What happens if you choose to become a vampire before entering the Soul Cairn?
Sarah Scott
Updated on May 22, 2026
Soul Cairn (Dawnguard) Choice? Before entering the portal into the Soul Cairn you have a choice between becoming a vampire or having your soul trapped in a soul gem, having your soul trapped makes you weaker. It seems most have the soul trap option. Makes sense because it's probably the most Noble and RP thing to do.
What happens if I become a vampire for the Soul Cairn?
You can recove your soul after accomplishing your objective in the Soul Cairn, Valerica will give you the quest, it is fairly trivial. Should you become a vampire, you will need to be cured in order to continue working with the Dawnguard, you'll get the quest to get cured from members of the Dawnguard.Is it better to become a vampire or soul trapped?
The best thing is to NOT become a Vampire Lord at this point in time, if playing as a Dawnguard. You will still be able to talk to Serana and have her make you a vampire lord later in the game, so it's best to wait until you have finished all the Dawnguard sidequests. So for now, you should opt to become Soul Trapped.Can only vampires enter the Soul Cairn?
One cannot enter the Soul Cairn without being a vampire or being partially soul trapped. Being soul trapped causes the Weakened Soul ability to activate, which decreases magicka, health, and stamina while in the Soul Cairn.Can you be a vampire and still join the Dawnguard?
To answer the question directly, No you may not join the dawnguard if your a vamp already. But once you finish all the side mission and main quest and you still want to become a vamp Lord, by all means go right ahead.What happens if you become a vampire in front of Isran?
Should I accept Lord Harkon's offer?
Speaking With Lord HarkonEventually, Lord Harkon will present you with the opportunity to become a vampire. If you accept the offer, Harkon will bite you, which causes you to pass out. If you refuse the offer to become a vampire, you will be banished from Castle Volkihar and won't be able to enter back inside.
What happens if you give Auriel's Bow to Harkon?
At this point, Lord Harkon will demand that you give him Auriel's Bow. If you refuse to give it to him, he will attack you. Likewise, if you give him the bow, he will betray you and attack.What do you get for 25 soul husks?
He will trade a sword, battleaxe, light armor, heavy armor, or a spell tome for 25 Soul Husks. The item received appears to be random within the type chosen.Is it better to side with Dawnguard or vampires?
Vampire HunterOverall, the physical rewards (weapons, etc) are better if you choose Dawnguard. However, you cannot regularly use the powerful Vampire Lord form until after you've completed the main questline, or else the Dawnguard members will not accept you.