Does Feeding on People in Skyrim Make Them Vampires? A Comprehensive 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.
The world of Skyrim is rich with lore and detail, and one of its most intriguing aspects is the presence of vampires. For those considering embracing the life of the night, or simply curious about the mechanics, a key question arises: Does feeding on people in Skyrim make them vampires?
The simple answer is no. Feeding in Skyrim, while essential for maintaining your vampiric state and preventing its negative effects from escalating, does not turn your victims into vampires. Unlike some vampire mythologies where a simple bite is enough, the process in Skyrim is more nuanced. To truly understand how vampirism works, let’s delve deeper into the specifics and answer some frequently asked questions.
Understanding Vampirism in Skyrim
Becoming a vampire in Skyrim is a process, not an instantaneous transformation through feeding. It revolves around contracting a specific disease. Let’s unpack the key elements:
- Sanguinare Vampiris: This is the disease that initiates the transformation. You can contract it from encounters with vampires in the wild or in dungeons.
- The Three-Day Transformation: Once infected, you have three in-game days to cure yourself. If left untreated, the disease progresses, and you will fully transform into a vampire.
- Feeding is for Maintenance: Feeding is a mechanic unique to already existing vampires. It helps stave off the negative effects of prolonged abstinence from blood, but it does not spread the vampiric curse.
How Feeding Works for Vampires
If you’re already a vampire, feeding is an integral part of your survival. Here’s how it works:
- Stealth is Key: The most common method involves sneaking into someone’s home while they sleep.
- The “Feed” Option: When crouching behind a sleeping NPC, the option to “Pickpocket” will appear. Selecting this will usually give you the option to feed.
- Stages of Vampirism: As you abstain from feeding, you progress through four stages of vampirism. Each stage brings increased vampiric powers, such as greater strength and illusion magic, but also harsher penalties from sunlight.
- Resetting the Stages: Feeding resets you back to stage one, mitigating the negative effects and keeping you at the weakest level for powers but with reduced sun damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vampires in Skyrim
Here are some of the most common questions players have about vampirism and the associated mechanics in Skyrim.
1. What turns you into a vampire in Skyrim?
Contracting the disease Sanguinare Vampiris from a vampire enemy and failing to cure it within three days. Potions of Cure Disease or praying at a shrine can cure it.
2. What happens if you feed on someone in Skyrim?
If you are already a vampire, feeding postpones the progression of your vampirism, dropping you back to stage one of the illness. It satisfies your hunger and alleviates the negative effects of not feeding. If you are not a vampire, attempting to feed will simply fail and alert the target if they are awake.
3. Is it better to not feed as a vampire in Skyrim?
It depends on your playstyle. Not feeding increases your vampiric powers but makes you more vulnerable to sunlight. Feeding keeps you weaker but allows you to function better during the day.
4. What happens if you don’t feed as a vampire in Skyrim?
For every 24 in-game hours that you don’t feed, you’ll progress a stage in vampirism, up to stage four. At stage four, you’ll be very powerful at night but severely weakened in sunlight, and NPCs may become hostile towards you.
5. Can my follower (e.g., Lydia) become a vampire?
Yes, it is possible to turn some NPC followers into vampires. You’ll typically need the Dawnguard DLC to do this through specific quests or by feeding on them while they sleep (if the option is available).
6. Is it bad to turn into a vampire in Skyrim?
Becoming a vampire has both advantages and disadvantages. You gain resistance to diseases, frost, and access to unique vampiric abilities. However, you also become weaker to sunlight and fire.
7. How do I turn my spouse into a vampire in Skyrim?
With the Dawnguard DLC, you can turn your spouse into a vampire by feeding on them while they sleep after completing certain vampire-related quests.
8. Who is the best spouse to turn into a vampire in Skyrim?
This is subjective, but some players prefer Ysolda due to her unique appearance after being turned and her relatively easy availability.
9. How do I get Vampire Seduction in Skyrim?
Vampire Seduction is a power gained by Vampire Lords after not feeding for 24 hours. It allows you to calm weaker enemies. It becomes available under the Powers section of the Magic menu after the time requirement is met.
10. Can essential followers be turned into vampires?
Even essential followers can be turned into vampires. Remember essential followers cannot be killed, so they can be relied on as companions.
11. Can I marry a vampire in Skyrim?
While you can turn your spouse into a vampire, you cannot marry someone who is already a vampire, such as Serana (without mods).
12. What happens if I feed on my wife/husband in Skyrim?
With the Dawnguard DLC, if you are a vampire and have completed “The Gift” quest, feeding on your spouse while they sleep will eventually turn them into a vampire.
13. Should I join Harkon or the Dawnguard?
This depends on your preferred playstyle. Harkon offers the opportunity to become a powerful Vampire Lord, while the Dawnguard focuses on hunting vampires. Both sides offer unique quests and rewards. The Games Learning Society may argue the Harkon side is better because of the vampire storyline, although it really depends on what you are looking for in the gameplay.
14. Is it better to be a vampire or werewolf in Skyrim?
Both have their pros and cons. Vampires have enhanced magic and stealth abilities, while werewolves excel in raw melee combat. Vampires are more strategic, and werewolves are about primal aggression.
15. Can I cure vampirism in Skyrim?
Yes, you can cure vampirism. You’ll need to find Falion in Morthal. He requires a filled Black Soul Gem to perform the ritual.
Embracing the Night
Becoming a vampire in Skyrim offers a unique and challenging gameplay experience. Understanding the mechanics of feeding, the stages of vampirism, and the potential consequences is crucial for making the most of this dark path. Remember, feeding is about maintaining your own existence, not spreading the curse. Whether you choose to embrace the night or fight against the darkness, the choice is yours in the expansive world of Skyrim.
To further explore the educational and societal impacts of games like Skyrim, consider visiting GamesLearningSociety.org for more information and resources.