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Who is the Best Choice in the Beginning of Skyrim? Ralof vs. Hadvar: A Definitive Guide

The initial choice between Ralof and Hadvar in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the first decisions players face, often sparking endless debate. The truth? It doesn’t drastically alter the core game experience. Both paths lead to the same overall story arc. However, the early game advantages, role-playing considerations, and minor perks each offers are worth exploring to make an informed decision based on your preferred play style. Essentially, the “best” choice depends entirely on what you want out of your early game.

Breaking Down the Initial Choice: Ralof and the Stormcloaks vs. Hadvar and the Imperials

Let’s dive deep into the nuances of siding with Ralof (a Stormcloak rebel) or Hadvar (an Imperial soldier) right after the harrowing escape from Helgen.

Following Ralof: Embracing the Rebellion

Choosing Ralof places you directly on the path toward a Stormcloak-aligned experience, at least initially. You escape Helgen with fellow rebels, providing immediate insight into their motives and struggles.

Early Benefits: You’re introduced to Gerdur in Riverwood, who offers assistance. This aligns well with players intending to explore the Stormcloak questline.
Gear and Loot: The article suggests Ralof provides access to “better equips”. While subjective, the loot found along this path tends to lean towards lighter armor and weaponry, suitable for stealth or agile combat styles.
Faction Introduction: Following Ralof grants an immediate foot in the door with the Stormcloaks, making their questline feel like a natural progression.
Roleplaying Angle: If your Dragonborn has anti-Imperial sentiments or believes in Skyrim’s independence, Ralof is the logical choice for immersive roleplaying.

Following Hadvar: Order and Tradition

Opting for Hadvar sets you on an Imperial path, immersing you in their perspective on the ongoing civil war.

Early Benefits: You meet Alvor, the blacksmith in Riverwood, who offers his hospitality and crafting services. This is beneficial if you want to level up your smithing skills early.
Gear and Loot: The article points out Hadvar offers “more weapons (mainly 2-hand) and armor (mainly standard crap armor).” This abundance of gear can be sold for early gold, facilitating skill training or purchasing better equipment.
Faction Introduction: This pathway provides a natural connection to the Imperial Legion, streamlining their questline’s introduction.
Roleplaying Angle: If you envision your Dragonborn as a law-abiding citizen, someone who believes in the Empire’s stability or respects its traditions, Hadvar is the more fitting choice.

Why the Choice Isn’t As Important As You Think

Ultimately, the initial choice between Ralof and Hadvar has limited long-term consequences because:

Faction Alignment Isn’t Locked: You are not bound to the Stormcloaks or Imperials based on your initial choice. You can follow Ralof and later join the Imperial Legion, or vice versa. The game gives you the freedom to choose sides later.
Riverwood Assistance is Temporary: Whether Gerdur or Alvor assists you in Riverwood, their role is largely confined to the early game.
The Main Quest Remains Unchanged: The Dragonborn’s destiny remains the same, regardless of the initial alliance. The main quest involving dragons and the Dragonborn unfolds independently of the civil war storyline.

Delving Deeper: Minor Differences and Considerations

While the overarching narrative remains consistent, a few nuances might sway your decision:

Skill Leveling Glitches: The article mentions taking “advantage of a few glitches to level up skills.” These glitches might involve exploiting combat or crafting mechanics in the early game with either Ralof or Hadvar. The availability and effectiveness of these glitches may vary with game updates.
Moral Implications: While the game doesn’t paint either side as purely good or evil, your personal moral compass might guide your initial choice. Do you sympathize with Skyrim’s desire for independence, or do you value the stability and order of the Empire?
Vendor Access: As mentioned, Alvor (with Hadvar) provides blacksmithing services, which can be useful if you intend to focus on crafting early on.
Relationship Impact: Even though the initial choice doesn’t change the outcome of the game, you might feel a slight impact on the relationship with the person you chose to help you.

