Should I Become A Werewolf In Skyrim?

Short Answer

Becoming a werewolf can be rewarding for players who enjoy high damage, fast travel, and immersive role‑play, but it is best avoided if you prefer a steady reputation, want to avoid the risk of the disease werewolf infection, or rely heavily on magic that is limited while transformed.

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You focus on melee combat, enjoy the boost to stamina and damage, and want access to the exclusive Lycanthropy quest line.
• Good fit: You are role‑playing a character with a dark or cursed background and want the narrative flavor of transformation cycles.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You rely on a high standing with factions such as the Companions’ allies or the College of Winterhold, where repeated transformations can lower your reputation.
• Warning sign: You plan to use primarily magical or ranged attacks, which are restricted while in werewolf form.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Significant combat boost: +50% damage, faster stamina regeneration, and a powerful melee attack that can stagger most foes.
• Exclusive content: Access to the “Ritual Stone” teleport, unique Lycanthropy quests, and the ability to quickly travel between certain locations as a werewolf.

Cons

• Limited abilities while transformed: Magic, bow usage, and certain dialogue options are disabled, reducing versatility.
• Risk of disease: If the player does not cure the werewolf infection before it progresses, they can contract the “Raging Disease,” which may affect health and progression.

Decision Checklist

• Do I prioritize melee damage and speed over magical or ranged versatility?
• Am I comfortable managing the periodic need to cure the werewolf infection?
• Will becoming a werewolf negatively impact faction reputations or story outcomes that matter to me?

Alternatives to Consider

If you like powerful combat but want fewer restrictions, consider the Vampire Lord path, which offers strong magic and regeneration while retaining some dialogue options. Alternatively, invest in the “Barbarian” perk tree for high melee damage without the transformation drawbacks, or focus on improving stamina and weapon skill through training.

Final Recommendation

For players whose playstyle centers on fast, high‑damage melee combat and who enjoy role‑playing a cursed character, becoming a werewolf is a solid choice—provided they stay attentive to infection management and reputation impacts. Players who depend on magic, ranged attacks, or maintain strict faction relationships should explore other power‑boosting options. As with any major gameplay change, experiment cautiously and revert if the drawbacks outweigh the benefits.