Does It Matter Who You Choose in Skyrim? A Deep Dive into the Choices That Define Your Adventure
So, you’re about to embark on a journey across the vast lands of Skyrim, and already the weight of choice is upon you. The game throws you into situations that seem crucial, demanding you pick sides, and follow certain paths. But does it really matter? The short, straightforward answer is: it depends on what “matter” means to you. While many choices, particularly those at the very beginning of the game, do not drastically alter the overarching story, they can have significant impacts on your gameplay experience, relationships, and the overall atmosphere of your adventure. This article will dissect those choices and help you understand the true consequences.
The Initial Choice: Hadvar or Ralof?
A Fork in the Road, or a Scenic Detour?
At the very beginning of Skyrim, you’re given a seemingly pivotal choice: follow Hadvar, an Imperial soldier, or Ralof, a Stormcloak rebel, during your escape from Helgen. You might be led to believe that this decision shapes the entire course of your playthrough. However, the reality is that this choice is more of a narrative introduction than a game-defining moment.
What changes?
- Initial Location: You will start in different locations, with Hadvar taking you to Riverwood with his uncle Alvor, while Ralof takes you to Gerdur’s home in Riverwood also.
- Early Quest Line: You’ll begin with a slightly different quest, talking to either the Imperial-friendly family in Riverwood or to the rebel sympathetic family.
- Dialogue: You will encounter different dialogue from these families, reflecting their own loyalties.
- Enemy Encounters: During your escape, the soldiers you fight will vary depending on your choice: Hadvar leads you into battles with Stormcloaks, and Ralof against Imperials.
What Remains the Same?
Regardless of whom you choose, you’ll ultimately end up in Riverwood, and both options will lead you down the same core storyline. The initial choice is simply a matter of preference and the characters you want to interact with in the early hours of the game. The storyline converges, and you are free to join either the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks later on.
Joining the Civil War: Imperials or Stormcloaks?
A Moral Quandary, Not a Factual One
The most prominent and debated choice in Skyrim is whether to side with the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks. This is a conflict fueled by politics, faith, and a deep sense of identity. While it may seem like one side must be inherently “better,” it’s far more nuanced.
What Does Choosing a Side Change?
- Questline: Each faction has its own dedicated questline.
- Characters: You will align with different generals, commanders, and soldiers based on your chosen allegiance.
- Armor: By joining the Stormcloaks, you can obtain Ulfric’s clothes. By joining the imperials, you can obtain Tullius’s armor.
- Jarls: Your choice will influence which Jarls rule over various cities, impacting the overall political landscape of the province.
- Dialogue: The game’s world will react to your factional affiliation.
What Remains the Same?
The core narrative of Skyrim is ultimately unaffected by the Civil War. You still must defeat the dragon Alduin, and many other faction quests and side quests remain the same. Even with the faction choice, you can have both sides at a truce as part of the main quest, at least for the duration of the Alduin quest. The reward armor and weapons are, generally speaking, equal. There are simply different armor styles.
Are either side “evil?”
The answer is, not objectively. The Stormcloaks are fighting for Skyrim’s independence and freedom of worship, while the Imperials believe in order and maintaining the empire. Each has compelling arguments, and there’s no easy answer to who is “right” or “wrong.” Both sides can be argued for being evil or good.
Ulfric
It is important to understand Ulfric is not a hero. He is a master manipulator who seeks power and control over Skyrim, even if it means dividing the people. However, he is not a Dragonborn, and left High Hrothgar to fight for the empire.
Other Choices: Minor Impacts, Lasting Impressions
Race Choice
Your race choice does affect your starting skills and racial abilities. For instance, Bretons have magic resistance, making them adept at fighting magic users. However, you can become skilled in anything, despite your race, making this choice not as important as it first seems. Certain races are also better at the start. Nords are a good option for a first character, as they are skilled with two-handed weapons. Orcs are phenomenal at surviving damage and dealing damage in melee.
Marriage
Marriage in Skyrim is a fairly significant choice, since it’s only possible to marry once per playthrough. Marriage benefits include getting a homecooked meal and 100 gold per day.
Romance
Romance in Skyrim is not very complex, and mostly revolves around marriage. There is no flirting mechanic. The only exception is having a follower that you want to marry, and can change their clothing.
Spouse
Your choice in spouse is important, since you can only marry once per playthrough. Aela the Huntress is a very popular choice, as she is a werewolf and a skilled archer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you join both factions in Skyrim?
No, you cannot join both the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks. Once you take the oath to one, you will fail the quest to join the other faction.
2. What happens if I don’t join either the Imperials or Stormcloaks?
You can ignore the Civil War entirely if you wish. You can pursue other quests and participate in the main quest line, and even arrange a temporary truce between the two factions.
3. Does choosing Hadvar or Ralof affect the story?
No, the initial choice between Hadvar and Ralof only affects the very beginning of the game. It determines which side of the war you have an introduction with.
4. Is it better to choose Stormcloaks or Imperials?
Neither side is definitively better. It depends on your personal preferences and what you want out of your Skyrim experience. There are equal weapons and armor sets, with differing styles.
5. Can you change your mind after joining a faction?
No. Once you pledge allegiance, you’re locked into that faction. You can choose to play the game again to experience the other side.
6. Does gender matter in Skyrim?
No, gender has no significant impact on gameplay, except for the “Agent of Dibella” perk, which is exclusive to female characters. However, this does not affect the overall character build, so it is of no real consequence.
7. Can you have multiple wives in Skyrim?
No, you can only marry one person in Skyrim.
8. Can you divorce in Skyrim?
No, once you are married, you cannot divorce your spouse.
9. How does marriage work in Skyrim?
You can marry anyone once you’ve completed certain tasks and have a specific amulet. Your spouse will give you money and food daily, and move into your home.
10. Is Ulfric the Dragonborn?
No, Ulfric is not the Dragonborn. He is an experienced Nord warrior with some knowledge of shouts.
11. Who is the most useful wife in Skyrim?
Aela the Huntress is considered by many to be the most useful due to her skills and combat abilities.
12. Can you betray the Stormcloaks?
Yes, you can betray the Stormcloaks by giving the Jagged Crown to the Imperials instead of Ulfric. However, this choice is generally only considered at the end of the Jagged Crown quest.
13. Can you beat Skyrim without joining a side?
While you can delay joining either faction, you will eventually need to side with either the Imperials or Stormcloaks to fully complete the Civil War quest line.
14. What are the benefits of marrying in Skyrim?
Marriage in Skyrim provides access to a residence, a daily income of 100 gold, and daily cooked meal.
15. What are the best races to play as in Skyrim?
The Nord is great for beginners, skilled at two-handed weapons, and the Orc is great for combat due to its innate defensive and offensive abilities.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choices you make in Skyrim are less about drastically altering the storyline, and more about shaping your own unique narrative. While some choices are more impactful than others, it is important to know that most are designed to add depth and personality to your experience. So, play the game the way you want. It is up to you to craft your unique legend in the land of Skyrim.