How to Become a Werewolf in Skyrim: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction to Werewolfism in Skyrim

Werewolfism is a condition that allows one to transform into a powerful werewolf, granting the player a host of unique abilities such as increased speed, strength, and the ability to sense life around them. In Skyrim, becoming a werewolf is tied to the Companions questline, which is a faction of warriors based in Whiterun.

Before pursuing the questline, it’s important to note that becoming a werewolf in Skyrim is a permanent decision, meaning you cannot reverse the process once it’s done. Additionally, while transformed, you will be unable to access your inventory or use any spells, making it important to plan your transformations carefully.

That being said, werewolfism can be a fun and rewarding experience in Skyrim, offering a unique way to play the game and take on challenges. If you’re ready to embrace the beast within, let’s dive into the Companions questline and learn how to become a werewolf in Skyrim.

The Companions Questline: Becoming a Werewolf

The Companions are a group of warriors based in Whiterun who offer a questline that leads to becoming a werewolf. To start the questline, you must first travel to Whiterun and enter the Jorrvaskr, the mead hall where the Companions reside.

Once inside, speak to Kodlak Whitemane, the leader of the Companions, and express interest in joining their ranks. He will then offer you a quest called “Take Up Arms,” which requires you to prove your worth to the group by completing a simple task. After completing this quest, you will become a member of the Companions and gain access to their training and resources.

As you progress through the Companions questline, you will eventually come across a quest called “The Silver Hand,” where you will learn that members of the group have been targeted by a group of werewolf hunters called the Silver Hand. In this quest, you will be given the option to either help the Silver Hand or defend your fellow Companions from their attacks.

Regardless of your decision, the questline will eventually lead to a ritual where you will be granted the gift of lycanthropy and become a werewolf. From this point on, you will be able to transform into a werewolf once per day, allowing you to access your unique abilities and wreak havoc on your enemies.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Being a Werewolf

Becoming a werewolf in Skyrim comes with a host of benefits and drawbacks that should be considered before making the decision to pursue lycanthropy.

One of the biggest benefits of being a werewolf is the increase in strength and speed that comes with the transformation. As a werewolf, you will be able to take on enemies with greater ease, move faster throughout the world, and even sprint for extended periods of time without getting tired.

Additionally, werewolves have unique abilities that can be used to gain an advantage in combat. These abilities include a howl that can scare away enemies, a powerful bite attack that can deal significant damage, and the ability to sense life around you.

However, there are also several drawbacks to being a werewolf in Skyrim. For one, as previously mentioned, you will be unable to access your inventory or use spells while transformed. Additionally, transforming into a werewolf is a loud and conspicuous process, meaning it can attract unwanted attention from enemies or NPCs in the area.

Finally, some players may simply not enjoy the gameplay style of a werewolf, which is heavily focused on melee combat and physical attacks. For these players, the benefits of being a werewolf may not outweigh the drawbacks, making it important to carefully consider the decision before pursuing lycanthropy.

Transforming into a Werewolf and Using Your Abilities

To transform into a werewolf in Skyrim, simply press and hold the “shout” button (Z on PC, RB on Xbox, R2 on PlayStation) once per day. This will initiate the transformation sequence, which takes a few seconds to complete. Once transformed, you will be able to use your unique abilities and access your increased speed and strength.

One of the most useful abilities of the werewolf is the howl, which can be used to scare away enemies or knock them down. To use the howl, simply press and hold the “shout” button, then release it to unleash the howl. This can be especially useful when facing multiple enemies at once or when trying to make a quick escape.

Another important ability of the werewolf is the bite attack, which deals significant damage to enemies and can even heal the player when used on a target. To use the bite attack, simply get close to an enemy and press the attack button (left-click on PC, RT on Xbox, R2 on PlayStation). This attack can be especially useful against tougher enemies or bosses.

Finally, the werewolf also has the ability to sense life around them, making it easier to locate enemies and other targets. To use this ability, simply activate the “beast form” power from your magic menu, then look for the red aura that surrounds living creatures.

Overall, the abilities of the werewolf can be incredibly useful in combat and exploration, making it a fun and unique gameplay experience in Skyrim.

Curing Your Lycanthropy: Is it Possible?

While becoming a werewolf in Skyrim is a permanent decision, it is technically possible to cure your lycanthropy if you change your mind down the line.

To do this, you must first speak to Falion, a wizard who resides in Morthal. He will offer you a quest called “Rising at Dawn,” which requires you to cure your vampirism or lycanthropy. If you have become a werewolf, he will offer a cure that requires you to retrieve a Glenmoril Witch’s head from a special location.

Once you have the head, return to Falion and perform a ritual to cure your lycanthropy. This will permanently remove the ability to transform into a werewolf and all associated perks and drawbacks.

It’s important to note that curing your lycanthropy is a one-time decision, meaning you cannot become a werewolf again after being cured. Additionally, some players may not want to cure their lycanthropy, as the abilities and gameplay style of the werewolf can be incredibly fun and rewarding. Ultimately, the decision to cure your lycanthropy is a personal one and should be made based on your own preferences and playstyle.