Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIf you want to stay mortal, choose partial soul trapping. If you choose Serana’s vampire route, be aware that Bethesda Support says curing vampirism later will prevent you from returning to the Soul Cairn. This choice comes up during the Dawnguard quest “Chasing Echoes”; it is not a choice between joining the Dawnguard or the Volkihar vampires.
What the choice means
During “Chasing Echoes” in the Dawnguard add-on, Serana explains that you must be undead or partially soul trapped to enter the Soul Cairn. You can let her turn you into a vampire or accept partial soul trapping, which adds the Weakened Soul ability. The choice is about entering the Soul Cairn, not selecting a faction.
Compare the two options
| Option | What it means | Tradeoff to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Partial soul trapping | Keeps you on the mortal route and adds Weakened Soul while you are in the Soul Cairn. | A community-maintained reference reports a 45-point reduction to health, stamina, and magicka in the Soul Cairn, which can be countered by eating a soul husk. This figure is secondary-source information, not confirmed by the official source cited here. Elder Scrolls Wiki (Fandom) |
| Vampirism | Allows you to enter the Soul Cairn as a vampire. | Bethesda Support warns that after you cure vampirism, you will no longer be able to enter the Soul Cairn. Its advised workaround is to load a save from before the cure and avoid curing vampirism if you want to retain access. Bethesda Support |
Which should you choose?
Choose partial soul trapping if you want to remain mortal
This is the cautious route if you do not want to become a vampire. Its documented cost is the Weakened Soul effect while in the Soul Cairn. The 45-point attribute reduction is reported by a community reference, rather than established by the official source cited for the quest choice.
Choose vampirism if it fits your character
Serana can turn you so you can enter the Soul Cairn as a vampire. The important long-term consideration is the cure: according to Bethesda Support, curing vampirism after taking this route blocks later Soul Cairn entry. If you might want to return, keep a save from before curing vampirism.
#1 Best Overall
- Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, Skyrim Special Edition brings the epic fantasy to life in stunning detail.
- The Special Edition includes the critically acclaimed game and add-ons with all-new features.
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- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood and gore, intense violence, sexual themes, use of alcohol
What the available sources establish
The quest reference documents the two entry routes and the Weakened Soul ability. Bethesda Support documents the loss of later Soul Cairn access after curing vampirism. The available sources do not provide an official, complete side-by-side comparison of every gameplay effect, companion outcome, or faction consequence, so those should not be assumed from this choice alone. UESP: Chasing Echoes
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Live Another Life, In Another World: Play any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls comes to life in one legendary experience from all three official add-ons.
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Rank #4
- Winner of more than 200 game of the year awards, Skyrim special edition brings the epic fantasy to life in stunning detail
- The special edition includes the critically acclaimed game and add-ons with all-new features
- All-new features include remastered art and effects, volumetric god rays, dynamic depth of field, screen-space reflections, and more
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood and gore, intense violence, sexual themes, use of alcohol
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Rank #2
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- LIVE ANOTHER LIFE, IN ANOTHER WORLD - Play any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the legendary freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls is realized like never before.
- YOU ARE WHAT YOU PLAY - Choose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities. The new character system allows you to play any way you want and define yourself through your actions.
- BATTLE DRAGONS - Battle ancient dragons like you’ve never seen. As Dragonborn, learn their secrets and harness their power for yourself.
- INCLUDED CONTENT - The Anniversary Edition includes the core game, pre-existing and new Creation Club content, plus all three official add-ons: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.
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