What happens if you don’t join the Stormcloaks or Imperials?
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If you choose not to join the Stormcloaks or Imperials in the world of Skyrim, you can simply ignore the join imperials/stormcloaks line and continue on with other side quests and main quests, eventually leading to a peace treaty between both sides towards the end of the main quest. The only major repercussions of not choosing between Stormcloaks or Imperials are missing out on each side’s unique armors and other quest rewards.
Understanding the Impact of Not Joining Stormcloaks or Imperials
Choosing not to align with either the Stormcloaks or the Imperials allows players to maintain a neutral stance in the civil war, giving them the freedom to focus on other aspects of the game without the obligations that come with joining a faction. This decision doesn’t significantly alter the main storyline but affects the player’s experience and interactions within the Skyrim world.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Main Differences Between Stormcloaks and Imperials?
The main differences lie in their ideologies, with Stormcloaks fighting for Skyrim’s independence and the Imperials aiming to maintain the Empire’s control over Skyrim. Each side offers unique armors, weapons, and quest experiences.
2. Does Joining the Imperials Affect the Game’s Ending?
Joining the Imperials affects the story’s progression but not the final outcome of the main quest. The ending remains the same regardless of the player’s choice.
3. Can You Peacefully End the War in Skyrim?
The war in Skyrim cannot be peacefully resolved through the player’s actions. The only way peace comes to Skyrim is when one side defeats the other, though this leads to a temporary truce that will eventually resume.
4. What is the Best Ending in Skyrim?
The best ending is subjective and depends on the player’s preferences. However, one of the most satisfying endings involves completing the Dark Brotherhood, siding with the Imperials, and appeasing the Blades.
5. How Many Endings Does Skyrim Have?
Skyrim does not have multiple endings in the traditional sense. While some quest arcs have varied outcomes, the main quest arc has a single outcome.
6. Do You Lose Lydia if You Join the Stormcloaks?
No, Lydia remains your housecarl and follower throughout the game, regardless of whether you join the Stormcloaks or Imperials, unless she is killed in combat.
7. What is the Hardest Side Quest in Skyrim?
The Ebony Warrior quest is considered one of the most challenging, serving as the final challenge in Skyrim.
8. Why Choose Imperials Over Stormcloaks?
The Imperials offer a more structured ranking system, higher quality armors and weapons, and a sense of discipline and order, which might appeal to some players more than the Stormcloaks‘ rebellion.
9. Is Ulfric a Bad Guy?
Ulfric Stormcloak can be seen as either the main antagonist or deuteragonist, depending on the player’s choice. His actions are motivated by a desire for Skyrim’s independence, which can be viewed as noble or treasonous.
10. Who Actually Wins the Stormcloaks or Imperials Conflict?
The outcome of the conflict is determined by the player’s choice, but in the lore beyond the game, it is theorized that the Imperials might eventually regain control over Skyrim.
11. Are the Stormcloaks Good or Evil?
The Stormcloaks fight for the right to worship and govern themselves independently, while the Imperials seek to maintain law and order under the Empire’s rule. Neither side is purely good or evil.
12. Which Faction Should I Choose in Skyrim?
The choice between Stormcloaks and Imperials depends on the player’s preferred playstyle and moral alignment. Other factions like the Thieves’ Guild offer unique experiences for those who prefer stealth and strategy.
13. Does Joining the Imperials Affect Anything Besides the Story?
Joining the Imperials changes the path to the game’s ending but does not influence the final outcome of the primary quest.
14. What is the Saddest Quest in Skyrim?
The “Mourning Never Comes” quest can be particularly heart-wrenching, as it involves the death of characters and unpredictable consequences based on the player’s actions.
15. Can You Revive Lydia if She Dies?
On PC, players can use console commands to revive Lydia if she dies, though this may reset her inventory. On consoles, once Lydia dies, she remains dead unless loaded from a previous save.