Is Serana Weaker After Being Cured in Skyrim? A Deep Dive
The short answer is yes, Serana is significantly weaker after being cured of her vampirism in Skyrim. Curing Serana impacts her abilities and resistances, essentially turning her from a powerful vampire lord’s daughter to a (relatively) normal Nord woman. This transformation has considerable implications for gameplay, particularly if you rely on her as a companion. Let’s delve into the specifics.
The Cost of Serana’s Cure: A Loss of Power
Serana’s strength as a companion stems directly from her vampiric nature. When she is a vampire, she possesses several key advantages:
- 100% Resistance to Frost and Poison: This makes her exceptionally durable against common enemy types and environmental hazards.
- Vampire Lord Transformation (formerly): While she can no longer transform after being cured (and neither can you via her), this ability signifies the deep well of power she once possessed.
- Powerful Necromantic Spells: Serana’s primary role in combat is as a necromancer. Her vampiric abilities amplify the effectiveness of her spells, allowing her to raise powerful undead allies and control the battlefield.
- Vampiric Drain: While frustratingly, she retains this spell (despite it being a key indicator of being a vampire), the original version drains health from enemies and heals her.
Once cured, all of these are either lessened, or removed completely. She loses her resistances, can no longer offer you Vampire Lord status, and her Vampiric Drain, while still usable, highlights a key issue with her cure.
The Unintended Consequences: Lingering Vampiric Traits
One of the most criticized aspects of curing Serana is that, despite being cured, she retains certain vampiric traits. This includes:
- Vampiric Drain Spell: As mentioned, Serana can still use the Vampiric Drain spell, even after being cured. This is likely an oversight by the developers, but it’s a constant reminder of her past.
- Jaundiced Eyes: Serana’s eyes develop a noticeable yellow or greenish tint after the cure. This visual change is off-putting to many players, as it makes her appear sickly despite technically being “healthy.”
These lingering traits contribute to the perception that the cure is not a complete success, and that Serana is permanently damaged by the process. In many ways, this lends itself to the argument of why would you do it.
Gameplay Implications: Is Curing Serana Worth It?
The decision to cure Serana comes down to personal preference and gameplay style. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Reasons to Cure Serana:
- Roleplaying: If you are playing a character who is morally opposed to vampirism and wants to help Serana find peace, then curing her might be the right choice.
- Story Completion: Some players feel that curing Serana provides closure to her personal storyline, allowing her to move on from her past.
Reasons Not to Cure Serana:
- Loss of Combat Effectiveness: Serana is a much weaker companion after being cured. If you rely on her in combat, then curing her will significantly reduce her usefulness.
- Lingering Negative Effects: The jaundiced eyes and vampiric drain spell are undesirable side effects that many players find aesthetically displeasing.
- Narrative Inconsistency: The fact that she retains some vampiric traits after being cured creates a sense of narrative dissonance.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. However, most players agree that the benefits of curing Serana are outweighed by the drawbacks, especially if you value her combat prowess and overall effectiveness as a companion. Consider also, that you’re doing this after working with her throughout the Dawnguard DLC – you’re going to be losing a companion who is grateful and friendly to you.
FAQs: All About Serana and Her Cure
Can you marry Serana if you cure her?
No, curing Serana does not make her marriable in the base game or even with the Special Edition. You still need mods to marry her. Bethesda did not include marriage as an option for Serana, cured or uncured.
Can you become a Vampire Lord again if Serana is cured?
No. After curing Serana, she can no longer offer you vampirism. The only way to regain Vampire Lord status after curing Serana is to contract vampirism elsewhere, such as from another vampire.
Can Serana be a follower after cure?
Yes, Serana remains a follower after being cured. She will leave temporarily to undergo the curing process, but will return to Fort Dawnguard a few days later as a normal human follower.
Where does Serana go when she gets cured?
Serana will leave your service immediately, saying she needs to be alone. After a few days, she will return to Fort Dawnguard as a normal human, ready to resume her role as a follower.
Does Serana want to be cured?
Serana initially expresses that she does not want to be cured, referring to her vampirism as a “gift.” However, through dialogue options, you can convince her to consider it. Whether she truly wants it is debatable, but she will ultimately agree if you persuade her.
Does Serana like the Dragonborn?
Yes, Serana develops a strong bond with the Dragonborn throughout the Dawnguard questline. She expresses gratitude for being freed from her father’s control, and seems to enjoy spending time with the Dragonborn. There are also hints of a deeper connection in some of her dialogue options.
Can you marry Serana after killing Harkon?
No, killing Harkon does not change Serana’s marriability. She remains unmarriable in the base game and Special Edition without the use of mods.
Who is the best companion Skyrim?
This is subjective, but many players consider Serana to be one of the best companions in Skyrim. Her powerful necromantic spells, unique dialogue, and compelling storyline make her a standout choice. However, this is also up to the player and their preferred method of play, and other companions may suit other playstyles better.
Will Serana leave if I’m not a vampire?
No, Serana will not leave if you refuse Harkon’s offer to become a vampire. She is coded to be your guide and follower regardless of your chosen path.
How many times can Serana turn you into a vampire?
Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord an unlimited number of times, as long as she remains a vampire.
Who is the best wife for a vampire in Skyrim?
This is subjective and depends on your preferences. Ysolda is a popular choice because of the unique markings she gets as a vampire.
Can you marry twice in Skyrim?
No, you can only marry once in vanilla Skyrim. Divorce is not an option.
What are the benefits of marrying Serana in Skyrim?
If you marry Serana through mods, she offers unique benefits such as providing a home-cooked meal daily, having the Spouse Merchant ability, and featuring fully-voiced dialogue.
Was Serana supposed to be marriable?
Many players believe that Serana was originally intended to be marriable, given the narrative depth of her relationship with the Dragonborn. However, Bethesda ultimately decided against it.
Can you marry Vex in Skyrim?
Yes, you can marry Vex in Skyrim after completing the Thieves Guild questline.
Conclusion: Weighing the Options
Curing Serana is a complex decision with significant consequences. While it may seem like the “right” thing to do from a moral perspective, it comes at the cost of her combat effectiveness and introduces some undesirable side effects. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your choice, and consider how it will impact your overall gameplay experience. Remember that the world of Skyrim is built on choice, and your choices matter. Be sure to check out the Games Learning Society for more gaming insights and community discussions at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.