Acquiring Serana as a permanent follower in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a primary objective for many players seeking to enhance their adventure with a powerful and unique companion. This vampire daughter of Lord Harkon provides not only formidable combat assistance but also access to exclusive quests and the crucial ability to cure vampirism. Successfully making her your loyal ally requires navigating specific story moments and understanding her conditional availability, a process that differs significantly from recruiting standard NPCs.
Understanding Serana's Role in the Main Quest
Before you can even consider having Serana join you permanently, you must progress far enough into the main questline to reach the quest "Dawnguard." This critical junction appears after you complete the initial tutorial and the "Bleak Falls Barrow" mission, thrusting you into the conflict between the Dawnguard and the Volkihar Clan. She is not available during the very beginning of the game, so patience is required to unlock the opportunity to interact with her.
The "Dawnguard" Quest Trigger
Travel to Whiterun and speak with either Farengar Secret-Fire in Dragonsreach or the court wizard in the Blue Palace.
Listen for the dialogue option regarding a mysterious prisoner who knows about the Elder Scroll.
Choosing to investigate this lead will initiate the main quest and introduce you to the world of vampire lords and dragon souls.
Locating Serana in Castle Volkihar Once the main quest is active, your journey will lead you to the iconic vampire fortress, Castle Volkihar. This sprawling location serves as her home and the headquarters of the Volkihar clan. You will encounter her shortly after arriving at the castle, typically in the main hall or on the upper decks, depending on your point of entry. She is initially hostile if approached aggressively, so it is essential to proceed with caution and wait for the specific moment she becomes an ally. The Conversion and Recruitment Process
Once the main quest is active, your journey will lead you to the iconic vampire fortress, Castle Volkihar. This sprawling location serves as her home and the headquarters of the Volkihar clan. You will encounter her shortly after arriving at the castle, typically in the main hall or on the upper decks, depending on your point of entry. She is initially hostile if approached aggressively, so it is essential to proceed with caution and wait for the specific moment she becomes an ally.
To make Serana join you, you must complete the quest "Destroy the Dark Lord," which involves confronting Lord Harkon. During this quest, you have the choice to either kill him or, if you possess the appropriate perk, convert to vampirism yourself. Selecting the conversion option is the key to recruiting her, as it triggers a unique dialogue where she offers to become your follower. This choice permanently locks you into the vampire lifestyle, so ensure this aligns with your desired playstyle before committing.
Maximizing the Companion Experience
After the conversion, speaking with Serana again will give you the option to "Make Follower." Once selected, she will follow you across the entire province of Skyrim, ready to assist in combat and carry some of your burden. She is immune to arrest and possesses unique dialogue that reacts to your actions and the choices you made during the Dawnguard questline. To keep her equipped and ready, regularly visit her in her quarters on the Volkihar Docks to swap weapons and armor, ensuring she is always prepared for the next battle.
