Table of Contents

Can You Choose Both Sides in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

Quick answer

This page answers Can you choose both sides in Skyrim? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

The allure of Skyrim lies in its vast open world and the myriad of choices it presents to the player. A common question among new and seasoned adventurers alike is whether they can simultaneously experience the narratives of opposing factions. The short answer is no, you cannot join all sides in every conflict. However, the specifics are more nuanced and depend on the faction in question. This article will delve into the intricacies of faction choices in Skyrim, exploring which allegiances are mutually exclusive and which allow for a more flexible approach.

Faction Allegiances in Skyrim: Navigating the Choices

Skyrim offers a diverse range of factions, each with its own distinct storyline and benefits. Understanding the limitations of joining these factions is crucial for maximizing your gameplay experience. Here’s a breakdown:

The Companions: A guild of warriors offering mercenary work.
The College of Winterhold: A school for mages.
The Thieves Guild: An organization of thieves operating out of Riften.
The Dark Brotherhood: A guild of assassins.
The Civil War (Imperials vs. Stormcloaks): A conflict for control of Skyrim.
The Dawnguard/Volkihar Clan (Dawnguard DLC): A battle against vampires or embracing vampirism.

Factions You Can Join Simultaneously

Most of the guilds in Skyrim are designed to be joined without conflicting with one another. You can readily become the Arch-Mage of the College of Winterhold, the Harbinger of the Companions, the Guild Master of the Thieves Guild, and the Listener of the Dark Brotherhood all in the same playthrough. There is no inherent conflict in your character mastering multiple skill sets and reaping the rewards of each guild. This allows for significant character development and a diverse range of gameplay experiences.

Factions Where Choice Matters: The Civil War and Dawnguard

The most significant choices come with the Civil War and the Dawnguard DLC. These factions present mutually exclusive paths, forcing you to choose a side.

The Civil War (Imperials vs. Stormcloaks): You must choose between supporting the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloak Rebellion. Joining one faction locks you out of the other’s questline. This is a pivotal choice that impacts the political landscape of Skyrim, at least narratively. While the game world may not drastically change, completing the questline provides distinct rewards and influences dialogue throughout the game.
Dawnguard DLC (Dawnguard vs. Volkihar Clan): Similarly, in the Dawnguard DLC, you must choose between joining the Dawnguard, vampire hunters dedicated to eradicating the vampire threat, or the Volkihar Clan, a powerful lineage of vampires seeking to plunge Skyrim into eternal darkness. Joining one side prevents you from experiencing the other’s storyline.

Temporary Conflicts and the Gray Areas

While you can’t simultaneously complete both sides of the Civil War or the Dawnguard questlines, there are some brief periods of overlap or “gray areas” that can be explored. For example, in the initial stages of the Civil War questline, you might be asked to complete a task for one faction while still technically aligned with the other. However, this is only temporary and ultimately leads to a decisive choice.

Important Considerations When Choosing Sides

Before committing to a faction, consider the following:

Roleplaying: How does your character’s personality and values align with each faction’s ideology? This can greatly enhance your immersion in the game.
Rewards and Benefits: Each faction offers unique rewards, including equipment, spells, and abilities. Researching these rewards can help you decide which faction best suits your playstyle.
Questline Length and Difficulty: Some faction questlines are longer and more challenging than others. Consider your preferred playstyle and available time.
Dialogue and Story: The dialogue and storyline differ significantly depending on the faction you choose. Watch some videos of the quests before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding faction choices in Skyrim:

Can I join the Imperials and Stormcloaks at the same time? No, joining one side of the Civil War automatically makes you an enemy of the other. You must choose between the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloak Rebellion.
What happens if I start both the Imperial and Stormcloak questlines? You will be given a point where you are forced to choose a side, and the questline for the other faction will fail.
Can I switch sides in the Civil War after making a choice? No, once you commit to a faction, you cannot switch sides. You must complete the questline for your chosen side or reload an earlier save.
Can I become a vampire and still join the Dawnguard? You can initially join the Dawnguard as a non-vampire. However, eventually, you will be asked to choose between remaining with the Dawnguard or becoming a vampire lord and joining the Volkihar Clan.
Can I cure vampirism after joining the Volkihar Clan? Yes, it is possible to cure your vampirism after joining the Volkihar Clan. However, doing so will likely lead to the end of your relationship with the clan.
Can I join all the guilds (Companions, College, Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood) in one playthrough? Yes, you can join all of the guilds without any conflicts.
Does joining the Dark Brotherhood affect my reputation with other factions? Joining the Dark Brotherhood may lower your reputation with certain NPCs who morally disapprove of assassination, but it generally doesn’t impact your standing with other factions.
Is there a “best” faction to join in the Civil War? There is no objectively “best” faction. The choice depends on your character’s values, your preferred playstyle, and your desired outcome for Skyrim’s political landscape.
What are the main differences between the Imperial and Stormcloak questlines? The main difference lies in their ideologies. The Imperials believe in a unified empire, while the Stormcloaks fight for Skyrim’s independence. The quests reflect these differing goals.
What are the rewards for completing the Civil War questline? The rewards vary depending on the side you choose but generally include unique armor sets, weapons, and the satisfaction of achieving your chosen faction’s goals.
Can I join the Dawnguard as a werewolf? Yes, you can join the Dawnguard as a werewolf. Your lycanthropy will not prevent you from progressing through the Dawnguard questline.
Does joining the Volkihar Clan lock me out of all other vampire-related content? No, joining the Volkihar Clan unlocks unique vampire-related content and abilities but doesn’t completely prevent you from accessing other vampire-related quests or encounters.
What are the benefits of joining the College of Winterhold? Joining the College of Winterhold grants access to powerful spells, enchanting and alchemy stations, and a safe haven for mages.
How do I become the Guild Master of the Thieves Guild? You must complete the Thieves Guild questline and restore the Guild’s former glory to become the Guild Master.
Does completing the Dark Brotherhood questline have any lasting consequences? Completing the Dark Brotherhood questline can affect your standing with certain NPCs who disapprove of assassination, but it generally doesn’t have major long-term consequences on the game world.

In conclusion, while Skyrim allows you to explore many different paths simultaneously, certain key choices, such as the Civil War and the Dawnguard DLC, demand commitment to a single side. Understanding these limitations allows you to make informed decisions and craft a truly unique and rewarding adventure. Ultimately, the best choices are those that align with your roleplaying vision and offer the most enjoyment. Choose wisely, Dragonborn!