A Vampire’s Homecoming: What Happens When You Lead Serana to Castle Volkihar in Skyrim?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Leading Serana to her home, Castle Volkihar, is a pivotal moment in the Dawnguard DLC for Skyrim. It marks the beginning of your potential involvement with a powerful vampire clan and unlocks a significant portion of the storyline. Successfully escorting her to the castle allows you to meet her father, Lord Harkon, who then offers you the chance to become a Vampire Lord yourself. This decision dictates which side of the Dawnguard conflict you will align with: the vampire hunters of the Dawnguard or the ancient and powerful Volkihar vampires.
Preparing for the Journey
Before you set sail for Castle Volkihar, understand that this isn’t just a casual stroll. The journey itself involves traversing a potentially dangerous area, navigating through enemies, and ultimately gaining access to a hidden and fortified castle. Make sure you’re adequately prepared for combat, especially against Gargoyles, which often appear shortly after agreeing to take Serana home. It’s advisable to have appropriate gear, healing potions, and perhaps a companion to assist you in the battles ahead.
The Voyage to Volkihar
To reach Castle Volkihar, you need to follow the quest marker, which leads you northwest of Northwatch Keep. You’ll find an abandoned boat at the Icewater Jetty. Interacting with the boat will initiate a short loading screen, transporting you and Serana to the hidden island upon which Castle Volkihar stands.
Entering Castle Volkihar
Upon arriving at the island, Serana will remark on her return. As you approach the castle, a magical barrier will dissipate, revealing the entrance. Be prepared for a change in atmosphere; the castle is shrouded in darkness and an air of ancient power. Inside, you’ll be greeted by various vampires, each with their own role to play in the Volkihar clan.
Lord Harkon’s Offer and the Turning Point
The most significant event that occurs when leading Serana home is your introduction to Lord Harkon. After a brief exchange, he will offer you the gift of vampirism, allowing you to become a Vampire Lord. This is a critical decision point. Accepting his offer pledges you to the Volkihar cause, granting access to unique vampire powers and quests. Rejecting it will banish you from the castle and prevent further progression within the vampire storyline until you are ready to accept the gift of vampirism.
Consequences of Your Choice
Your decision to become a vampire or refuse Harkon’s gift has far-reaching consequences. Joining the Volkihar vampires opens up a new questline, granting access to vampire-specific abilities, locations (such as the Soul Cairn), and interactions with the vampire court. Conversely, refusing the gift or curing yourself later will lead you down the path of the Dawnguard, offering a different perspective on the vampire threat and a unique set of quests and rewards.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Serana and Castle Volkihar
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify aspects of Serana, Castle Volkihar, and the Dawnguard DLC.
1. Can Serana live in my house after the Dawnguard questline?
No, without mods, Serana cannot permanently reside in your house. She will either return to Castle Volkihar if you sided with the vampires or remain at Fort Dawnguard if you sided with the vampire hunters, though she won’t go inside Fort Dawnguard.
2. What happens if I try to take Serana to Fort Dawnguard prematurely?
If you attempt to take her to Fort Dawnguard before completing the appropriate quests, she will refuse to enter, stating she doesn’t like the feel of the place and will wait for you by the entrance.
3. Is it possible to marry Serana in Skyrim?
Officially, no. The game does not allow you to marry Serana without the use of player-created modifications (mods). However, there is marriage dialogue with her, implying it was possibly considered by developers.
4. Can I dismiss Serana and then get her back as a follower?
Yes, but with a caveat. If you dismiss Serana after the Dawnguard questline is complete, there’s a possibility of encountering a bug that prevents you from ever having her as a follower again during that playthrough.
5. If I join the Dawnguard, can Serana still turn me into a Vampire Lord?
Yes, even if you side with the Dawnguard, Serana can still transform you into a Vampire Lord after the main questline is finished.
6. What happens if I enter Castle Volkihar as a werewolf?
While you can enter, the vampires (except Serana) will refuse to interact with you. Serana can restore your vampirism, which will cure you of being a werewolf and allow normal interaction with the Volkihar again.
7. What happens to Castle Volkihar after I kill Lord Harkon?
If you are not a vampire, Isran will invite you to join the Dawnguard. If you are a vampire, Garan Merethi will speak to you, and Castle Volkihar will become your home.
8. Does Serana have any opinion on whether I become a vampire?
She never explicitly states whether she wants you to become a vampire. She acknowledges her ability to turn you but leaves the decision entirely up to you.
9. Can I cure Serana of her vampirism?
Yes, if you side with the Dawnguard, you can convince Serana to seek a cure for her vampirism after completing the main questline. The success of this depends on the conversations you have with her throughout the story.
10. What should I do if I accidentally tell Serana to wait, and she disappears?
Serana is essential to the Dawnguard questline, she can never truly be permanently lost. If you tell Serana to wait between two specific quests “Bloodline” and “Touching the Sky,” she will not be able to follow you again until the quest “Touching the Sky” is completed. If you are on a different quest, check your current quest log for where she may be and travel to the quest location, because she will still appear at quest locations as she is needed.
11. Is there a “best” side to choose in the Dawnguard DLC?
The “best” side is subjective and depends on your preferred playstyle. The Volkihar offer unique vampire powers and a darker storyline, while the Dawnguard provide powerful anti-vampire weapons and a more righteous path.
12. What happens if I give Auriel’s Bow to Harkon?
Whether you give him Auriel’s Bow or refuse, Harkon will ultimately betray you and attack. It’s generally more advantageous to keep the bow for yourself as it is a powerful weapon in the ensuing battle.
13. What happens if I refuse Harkon’s blood and then change my mind?
If you refuse Harkon’s blood, you will be banished from Castle Volkihar. You must revisit the castle, at which point he will give you the option to accept the blood once more. Refusing the blood will lock you out of the Volkihar questline.
14. Will Serana still follow me if I become a werewolf?
Yes, Serana will continue to follow you regardless of whether you are a werewolf or not.
15. Are there any significant bugs or glitches associated with Serana?
Yes, there are several potential bugs. One notable bug can make it impossible to regain Serana as a follower after dismissing her post-questline. Saving frequently and having multiple save files can mitigate the impact of such bugs. Also, there is a bug that can break the entire questline if you discover the castle before you’re required to go there so I wouldn’t even try.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in Your Skyrim Adventure
Leading Serana to Castle Volkihar is more than just a simple escort mission. It’s a gateway to a rich and complex storyline, filled with moral choices, powerful characters, and ancient secrets. Your decision at Castle Volkihar shapes not only your character’s destiny but also the future of Skyrim itself. Whether you choose to embrace the darkness or fight against it, the journey with Serana is a memorable and impactful one. Want to learn more about the educational impact of games like Skyrim? Visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.