Can you do both Imperial and Stormcloak quests?

You can play for both the Imperial and Stormcloak sides to a point in the Civil War questline, but eventually, you will have to make a decision, which, although not a conscious one, will determine the fate of Skyrim. The decision to side with either the Imperials or the Stormcloaks will lock out the other side, meaning you cannot complete both questlines simultaneously without significant mod modifications.

Understanding the Civil War Questline

To truly grasp the concept of the Civil War in Skyrim, it’s essential to understand the differing goals and ideologies of the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloak rebellion. The Imperials aim to maintain the unity of the Empire and ensure Skyrim remains under its jurisdiction, while the Stormcloaks fight for Skyrim’s independence and the right to self-governance.

Making Your Choice

The choice between the Imperials and Stormcloaks is not just about allegiance; it’s about the principles you wish to uphold. This decision will influence how the story of Skyrim unfolds for you, including quest availability and the faction interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some key questions and answers to help navigate the complexities of the Imperial and Stormcloak conflict in Skyrim:

1. Can you join both Stormcloak and Imperial?

• No, you cannot join both the Stormcloaks and the Imperials simultaneously. The game is designed so that once you pledge allegiance to one side, the other becomes hostile towards you.

1. Is it better to join Stormcloaks or Imperials?

• The choice depends on your character’s backstory and beliefs. If your character is originally from Skyrim and values independence, the Stormcloaks might be the better choice. If your character is from elsewhere in the Empire or believes in the unity of the Empire, then the Imperials might be more suitable.

1. Can you make peace between the Stormcloaks and Imperials?

• Unfortunately, the game does not provide a direct path to a peaceful resolution between the Stormcloaks and Imperials through the main questline. The conflict is a central theme and requires a victor.

1. Can you join both sides of the civil war in Skyrim?

• While you can’t join both sides simultaneously in the traditional sense, you can play through a significant portion of one side’s questline before being forced to make a choice that aligns you with that side.

1. IMPERIAL EMPIRE vs ALDMERI DOMINION – Who is the Better Ruler?

• This is a matter of perspective within the Elder Scrolls lore. The Imperial Empire values unity and order, while the Aldmeri Dominion seeks to dominate and enforce its own brand of order. Neither can be universally deemed “better” without considering specific contexts and characters’ beliefs.

1. Can you still go to Solitude if you join the Stormcloaks?

• Yes, Skyrim does not have a faction reputation system like some other games, meaning you can wear Stormcloak armor in Solitude without immediate consequences, although certain quests and interactions may be affected.

1. Is there a way to peacefully end the war in Skyrim?

• The only “peace” achieved in Skyrim comes from one side emerging victorious over the other. This victory does not necessarily mean lasting peace, as the underlying issues may still persist.

1. What happens if Stormcloaks win?

• If the Stormcloaks win, Ulfric Stormcloak becomes the leader of Skyrim, and the Holds are placed under the rule of various Jarls, with those initially allied with the Stormcloaks maintaining their power.

1. Can you lose the civil war in Skyrim?

• In the vanilla game, the outcome of the Civil War is determined by the player’s choice, and there’s no failure state where the chosen side loses. However, mods can introduce this element.

1. Who actually wins Stormcloaks or Imperials?

   • The victor is determined by the player’s choice. However, lore-wise, the Imperials might have the upper hand due to their resources and the geopolitical situation in the Elder Scrolls universe.

2. Is Ulfric a Dragonborn?

   • No, Ulfric Stormcloak is not a Dragonborn. He has learned some Shouts but does not possess the unique abilities of a Dragonborn.

3. Are Stormcloaks or Imperials evil?

   • The perception of good or evil depends on the player’s perspective. Both sides have valid reasons for their actions, and the conflict is morally complex.

4. What is the best faction to join in Skyrim?

   • The “best” faction is subjective and depends on the player’s preferences and playstyle. Each faction, including the Dark Brotherhood, Thieves’ Guild, Dawnguard, and others, offers unique benefits and storylines.

5. Can you marry Jarl Elisif?

   • Normally, no, but with certain mods, it might be possible under specific conditions.

6. Can Ulfric become High King?

   • Ulfric Stormcloak does become the High King of Skyrim if the Stormcloaks win the Civil War. He leads Skyrim after defeating the Imperial Legion.

The conflict between the Imperials and Stormcloaks is a pivotal aspect of Skyrim, offering players a deep and immersive storyline with significant choices that impact the game world. Understanding these dynamics can enhance the gaming experience, allowing players to make informed decisions that align with their character’s backstory and personal beliefs.