Why can I not enter Castle Volkihar with Serana?
You cannot enter Castle Volkihar with Serana because it’s likely due to a glitch that occurs when the castle is discovered before the Dawnguard quest, although this is not proven and has not been addressed by Bethesda. To fix this issue, you can try using the console command setstage DLC1VQ02 10 and then disabling the gate, or reload a previous save and approach the castle through the Icewater Jetty or by swimming, which may allow you to enter the castle with Serana.
Understanding the Issue
The Castle Volkihar glitch is a common problem that many Skyrim players face, and it can be frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of a crucial quest.
Related FAQs
1. How do I fix the Serana glitch in Skyrim?
The Serana glitch can be fixed by going somewhere far away, like Fort Dawnguard, and waiting three to five days, or by completing a dungeon and then fast traveling, which should allow Serana to follow you again.
2. Why can’t I open Volkihar Keep?
The Volkihar Keep may not open due to a glitch that happens when you discover the castle before the Dawnguard quest, and the only way around it is to either reload an old save, restart, or use mods.
3. Why can’t I part ways with Serana?
You cannot part ways with Serana because she is a vital follower and is quest-related, so you need to finish all the main quests before you can ask her to leave.
4. Why won’t it let me take Serana home?
If you don’t have a previous save, you can try doing other quests, going to Fort Dawnguard with Serana, or using the console command to unlock the gate and take Serana home.
5. Can’t Enter Castle Volkihar Glitch Fix
| How to Enter Castle Volkihar |
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To fix the Castle Volkihar glitch, use a plate to go through the gate into the castle, and the quest will continue as normal.
6. How do I get into Castle Volkihar with Serana?
Leave the Crypt and go to Volkihar Castle, and you might also get there by swimming instead of fast traveling or using the Icewater Jetty.
7. Where is the secret entrance to the Castle Volkihar?
The secret entrance to Castle Volkihar is located on the east of the courtyard, where you can find a balcony that contains a crest, and below the balcony, you’ll find a fenced-off garden that holds another crest.
8. Do you lose Serana if you side with Dawnguard?
No, you won’t lose Serana if you side with the Dawnguard, as she will come to Fort Dawnguard while you’re away and tell you of the prophecy.
9. Where does Serana go if you part ways with her?
If you part ways with Serana, she will go to Castle Volikhar if you sided with the Vampires, or to Fort Dawnguard if you sided with the Dawnguard.
10. Should you let Serana turn you?
You should become partially soul trapped, as it makes little difference, and you can always re-enter the Soul Cairn and regain it from a chest, but becoming a vampire will allow you to go in as one fine, but you’ll miss out on other side-quests.
11. How do you fix the vampire glitch in Skyrim?
You can fix the vampire glitch by using Vampire Lord to remove the glitch every time you get it, or by using Aela/Companions/Vamp quest to remove Vamp and/or replace it with Werewolf.
12. Which is better Dawnguard or Volkihar?
It’s up to personal preference, but if your character is evil, side with Volkihar, and if you’re the good hero type, join the Dawnguard.
13. Can you get into Castle Volkihar without being a vampire?
No, you cannot get into Castle Volkihar without being a vampire, as Lord Harkon will present you with the opportunity to become a vampire, and if you refuse, you’ll be banished from the castle.
14. Can I cure Serana’s vampirism?
Yes, you can cure Serana’s vampirism after finishing the Dawnguard DLC by bringing her to Falion, who resides in Morthal, and he can cure her of her vampirism by performing a ritual.
15. Can you marry Serana?
No, you cannot marry Serana in the regular game, but you can use the Marriable Serana mod to make her a marriable character, allowing you to marry her and have her as a spouse.