Unleash the Beast Within: Becoming a Werewolf at Will in Skyrim
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The call of the wild, the thrill of the hunt, the raw power of the beast – these are the things that draw many players to embrace lycanthropy in Skyrim. But what if you could control this transformation, shifting between man and beast at your leisure? The answer lies within a powerful artifact and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics.
The key to transforming into a werewolf whenever you want in Skyrim is the Ring of Hircine. With this ring equipped, you gain a special power called “Beast Form” that allows you to transform at will, once per day. After transforming back, you need to re-equip both the Ring of Hircine and the “Beast Form” power to use it again. Without the ring, transformations become tied to the game’s internal timers after your initial transformation.
Acquiring the Power: Joining the Pack
To become a werewolf in the first place, you have two primary paths:
- The Companions Questline: This is the most straightforward route. Join the Companions in Whiterun, complete their quests, and eventually, you’ll be offered the gift (or curse) of lycanthropy.
- Becoming a Werewolf without Joining the Companions: Finally, feed on Skjor, Aela, Vilkas, Farkas, or Kodlak while they’re asleep in their bed. The other Companions aren’t werewolves, so don’t bother trying to contract Lycanthropy from them. Voila! You’re a werewolf, and you didn’t (necessarily) have to join the Companions to do it!
Finding the Ring of Hircine
Once you’re a werewolf, obtaining the Ring of Hircine becomes your priority. This Daedric artifact is acquired through the Daedric quest “Ill Met By Moonlight,” initiated by speaking to Sinding in the Falkreath Jail.
- The quest presents a choice: You can either help Sinding escape and hunt the Great White Beast or kill Sinding to claim the Ring.
- To get the Ring of Hircine that allows for multiple transformations, you MUST kill Sinding, but before you loot him, exit the cave and speak to Hircine’s aspect. Hircine will reward you with the actual Ring of Hircine, rather than the Cursed Ring.
IMPORTANT NOTE: A cursed version of the Ring of Hircine also exists. This version forces uncontrolled transformations. Make sure you obtain the non-cursed version by speaking to Hircine’s aspect after defeating Sinding and returning to the cave to receive his blessing.
Mastering the Transformation
Once you have the Ring of Hircine, equip it. Next, navigate to your Magic menu, then Greater Powers, and select “Beast Form.” This equips the power. To transform, use the same button you use for Shouts. Remember, you can only transform once per day using this method, but the Ring of Hircine will let you bypass the once a day limitation. To transform again, you’ll need to re-equip the ring and the power.
Gameplay Tips & Considerations
- Disease Immunity: One of the most significant benefits of being a werewolf is complete immunity to all diseases.
- Restricted Abilities: While transformed, you cannot use weapons, spells, or items. Your claws are your primary weapon.
- Feeding: Feeding on corpses extends your time in beast form. Each feeding adds approximately 30 seconds to your transformation.
- Silver Weakness: Like other werewolves, you are vulnerable to silver weapons.
- The Dawnguard DLC: The Dawnguard DLC introduces the Werewolf Perks tree, allowing you to further customize and enhance your werewolf abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Werewolves in Skyrim
1. Can I be a werewolf and a vampire lord at the same time in Skyrim?
No. Skyrim does not allow a player to be a werewolf and a vampire lord simultaneously through normal gameplay. However, there is a glitch that can be exploited.
2. Is it better to be a werewolf or a vampire lord in Skyrim?
This depends on your playstyle. Vampires have better spellcasting and don’t need to transform to use their abilities. Werewolves excel in melee combat and have disease immunity.
3. Can I randomly turn into a werewolf in Skyrim?
Yes, but only if you have the Cursed Ring of Hircine. This ring causes involuntary transformations. Avoid it if you want control over your transformations.
4. What button do I press to turn into a werewolf in Skyrim?
After equipping the “Beast Form” power, use the same button you use for Shouts (usually LB on Xbox, L1 on PlayStation, or Z on PC).
5. How do I cure lycanthropy (being a werewolf) in Skyrim?
To cure lycanthropy, you must complete the Companions questline. Eventually, you’ll be given the option to cure yourself by throwing a Glenmoril Witch Head into the Ysgramor’s Tomb flame.
6. How many times can you turn back into a werewolf in Skyrim?
Without the Dawnguard DLC, Aela will only turn you once, making for only two times you can be a werewolf.
7. What happens if I say no to being a werewolf in Skyrim?
Saying no simply means you won’t become a werewolf. It doesn’t negatively affect the main questline.
8. How can I become a werewolf without joining the Companions?
You can become a werewolf without joining the Companions feeding on a sleeping werewolf in the Companion halls. Vilkas, Farkas, Skjor, Aela and Kodlak are your only options.
9. Does the Dawnguard accept werewolves?
Yes, the Dawnguard will accept you even if you’re a werewolf.
10. What is the best race to be a werewolf in Skyrim?
Races with bonuses to stamina and melee combat are generally better for werewolves. The Redguard is a strong choice.
11. Should I join Dawnguard or vampires?
Joining the Dawnguard is generally considered the better choice due to the benefits it offers, especially for non-vampire characters.
12. How do I become a hybrid (werewolf/vampire) in Skyrim?
This requires exploiting a glitch. First, become a werewolf, then quickly become a Vampire Lord again by speaking to Serana. This might combine the powers into a single form. This glitch may not work for all players.
13. How long does a werewolf transformation last?
A werewolf transformation lasts for 150 seconds, plus 30 seconds per feeding.
14. Do I turn into a werewolf on a full moon in Skyrim?
No, the game does not force werewolf transformations based on the lunar cycle.
15. What are the benefits of being a werewolf in Skyrim?
Benefits include:
- 100% disease resistance
- Powerful melee attacks
- Increased strength
- The ability to feed on corpses to extend transformation time and restore health
Becoming a werewolf in Skyrim offers a unique and powerful gameplay experience. By mastering the transformation and understanding its benefits and drawbacks, you can truly unleash the beast within. For more on gaming and its educational applications, explore the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.