Elder Scrolls Skyrim: Meet Serana

If you've played The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, chances are you've encountered Serana. And if you've encountered Serana, chances are you've thought, "Wow, why isn't every companion in Skyrim this good?" She's easily one of the most fleshed-out characters in the game, packed with personality, deep lore, and a level of interaction that makes most of the other followers seem like silent statues in comparison. So, let’s dive into why Serana is such a beloved character and why, after all these years, players still can’t get enough of her.

Who Is Serana?

For those who haven’t played the Dawnguard DLC (or just need a refresher), Serana is a pure-blood vampire and daughter of Lord Harkon, the big bad of Dawnguard. Her family is basically the vampire royalty of Tamriel, and they have a rather ambitious (and horrifying) goal: to use an Elder Scroll to blot out the sun and bring eternal darkness to the world. Not exactly the kind of family reunion you’d want to be a part of.

You first meet Serana locked inside a mysterious stone sarcophagus in Dimhollow Crypt. When you awaken her, she immediately stands out—not just because she’s carrying an Elder Scroll, but because she’s fully voiced by the talented Laura Bailey, giving her a level of depth and charisma that many Skyrim NPCs lack.

Why Is Serana So Popular?

1. She Actually Talks to You

One of the biggest reasons players love Serana is that she actually has conversations. Most followers in Skyrim feel like walking backpacks with swords—useful in combat, but otherwise silent. Serana, on the other hand, reacts to your actions, comments on your surroundings, and even calls you out if you do something weird (like stripping down in the middle of a dungeon). Her dialogue isn’t just one-and-done either—she keeps up the banter throughout your adventure, making her feel like a real companion rather than just an extra set of hands.

2. She Has a Personality

Serana isn’t just some mindless follower who obeys your every command without question. She has opinions, personal struggles, and a complex backstory. Unlike most Skyrim NPCs who blindly follow your orders, Serana has moments of independence. She questions your choices, makes sarcastic remarks, and even has emotional depth. If you choose the Dawnguard path and try to cure her vampirism, she reacts with genuine hesitation and doubt. This level of characterization makes her feel more alive than most other NPCs.

3. She’s a Powerhouse in Combat

Aside from being a fascinating character, Serana is also an absolute beast in battle. Her vampiric abilities allow her to reanimate corpses, fire ice spikes, and drain enemy health, making her one of the strongest companions in the game. While Lydia might stand in doorways and block your path like an overprotective mother, Serana actually holds her own in a fight. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about watching her raise a dead bandit mid-battle to fight on your side. Her favorite spells are Vampiric Drain and Ice Spike. She will use Lightning Bolt to strike at range and when at higher levels, Chain Lightning.

4. She’s Mysterious (And That’s Intriguing)

Unlike most followers who exist just to serve the Dragonborn, Serana has her own goals and struggles. Her relationship with her father, her views on vampirism, and her trust issues all make her feel more complex than the average Skyrim NPC. She doesn’t tell you everything right away, and she has personal baggage that she slowly reveals over time. It’s a far cry from, say, Lydia, whose entire personality can be summed up as “I am sworn to carry your burdens.”

5. Sneak's not her strongest suit

Serana's Sneak skills are high, but she is clumsy and will attract attention if you play as a stealth based character. But she is highly invaluable as a distraction. Players can use follower commands to let wait in one place or attack a horde of bandits. Her high damage and health makes her last longer, needing less intervention from the players.

Can You Marry Serana?

One of the most frequently asked questions about Serana is: Can you marry her? Unfortunately, the answer in vanilla Skyrim is no. Unlike other companions who can be wooed with a simple Amulet of Mara, Serana remains romantically unavailable. Even if you cure her vampirism and treat her like a queen throughout the entire DLC, she still won’t say “I do.”

This has frustrated a lot of players, but it also adds to her mystique. Unlike other followers who just become robotic spouses after marriage, Serana remains her own person. That being said, modders have stepped in to fix this, with mods like Marriable Serana and Serana Dialogue Add-On allowing players to take their relationship with her a step further.

The Best Mods for Serana

Speaking of mods, if you’re a die-hard Serana fan, there are plenty of mods out there to enhance her character even more. Here are some of the best ones:

Serana Dialogue Add-On – This mod expands her dialogue options significantly, adding thousands of new lines and even making her romanceable.

Seranaholic – Gives Serana a visual overhaul, making her look even more stunning.

Marriable Serana – Allows you to finally tie the knot with Skyrim’s favorite vampire.

Serana Immersive AI – Improves her behavior and combat tactics, making her even more useful in fights.

Serana’s Legacy in Skyrim

It’s been over a decade since Skyrim was first released, yet Serana remains one of the most popular and beloved characters in the game. She set a new standard for followers in RPGs, proving that companions can be more than just mute assistants. Bethesda has tried to replicate this magic in later games (Fallout 4’s companions were a step in the right direction), but Serana’s charm, wit, and depth remain unmatched.

Whether you’re encountering her for the first time or replaying Skyrim for the tenth time just to team up with her again, Serana continues to be one of the best parts of the game. And honestly? Skyrim wouldn’t be the same without her.