Faction Choice: Imperials vs. Stormcloaks

The choice between Imperials and Stormcloaks extends far beyond the introductory sequence. This decision significantly impacts the Civil War questline and your character’s experience within the game world.

Imperials: Represent the established government, seeking to maintain control over Skyrim. Their motivations are rooted in preserving order and adhering to treaties, even if unpopular (like banning Talos worship to appease the Thalmor). Siding with them might feel like supporting a pragmatic, if sometimes oppressive, regime.
Stormcloaks: Advocate for Skyrim’s independence and the right to worship Talos freely. They fight against what they perceive as Imperial tyranny. Choosing this side aligns with a rebellious spirit and the desire for self-determination.
Impact on the World: Supporting the Imperials often results in fewer disruptions to established trade routes and a sense of relative stability. The Stormcloaks, while fighting for a noble cause, can create chaos and instability.

Civil War Questline

The Civil War questline provides a parallel narrative to the main quest. Regardless of your initial Helgen choice, you can choose to join either side, influencing the outcome of the war. Each faction offers unique missions and challenges.

Imperial Legion: Focuses on strategic battles and reclaiming territory. You work closely with General Tullius and Legate Rikke to crush the rebellion. The storyline focuses on the strategy and the impact of the war on the surrounding areas.
Stormcloaks: Revolves around guerilla warfare tactics and uniting the Nords against the Empire. You fight alongside Ulfric Stormcloak to secure Skyrim’s freedom. You might play out the questline by reclaiming holds and fighting large armies of imperials.

Final Verdict: Personal Preference Reigns Supreme

There’s no objectively “best” choice in the beginning of Skyrim. The decision hinges on your personal preferences, roleplaying intentions, and desired early-game experience. Reflect on the following:

What kind of character do you want to play? A loyal Imperial citizen or a rebellious Nord patriot?
Which faction’s ideals resonate with you? Order and stability or freedom and self-determination?
What kind of gameplay do you prefer? Strategic warfare or guerilla tactics?

Once you answer these questions, the “best” choice will become clear. Remember, the journey is more important than the destination. Enjoy the adventure! You can visit Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how games teach us.

FAQs: Unveiling the Mysteries of Skyrim’s Beginning

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the initial choice and its implications:

Does choosing Ralof or Hadvar lock me into a faction? No. You can still join either the Stormcloaks or Imperials regardless of your initial choice.
Does siding with one faction prevent me from completing the main quest? No. The main questline about dragons and the Dragonborn is separate from the Civil War.
Is one faction objectively “better” than the other? No. Both sides have compelling arguments and flaws, making it a matter of personal preference.
What happens to Ralof if I side with the Imperials, or vice versa? They will remain in Riverwood, acknowledging your decision. The interactions might be impacted with your choice.
Can I marry Ralof or Hadvar? No. Neither is a marriageable character in the game.
Are Ralof and Hadvar essential characters? Yes. Both are essential, meaning they cannot die, especially during the Helgen escape.
Does choosing a specific race impact my initial choice? While it doesn’t change the storyline, roleplaying as a Nord might make choosing Ralof more immersive, while an Imperial might naturally align with Hadvar.
Does my initial choice affect the ending of the game? No. The main story ending remains the same regardless of your Civil War allegiance.
What’s the best race to choose in Skyrim? The best race depends on your preferred playstyle. Nords are generally good warriors, while High Elves excel in magic.
Can I become a Jarl in Skyrim without mods? No. Becoming a Jarl requires mods or special editions of the game.
Does joining the Imperials affect anything other than the Civil War? Not significantly. It primarily affects the Civil War questline’s outcome.
Can I have a baby in Skyrim? No. You can only adopt children in the game.
Is there a way to betray the Imperials or Stormcloaks? Yes, there is one instance you are able to hand over The Jagged Crown.
Can I switch sides during the Civil War? No, but you can choose your side at the beginning.
How does my Civil War choice impact the cities of Skyrim? Siding with a faction can lead to battles for city control, affecting their leadership and guard presence.

Who is the best choice in the beginning of Skyrim?