Curing Serana After Harkon: A Comprehensive Skyrim Guide
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 cure Serana of her vampirism after defeating Harkon in Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC. While she is integral to the Dawnguard storyline, her fate isn’t sealed upon Harkon’s demise. In fact, the opportunity to convince her to seek a cure arises specifically after the main questline is complete. It is important to note that how you interact with her throughout the questline, particularly after Kindred Judgement, impacts whether she’ll consider the cure. Let’s dive deeper into how you can achieve this, and explore some common questions surrounding Serana’s vampirism and your options with her post-Harkon.
The Path to Serana’s Cure: A Step-by-Step Guide
After you’ve triumphed over Harkon and exited his chamber within Castle Volkihar, a conversation with Serana will automatically trigger if you aren’t a vampire yourself. It is during this crucial moment that you can influence her decision. Avoid being insensitive or self-centered in your responses.
Instead of directly asking if she is going to seek a cure, start with a more considerate approach. Choose the dialogue option, “Are you alright?” . While this will seemingly end the immediate conversation, it plants the seed of doubt in her mind. She is contemplating her future, and she will be open to your advice.
After this initial exchange, you can begin to gently convince her to seek a cure at Fort Dawnguard. She will eventually agree to consider seeking a cure from Falion in Morthal. She doesn’t need you to accompany her; she will depart on her own. A few in-game days later, she will return to Fort Dawnguard, now cured, and she’ll be available as a follower.
Factors Influencing Serana’s Decision
Your choices and actions during the Dawnguard questline can definitely affect Serana’s willingness to be cured. A compassionate and supportive attitude throughout your journey with her will significantly increase your chances of success. Consistently demonstrating concern for her well-being and understanding of her situation will make her more receptive to your suggestions.
The type of relationship you build is also a factor. If your interactions are positive, it will increase the chances of her choosing to cure her vampirism. A negative impact would involve constant scolding of her abilities or being rude to her on multiple occasions.
Understanding Serana’s Vampirism
Serana’s condition isn’t a simple disease. She is a pure-blood vampire, meaning she was turned long ago and carries a powerful connection to vampirism. Curing her is a significant decision for her, given her history and the powers she wields. Be aware that a cured Serana will no longer possess the skills of a Vampire Lord.
Modding the Experience
While the base game allows you to cure Serana, it doesn’t allow you to marry her. This is where mods come into play. Various mods available on platforms like Nexus Mods enable you to marry Serana, regardless of whether she’s cured or remains a vampire. Be aware that any mods will disable the ability to receive achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you marry Serana after killing Harkon?
Skyrim doesn’t natively allow you to marry Serana, regardless of Harkon’s fate or her cure status. You need a mod like “Marriable Serana” to enable this option.
Is it possible to cure Serana of vampirism?
Yes, you can convince Serana to seek a cure from Falion in Morthal after completing the Dawnguard questline.
Can you cure Serana after messing up the dialogue?
If you inadvertently choose the wrong dialogue options, you can still attempt to convince her later. Keep being supportive and understanding, and the opportunity may arise again. There is no definitive point of no return, but being consistently insensitive will make it significantly harder.
Can you talk to Serana after killing Harkon?
Yes, you can talk to Serana after killing Harkon. If she seems unresponsive, try attacking her until she enters a downed state or leaving the room and re-entering. This can sometimes reset her dialogue options.
What to do with Serana after killing Harkon?
After defeating Harkon, you can either continue traveling with Serana as a vampire, or try to convince her to seek a cure. The choice is yours, and both paths offer unique gameplay experiences.
Can you go back to Castle Volkihar after killing Harkon?
Yes, you can return to Castle Volkihar after Harkon’s death. If you sided with the Dawnguard and are not a vampire, Isran will welcome you back to Fort Dawnguard. If you are a vampire, Garan Marethi will offer you residence within the Castle.
Can you marry Serana after curing her?
Without mods, no. Even a cured Serana cannot be married in the standard game.
How to convince Serana to cure herself?
Choose the option “Are you alright?” after Kindred Judgement and be supportive of her. Avoid directly pushing her towards a cure.
Can you marry Serana if she is cured in Skyrim?
The ability to convince her to be cured is not directly linked to marriage. The two issues are separate in the game. She can not be married without a mod regardless if she is cured.
What did Molag Bal do to Serana?
Serana and her mother, Valerica, willingly offered themselves to Molag Bal as part of a ritual. It was not a situation of rape.
How to get Serana to marry you?
You can get Serana to marry you through the use of a mod such as the “Marriable Serana” mod. Ensure you have the Dawnguard expansion installed for the mod to function correctly.
What happens if you give Harkon the bow?
Giving Auriel’s Bow to Harkon will still lead to a fight. It is not recommended, as keeping the bow provides a significant advantage in the final battle.
Will Serana follow you if you side with Dawnguard?
Yes, Serana will follow you regardless of whether you side with the Dawnguard or Volkihar. She is integral to the main questline and remains a follower throughout the story.
What race is Serana?
Serana has Nord blood, but her appearance is more similar to an Imperial.
Does Serana come back after curing herself?
Yes, Serana returns to Fort Dawnguard a few days after agreeing to seek a cure. You do not need to escort her to Falion.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Relationship Matters: A strong, positive relationship with Serana throughout the questline greatly increases your chances of convincing her to seek a cure.
- Patience is Key: Don’t expect immediate results. The process of convincing Serana takes time and requires consistent support and understanding.
- Explore Modding Options: If marrying Serana is your goal, explore the various mods available to enable this feature.
- Roleplaying: Consider your character’s motivations. Do you genuinely want what’s best for Serana, or are you simply trying to control her? This can influence your dialogue choices and ultimately impact her decision.
- Consider the Consequences: Curing Serana removes her vampiric powers. While this may be desirable for roleplaying or personal preference, be aware of the gameplay impact.
- The Games Learning Society: The complexities within the game, like decision-making and relationship-building with Serana, showcase the deeper engagement and critical thinking fostered by interactive gaming experiences. To learn more about the educational applications of games, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to cure Serana is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your character’s roleplaying perspective, and make the choice that best suits your Skyrim experience. No matter your choice, Serana remains a fascinating and complex character whose fate is intertwined with your own.