When Should You Cure Lycanthropy in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of when to cure your lycanthropy in Skyrim is a deeply personal one, intrinsically tied to your playstyle, character build, and overall enjoyment of the game. There isn’t a single “right” answer. However, a thoughtful approach can help you determine the optimal time to shed the beast form and reclaim your mortality (or, perhaps, embrace a different kind of immortality).
The short answer: Cure your lycanthropy when the downsides outweigh the benefits for your specific character. This could be early in the game if you find the werewolf form clunky and the lack of resting bonuses debilitating, or much later if you’ve milked the advantages for all they’re worth. It really depends on what you want from your Skyrim experience.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Lycanthropy
Before rushing to Ysgramor’s Tomb with a Glenmoril Witch head in hand, carefully consider the implications of your decision.
Advantages of Being a Werewolf
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100% Disease Resistance: This is arguably the biggest perk. No more worrying about Sanguinare Vampiris, Rockjoint, or Ataxia. This is especially useful early game, when diseases can cripple your character.
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Powerful Combat Form: The werewolf form offers immense strength and speed, capable of tearing through most enemies, especially at lower levels. Howling can instill fear in enemies, sending them fleeing.
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Feeding for Extended Transformation: Consuming corpses as a werewolf extends your transformation time, allowing you to stay in beast form longer.
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Roleplaying Opportunities: Embracing the primal nature of the werewolf can add a unique layer to your roleplaying experience.
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No Negative Reaction from Dawnguard (Usually): As long as you are not a vampire, the Dawnguard will usually be fine with you.
Disadvantages of Being a Werewolf
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Inability to Benefit from Resting Bonuses: Being a werewolf prevents you from gaining the “Rested,” “Well Rested,” or “Lover’s Comfort” bonuses, which boost skill gain. This can be a significant drawback if you’re focused on leveling quickly.
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Forced Third-Person Perspective in Beast Form: Some players find the forced third-person perspective disorienting and less enjoyable than first-person combat.
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Limited Actions in Beast Form: You can’t interact with items, use doors, or cast spells in werewolf form.
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Vulnerability to Silver Weapons: Werewolves are more vulnerable to damage from silver weapons.
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No Armor Bonuses in Beast Form: Armor is ineffective when you transform, making you reliant on your raw stats.
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Hircine’s Claim on Your Soul: Some lore enthusiasts believe that becoming a werewolf gives the Daedric Prince Hircine a claim on your soul.
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Limited Control: Early on, your werewolf form is very limited, you have access to very few skills and the transformation is often short.
Scenarios Where Curing Lycanthropy Makes Sense
Consider curing your lycanthropy if:
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You Prioritize Skill Leveling: The lack of resting bonuses is hindering your progress. This is especially true if you’re employing strategies that involve frequent sleep.
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You Prefer Magic or Stealth-Based Builds: The werewolf form doesn’t synergize well with these playstyles. A mage or thief relies on spells, potions, and stealth, none of which are accessible in beast form.
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You Find the Werewolf Form Unenjoyable: If you simply don’t like playing as a werewolf, there’s no reason to force yourself.
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You Want to Become a Vampire Lord: If you are going to play as a vampire, you can cure yourself of lycanthropy in the process.
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You Want to Explore Mods Related to Resting and Leveling: Many mods offer alternative ways to gain experience and benefits that may outweigh the disease resistance.
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You are Role-Playing a Character Seeking Redemption: Perhaps your Dragonborn is seeking to rid themselves of the beast within.
Scenarios Where Keeping Lycanthropy Makes Sense
Consider keeping your lycanthropy if:
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You Enjoy the Werewolf Playstyle: If you find the werewolf form fun and effective, there’s no need to change.
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You Value Disease Immunity: The 100% disease resistance is a valuable asset, especially on higher difficulty settings.
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You Primarily Play a Melee-Focused Character: The werewolf form can be a powerful tool for a warrior or barbarian build.
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You Don’t Mind the Drawbacks: If you can live with the inability to gain resting bonuses and the limitations of the beast form, the benefits might outweigh the negatives.
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You Want to Use the Totems of Hircine: These unique totems grant special abilities while in wolf form. They enhance the gameplay experience.
The Totems of Hircine: A Compelling Reason to Delay Curing
The Totems of Hircine, obtained through quests given by Aela the Huntress after completing the Companions questline, offer powerful enhancements to your werewolf form:
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Totem of Brotherhood: Summons a werewolf ally to fight alongside you.
