The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Vampires & Werewolves

Master the powers and drawbacks of vampirism and lycanthropy in Skyrim. Learn how these supernatural afflictions alter gameplay and character abilities.

Vampires & Werewolves

Explore the dark and primal nature of vampirism and lycanthropy in Skyrim. These supernatural afflictions offer unique powers and drawbacks, fundamentally altering your character's abilities and how you interact with the world.

Skyrim is home to various supernatural creatures, and among the most compelling are vampires and werewolves. These afflictions are not merely cosmetic; they grant powerful, albeit often cursed, abilities that can drastically change your playstyle. Whether you embrace the night as a vampire or revel in the moonlit hunt as a werewolf, these transformations offer a unique path of progression and challenge.

Vampirism:

Vampirism is a disease that can be contracted through various means, most commonly from vampire enemies or through specific quests. Once infected, you become a vampire, gaining several advantages and disadvantages.

  • Powers:
    • Night Stalker's Footsteps: Increased stealth.
    • Vampire's Sight: Enhanced night vision.
    • Vampire's Servant: Reanimate weaker dead.
    • Vampire's Blood: Resist frost and disease.
    • Vampire Lord (Dawnguard DLC): A powerful transformation with unique spells and abilities.
  • Weaknesses:
    • Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight weakens you, reducing your health, magicka, and stamina regeneration.
    • Fire Resistance: Vampires are vulnerable to fire damage.
    • NPC Reactions: NPCs may react with fear or hostility if they discover you are a vampire, especially at higher stages of vampirism.
    • Hunger: Vampires need to feed on sleeping victims to maintain their strength and avoid becoming weakened.
  • Curing Vampirism: Vampirism can be cured through a quest involving Falion in Morthal.

Lycanthropy (Werewolf):

Lycanthropy, or the 'beast blood,' is a curse that transforms the afflicted into a powerful werewolf. This is most commonly acquired through the Companions questline.

  • Powers:
    • Beast Form: Transform into a powerful werewolf, gaining increased melee damage, health regeneration, and the ability to use a devastating bite attack.
    • Rally: Inspire allies to fight harder.
    • Nighteye: Enhanced night vision (while in human form).
    • Resist Disease: Werewolves are immune to diseases.
  • Weaknesses:
    • Moonlight: Werewolf transformations are tied to the moon. You can only transform voluntarily at night.
    • Vulnerability to Silver: While not explicitly stated in vanilla, lore often associates werewolves with silver as a weakness.
    • Loss of Control: In the vanilla game, transformations are typically limited to combat encounters. Mods can introduce more frequent or involuntary transformations.
  • Curing Lycanthropy: Lycanthropy can be cured through a ritual performed by the Circle of the Companions, typically at the end of their questline.

Choosing Your Path:

Both vampirism and lycanthropy offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Vampirism excels in stealth, illusion, and ranged combat, while lycanthropy is focused on brutal, close-quarters melee combat. The Dawnguard DLC adds sificant depth to the vampire path with the Vampire Lord transformation.

Consider your preferred playstyle when deciding whether to embrace these afflictions. Each offers a unique and challenging way to experience the world of Skyrim, pushing you to adapt your strategies and overcome new obstacles.