Should I Side With the Empire in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of whether to side with the Empire or the Stormcloaks in Skyrim is a pivotal one, deeply affecting the game’s narrative and your character’s experience. The right answer is entirely subjective and depends on your roleplaying preferences, your understanding of the lore, and what you value in the world of Tamriel. Ultimately, deciding whether to join the Empire hinges on what you believe is best for Skyrim and your Dragonborn.

Understanding the Conflict

Before making a decision, it’s crucial to grasp the core issues driving the civil war. The conflict isn’t simply about who wears the crown; it’s about identity, religious freedom, and the future of Skyrim within the larger political landscape.

• The Empire’s Perspective: The Empire, weakened by the Great War with the Aldmeri Dominion (Thalmor), signed the White-Gold Concordat, which outlawed the worship of Talos, a human ascended to godhood. While many Imperials privately resent this, they see it as a necessary compromise to prevent further Thalmor aggression. They believe that a united Empire is Skyrim’s best defense against future threats. The Empire provides structure, law, and order, vital for Skyrim’s stability and the suppression of rampant banditry.

• The Stormcloak’s Perspective: Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm, views the Talos ban as a betrayal of Skyrim’s traditions and a sign of Imperial weakness. He believes Skyrim should be independent and free to worship Talos openly. He argues that the Empire is corrupt and no longer represents the interests of its people. The Stormcloaks champion Nord values and traditions and are driven by a desire for self-determination.

Why Choose the Empire?

Choosing the Empire offers several compelling advantages:

• Defense Against the Thalmor: The Empire’s primary argument is that a divided Skyrim is vulnerable to the Thalmor. While the Empire is currently under Thalmor influence, it possesses the resources and experience to potentially resist future Aldmeri incursions, something Ulfric cannot offer.

• Maintaining Order and Stability: The Empire represents law and order. Their presence helps curb banditry and ensures that the people of Skyrim are protected by a structured military force. A Stormcloak victory could lead to further fragmentation and chaos.

• Roleplaying as a Non-Nord: If you’re playing as a non-Nord character, joining the Empire can provide a sense of belonging and purpose within a multicultural organization. The Stormcloaks, while not explicitly racist, are deeply rooted in Nord traditions, which may make your character feel like an outsider. Games Learning Society could provide you with more information and research on the subject of roleplaying.

• The “Greater Good”: Supporting the Empire can be seen as a pragmatic choice. Even if you disagree with the Talos ban, you might believe that the stability and unity of the Empire are ultimately more important for the long-term well-being of Tamriel. This choice can be informed by the history of the Elder Scrolls universe, something GamesLearningSociety.org can offer in-depth analysis.

Considerations Before Joining

• The Thalmor Connection: While the Empire claims to oppose the Thalmor, they are currently forced to comply with the White-Gold Concordat and allow Thalmor Justiciars to operate within their borders. This creates a complex moral dilemma.
• Imperial Corruption: The Empire is not without its flaws. Corruption and bureaucracy are present, which can frustrate players seeking a purely noble faction.
• Impact on Holds: Siding with the Empire means conquering holds controlled by the Stormcloaks. This will impact the jarls who rule those cities, with Imperial-aligned jarls being placed in power. This directly impacts quests and interactions within those areas.
• Questline Differences: The Civil War questline differs based on your choice. While the overall objective of ending the war remains the same, the specific missions and characters you encounter will vary.

Making Your Decision

Ultimately, the choice of whether to side with the Empire is a personal one. Consider your character’s motivations, their background, and what they value most in the world of Skyrim. There’s no right or wrong answer – only the answer that best fits your own unique story.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I side with the Empire in Skyrim?

If you side with the Empire, you’ll embark on a series of quests to defeat the Stormcloaks, ultimately leading to the death of Ulfric Stormcloak. The Empire will retain control of Skyrim, and Imperial-aligned jarls will be placed in power throughout the holds.

2. Is the Empire better for Skyrim than the Stormcloaks?

This is subjective. The Empire offers stability and a united front against external threats like the Thalmor. However, the Stormcloaks offer independence and the freedom to worship Talos. Whether the Empire or the Stormcloaks are “better” depends on your values and priorities.

3. Are the Imperials good or bad in Skyrim?

Neither. They are a government with both positive and negative aspects. They try to maintain order and defend against threats, but are also bound by a treaty that restricts religious freedom and are prone to corruption.

4. Why choose Imperials over Stormcloaks?

Reasons include a more structured ranking system within the Imperial Legion, the belief that the Empire is the only force capable of standing against the Thalmor, a sense of duty to the Empire, and the opportunity to roleplay as a non-Nord who feels more aligned with Imperial values.

5. Is Ulfric Stormcloak a bad guy?

That’s debated in the Skyrim community. Ulfric can be seen as a freedom fighter fighting for religious freedom, or a power-hungry rebel who uses the Talos ban as an excuse to seize power.

6. Can I switch sides after joining the Empire?

Yes, there is one chance to switch sides. During the quest to retrieve the Jagged Crown, you can betray the Empire by delivering the crown to Ulfric instead of General Tullius.

7. Will siding with the Empire affect the main questline?

No, siding with either faction does not significantly alter the main questline. The main questline will remain separate from the civil war.

8. What happens if the Stormcloaks win the war?

If the Stormcloaks win, Skyrim secedes from the Empire. Ulfric will place Stormcloak-aligned jarls in power, and the province will be free to worship Talos. However, the long-term consequences for Skyrim’s stability and its ability to defend against the Thalmor are uncertain.

9. Can you become a Jarl by siding with the Empire?

No, you cannot become a Jarl by siding with either the Empire or the Stormcloaks in the base game. You can only influence who becomes the Jarl through your actions in the civil war questline.

10. Does joining the Imperials affect my companions?

Your choice of faction can affect the relationships with certain NPCs. Some companions, especially Nords who support the Stormcloaks, may disapprove of your decision to join the Empire. However, the majority of companions are unaffected by your choice.

11. Who do the Imperials hate in Skyrim?

While the Imperials are forced to cooperate with the Thalmor, they secretly resent them and the terms of the White-Gold Concordat. The Empire views the Thalmor as a major threat and a source of humiliation.

12. Is the Empire corrupt in Skyrim?

Yes, corruption exists within the Empire. Some Imperial officials are motivated by personal gain and abuse their power. However, corruption is not universal, and many Imperials are genuinely committed to serving the people of Skyrim.

13. Who are the bad guys in Skyrim?

Skyrim has many villains, including:

• Miraak
• Lord Harkon
• Ulfric Stormcloak
• Elenwen
• Mercer Frey
• Astrid
• Maven Black-Briar

This shows the moral ambiguity of the game and the factions inside the game.

14. Does joining the Imperials affect anything in the long term?

In the immediate aftermath, your interactions with jarls and guards will change in the holds you conquer. Some stores owned by Stormcloak supporters may have different owners. Long-term, the outcome of the Civil War could have major ramifications for future Elder Scrolls games.

15. Can you join both the Imperials and Stormcloaks?

No, you cannot join both factions. Once you commit to one side, you become an enemy of the other.