Do Decisions Really Matter in Skyrim? Unpacking Choice and Consequence in the Land of Dragons
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.
Yes and no. In Skyrim, you’ll face countless decisions, from the mundane to the seemingly monumental. While Bethesda champions player freedom, the cold truth is that many choices have surprisingly little impact on the overall narrative. Some shape your immediate experience, providing different quest lines or altering NPC interactions, but the grand tapestry of Skyrim remains largely unaffected by your individual threads. You can be the most saintly hero or a depraved villain, but the world will mostly keep turning as it always has.
The Illusion of Choice: How Skyrim Handles Player Agency
Skyrim excels at creating the feeling of agency. You’re presented with options at every turn, fostering a sense of control over your Dragonborn’s destiny. This is a core part of the game’s appeal, encouraging exploration and role-playing. However, beneath this surface lies a more structured experience.
Minor Choices, Lasting Impressions
Many “choices” in Skyrim are essentially variations on a theme. For example, choosing to follow Ralof or Hadvar at the beginning of the game ultimately leads you to the same place: Riverwood and the main questline. The initial character interactions and potential skill leveling opportunities differ, but the overall outcome is identical.
Similarly, numerous side quests offer moral dilemmas, but the consequences are localized. You might decide the fate of a particular village or individual, earning their gratitude (or animosity), but this rarely reverberates throughout the wider world.
The Big Picture: Factions and Questlines
Choices related to joining factions like the Companions, the Dark Brotherhood, or the College of Winterhold have more tangible consequences. These decisions unlock unique questlines, skills, and gear, significantly shaping your Dragonborn’s abilities and identity. However, even these choices are somewhat compartmentalized. You can often belong to multiple factions simultaneously, even if their ideals clash. This allows for a diverse gameplay experience but dilutes the sense of meaningful consequence.
The Imperial vs. Stormcloak civil war is a prime example. While the conflict shapes the political landscape of Skyrim, the narrative impact is relatively limited. Regardless of which side you choose, the main story progresses, and the world doesn’t drastically alter. You’ll control different holds and have different interactions with the characters in charge, but it doesn’t have major implications for the rest of your playthrough.
Morality and Consequence
Skyrim famously lacks a traditional morality system. You can commit heinous crimes without incurring any significant penalties beyond local guards and potential bounties. This freedom is a double-edged sword. It empowers players to explore the darker aspects of role-playing, but it also diminishes the sense of moral consequence. You can be a hero, a villain, or both, often switching between roles without facing meaningful repercussions.
Key Choices That Do Matter
Despite the limitations, some choices in Skyrim carry more weight than others:
- Sacrificing a Follower for Boethiah: This is a permanent and morally significant decision that impacts your relationship with followers and earns you a powerful artifact.
- Killing or Forgiving Cicero: This choice directly affects the future of the Dark Brotherhood.
- Vampire or Werewolf: This decision has a profound impact on your character’s abilities, gameplay style, and faction affiliations.
- Aiding or Betraying the Redguard Woman: This side quest presents a complex moral dilemma with tangible consequences for the characters involved.
- Imperials or Stormcloaks: While not drastically changing the narrative, this choice affects the political landscape and your Dragonborn’s allegiance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Choice in Skyrim
1. Does the first choice in Skyrim matter?
No. Choosing to follow Ralof or Hadvar at the beginning of the game doesn’t significantly impact your overall experience. You’ll end up in the same place and on the same general story path.
2. Can you choose to be evil in Skyrim?
Yes! Skyrim allows you to perform a wide range of evil acts, from petty theft to mass murder. However, the game lacks a strict morality system, so the consequences are often limited.
3. Is Skyrim a choice-based game?
Skyrim offers a multitude of choices, creating a sense of player agency. However, many of these choices have limited long-term consequences. It’s more accurate to describe it as a game with numerous options that shape your immediate experience but don’t fundamentally alter the overarching narrative.
4. Is there a morality system in Skyrim?
No. Unlike many modern RPGs, Skyrim doesn’t have an explicit morality system. Your actions don’t directly affect your character’s reputation or unlock specific story paths based on your moral alignment.
5. Can you play Skyrim by killing everyone?
Unfortunately, no. Certain NPCs are essential for the main quest and cannot be killed. Additionally, some NPCs respawn, making it impossible to permanently eliminate everyone.
6. Which side is good in Skyrim?
Neither the Imperials nor the Stormcloaks are inherently “good.” The choice depends on your character’s values and beliefs. The Imperials represent order and stability, while the Stormcloaks champion freedom and tradition.
7. Who should I sacrifice in Skyrim?
If you choose to complete the quest for Boethiah, consider sacrificing Ralis Sedarys. His actions in the Kolbjorn Barrow excavation make him a morally justifiable choice for many players.
8. Do headshots matter in Skyrim?
Yes, but not significantly. Headshots deal slightly more damage than body shots, but the difference is not game-changing.
9. Who are the good guys: Stormcloaks or Imperials?
This is subjective. The Imperials seek to maintain order under a weakened empire, while the Stormcloaks fight for independence and the right to worship Talos. Your Dragonborn’s values will likely determine which side you consider “good.”
10. Can you choose both sides in Skyrim?
Yes, to a limited extent. You can delay choosing a side in the civil war to facilitate a truce during the main quest. However, you must eventually commit to one faction to complete the questline.
11. What is the Golden Rule in Skyrim?
The Golden Rule refers to a system in Markarth where crimes are punished equally on all citizens, turning them into gold.
12. What quests to avoid in Skyrim?
This is subjective. Some players find quests like “No Stone Unturned” or “The House of Horrors” tedious or unrewarding. It depends on individual preferences.
13. Who should you choose in the beginning of Skyrim?
Choosing Ralof will provide a foot in the door with the Stormcloaks. While choosing Hadvar will grant you access to the Imperials. However, there are not any other immediate consequences.
14. Who pays the best in Skyrim?
Merchants like Ma’dran and Ri’saad, found in Khajiit caravans, typically have the most gold available for trade.
15. What followers cannot be killed in Skyrim?
Essential followers, such as Aela the Huntress, Barbas, and Cicero, cannot be killed because they are essential for certain quests or storylines.
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey, Regardless of the Destination
While some choices in Skyrim hold greater weight than others, the true value lies in the role-playing experience. The freedom to explore, experiment, and shape your Dragonborn’s identity is what makes the game so compelling. Don’t get too caught up in optimizing your choices for the “perfect” outcome. Embrace the journey, make decisions that feel authentic to your character, and let the consequences (or lack thereof) unfold naturally. After all, the greatest adventure in Skyrim is the one you create for yourself. To learn more about games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.