Should I be a vampire or a werewolf in Skyrim?
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim offers two unique and intriguing transformations: vampirism and lycanthropy. Both have their own set of benefits and drawbacks, making it a challenging decision for players. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of each, helping you decide which transformation suits your playstyle better.
Vampires vs. Werewolves: A Comparison
Before diving into the details, let’s compare the two transformations:
| Vampires | Werewolves | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Emaciated, with a pale complexion | Beastly, with enhanced physical attributes |
| Strengths | Night vision, regeneration, magical affinity | Enhanced strength, agility, resistance to fire |
| Weaknesses | Sunlight vulnerability, vulnerability to holy objects, mind control | Lack of control, reduced intelligence, fear of running out of blood |
| Duration | Permanent, with some effects lingering | Temporary, lasting around 150 seconds, with some effects remaining |
| Curing | Impossible without a Dawnguard DLC, requires a potion | Possible without Dawnguard DLC, requires a specific sequence |
The Cons of Becoming a Vampire
While vampirism offers impressive benefits, it’s not without its drawbacks:
- Sunlight vulnerability: Vampires are weak to sunlight, which can be a significant disadvantage in certain situations.
- Vulnerability to holy objects: Holy water, crosses, and other holy symbols can harm or repel vampires.
- Mind control: Some enemies, like vampires and Daedra, can manipulate the minds of other creatures, including vampires.
The Cons of Becoming a Werewolf
On the other hand, werewolves have their own set of limitations:
- Lack of control: Werewolves may lose control during full moons, causing chaos and destruction.
- Reduced intelligence: In their beastly form, werewolves may not have access to their full intellectual abilities.
- Fear of running out of blood: Werewolves require blood to sustain themselves, and running out can be disastrous.
When to Choose Vampirism
Vampirism is suitable for players who:
- Prefer night-time gameplay: With enhanced night vision, vampires are well-suited for night-time exploration and combat.
- Want magical abilities: Vampires have a natural affinity for magic, making them powerful casters.
- Value regeneration: Vampires can regenerate health over time, making them more resilient in combat.
When to Choose Lycanthropy
Lycanthropy is suitable for players who:
- Value strength and agility: Werewolves possess enhanced physical attributes, making them formidable opponents.
- Enjoy exploring the wilderness: Werewolves are well-adapted to outdoor exploration and combat.
- Don’t mind losing control: Werewolves who are comfortable with their animalistic nature may find it a liberating experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision between vampirism and lycanthropy depends on your playstyle and preferences. If you value magical abilities, regeneration, and night vision, vampirism might be the better choice. If you prefer enhanced strength, agility, and exploring the wilderness, lycanthropy could be the way to go.
Final Tips
- Keep in mind the DLC: The Dawnguard DLC can significantly impact your choice, as it introduces a way to cure vampirism and offers new options for both transformations.
- Experiment with both: Try out both vampirism and lycanthropy to see which suits your playstyle better.
- Be prepared for consequences: Both transformations have consequences, so be prepared to adapt to the new circumstances.
By considering these points, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision about which transformation to choose in Skyrim. Whether you opt for vampirism or lycanthropy, the choice is yours to make.