Feeding on NPCs in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim helps players postpone their vampirism infection. There are a few reasons why players might want to do that, but the important thing to know is how to actually feed as a vampire. Feeding can be complicated, though there are multiple ways to go about doing it. Players should be careful, though; feeding as a vampire in Skyrim is illegal in most of the territories around the map.
Vampires are powerful creatures. Indeed, they are some of the most dangerous foes in Skyrim. For that reason, many players are attracted to them when it comes time to participate in the Dawnguard quest line. Becoming a vampire comes with plenty of new abilities, including perks and the power to feed. Vampirism can weaken players in certain situations, however, and feeding can be an important part of halting the process.
How To Feed As A Vampire
There are three different ways to feed as a vampire in Skyrim. The easiest way is to pickpocket sleeping NPCs. The game will give players a prompt to feed, and the characters will be none the wiser. Another way to feed is to attack people as a Vampire Lord. Once enemies are close to death, a power attack will lead to a feeding. Finally, the Vampire's Seduction ability will enable a dialogue option that allows players to feed on non-playable characters. But, as noted, feeding is frowned upon. Unlike other quests and objectives in Skyrim, feeding as a vampire is an action that requires players to actively consider the consequences of their decision.
Vampirism is curable in Skyrim, which is why some players might want to reverse their infection. The disease takes hold after three days in-game, and then progresses through four separate stages. Feeding postpones the progression of the infection, dropping players back to stage one of the illness. For those playing a stealth build in Skyrim, feeding shouldn't be much of a problem. Others, however, might find it difficult. And, though feeding helps, curing vampirism is a different thing entirely. Still, feeding can be very helpful depending on players' desired play styles.
Skyrim's modded Anniversary Edition content introduces new challenges that can be solved more easily using the powers of a vampire. Regardless of whether players choose to become vampires, werewolves, mages, or assassins, though, there will continue to be an amazing player base for Skyrim. And what more could fans ask for than continued support for a beloved title?
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.