How Many Times Can You Become a Werewolf in Skyrim?
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The answer to how many times you can become a werewolf in Skyrim hinges on whether you have the Dawnguard DLC or the Special Edition (which includes Dawnguard). Without the Dawnguard DLC, your furry transformation is a one-time deal. However, with the Dawnguard DLC, you get a second chance at embracing your inner beast if you’ve already cured yourself of lycanthropy. Curing yourself the second time, will make you unable to ever become a werewolf again.
Becoming a Werewolf: A Comprehensive Guide
The path to becoming a werewolf in Skyrim is interwoven with the Companions questline. Located in Whiterun, the Companions are a guild of skilled warriors, and their ranks include a secret inner circle touched by lycanthropy.
Joining the Companions
To begin your journey toward becoming a werewolf, you must first join the Companions. Head to Whiterun and seek out Jorrvaskr, their mead hall. Initiate a conversation with Kodlak Whitemane, the leader, or any of the other prominent members like Aela the Huntress, Farkas, or Vilkas. They will typically give you a simple task to prove your worth. Completing these initial quests is crucial for progressing through their ranks.
The Silver Hand Quest
As you advance through the Companions questline, you’ll eventually be tasked with “The Silver Hand” quest. This is the pivotal moment when the opportunity to become a werewolf presents itself. During this quest, you’ll be invited to participate in a ritual where you drink the blood of a werewolf, thus contracting lycanthropy and unlocking the Beast Form power.
The Beast Form
Once you’ve completed the ritual, you will now have the ability to transform into a powerful werewolf at will (once per day, initially). As a werewolf, your strength and stamina will be significantly increased, and you will be able to tear through enemies with your claws. You gain access to a Werewolf Skill Tree. Keep in mind, though, that transforming in public will incur a 1,000 septim bounty, and followers will become hostile.
Curing Lycanthropy
There might come a time when you wish to relinquish your werewolf powers. Perhaps the disadvantages outweigh the advantages, or you simply want to explore other character builds. Curing lycanthropy is possible through the Companions questline as well.
Glory of the Dead
After completing the main Companions questline, specifically the “Glory of the Dead” quest, you’ll have the opportunity to cure yourself. This involves throwing a Glenmoril Witch Head into the fire within the Ysgramor’s Tomb, summoning your wolf spirit, and defeating it.
The Second Chance (Dawnguard DLC)
Now, here’s where the Dawnguard DLC comes into play. If you own this DLC (or the Special Edition), you can regain your werewolf form even after curing yourself through “Glory of the Dead.” Simply speak to Aela the Huntress in the Companions hall. She will offer you the chance to become a werewolf again.
The Final Cure
Be warned: If you cure yourself of lycanthropy a second time, you will never be able to become a werewolf again in that playthrough. Therefore, consider carefully before curing yourself for the second time. The only way to revert this decision is to reload an earlier save file.
Additional Considerations
- Vampire Lord vs. Werewolf: You cannot be both a Vampire Lord and a Werewolf simultaneously without exploiting glitches. Becoming a werewolf will cure vampirism and vice-versa.
- Hybrid Glitch: While it’s a glitch, there exists a method to become a “hybrid” of sorts, possessing aspects of both a werewolf and a Vampire Lord. This involves intricate steps, often requiring Serana’s assistance and precise timing. This method is often patched out of the game in updates.
- Ring of Hircine: The Ring of Hircine allows you to transform into a werewolf more than once per day. However, equipping the ring can lead to uncontrollable transformations, and manually transforming un-equips the ring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I become a werewolf multiple times without the Dawnguard DLC?
No. Without the Dawnguard DLC, you only have one opportunity to become a werewolf through the Companions questline. Once cured, you cannot regain the ability.
2. How do I cure my lycanthropy?
You can cure your lycanthropy by completing the Companions questline, specifically the “Glory of the Dead” quest. You’ll need a Glenmoril Witch Head to summon and defeat your wolf spirit.
3. Where do I find Glenmoril Witch Heads?
Glenmoril Witch Heads can be found by defeating Glenmoril Witches who reside in the Glenmoril Coven.
4. What are the disadvantages of being a werewolf?
The disadvantages include:
- A 1,000 septim bounty if witnessed transforming.
- Hostile reactions from followers upon transformation.
- Inability to gain rested bonuses from sleeping.
- Inability to pick locks or loot bodies while transformed.
5. What are the advantages of being a werewolf?
The advantages include:
- Increased strength and stamina in werewolf form.
- Complete disease resistance, including vampirism.
- Access to the Werewolf Skill Tree.
6. Can I join the Dawnguard as a werewolf?
Yes, you can join the Dawnguard as a werewolf. However, if you become a vampire after joining, you will be temporarily kicked out until you cure your vampirism.
7. How many kills do I need to max out the Werewolf Skill Tree?
Approximately 164 “feedings” on corpses are required to fully unlock the Werewolf Skill Tree.
8. Does becoming a werewolf cure vampirism?
Yes, becoming a werewolf will cure vampirism. However, you cannot be both simultaneously without exploiting glitches.
9. Can I make my follower a werewolf?
No, you cannot directly turn your followers into werewolves.
10. What happens if a citizen sees me transform into a werewolf?
Transforming into a werewolf in a populated area will result in a 1,000 septim bounty. Guards will become hostile.
11. Is it better to be a Vampire Lord or a Werewolf?
The “better” choice depends on your play style. Vampire Lords are generally considered stronger, especially in the late game, with powerful spells and abilities. Werewolves excel in melee combat and offer 100% disease resistance.
12. What is the Ring of Hircine?
The Ring of Hircine allows you to transform into a werewolf more than once per day. However, it can also cause uncontrollable transformations.
13. How do I get the Ring of Hircine?
You obtain the Ring of Hircine during the Daedric quest “Ill Met By Moonlight.”
14. Can I become a Werebear in Skyrim?
No, you cannot become a Werebear in Skyrim. You can only summon one through the Beast Stone power on Solstheim.
15. Where can I learn more about game-based learning and the role of games in education?
You can learn more about game-based learning and the role of games in education by visiting the website of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
The option to embrace the beast within multiple times in Skyrim is a feature gated behind the Dawnguard DLC. Remember that you can only cure yourself and regain lycanthropy once with Aela’s help after your initial transformation. Choose wisely, Dragonborn, for the path you tread is one of great power and dire consequence!