Is the Empire the Bad Guys in ESO?

The Empire in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is not inherently portrayed as the bad guys, but rather as one of the factions with its own motivations and agendas, often finding itself at odds with other factions due to its expansive and controlling nature. The perception of the Empire as good or bad largely depends on the player’s choices and the specific storyline or quest being pursued, highlighting the complexity and depth of the ESO universe.

Understanding the Empire’s Role

Introduction to the Empire

The Empire in ESO is a vast and complex entity, with its own history, culture, and political motivations. It is one of the main factions in the game, alongside the Stormcloaks, the Thalmor, and others. The Empire’s role in the game is multifaceted, and its portrayal can vary significantly depending on the context of the storyline or quest.

FAQs About the Empire and ESO

1. Q: Are the Imperials good in ESO? A: Imperials are considered a strong race in ESO, known for their combat training and perseverance in battle, making them suitable for various roles, especially in tank and DPS positions.

2. Q: Is the Imperial Legion bad? A: The Imperial Legion is not inherently bad; its actions and intentions are driven by the need to maintain order and control within the Empire, which can sometimes lead to conflicts with other factions.

3. Q: Why does Balgruuf side with the Empire? A: Balgruuf sides with the Empire to protect his people and maintain order in Whiterun, as he believes this is the best way to ensure their safety and prosperity.

4. Q: What happens to Ralof if you join the Imperials? A: If you join the Imperials, Ralof will not be killed and can be found in Riverwood, allowing for a peaceful resolution in that aspect of the storyline.

5. Q: Should I side with the Imperials or Stormcloaks? A: The choice between the Imperials and Stormcloaks depends on your character’s backstory and beliefs; if your character values freedom and independence for Skyrim, the Stormcloaks might be the better choice, but if you believe in the Empire’s authority and order, then the Imperials could be more fitting.

6. Q: Who is the main antagonist in ESO? A: The main antagonist in ESO can vary depending on the storyline, but Molag Bal is a primary antagonist in the main questline, seeking to merge the plane of Coldharbour with the mortal world of Tamriel.

7. Q: Can you betray the Stormcloaks? A: Yes, it is possible to betray the Stormcloaks by handing the Jagged Crown over to the Empire instead of returning it to Ulfric, leading to a different outcome in the Civil War questline.

8. Q: What is the most powerful race in ESO? A: The most powerful race in ESO can depend on the role you’re playing (tank, healer, DPS) and personal playstyle, but races like Nord, Imperial, and Argonian are often considered strong due to their racial passives.

9. Q: Is the Empire good or bad in Skyrim? A: The perception of the Empire in Skyrim is complex; the Empire seeks to maintain its authority and protect its subjects, but its methods can be seen as oppressive, particularly by the Stormcloaks who desire independence for Skyrim.

10. Q: Who is Cadwell the Betrayer? A: Cadwell the Betrayer is a character in ESO who, in his past life as Sir Cadwell, betrayed Khunzar-ri in an attempt to gain power, leading to significant consequences in the ESO storyline.

11. Q: What is the best solo class in ESO? A: The Sorcerer class is often considered one of the best for soloing due to its versatile abilities, passive healing, and both offensive and defensive capabilities.

12. Q: Does your race matter in ESO? A: While racial passives can offer advantages, any race can play any role effectively in ESO, making race more of a personal choice than a determining factor in gameplay.

13. Q: What happens if you side with the Empire in the Civil War? A: Siding with the Empire leads to the death of Ulfric Stormcloak and the appointment of a new Jarl in Windhelm, changing the political landscape of Skyrim.

14. Q: Can you escape Helgen alone? A: Yes, it is possible to escape Helgen without the aid of Ralof or Hadvar, and the quest will proceed accordingly, though the experience and some outcomes may differ.

15. Q: Is it better to join Ralof or Hadvar? A: The choice between Ralof and Hadvar at the beginning of the game is largely a matter of personal preference and the type of gameplay experience you wish to have; Ralof offers better equipment, while Hadvar provides more wealth and standard armor.