one!

Considerations Before Regaining Lycanthropy

Before rushing back to Aela, consider the pros and cons of being a werewolf. While the Beast Form offers tremendous power and unique gameplay, it also comes with drawbacks:

Restricted Abilities: You can’t use equipment, spells, or items while transformed.
Loss of Rested Bonus: You won’t gain the well-rested bonus from sleeping in a bed.
Public Perception: Transforming in public incurs a 1,000 septim bounty.
Incompatible Builds: Some character builds might not benefit from the werewolf form, particularly mage-focused characters.
Eating Corpses: You have to eat people’s hearts to gain power as a werewolf.

Weigh these disadvantages against the benefits of increased strength, unique powers, and the sheer fun of rampaging through Skyrim as a beast.

The Ultimate Decision: Vampire Lord or Werewolf?

Many players find themselves torn between becoming a Vampire Lord (through the Dawnguard DLC) or remaining a werewolf. Both offer unique powers and gameplay styles. Generally, Vampire Lords are considered stronger, especially in the late game, offering a wider range of abilities and more strategic options. Werewolves, on the other hand, provide more immediate, visceral fun with their raw power and carnage. Consider your preferred playstyle before making the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of lycanthropy in Skyrim:

Can a Khajiit become a werewolf?

Yes, any race in Skyrim, including Khajiit, can become a werewolf. The transformation affects all races equally.
Does becoming a werewolf cure vampirism?

Yes, becoming a werewolf will cure any existing vampirism. However, becoming a vampire will not cure lycanthropy.
What are the benefits of being a werewolf in Skyrim?

Benefits include increased strength, access to the Beast Form power, the ability to devour corpses to extend transformation time, and the ability to frighten enemies with howls.
How long do you stay a werewolf in Skyrim?

The initial Beast Form lasts for 150 seconds. You can extend this by feeding on corpses.
Do the Dawnguard care if you are a werewolf?

The Dawnguard are primarily concerned with vampires. Being a werewolf doesn’t prevent you from joining their ranks, as long as you’re not aligned with the Volkihar Clan vampires.
What happens if you cure yourself of lycanthropy a second time?

If you cure yourself of lycanthropy twice, you can never become a werewolf again in that playthrough.
What are the disadvantages of being a werewolf in Skyrim?

Disadvantages include the inability to access your inventory or use spells while transformed, a 1,000 septim bounty for transforming in public, and the loss of rested bonuses.
Which is stronger, a werewolf or a werebear?

Statistically, werebears have more innate defense, life, and damage. Werewolves have higher attack rating.
Can you become a Werebear in Skyrim?

No, you cannot directly become a werebear in Skyrim. You can summon one using a power from the Beast Stone, but you can’t transform into one yourself.
Can you get married as a Vampire Lord in Skyrim?

Yes, you can get married as a Vampire Lord. However, you cannot marry Serana, who is already a vampire. Also, you can turn your spouse into a vampire.
Is it possible to become a hybrid (Vampire Lord Werewolf)?

It is possible to become a Vampire Lord Werewolf hybrid. You must first complete the Dawnguard DLC and have Serana able to turn you into a Vampire Lord. Then, get the beast blood from Aela the Huntress. Transform into a vampire lord and do the ritual for the werewolf at the same time.
Can you make Lydia a vampire?

Yes, to turn Lydia into a vampire, you first need to marry her. Then, you can turn her into a vampire through the Dawnguard questline if you side with the vampires.
How do you become Dracula in Skyrim?

You become a vampire by contracting Sanguinare Vampiris, typically from being attacked by vampires. Allowing vampires to attack you in locations like Haemar’s Shame increases your chances of infection.
Can you get a wife as a girl in Skyrim?

Yes! Skyrim allows for marriage regardless of gender or race. Love is love!
Should you join Dawnguard or vampires?

The choice between joining the Dawnguard or the Volkihar vampires depends on your preferred playstyle. The Dawnguard offers a more traditional, righteous path focused on hunting vampires, while the Volkihar provide access to powerful vampire abilities and a darker storyline.

Concluding Thoughts

Becoming a werewolf in Skyrim, and potentially doing so twice, offers a unique and powerful gameplay experience. Understanding the process, benefits, and drawbacks is crucial for making informed decisions about your character’s path. Whether you embrace the Beast Form for its raw power or seek a cure, the choice is yours to make in the vast and immersive world of Skyrim.

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