Can You Stay a Werewolf Forever in Skyrim? The Ultimate Guide
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Yes, absolutely! You can stay a werewolf forever in Skyrim, provided you don’t seek a cure for your Lycanthropy. Once you embrace the beastial side and refrain from completing the Companions questline in a way that removes your werewolf status, you’ll retain the ability to transform into a Beast Form and enjoy the associated benefits and drawbacks indefinitely. The choice is yours, Dragonborn – embrace the primal power or seek a more conventional destiny.
Understanding Lycanthropy in Skyrim
Embracing the Beast Within
Lycanthropy in Skyrim is a powerful condition that fundamentally alters your character. As a werewolf, you gain access to the Beast Form greater power, allowing you to transform into a fearsome creature with enhanced strength, speed, and damage. You become immune to all diseases, a significant advantage in the harsh landscapes of Skyrim. However, the transformation comes with its own set of limitations and consequences.
The Allure of the Wild
The appeal of remaining a werewolf indefinitely lies in several key advantages:
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Complete Disease Immunity: This is arguably the most significant benefit, freeing you from the worry of contracting diseases like vampirism or Bone Break Fever.
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Enhanced Combat Prowess: In Beast Form, you become a devastating force in melee combat, capable of tearing through enemies with ease.
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Unique Gameplay Experience: Playing as a werewolf offers a distinct and visceral experience, adding a new dimension to your Skyrim adventure.
The Shadow Side of the Moon
Of course, there are downsides to consider before committing to a life of perpetual Lycanthropy:
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Loss of Rested Bonus: As a werewolf, you cannot gain any rested bonuses from sleeping in beds, hindering skill progression.
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Uncontrolled Transformations (Without the Ring of Hircine): While rare, transformations can occur unexpectedly, leading to chaos and potential bounties if witnessed by townspeople.
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Social Consequences: Followers may become hostile when you transform, and you’ll be unable to interact with objects or loot bodies in your Beast Form.
Avoiding the Cure: A Path to Eternal Lycanthropy
If your goal is to remain a werewolf indefinitely, the most crucial step is to avoid curing your Lycanthropy. This primarily involves navigating the Companions questline carefully.
The Glory of the Dead Quest
The turning point is the final quest, “Glory of the Dead.” During this quest, you’ll have the opportunity to cleanse yourself (and other Companions) of Lycanthropy by throwing a Glenmoril Witch Head into the Flame of the Harbinger. To remain a werewolf, simply do not throw a Glenmoril Witch Head into the flame for yourself.
Post-Questline Options
Even after completing the Companions questline, it is possible to retain or regain Lycanthropy, especially if you have the Dawnguard DLC installed. Aela the Huntress can re-gift you the beast blood.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Werewolves in Skyrim
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about werewolves in Skyrim:
1. How long does the Beast Form last in Skyrim?
The Beast Form initially lasts for 150 seconds (2.5 minutes). You can extend the duration by feeding on the corpses of humanoids. The Savage Feeding perk (gained through the werewolf perk tree) allows you to feed on most dead creatures.
2. Can werewolves live forever in Skyrim?
While werewolves are not immortal in the same way as vampires (who can achieve a form of practical immortality), they do benefit from 100% disease resistance, which can greatly extend their lifespan by preventing debilitating illnesses.
3. How can I cure Lycanthropy in Skyrim?
The primary method for curing Lycanthropy is during the “Glory of the Dead” quest, using a Glenmoril Witch Head at the Flame of the Harbinger.
4. Can I become a werewolf unlimited times?
Without the Dawnguard DLC, you can only become a werewolf once. With the DLC, Aela the Huntress can turn you into a werewolf again after you’ve been cured, but only once more.
5. Is it better to be a vampire or a werewolf in Skyrim?
The choice depends on your playstyle. Werewolves offer powerful melee combat and disease immunity, while vampires have unique abilities, spells, and powerful perks, but suffer from sunlight weakness.
6. How do I become a werewolf again after being cured?
If you have the Dawnguard DLC or Special Edition, speak to Aela the Huntress after completing the Companions questline, and she can restore your Lycanthropy once.
7. What are the cons of being a werewolf in Skyrim?
Cons include inability to gain rested bonuses, potential uncontrolled transformations (less of an issue with the Ring of Hircine), follower hostility during transformations, and inability to loot or interact with objects in Beast Form.
8. What is the best race to be a werewolf in Skyrim?
Nords, Redguards, and Argonians are often considered good choices for werewolves due to their racial abilities that complement the werewolf playstyle.
9. Does the Dawnguard accept werewolves?
Yes, you can join the Dawnguard as a werewolf, although some dialogue might be a bit ironic.
10. Should I remove Lycanthropy in Skyrim?
Removing Lycanthropy is a personal choice. If you find the drawbacks outweigh the benefits, particularly the inability to gain rested bonuses, then curing yourself might be worthwhile.
11. Can I become a werewolf if I’m a vampire in Skyrim?
If you become a werewolf, it will override your vampirism. You cannot be both simultaneously.
12. How do I become immortal in Skyrim?
True immortality is difficult to achieve in Skyrim without mods. However, vampires can achieve a form of practical immortality through the use of powerful regeneration abilities and perks.
13. How many kills does it take to max a werewolf in Skyrim?
To fully unlock the werewolf perk tree, you need to feed on approximately 164 bodies. The number of required feedings increases with each perk unlocked.
14. Can I marry Serana as a werewolf?
Skyrim does not allow players to marry Serana through regular in-game actions. The only way to marry Serana is through the use of a mod.
15. What happens if the Dragonborn becomes a werewolf?
Becoming a werewolf adds another layer to the Dragonborn’s already complex identity. While it gives Hircine a claim on your soul, your dragon soul remains unique and powerful. It is said the Dragonborn’s soul is much more powerful than any divine claim.
Conclusion: Embracing Your Inner Beast
Ultimately, the decision to remain a werewolf forever in Skyrim is a personal one. Weigh the benefits against the drawbacks and consider how it fits with your character’s story and playstyle. If the lure of primal power and unyielding disease immunity is too strong to resist, then embrace your inner beast and howl at the moons for eternity.
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