How to Become a Werewolf in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide
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So, you’re looking to unleash your inner beast and stalk the moonlit forests of Skyrim as a fearsome werewolf? Excellent choice! Embracing the lycanthropic path offers unique gameplay experiences, roleplaying opportunities, and a primal connection to the wild. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, answering all your burning questions along the way.
The Two Paths to Lycanthropy
There are primarily two ways to become a werewolf in Skyrim:
- The Companions Questline: This is the most straightforward and recommended method for most players. By joining the Companions in Whiterun, you’ll embark on a series of quests that eventually lead to you being offered the “gift” of lycanthropy.
- The Ring of Hircine (During “Ill Met by Moonlight”): This method is a bit trickier and less reliable. During the quest “Ill Met by Moonlight,” you can choose to side with Sinding, a werewolf afflicted with the Cursed Ring of Hircine. While wearing the ring, you can contract lycanthropy if Sinding attacks you in your werewolf form. Warning: this may not always work!
Joining the Companions: Your First Step
The Companions are a group of honorable warriors based in Jorrvaskr in Whiterun. To join their ranks, simply head to Jorrvaskr and speak to Kodlak Whitemane or any other member of the inner circle. They will give you a few initiation quests.
The Taste of Blood: Embracing the Beast Within
As you progress through the Companions questline, you’ll eventually be sent on a mission called “The Silver Hand.” During this quest, you will be brought into the Underforge, a hidden cave beneath Jorrvaskr. There, a member of the Circle, usually Aela the Huntress, will offer you the blood of a werewolf. Accept this offer, drink the blood, and embrace your transformation. Congratulations, you are now a werewolf!
What to Expect After Becoming a Werewolf
Once you’ve embraced lycanthropy, you’ll gain access to the Beast Form power. This allows you to transform into a powerful werewolf once per day. The transformation lasts for 150 seconds initially, but this duration can be extended by feeding on corpses. You’ll also gain complete immunity to all diseases, a significant advantage in the harsh lands of Skyrim.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Being a Werewolf
1. Is it a good idea to become a werewolf in Skyrim?
It depends on your playstyle! The 100% disease resistance is a massive perk. For roleplaying, it allows you to explore a more primal and savage side of your character, dedicating yourself to the hunt and the Daedric Prince Hircine. However, you will face drawbacks, such as a vulnerability to silver weapons, being unable to sleep for resting bonuses, and followers may become hostile if you transform in front of them.
2. Is it better to be a vampire or werewolf in Skyrim?
That’s a matter of personal preference! Many argue that the Werewolf form is generally more effective in combat, especially if you invest in the werewolf perk tree. The Vampire Lord form has strengths but may not be as impactful as a well-built combat character with magic and melee skills. Each form is viable, so pick the one that interests you most.
3. How long do you stay a werewolf in Skyrim?
Initially, the Beast Form lasts for 150 seconds. You can extend this duration by feeding on the corpses of your fallen enemies. The Savage Feeding perk allows you to feed on almost any dead creature, providing even greater flexibility.
4. Can you become a werewolf while being a vampire in Skyrim?
No, you cannot be both a Vampire and a Werewolf simultaneously without glitches. If you want to be a hybrid using the Dawnguard DLC, you need to become a Vampire Lord first before becoming a Werewolf. If you do this, you cannot revert back as both statuses are mutually exclusive.
5. Can you join the Dawnguard as a werewolf?
Yes, you can absolutely join the Dawnguard as a Werewolf. The Dawnguard are primarily concerned with hunting vampires, and your lycanthropy is irrelevant to their mission. In fact, your werewolf form can be a powerful asset in their fight against the undead.
6. Can I reverse being a werewolf in Skyrim?
Yes, you can cure your lycanthropy by completing the Companions questline. After completing the main quest line for the companions, you can cure yourself of lycanthropy. You will need a Glenmoril Witch Head, obtainable from killing Glenmoril Witches, and use it to purge your lycanthropy in the Flame of the Harbinger in Yngvild.
7. What are the negative effects of being a werewolf in Skyrim?
There are a few downsides to consider. Transforming in public carries a 1,000 septim bounty, and your followers may become hostile. You also cannot gain resting bonuses from sleeping in your human form. While transformed, you cannot pick locks or loot bodies. You are also vulnerable to silver weapons.
8. What is the best race for a werewolf in Skyrim?
While any race can become a werewolf, some are better suited to the role. Nords, Redguards, and Argonians are generally considered good choices due to their racial abilities that complement the werewolf’s strengths.
9. Do followers care if you turn into a werewolf?
Most followers are generally unfazed by your transformation unless you transform into a Werewolf in public and break the law. If they witness a crime, they may become unhappy or even hostile.
10. Should you join Dawnguard or vampires?
This depends on your preference for what benefits you are looking for. Each faction offers unique rewards and gameplay experiences. The Dawnguard is generally considered the more “good” option. Joining the Vampires offers different powers and quests but comes with unique challenges, such as dealing with sunlight exposure.
11. Is there a downside to becoming a vampire in Skyrim?
Yes, the biggest downside to being a vampire is the weakness to sunlight. Sunlight prevents health, stamina, and magicka regeneration, making it difficult to travel during the day. Additionally, as you progress through the stages of vampirism, NPCs may become hostile towards you.
12. Which is more fun, werewolf or vampire?
This is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. Werewolves offer a more visceral and aggressive gameplay experience, focused on raw power and brutal combat. Vampires offer a more strategic and cunning approach, with access to powerful spells and abilities. Both forms have their own unique appeal.
13. Do the Dawnguard hate werewolves?
No, the Dawnguard are primarily focused on hunting vampires, not werewolves. They will not discriminate against you for being a werewolf, and you can even join their ranks and fight alongside them.
14. Do werewolves live forever in Skyrim?
No, werewolves are not immortal in the same way as vampires. While lycanthropy grants them increased strength and resilience, they are still mortal and subject to the effects of aging.
15. Why do I keep randomly turning into a werewolf Skyrim?
This is due to the effects of the Cursed Ring of Hircine. This ring causes involuntary transformations, so if you’re wearing it, you’ll transform randomly without any control. To stop this, remove the ring and complete the “Ill Met by Moonlight” quest by following Hircine’s wishes, eventually receiving the Ring of Hircine (non-cursed version).
Embracing the beast within is a transformative experience in Skyrim. Remember to weigh the pros and cons, consider your roleplaying preferences, and choose the path that best suits your Dragonborn’s destiny. And for more insights into the intersection of gaming and learning, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org. Now go forth and howl at the moon!