Can You Not Cure Serana in Skyrim? A Deep Dive into the Daughter of Coldharbour
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, it is entirely possible to choose not to cure Serana in Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC. While the game presents the option to convince her to seek a cure for her vampirism after the main questline, it’s ultimately the player’s decision. Many players opt to keep her as a vampire for various reasons, ranging from gameplay benefits to personal preferences regarding her character arc. The choice is yours, Dragonborn!
Serana: To Cure or Not To Cure?
Serana, the Daughter of Coldharbour, is arguably one of the most compelling and complex companions in Skyrim. Her story, tied intimately to the vampire Volkihar clan and the ancient conflict with the Dawnguard, offers players a profound narrative experience. Whether or not to cure her becomes a significant decision, impacting her character arc and your gameplay experience.
Understanding the Cure
The process of curing Serana involves convincing her to seek out Falion in Morthal, a master of conjuration who specializes in curing vampirism. This path becomes available after the conclusion of the Dawnguard main questline. The dialogue choices made throughout the questline influence whether Serana is receptive to the idea of seeking a cure. You must express concern for her well-being, rather than directly pushing her toward a cure, to sway her effectively.
Why Keep Serana a Vampire?
Many players choose to keep Serana as a vampire due to:
- Gameplay Benefits: As a vampire, Serana possesses powerful abilities, including the Vampire Drain spell and Vampire Seduction. Her combat prowess is significantly enhanced as an undead creature.
- Character Consistency: Some players believe that Serana’s story is intrinsically tied to her vampirism. Curing her might feel like a betrayal of her identity and the struggles she has endured.
- Roleplaying Perspective: From a roleplaying perspective, some players might see Serana’s vampirism as a defining aspect of her character, adding depth and complexity to their relationship.
- Aesthetics: Let’s be honest, many players appreciate Serana’s vampire appearance.
Consequences of Curing Serana
Curing Serana does have its effects:
- Appearance: She will appear more human-like. According to some players, she becomes “hotter.”
- Vulnerability: She becomes vulnerable to normal healing spells and damage from spells that target undead.
- Detection: Detect Life will now detect her.
Ultimately, the decision to cure Serana or not depends on your personal preferences and how you want to shape her character’s destiny.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Serana’s Cure
1. Does Serana have to be cured?
No, Serana does not have to be cured. The option is presented to you after completing the Dawnguard DLC, but the choice is entirely yours. You can continue to adventure with her as a vampire indefinitely.
2. Can you convince Serana to cure herself?
Yes, you can convince Serana to cure herself if you sided with the Dawnguard and have completed the main questline. This depends heavily on the conversations you have with her throughout the questline. Focus on showing concern for her well-being rather than directly pushing her toward a cure.
3. Is Serana weaker after being cured?
Functionally, no. Her core skills and abilities remain the same. However, her vulnerabilities change. As a human, she can be healed by normal healing spells, but she also becomes susceptible to spells that specifically target undead.
4. Can you still become a Vampire Lord if you cure Serana?
Yes! Even if you convince Serana to cure herself, she can still turn you into a Vampire Lord unless you have previously become a Vampire Lord and gotten yourself cured. She will only remove your vampirism once.
5. Can you marry Serana if you cure her vampirism?
No, you cannot marry Serana in the vanilla game, regardless of whether she is cured or not. However, mods exist that allow you to marry her.
6. Will Serana follow you forever?
Yes, if you complete the entire Dawnguard questline, Serana becomes a permanent follower, regardless of whether she remains a vampire or seeks a cure.
7. Is Serana in love with the Dragonborn?
The game suggests that Serana develops feelings for the Dragonborn, but they are subtle and open to interpretation. She forms a deep bond with your character throughout the Dawnguard questline.
8. What happens if you tell Serana to cure herself?
If you successfully convince her, she will leave to seek out Falion in Morthal for the cure. After a few in-game days, she will return to Fort Dawnguard as a human.
9. What to say to Serana to cure her?
The key is to ask “Are you all right?” rather than directly asking about a cure. This shows concern for her well-being and makes her more receptive to the idea of seeking a cure later.
10. Can you marry Serana as a human in the unmodified game?
No. You cannot marry Serana through regular in-game actions. You need to use mods to marry her.
11. How many days does it take for Serana to get cured?
It takes approximately three in-game days for Serana to be cured by Falion in Morthal.
12. Can you cure Serana if you sided with the Dawnguard?
Yes, you can only convince her to get cured if you sided with the Dawnguard.
13. Where does Serana go when she gets cured?
She goes to Morthal to find Falion. Afterwards, she usually returns to Fort Dawnguard.
14. How many times can Serana turn you into a vampire?
As many times as you need to be turned. She will always offer the option to be a Vampire Lord, but this is only possible if you have been previously cured by Falion.
15. What are the benefits of marrying Serana with mods in Skyrim?
With mods, Serana provides a home-cooked meal daily, has the Spouse Merchant ability, and has unique, fully-voiced dialogue. Note this can only be done through mods and is not available in the vanilla game.
The beauty of Skyrim lies in its player agency. The decision to cure Serana is a testament to this, allowing you to shape her destiny and your own experience within the game. Whether you embrace her vampiric nature or guide her towards a life as a mortal, the choice is yours.
For further insights into the gaming world and its impact on learning and society, visit the Games Learning Society website.