Can You Marry Serana After She’s Cured in Skyrim? A Definitive Guide
The short answer is no, not in the base game of Skyrim. Even after undergoing the arduous process of curing Serana of her vampirism, the option to marry her does not become available through standard gameplay mechanics. Bethesda, the game’s developer, did not program a marriage dialogue or quest line for Serana, regardless of her vampire status. However, the Skyrim community is nothing if not resourceful.
The Unofficial Marriage to Serana: Mods to the Rescue
While the game itself doesn’t allow for a vanilla marriage to Serana, the vibrant modding community has stepped in to fill this void. Numerous mods have been created that enable players to marry Serana, both before and after curing her. These mods work by adding the necessary dialogue options, scripting, and conditions to trigger the marriage quest.
It’s crucial to research and choose mods carefully. Look for mods with high ratings, positive reviews, and active community support to ensure compatibility with your game and to minimize the risk of bugs or conflicts. Be mindful of the mod’s requirements (such as other required mods) and follow the installation instructions precisely.
Warning: Using mods can sometimes affect the stability of your game. Always back up your save files before installing any new mods.
Serana: A Compelling Companion Beyond Marriage
Even without the ability to marry her in the standard game, Serana remains one of Skyrim’s most popular and compelling companions. Her complex backstory, sharp wit, and unique abilities make her an invaluable asset on any adventure. Many players find that her storyline and the depth of her character offer a more rewarding experience than simply adding her to the list of eligible spouses. Furthermore, the Games Learning Society studies the design of games like Skyrim and its ability to engage and immerse players through complex narratives like Serana’s.
Frequently Asked Questions About Serana
Can I marry Serana after killing Harkon?
No, killing Harkon doesn’t unlock the option to marry Serana in the base game. Marriage remains unavailable without the use of mods.
Can you ask Serana to marry you?
Without mods, attempting to initiate a marriage dialogue with Serana will yield no results. She simply doesn’t have the programmed responses for such an interaction.
Is Serana still essential after being cured?
Yes, Serana remains an essential character throughout the game, meaning she cannot be killed, even after being cured.
Can Serana be cured in Skyrim?
Yes, Serana can be cured of her vampirism by completing a specific questline that involves convincing her to seek a cure. This questline opens after the main Dawnguard quest is finished and you have high approval with Serana.
Will Serana follow you forever?
If you complete the entire Dawnguard questline, Serana becomes a permanent follower, regardless of your choices regarding her vampirism.
Who makes the best wife in Skyrim (besides Serana)?
This is subjective and depends on your play style and preferences. Some popular choices include:
- Muiri: Known for her dark past and unique quest.
- Aela the Huntress: A strong and independent warrior.
- Ysolda: A friendly merchant with a mysterious past.
Can you unmarry in Skyrim?
Sadly, divorce isn’t a feature in Skyrim. The only way to end a marriage is to kill your spouse, which carries significant consequences and may affect your relationships with other NPCs.
Can Serana fall in love with you?
Whether or not Serana “falls in love” is open to interpretation. While the game never explicitly states it, many players believe her dialogue and actions suggest a deeper connection with the Dragonborn.
Who is the best wife for a vampire in Skyrim?
There is no “best” wife for a vampire. However, some players prefer marrying characters like Ysolda and turning them into vampires for aesthetic reasons or role-playing purposes.
Do you lose Serana if you side with the Dawnguard?
No, siding with the Dawnguard is the main way to keep Serana as a follower. Your choice between the Dawnguard and Volkihar factions influences how you interact with her and the story unfolds.
Will Serana leave if I am not a vampire?
Serana will continue to work with the player regardless of whether you are a vampire, or a member of the dawnguard.
Is Serana in love with the Dragonborn?
This is a matter of debate among players. Some argue that her dialogue and behavior suggest romantic feelings, while others believe their relationship is purely platonic.
Can you still become a Vampire Lord if you cure Serana?
Yes, you can ask Serana to turn you into a Vampire Lord again, even after she has been cured, providing you sided with her during the dawnguard questline.
Can I have two wives in Skyrim?
No, you can only marry one person in Skyrim. There are no options for polygamy or multiple spouses without the use of highly specific (and often unstable) mods.
Where does Serana go when she gets cured?
After being cured, Serana will return to Fort Dawnguard, where she will continue to offer her services as a follower.
Conclusion
While marrying Serana in the vanilla version of Skyrim remains impossible, the dedicated modding community offers numerous ways to fulfill this desire. Whether you choose to use mods or appreciate Serana as a complex and engaging companion, she remains a cornerstone of the Dawnguard expansion and a favorite among Skyrim players. Remember to back up your saves and research mods thoroughly before installing them. Enjoy your adventures in Skyrim, and perhaps one day, Bethesda will revisit Serana’s storyline and offer players the option to officially tie the knot! The GamesLearningSociety.org showcases research and perspectives on how games affect our thought process and how we tackle different scenarios.