Which Side to Join in Skyrim?
The decision of which side to join in Skyrim ultimately comes down to your character’s backstory and personality, with the Imperial Legion being a better fit for those from outside of Skyrim and the Stormcloaks suited for those who believe in Skyrim’s independence. Choosing a side in the civil war between the Stormcloaks and the Imperials is a pivotal moment in the game, offering different experiences and alignments based on your character’s lore and role-playing preferences.
Understanding the Factions
To make an informed decision, it’s essential to understand the core values and beliefs of both the Stormcloaks and the Imperials. The Stormcloaks, led by Ulfric Stormcloak, fight for Skyrim’s independence from the Empire, seeking the freedom to worship their gods without interference and to self-govern. On the other hand, the Imperials, under the leadership of General Tullius, aim to maintain the Empire’s control over Skyrim, advocating for unity and stability under the Empire’s rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the Initial Choice Matter?
The initial choice between following Hadvar or Ralof at the beginning of the game does not significantly impact the overall storyline, as both paths lead to the same outcome in the early stages of the game.
2. Who are the Bad Guys, Stormcloaks or Imperials?
Both factions have compelling arguments, with the Stormcloaks fighting for freedom and the Imperials arguing for the need of a unified rule. There’s no clear distinction between good and bad, as it depends on the player’s perspective and alignment.
3. Does Joining the Stormcloaks Affect Anything?
Joining the Stormcloaks mainly affects which camps you can visit, with Imperial camps and forts becoming hostile. However, major cities generally remain neutral.
4. Can You Join Both the Imperials and Stormcloaks?
No, you cannot join both factions simultaneously. However, you can choose not to join either, allowing for a more neutral playthrough.
5. Is it Better to Choose Stormcloaks or Imperials?
The choice depends on your character’s backstory and beliefs. If your character is from outside Skyrim, the Imperials might be a better fit. If you believe in Skyrim’s independence, the Stormcloaks could be more appealing.
6. What Happens if I Choose the Stormcloaks?
Choosing the Stormcloaks results in certain Jarl changes in various cities, such as Vignar Grey-Mane becoming the Jarl of Whiterun.
7. Can You Switch Sides After Joining the Stormcloaks?
You can switch sides during a specific mission involving the retrieval of the Jagged Crown, but not before or after that point.
8. Is Ulfric Stormcloak the Bad Guy?
Ulfric can be seen as a master manipulator driven by a lust for power, rather than a heroic figure. His actions are motivated by a desire for control over Skyrim.
9. What Happens if You Don’t Join the Stormcloaks or Imperials?
You can ignore the civil war storyline and focus on other quests. Later in the game, you have the opportunity to broker a peace treaty between the two factions as part of the main quest.
10. Can You Choose Both Sides in Skyrim?
Technically, by not joining either faction, you can work towards a truce between them as part of the main questline, achieving a temporary peace.
11. Does it Matter Who You Pick in Skyrim?
The choice between Stormcloaks and Imperials doesn’t significantly impact the main storyline, but it affects the civil war questline and some character interactions.
12. Should I Join the Legion or Stormcloaks?
The decision should be based on what your character believes in: order and unity with the Legion, or independence and self-rule with the Stormcloaks.
13. Does Joining the Imperials Affect Anything?
Joining the Imperials changes the outcome of the civil war, with Ulfric being defeated, but it doesn’t drastically alter the overall game experience.
14. Can You Become a Jarl in Skyrim?
Without mods, it’s impossible to become a Jarl. The role of a Jarl is limited and wouldn’t offer much in terms of gameplay variety.
15. Can You Switch from Stormcloak to Imperial?
Once you’ve committed to a side by completing certain quests, switching is not an option except during very specific circumstances, such as the Jagged Crown quest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Stormcloaks and the Imperials in Skyrim is a personal one, influenced by your character’s background, beliefs, and the kind of story you wish to tell. Whether you choose to fight for Skyrim’s independence or support the Empire’s unity, the experience will be shaped by your decisions, offering a rich and immersive role-playing adventure.