Which Side is Better to Choose in Skyrim?
The choice between the Imperials and the Stormcloaks in Skyrim is a personal one, depending on the direction you want to take your character, with Nord characters finding a home among the Stormcloaks if they agree with their point of view on the Empire. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your character’s backstory, playstyle, and the type of experience you want to have in the game, with both sides offering unique quests, storylines, and rewards.
Understanding the Factions
To make an informed decision, it’s essential to understand the Imperials and the Stormcloaks, their motivations, and what they represent in the world of Skyrim. The Imperials are part of the Empire, seeking to maintain control and order in the province, while the Stormcloaks are a rebel group fighting for Skyrim’s independence.
FAQs
General Questions
- Which side is better in Skyrim, Imperials or Stormcloaks?: The ranking system in the Imperial Legion is more structured, with better armor and weapons, but the Stormcloaks offer a sense of freedom and rebellion.
- Which faction should I choose in Skyrim?: If you prefer stealth and strategy, the Thieves’ Guild might be the better choice, but if you’re interested in the civil war, you’ll need to decide between the Imperials and the Stormcloaks.
- Who should I side with at the beginning of Skyrim?: The initial choice between Hadvar and Ralof doesn’t significantly impact the game’s overall story, allowing you to experiment with different roles.
Faction Specifics
- What happens if you choose Stormcloaks?: Siding with the Stormcloaks results in changes to the leadership of various cities, including Whiterun, Riften, and Dawnstar.
- Are Stormcloaks left or right?: The Stormcloaks can be seen as a right-wing or nationalist movement, seeking independence and self-governance, while the Imperials represent a more left-wing or globalist perspective, advocating for unity under the Empire.
- Does it matter who you pick in Skyrim?: The choice between the Imperials and the Stormcloaks primarily affects the civil war storyline and which characters you interact with, but it doesn’t alter the main quest significantly.
Followers and Characters
- Who is the best person to follow you in Skyrim?: Serana is often considered one of the best followers, offering a unique set of skills and abilities, especially in the Dawnguard DLC.
- Who is the best person to have with you in Skyrim?: Serana stands out for her combat prowess and her role in the Dawnguard storyline, making her a valuable companion.
Faction Strength and Benefits
- What is the strongest faction in Skyrim?: The Greybeards are considered the strongest faction due to their unique abilities and distant, neutral stance in the conflict, but they are not directly involved in the civil war.
- What are the benefits of joining the Dark Brotherhood?: Joining the Dark Brotherhood provides access to unique quests, rewards, and abilities, including the Blade of Woe and Ancient Shrouded Armor.
Game Progression and Choices
- Should I join Dawnguard or vampires?: Joining the Dawnguard is generally considered the better choice, offering more comprehensive storytelling and gameplay opportunities.
- Can I switch from Stormcloak to Imperial?: Once you’ve committed to a side by completing certain quests, switching allegiances is not possible without restarting the game or using external mods.
Character Creation and Playstyle
- Who is the most loved character in Skyrim?: Characters like Paarthurnax, J’zargo, and Neloth are often well-liked by players for their unique personalities and contributions to the story.
- Who should I play as in Skyrim?: The Nord is a popular choice for new players, offering a balanced set of skills and racial abilities that make the early game more accessible.
Miscellaneous
- Is it better to be male or female in Skyrim?: The choice between a male and female character is largely aesthetic and doesn’t significantly impact gameplay, except for certain perks like Agent of Dibella, which might favor female characters.