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Totem of the Hunt: Enhances your sense of smell, allowing you to detect living creatures from a greater distance.
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Totem of Terror: Your howl now terrifies even higher-level enemies.
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Totem of the Moon: Allows you to transform more frequently.
These totems can significantly improve the werewolf experience, making it more enjoyable and effective. If you’re considering using a werewolf build extensively, obtaining these totems before curing your lycanthropy is highly recommended.
Curing and Reacquiring Lycanthropy: A Limited Option
It’s important to remember that curing lycanthropy is not necessarily a permanent decision. After completing “Glory of the Dead,” you can cure yourself by returning to Ysgramor’s Tomb with another Glenmoril Witch head. However, Aela the Huntress will only grant you lycanthropy once after the initial Companions questline. So, after the first time, there’s no going back.
Becoming a Vampire Lord to Cure Lycanthropy
An alternate method is to become a Vampire Lord through the Dawnguard questline. This will automatically cure your lycanthropy. You can then potentially have Serana turn you back into a Vampire Lord, getting rid of the lycanthropy in the process.
The Hybrid Glitch: An Unintended Consequence
There’s a well-known glitch in Skyrim that allows you to become both a Vampire Lord and a Werewolf simultaneously. This “hybrid” state offers the benefits of both forms, but it can also be buggy and unpredictable. This glitch has the potential to ruin a playthrough, so be careful using it.
- Is it worth it? Most players say the glitch is not worth it.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the decision of when to cure your lycanthropy in Skyrim comes down to personal preference. Consider your playstyle, your character build, and your overall enjoyment of the game. Experiment with the werewolf form, explore the Totems of Hircine, and weigh the pros and cons carefully. Don’t be afraid to make a decision and then change your mind later (within the limitations of the game, of course). And remember, there’s no “wrong” way to play Skyrim.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many times can I cure lycanthropy in Skyrim?
You can cure lycanthropy as many times as you become a Vampire Lord. Aela the Huntress will only allow you to regain lycanthropy once after the Companions questline.
2. Can you cure lycanthropy at any time in Skyrim?
After completing “Glory of the Dead,” you can cure yourself by returning to Ysgramor’s Tomb, although you need a Glenmoril Witch head.
3. How long do you stay a werewolf in Skyrim?
Your base time is 150 seconds, plus 30 seconds for each corpse you consume. If you’ve fed on many bodies, you might need to wait several in-game hours.
4. Do the Dawnguard care if you are a werewolf?
The Dawnguard are primarily focused on hunting vampires. Being a werewolf doesn’t bother them, as long as you don’t join the Volkihar Clan.
5. Is there a downside to being a werewolf in Skyrim?
The downsides include the inability to gain resting bonuses, forced third-person perspective, limited actions in beast form, and vulnerability to silver.
6. What races are immune to lycanthropy?
In general, only humanoid races can contract lycanthropy. Creatures of different origins, or who are constructed, are immune to lycanthropy.
7. Are Dragonborn immune to lycanthropy?
It depends on their original race. If they started as a humanoid, they can contract lycanthropy.
8. Can vampirism cure lycanthropy?
Yes, becoming a Vampire Lord will cure your lycanthropy.
9. Is it better to be a vampire or a werewolf in Skyrim?
It depends on your playstyle. Werewolf has fewer drawbacks, especially with the 100% disease resistance.
10. How do you become a hybrid in Skyrim?
The hybrid glitch requires specific steps involving the Dawnguard questline and transforming into both a Vampire Lord and a Werewolf simultaneously.
11. Can you be a vampire and a werewolf at the same time in Skyrim?
Normally, no. The hybrid glitch is the exception.
12. What do you do before curing lycanthropy in Skyrim?
Complete the Companions questline and consider obtaining the Totems of Hircine.
13. What happens if the Dragonborn becomes a werewolf?
You gain the powers and weaknesses of a werewolf. Some believe it gives Hircine a claim on your soul.
14. Can you become a werewolf after curing yourself?
Only once, by speaking to Aela the Huntress after completing the Companions questline.
15. What are the benefits of being a werewolf in Skyrim?
Powerful combat abilities, increased strength, the ability to cause fear, and 100% disease resistance.