Can you go back to Castle Volkihar after killing Harkon?

Can You Go Back to Castle Volkihar After Killing Harkon?

Killing Harkon, the main antagonist of the Dawnguard DLC, marks the end of the Vampire Lord’s reign of terror in the land of Skyrim. But what happens to Castle Volkihar, his stronghold and the home of the vampire clan, after his demise? Can you still return to the castle and what will you find there? In this article, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and more.

The Initial Experience

After killing Harkon, you’ll find that Castle Volkihar is still standing, but the atmosphere has changed dramatically. The vampire clan, once fiercely loyal to Harkon, has disbanded and many of its members have fled the castle. The once-lively halls are now eerily silent, and the only sound is the distant howling of wolves.

Interacting with the NPCs

Upon entering the castle, you’ll encounter some of the NPCs who used to reside there. Garan Merethi, a vampire and one of Harkon’s most trusted advisors, is still present, but he’s not as eager to chat as he used to be. He’ll simply acknowledge your presence and offer no more than a few words of conversation.

Serana’s Fate

Serana, the vampire queen and Harkon’s daughter, has also remained in the castle. However, she’s not the same person she used to be. She’s now a master vampire, and her loyalties are no longer tied to Harkon or the vampire clan. You can still talk to her, but she’s not as forthcoming with information or willing to help you as she used to be.

What Happens to Valerica

Valerica, the castle’s scholar and alchemist, has also stuck around. However, she’s been relocated to her laboratory, where she’s been working on her research and experiments. You can still interact with her, but her priorities have shifted, and she’s no longer focused on the vampire clan’s goals.

Consequences of Your Choice

Before killing Harkon, you were presented with a choice: join him or refuse his offer. This choice has consequences, and your decision will affect how the characters react to you in the future. If you joined Harkon, you’ll find that the vampire clan is still loyal to you, and you can use the castle as a base of operations. However, if you refused his offer, the vampire clan has disbanded, and the castle is now a neutral location.

Entering the Castle

So, can you still enter Castle Volkihar after killing Harkon? Yes, you can, but you won’t be able to fast travel to the castle. You’ll need to swim or use the Icewater Jetty to reach the castle. Once inside, you’ll find that the castle is still intact, but the atmosphere is vastly different from what it was during Harkon’s reign.

Conclusion

Killing Harkon marks the end of an era in Skyrim, but it also presents new opportunities and challenges. Castle Volkihar, once a symbol of vampire power and dominance, is now a relic of the past, a reminder of the consequences of your choices. Whether you choose to use the castle as a base of operations or simply explore its halls, you’ll find that the experience is vastly different from what it was before.