Choosing Your Allegiance: Which Faction Reigns Supreme in Skyrim?

The heart of Skyrim beats with conflict. Beyond the dragons and the magic, the civil war between the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks defines the political landscape, forcing players to choose a side. But which faction is truly the “best” to join? Ultimately, the answer depends on your roleplaying preferences, your values, and what you seek to gain from the experience. While there’s no objectively “best” choice, the Imperial Legion offers a more stable, established, and arguably more strategically sound path for the long-term prosperity of Skyrim and its people. They uphold the law and order of the Empire, bringing a sense of unity to the war-torn province. While the Stormcloaks represent a fervent desire for independence, their methods are often divisive and their long-term vision for Skyrim is uncertain.

Understanding the Core Conflict

The civil war stems from the Empire’s treaty with the Aldmeri Dominion, which banned the worship of Talos, a human ascended to godhood. The Stormcloaks, led by Ulfric Stormcloak, see this as a betrayal of Skyrim’s traditions and a violation of their religious freedom. The Imperial Legion, while perhaps sympathetic to the plight of the Nords, is bound by duty to enforce the Empire’s laws and maintain order.

Why the Imperial Legion Often Appeals to Players

• Stability and Order: The Legion represents the established authority, offering a sense of security and a structured hierarchy. If you prefer a playthrough where you uphold the law and work within a defined system, the Legion is a natural fit.
• Diversity: The Legion is comprised of soldiers from all races of Tamriel, reflecting a more cosmopolitan and tolerant outlook compared to the Nord-centric Stormcloaks.
• Superior Logistics and Resources: The Empire has access to greater resources and logistical support than the Stormcloaks, which can translate into a more effective fighting force.
• Tactical Advantage: Strategically, the Empire controls key locations throughout Skyrim, providing a stronger position to defend against external threats.

The Draw of the Stormcloaks

• Nord Pride and Independence: If you play as a Nord character with a strong sense of cultural identity and a desire for freedom from Imperial control, the Stormcloaks provide a compelling narrative.
• Religious Freedom: The Stormcloaks fight to reinstate the worship of Talos, appealing to players who value religious liberty and tradition.
• Underdog Story: Joining the Stormcloaks allows you to fight for a cause against a more powerful, established force, adding a sense of drama and challenge to your playthrough.
• Clear Ideals: While their methods may be questionable, the Stormcloaks have a clear and easily understood goal: to liberate Skyrim from Imperial rule.

Rewards and Consequences

Both factions offer unique rewards, but these are more thematic than game-breaking. The real difference lies in the altered world state and the roleplaying opportunities.

Imperial Legion Rewards

• Imperial Armor Sets: Access to progressively better Imperial armor as you advance in rank.
• Unique Weapons: A few unique weapons that can only be obtained through Legion quests.
• Property Ownership in Cities: Siding with the Imperials will allow you to freely purchase property in cities, after liberation.
• A Sense of Duty Fulfilled: Playing as a character who helps maintain order and stability in Skyrim.

Stormcloak Rewards

• Stormcloak Armor Sets: Access to progressively better Stormcloak armor as you advance in rank.
• Unique Weapons: A few unique weapons that can only be obtained through Stormcloak quests.
• A Sense of Freedom Fighters: Becoming part of a rebellion that strives to protect Skyrim’s identity.
• Property Ownership in Cities: After winning the war, you will be able to purchase land and build houses freely in Stormcloak controlled areas.

Long-Term Consequences

The outcome of the civil war has limited impact on the main questline, but it does affect the political landscape. Winning with the Imperials strengthens the Empire’s hold on Skyrim, potentially making it a more stable and prosperous province (albeit under Imperial control). Winning with the Stormcloaks creates an independent Skyrim, but it may also lead to internal strife and vulnerability to the Aldmeri Dominion.

Beyond Gameplay: The Ethical Dilemma

The choice between the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks often boils down to an ethical dilemma. Are you willing to sacrifice some degree of freedom for the sake of order and stability? Or do you believe that freedom and self-determination are worth fighting for, even if it means risking chaos and instability?

Consider the broader implications of your choice. Which faction is more likely to create a better future for the people of Skyrim? Which faction aligns more closely with your personal values and beliefs? These are the questions that should guide your decision.

Conclusion

There’s no simple answer to the question of which faction is “best” in Skyrim. Both the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks offer compelling storylines, unique rewards, and distinct roleplaying opportunities. The key is to consider your own preferences and values, and to choose the faction that best reflects the character you want to play. This civil war is one of the reasons why Skyrim is a timeless game. For more ways that games affect our lives, check out the Games Learning Society and learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding factions to join in Skyrim:

1. Can I join both the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks in a single playthrough?

No, you can only join one of these factions per playthrough. Once you commit to one side, you are locked out of joining the other.

2. Does joining either faction affect the main questline?

The civil war questline is separate from the main questline, but the outcome of the war can influence the overall political landscape of Skyrim.

3. Are there any significant gameplay differences between the two questlines?

The questlines are similar in structure, involving battles, sieges, and strategic missions. However, the specific locations and objectives will differ depending on which faction you choose.

4. Which faction offers better rewards?

The rewards are comparable. Both factions offer armor sets, unique weapons, and the satisfaction of fighting for a cause. It comes down to personal preference.

5. Does the race of my character matter when choosing a faction?

While any race can join either faction, Nords are often more inclined to join the Stormcloaks due to their cultural ties and beliefs. Likewise, Imperials may find themselves more easily aligning with the Legion.

6. Can I switch sides after joining a faction?

No, once you have sworn allegiance to a faction, you cannot switch sides. You are committed to seeing the war through with them.

7. Does the civil war have any impact on the Dragonborn’s destiny?

Not directly. The Dragonborn’s destiny is tied to the main questline involving Alduin, and the civil war is a separate conflict. However, the political climate created by the war can influence the Dragonborn’s interactions with various factions and NPCs.

8. Which side is considered the “good” side?

There is no clear “good” side. Both factions have their flaws and strengths, and the choice ultimately depends on your own moral compass and roleplaying preferences.

9. How does the civil war affect the economy of Skyrim?

The war disrupts trade routes, increases bandit activity, and can lead to shortages of certain goods. The specific economic effects will vary depending on which faction controls which territories.

10. Can I complete all faction questlines in a single playthrough?

Yes, with the exception of the Imperial Legion and Stormcloaks. You can join and complete the questlines for the Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood, College of Winterhold, Companions, Dawnguard or Volkihar Clan, all in one playthrough.

11. Which faction is more challenging to play with?

The Stormcloaks often face greater challenges due to their limited resources and strategic disadvantages. However, the Imperial Legion also faces its own difficulties, such as maintaining order and dealing with internal dissent.

12. Does the civil war ever end in a stalemate?

No, the game requires you to choose a side and see the war through to its conclusion. There is no option for a negotiated peace or a stalemate.

13. How do I trigger the civil war questline?

The civil war questline is triggered by progressing through the main questline and meeting certain characters, such as Ulfric Stormcloak in Windhelm or General Tullius in Solitude.

14. Does the civil war affect the availability of certain quests or NPCs?

Yes, the war can affect the availability of certain quests and NPCs, depending on which territories are controlled by which faction. Some quests may become unavailable if a particular city or town is captured by the opposing side.

15. Are there any mods that expand upon the civil war questline?

Yes, there are many mods available that expand upon the civil war questline, adding new quests, characters, locations, and outcomes. These mods can enhance the immersion and replayability of the game. Consider checking out Games Learning Society for news and information on the development and impact of video games on society.