How Long Do You Have to Wait for Serana?

The answer to the question “How long do you have to wait for Serana?” depends entirely on your progress in the Dawnguard DLC questline. You first encounter Serana in Dimhollow Crypt, and she becomes available as a follower immediately after you awaken her and escort her back to Fort Dawnguard (if you sided with the Dawnguard) or Castle Volkihar (if you sided with the Volkihar vampires). There is virtually no waiting period. Once she is awake, she’s ready to accompany you on your adventures through Skyrim.

Understanding Serana’s Availability

Triggering the Dawnguard DLC

The Dawnguard DLC doesn’t trigger immediately upon starting a new game. You’ll need to be at least level 10 for the Dawnguard questline to begin. After reaching level 10, you’ll start hearing rumors from guards or encountering Dawnguard members in the world. These encounters will lead you to Fort Dawnguard, initiating the quest “Dawnguard.”

Finding Serana in Dimhollow Crypt

After starting the Dawnguard questline, you’ll be directed to Dimhollow Crypt. Inside, you’ll navigate through a series of puzzles and enemies until you reach Serana’s sarcophagus. Awakening her is a key step. This triggers her dialogue and initiates the quest “Bloodline.”

The Bloodline Quest

The “Bloodline” quest requires you to escort Serana either back to Fort Dawnguard to meet Isran, the leader of the Dawnguard, or to Castle Volkihar to meet her father, Lord Harkon, and choose to become a Vampire Lord. This journey effectively serves as an introductory quest, allowing you to become familiar with Serana and her abilities.

Serana as a Follower: No Waiting Required

Once you complete “Bloodline” by presenting Serana to either Isran or Harkon, she will become available as a fully functional follower. This is the critical point: there is no waiting period. She will immediately begin following you and aiding you in your quests.

Factors That Could Delay Serana’s Availability (Slightly)

While there’s no formal waiting period, certain factors could slightly delay when you actually start using her as a follower:

• Your Playstyle: If you rush through quests, you’ll get to her sooner. If you take your time exploring, it will naturally take longer.
• Combat Encounters: Dimhollow Crypt and the journey back to Fort Dawnguard/Castle Volkihar can be challenging, slowing down your progress.
• Roleplaying: Your decisions during the questline, such as how you interact with other characters, can influence how quickly you proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Serana

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Serana, providing more in-depth information:

1. What level do I need to be to start the Dawnguard DLC and find Serana? You must be at least level 10 for the Dawnguard questline to begin. This triggers the events that lead you to Serana.

2. Can I miss Serana? No, you cannot miss Serana. She is a critical character in the Dawnguard DLC, and the storyline cannot progress without her.

3. Is Serana essential? Can she die? Serana is flagged as essential for much of the Dawnguard questline, meaning she cannot die. However, her essential status changes during specific parts of the questline and especially after the main questline is complete. She can be killed after that, even with mods affecting her.

4. Can Serana carry items for me? Yes, Serana can carry items. She functions like a regular follower, with a carrying capacity of around 140-200 units, depending on various game factors and potential mods.

5. Does Serana level up with me? Yes, Serana levels up with you, ensuring she remains a capable companion throughout the game. Her stats and abilities increase as you progress.

6. What are Serana’s skills and combat style? Serana is a powerful vampire mage. She primarily uses Conjuration, Destruction, and Restoration magic. She also has skills in One-Handed combat and can summon various creatures to aid her.

7. Can I marry Serana? By default, Serana is not marriageable in the vanilla game. However, mods are available that allow you to marry her.

8. Can I cure Serana of her vampirism? Yes, you can persuade Serana to seek a cure for her vampirism after completing the main Dawnguard questline. This involves a short quest to Morthal.

9. What happens if I side with the Volkihar vampires instead of the Dawnguard? Siding with the Volkihar vampires doesn’t affect Serana’s availability as a follower. She will still follow you and participate in the questline. However, your interactions and the overall storyline will differ.

10. Can I give Serana different armor and weapons? Yes, you can give Serana different armor and weapons. She will equip the best items you provide, provided they are appropriate for her skills. Note that she prefers robes and light armor but can wear heavier armor.

11. Does Serana have unique dialogue? Yes, Serana has extensive and unique dialogue that evolves as you progress through the Dawnguard questline and interact with her. She provides valuable insights and commentary on the events unfolding around you.

12. Can I dismiss Serana as a follower? Yes, you can dismiss Serana as a follower. If you side with the Dawnguard, she will return to Fort Dawnguard. If you side with the Volkihar vampires, she will return to Castle Volkihar.

13. Are there any glitches or bugs associated with Serana? Like any complex character in a Bethesda game, Serana can be subject to glitches and bugs. Common issues include pathfinding problems, getting stuck, or dialogue errors. Community-created patches and mods can often resolve these issues.

14. Does Serana affect my ability to become a werewolf? No, Serana does not prevent you from becoming a werewolf. You can still join the Companions and acquire lycanthropy even with Serana as a follower.

15. What are the benefits of having Serana as a follower? Serana is a powerful and versatile follower who offers several benefits:

    • Powerful Magic: Her magical abilities make her a formidable combatant.
    • Unique Dialogue: Her commentary and insights add depth to the game.
    • Quest Assistance: She actively participates in quests and provides valuable assistance.
    • Companion: She is a compelling and well-developed character, enhancing the overall Skyrim experience.

In conclusion, you don’t have to wait to have Serana join you on your journeys once you complete the “Bloodline” quest. She becomes available immediately and provides a unique and valuable experience in the world of Skyrim. Be sure to explore her dialogue and quests to fully appreciate her character and abilities.