Why Won’t Serana Leave Me? Understanding and Troubleshooting Serana’s Follower Behavior in Skyrim

Serana, the captivating vampire from the Dawnguard DLC, is undeniably one of Skyrim’s most compelling companions. However, her steadfast loyalty can sometimes border on the persistent. So, why won’t Serana leave you? The most common reason is that you are still actively involved in the Dawnguard questline, or a related quest where her presence is mandatory. The game is designed to keep her with you during these critical junctures to ensure plot progression. Until the game no longer requires her as a follower, you may find her lingering near you even if you ask her to part ways.

Understanding Serana’s Role and Behavior

Serana’s behavior is intricately tied to the Dawnguard questline. Bethesda designed her to be more than just a regular follower. She is a vital character whose presence triggers dialogue, unlocks quests, and significantly impacts the narrative. This inherent importance often overrides the standard follower dismissal mechanics.

Quests Requiring Serana’s Presence

The following scenarios often prevent Serana from leaving your side:

• Active Dawnguard Quests: If you’re in the middle of quests like “Bloodline,” “Awakening,” “Prophet,” “Seeking Disclosure,” “Chasing Echoes,” “Beyond Death,” or “Touching the Sky,” Serana is essential. You cannot dismiss her until these quests are completed.
• Post-Dawnguard Dialogue: Even after completing the main questline, specific dialogue options or unaddressed interactions with Serana can keep her tethered to you.
• Glitches and Bugs: As with any expansive game, glitches can occur. If you suspect a bug is preventing her dismissal, there are troubleshooting steps you can take, which we’ll cover later.

Solutions for Dismissing Serana

Once you are past all scenarios where her presence is mandatory, here are a few solutions:

• Complete the Dawnguard Questline: The most straightforward solution is to finish the entire Dawnguard DLC questline. Once the main story is resolved, you should be able to dismiss her without issue.
• Try a “Forceful” Dismissal: If you’re certain that Serana should be dismissible, try attacking her until she enters a “bleedout” state (kneeling down). Once she recovers, she should be reset and potentially dismissible. Alternatively, try hitting her multiple times to see if you get a “Your follower leaves your service” message.
• Engage Another Follower: Recruiting another follower may override Serana’s status, causing her to leave your service. Head to a local tavern and see if you can recruit another follower to your party.
• Console Commands (PC Only): If you’re playing on PC, you can use console commands. Open the console (usually with the ~ key), click on Serana to select her, and then type dismiss. Be cautious when using console commands, as they can sometimes have unintended consequences.
• Companions Questline: Some players have reported that starting the Companions questline can forcefully dismiss Serana from your service.
• Reload an Earlier Save: As a last resort, reload a save from before you encountered the issue. This can sometimes resolve persistent bugs or glitches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Serana

Here are some frequently asked questions about Serana.

1. How do I know if Serana is required for a quest?

If Serana is essential for a quest, the game typically prevents you from dismissing her. Dialogue options related to dismissal might be unavailable, or she will just ignore your request and continue to follow you. If you can’t complete the “Bloodline” quest, check UESP for help.

2. Why won’t Serana trade with me?

Serana, like all followers, has a weight limit. If her inventory is full, she won’t be able to carry any more items. Try removing some items from her inventory or giving her items that fortify her carrying capacity.

3. Serana won’t take items; how do I fix this?

If Serana refuses to take items, it’s likely due to her carry weight limit being reached. Clear out some space in her inventory, and she should be able to accept items again. It’s also possible that the item is considered a quest item and cannot be traded.

4. How do you cure Serana of vampirism?

After completing the Dawnguard DLC, you can convince Serana to seek a cure for her vampirism. She will seek the cure for herself, so convince her and she will return in a few days. This involves speaking to Falion in Morthal, who performs a ritual to remove her vampirism.

5. Where does Serana go if you make her wait too long?

If you tell Serana to wait somewhere and don’t return within a few in-game days, she will return to either Fort Dawnguard (if you sided with the Dawnguard) or Castle Volkihar (if you sided with the vampires).

6. Can you keep Serana as a permanent follower?

Yes, Serana can become a permanent follower after completing the Dawnguard questline, regardless of which side you choose. This makes her a valuable and powerful companion throughout your adventures in Skyrim.

7. Why can’t I marry Serana?

Unfortunately, Serana is not a marriage option in the base game of Skyrim. This is a deliberate design choice by Bethesda, though many players feel her character arc suggests she should be a viable spouse. Fan-made mods can enable this feature.

8. Where is Serana after she cures herself?

After curing herself, Serana typically returns to Fort Dawnguard. She doesn’t live with you in your home, but instead resumes her role within the Dawnguard faction.

9. Can you be a werewolf and have Serana as a follower?

Yes, Serana will follow you regardless of your condition. You can be a werewolf or a vampire, and it won’t affect her willingness to accompany you on your adventures.

10. When can you ask Serana to cure herself?

You can convince Serana to seek a cure for her vampirism after completing the Dawnguard main questline and leaving Volkihar Cathedral (if you sided with the vampires). If you sided with the Dawnguard, you can speak with her at Fort Dawnguard.

11. What is the best armor for Serana?

Serana prefers light armor. Enchanting light armor with Muffle and Fortify Sneak makes her an exceptionally stealthy companion. However, the Vampire Royal Armor she comes with is also quite effective.

12. Can you love Serana in Skyrim?

While you can’t marry Serana without mods, her dialogue and interactions suggest a strong bond between her and the Dragonborn. Many players interpret her character as a potential romantic interest, even if it’s not explicitly acknowledged by the game.

13. Will Serana leave if I’m not a vampire?

No, Serana will follow you regardless of your vampiric status. She is designed to be a companion for both vampire and non-vampire characters.

14. How long will Serana follow me?

Once the Dawnguard questline is complete, Serana can be a permanent follower. She will remain with you until you dismiss her or choose another follower.

15. Does Serana like the Dragonborn?

Serana’s dialogue and actions often suggest a fondness for the Dragonborn. She expresses gratitude for being freed from her father’s control and seems to enjoy spending time with you, hinting at a deeper connection.

Conclusion

Serana’s reluctance to leave your side is usually tied to her critical role in the Dawnguard questline. By understanding the game’s mechanics and troubleshooting potential glitches, you can effectively manage her follower status and enjoy her company on your terms. If you’re interested in learning more about game design and the impact of games on society, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.