In Skyrim, becoming a werewolf can be achieved by joining the Companions and completing their questline. To become a vampire, you can contract the vampirism disease by encountering vampires or by starting the Dawnguard DLC and choosing to become a vampire lord. Both transformations come with unique abilities and drawbacks.
How to Become a Werewolf in Skyrim
Becoming a werewolf in Skyrim involves joining The Companions faction in Whiterun. The first step is to approach Jorrvaskr, the home of The Companions, and speak to Kodlak White-Mane. Kodlak will ultimately guide you towards the opportunity to become a werewolf within the faction. Progress through the quests given by The Companions, particularly the main questline, which revolves around taking on different tasks and missions for the group. As you complete more quests, you will eventually be asked to partake in a blood ritual called "The Silver Hand" that will curse you with lycanthropy, transforming you into a powerful werewolf.
How to Become a Vampire in Skyrim
Alternatively, to become a vampire in Skyrim, you must encounter vampires and contract Sanguinare Vampiris, the disease that eventually turns you into a vampire. One way to contract this disease is by getting attacked by a vampire in the game. You may stumble upon vampire lairs or encounter vampires roaming around at night. Once you are exposed to the disease, you will start progressing through its stages. After a few days, you will fully transform into a vampire character in Skyrim.
Choosing Between Werewolf and Vampire
Each transformation—becoming a werewolf or a vampire in Skyrim—comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Werewolves have enhanced physical abilities, increased strength, and powerful melee attacks. However, they can only transform during the night and are vulnerable to silver weapons. On the other hand, vampires gain various abilities such as increased sneak skills, the ability to walk on water, and night-vision. However, being a vampire also comes with weaknesses like vulnerability to sunlight, which can lower your health and magicka.
Managing the Effects of Being a Werewolf or a Vampire
Both werewolves and vampires have ways to manage their transformations or the effects of being a creature of the night. As a werewolf, you can control your transformations through the "Totems of Hircine" questline. These totems allow you to extend your werewolf form's duration or provide unique abilities in that form. Additionally, feeding as a werewolf can keep your bestial urges at bay and even maintain your humanity. As a vampire, you can manage the effects of sunlight by using spells or potions that provide resistance to sunlight, or by wearing items specifically designed to offer protection against sunlight damage.
Conclusion
In Skyrim, players have the option to transform into either a werewolf or a vampire, each offering unique gameplay experiences. Becoming a werewolf involves joining The Companions and completing quests within their faction, culminating in a blood ritual that transforms you into a mighty werewolf. On the other hand, contracting Sanguinare Vampiris from vampires in the game will eventually lead to you becoming a vampire with its own set of abilities and weaknesses. Ultimately, the choice between being a werewolf or a vampire in Skyrim depends on your preferred playstyle and how you wish to experience the game's world and challenges.