Convincing Serana: A Comprehensive Guide to Curing Her Vampirism in Skyrim
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So, you want to convince Serana, the compelling vampire companion from Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC, to seek a cure for her vampirism? The path isn’t always straightforward, but it’s entirely possible if you know the right steps and dialogue options to choose. The key to convincing Serana to cure her vampirism lies in building a strong rapport with her throughout the Dawnguard questline.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Side with the Dawnguard: This is a prerequisite. You can’t convince Serana to cure herself if you align with Lord Harkon and become a fully committed vampire yourself.
- Complete the Dawnguard Main Quest: Finish the main questline of the Dawnguard DLC, ultimately defeating Harkon.
- Choose the correct dialogue option after Volkihar Cathedral is dealt with: After the final battle with Harkon and leaving Volkihar Cathedral, if you want Serana to ultimately consider a cure, choose the “Are you all right?” dialogue option when talking to her. Avoid asking about a cure right away. Asking about a cure directly at this point will trigger a different response, where she expresses content with her vampire nature. Selecting “Are you all right?” will end the conversation, but it sets up the next step.
- Be Patient and Show Empathy: Continue adventuring with Serana as your follower. Over time, as you travel with her, periodically inquire about her well-being and subtly steer the conversation toward the drawbacks of being a vampire. Avoid being pushy or judgmental. Focus on the limitations it imposes on her life and the connection to her past.
- After some time passes, re-engage Serana in dialogue. Eventually, if you’ve chosen the “Are you all right?” option initially, a dialogue option about seeking a cure will appear. Encourage her to consider it, framing it as a way for her to have more control over her life and potentially reconnect with her humanity.
- She Will Decide Herself: You don’t directly take her to Falion, the mage in Morthal who can cure vampirism. You simply need to convince her that it’s a worthwhile consideration. She will then depart on her own to seek a cure.
- Wait: After she leaves to find a cure, she typically returns to Fort Dawnguard a few in-game days later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Curing Serana
How long does it take for Serana to be cured?
It doesn’t take long for Serana to actually cure herself. The difficult part is convincing her that a cure is the way to go. Once you successfully encourage her to seek the cure, Serana will leave, go to Falion, and then return to Fort Dawnguard within a few in-game days (usually 2-3 days).
Where does Serana go after she cures herself?
After being cured, Serana returns to Fort Dawnguard. She will not move into your home or Castle Volkihar.
Can I still use Serana as a follower after curing her?
Yes, absolutely! Curing Serana does not prevent her from being your follower. She remains a valuable and powerful ally, albeit now as a mortal.
Can I marry Serana after she cures her vampirism?
Unfortunately, even after curing her, Serana cannot be married in the vanilla version of Skyrim. There is in-game dialogue hinting at the possibility, but the game mechanics do not allow it. You will need to use mods to marry Serana.
What spell can heal Serana after she is cured?
Once Serana is cured, she is no longer undead. You can use any Restoration school healing spell to heal her, just like any other mortal follower. Necromantic Healing will not work on her anymore.
Does Serana’s personality change after she is cured?
Serana’s core personality remains the same after being cured. She retains her wit, intelligence, and independence. However, she will seem more hopeful, relieved, and appreciative of the opportunity to live a more normal life.
What are the benefits of curing Serana?
The primary benefit is narrative and role-playing. Many players feel it provides a more satisfying and hopeful conclusion to Serana’s story. Gameplay-wise, she is then healable with conventional spells.
Is it better to cure Serana or keep her as a vampire?
This is entirely a matter of personal preference. There is no objective “better” choice. Curing her provides a sense of closure, while keeping her a vampire allows her to retain her unique abilities and appearance.
Can Serana turn me into a Vampire Lord again if she is cured?
No, once Serana is cured, she loses the ability to turn you into a Vampire Lord.
Does Serana like the Dawnguard more after she is cured?
While Serana’s primary loyalty is to the Dragonborn, being cured does likely give her a slightly more positive view of the Dawnguard. She is grateful for their support and understanding.
Can I reverse Serana’s cure if I change my mind?
No, there is no way to reverse Serana’s cure without using console commands or mods. The cure is permanent within the game’s intended mechanics.
How does being cured affect Serana’s combat abilities?
As a vampire, Serana relied on necromantic spells, blood magic, and vampire lord abilities. When cured, she loses those powers. She will still use the magic skills that she has, like summoning and lightning attacks.
What dialogue options should I avoid to cure Serana?
Avoid directly asking her about a cure immediately after defeating Harkon. Choose the “Are you all right?” option instead. Repeatedly pressuring her or expressing disapproval of her vampirism will also make her less likely to consider a cure.
What if I’m already a vampire when I complete the Dawnguard questline?
You can still convince Serana to seek a cure, even if you are a vampire. However, it may feel somewhat hypocritical from a role-playing perspective. Curing yourself after convincing her is an option for a consistent narrative.
Does curing Serana affect the game’s ending or any other quests?
Curing Serana does not significantly affect the game’s ending or other quests outside of the Dawnguard DLC. It is primarily a personal and narrative choice with limited gameplay consequences.
Ultimately, convincing Serana to cure herself is a reward for players who invest in her story and build a genuine connection with her character. With patience and understanding, you can guide her toward a new future and a chance at a more fulfilling life.
If you are interested in learning more about how games can affect players’ emotional and social developments, you should visit Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org