Can you become Thane of Windhelm without civil war?

Yes, you can become Thane of Windhelm without completing the Civil War questline, but you will need to join the Stormcloaks and complete certain tasks, or join the Imperials and finish the Civil War questline up to the point of deposing Ulfric and installing a new Jarl. To become Thane without Civil War, you must first buy a house in Windhelm, which requires solving the murder quest, and then Ulfric will make you a Thane regardless of your allegiance.

Understanding the Thane Title

The title of Thane is a prestigious honor in the world of Skyrim, bestowed upon individuals who have earned the trust and respect of the Jarl and the people of a particular hold. To become Thane, one must typically complete a series of tasks and quests, which vary depending on the hold and the Jarl in question.

Requirements for Becoming Thane

In most holds, becoming Thane requires owning a house in the hold’s capital city, such as Breezehome in Whiterun or Hjerim in Windhelm. Additionally, the player must complete specific quests and tasks, which may involve helping the Jarl or the people of the hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you get the house in Windhelm without joining the Stormcloaks?: Yes, you can get the house in Windhelm by joining the Imperials and defeating the Stormcloaks.
2. Can you still become Thane after civil war?: Yes, it is possible to become Thane of every hold regardless of which side is chosen in the Civil War.
3. Does the title Thane still exist?: The term thanes dropped out of use in favor of baron, but the concept of a thanes’ powers and responsibilities remains.
4. Can you lose your title as Thane Skyrim?: Yes, you can lose your Thane status if the Jarl position is changed during a Civil War battle.
5. Can you become Thane of Windhelm before war?: Only Windhelm requires you to choose a side before becoming Thane, but you can become Thane without completing the Civil War questline.
6. Will I lose my house in Whiterun if I join the Stormcloaks?: No, you will not lose your house in Whiterun regardless of which side you take.
7. Is it better to side with the Stormcloaks or Imperials?: The choice between Stormcloaks and Imperials depends on your character’s backstory and motivations.
8. How many times can you become a Thane in Skyrim?: You can become Thane of every hold in Skyrim, with the exception of Eastmarch, which requires completing the Civil War questline.
9. Can you buy a house in Windhelm if you join Imperials?: Yes, you can buy a house in Windhelm after joining the Imperials and completing their quests.
10. Can you become a Jarl in Skyrim?: No, it is impossible to become Jarl in Skyrim without a mod.
11. What happens if you choose Stormcloaks?: Siding with the Stormcloaks results in changes to the Jarl positions in various holds.
12. Who becomes Jarl of Windhelm if Ulfric dies?: After Ulfric is dead, Brunwulf Free-Winter becomes the new Jarl of Windhelm.
13. Can you still buy Hjerim without joining the Stormcloaks?: Yes, you can buy Hjerim without joining the Stormcloaks by completing the entire Civil War questline as an Imperial.
14. What is the best faction to join in Skyrim?: The best faction to join depends on your character’s preferences and playstyle, but the Stormcloaks and Imperials offer unique experiences.
15. Can you convince Jarl Balgruuf to join the Stormcloaks?: No, Jarl Balgruuf will join the opposite side of the Civil War that you do, and the Battle of Whiterun is necessary to progress the main quest.