Hadvar or Ralof: Which Path Should You Choose in Skyrim’s Opening?
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The age-old question that plagues every new Dragonborn: Hadvar or Ralof? At the very start of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, you’re thrust into a terrifying situation – escaping the dragon attack on Helgen. Amidst the chaos, you’re given a choice: follow the Imperial soldier Hadvar, or join the Stormcloak rebel Ralof. So, is one choice definitively better than the other? The short answer is: no, not really. The choice is mainly cosmetic. The long answer, however, is much more nuanced and impacts the very beginning of your experience in Skyrim. The decision boils down to personal preference, roleplaying desires, and a slight advantage in starting gear and quest access.
Understanding the Immediate Consequences
The most immediate difference between choosing Hadvar or Ralof lies in the path you take out of Helgen. With Hadvar, you’ll fight alongside Imperial soldiers, battling Stormcloaks as you make your escape. This means you’ll be looting more Imperial armor and weapons along the way. Conversely, following Ralof puts you on the side of the Stormcloaks, fighting against the Imperial forces. Expect to find more Stormcloak gear on this path.
Another direct consequence is the family you meet in Riverwood. Hadvar takes you to his uncle, Alvor, the blacksmith, offering you initial lodging and a small task to complete. Ralof, on the other hand, leads you to Gerdur, a sawmill owner, who similarly provides shelter and a starting quest. These encounters are mainly tutorial-driven and don’t significantly alter the long-term gameplay.
Weighing the Gear: Quantity vs. Quality
One argument often made in favor of Hadvar is the potential for more early-game loot to sell. It’s true that you’ll likely encounter more enemies – thus, more gear – if you follow the Imperial path. However, remember that much of this gear is relatively basic and easily obtainable later. Ralof’s side may offer slightly fewer items to sell, but the difference is negligible. The claim that Ralof offers better equipment is, in fact, incorrect. Both paths yield similar tiers of equipment, though Hadvar’s path may see a greater quantity. Remember, you can easily find or craft better gear within the first few hours of playing regardless of your initial choice.
Faction Alignment: Does it Lock You In?
Absolutely not. Choosing to follow Hadvar or Ralof at the beginning does not lock you into either the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloak Rebellion. You are free to join whichever faction you desire later in the game, regardless of whom you escaped with from Helgen. The choice is purely a matter of preference and early-game experience. Many players choose to play through both sides of the Civil War conflict on separate characters.
Skill Leveling Opportunities
Both Hadvar and Ralof’s escape routes present opportunities to level up your skills early on. You can exploit certain situations during the escape to repeatedly practice stealth, archery, or melee combat against unaggressive (or essential) characters. However, these opportunities are generally short-lived and do not drastically affect your overall character progression. In the grand scheme of things, these “glitches” are not significant. The Games Learning Society researches how game mechanics like these impact player engagement and learning experiences within virtual worlds. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about game-based learning.
Roleplaying Considerations
Perhaps the most important factor in choosing between Hadvar and Ralof is the roleplaying aspect. Consider your character’s backstory and motivations. Do they have any pre-existing sympathies towards the Empire or the Stormcloaks? Are they a Nord who values freedom and tradition, or do they believe in order and Imperial rule? Allowing your character’s personality to influence your choice can enhance your immersion and enjoyment of the game.
Conclusion: A Choice of Preference, Not Consequence
Ultimately, the decision to go with Hadvar or Ralof at the beginning of Skyrim is a matter of personal preference. There are no significant long-term consequences, and you are free to change your allegiance later in the game. Consider the immediate differences in gear and quest access, the opportunities for early skill leveling, and, most importantly, your character’s roleplaying motivations. Whichever path you choose, the vast world of Skyrim awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens to the character I don’t choose (Hadvar or Ralof)?
If you choose to escape with Hadvar, you can later encounter Ralof if you join the Stormcloaks, and vice versa. They will appear in some quests but will vanish after the Civil War questline is complete.
2. Can I kill Hadvar or Ralof later in the game?
Hadvar is an essential character during the escape from Helgen. However, later in the game, neither he nor Ralof are essential unless they are involved in a specific quest. So, yes, you can potentially kill them if you choose.
3. Does joining the Stormcloaks or Imperials affect the main storyline?
No. The main storyline involving dragons and your destiny as the Dragonborn remains the same, regardless of your choice in the Civil War.
4. Is one faction (Stormcloaks or Imperials) “good” and the other “bad”?
No. Both the Stormcloaks and the Imperials have their own valid points of view, and neither side is inherently “good” or “bad”. The choice depends on your own moral compass and the values you want your character to represent.
5. Can I marry Hadvar or Ralof?
Unfortunately, no. Neither Hadvar nor Ralof are eligible marriage candidates in Skyrim.
6. Does it matter what race I play as when choosing a side in the Civil War?
While not explicitly stated, it makes sense that Nords typically lean toward the Stormcloaks, and races from outside Skyrim might be more sympathetic to the Imperials. However, you can play as any race and choose any side without any gameplay penalties.
7. If I go with Ralof, will I still be able to complete quests for the Imperials, and vice versa?
Yes. You can join either faction and complete their respective questlines, regardless of whom you escaped with from Helgen.
8. Can I switch sides during the Civil War questline?
No. Once you commit to a faction, you cannot switch sides mid-questline. You’ll have to complete the questline for that faction before potentially siding with the other on a different playthrough.
9. Are the Stormcloak or Imperial armors better?
The Imperial armors are generally considered to be of higher quality and more aesthetically pleasing. The Stormcloak armors are more basic in design. However, you can obtain and improve both types of armor regardless of which faction you join.
10. What are the benefits of joining the Stormcloaks?
Joining the Stormcloaks allows you to fight for Skyrim’s independence and freedom to worship the deity Talos. You will also be working with and alongside fellow Nords.
11. What are the benefits of joining the Imperials?
Joining the Imperials allows you to help maintain order and stability in Skyrim, uphold Imperial law, and fight against the perceived tyranny of the Stormcloaks.
12. Will Hadvar or Ralof recognize me if I join the opposite faction?
Yes. They will remember you from Helgen and acknowledge your past acquaintance, even if you are now fighting on opposite sides. In some instances, there will even be unique dialogue, expressing disappointment or betrayal.
13. Is there a way to avoid choosing between Hadvar and Ralof at the beginning?
No. You are required to choose one or the other to progress through the initial escape sequence.
14. Does my choice affect my starting skills or attributes?
No. Your choice of Hadvar or Ralof does not affect your starting skills, attributes, or racial bonuses.
15. If I choose Hadvar but then kill Imperials later in the game, will he become hostile towards me?
Yes, he will likely become hostile if he witnesses you attacking Imperial soldiers. As an Imperial soldier himself, Hadvar will defend his fellow soldiers.