The Victor’s Spoils: Officially, Who Won the Skyrim Civil War?

Officially, the Skyrim Civil War concludes with a victory for whichever side the Dragonborn champions. There’s no ambiguous ending, no secret third path, and no true “lore-consistent” winner that overrides player choice. The game is designed to give players a sense of agency and impact on the world, meaning the fate of Skyrim rests in the hands of the player character. Whether you choose to crush the Stormcloak rebellion and maintain Imperial rule or fight for Skyrim’s independence and establish a Nord-ruled kingdom, that decision becomes the official outcome within your playthrough.

The Empire’s Grip vs. the Stormcloak Rebellion: A Closer Look

To understand the nuances of the conflict, let’s examine both sides. The Imperial Legion represents the established authority, clinging to a weakened but still-powerful Empire. They believe maintaining order and adhering to treaties, even those they find distasteful (like the banning of Talos worship by the White-Gold Concordat), is the only way to survive against the looming threat of the Aldmeri Dominion (Thalmor).

The Stormcloaks, led by the charismatic Ulfric Stormcloak, champion Skyrim’s freedom and the right to worship Talos, a Nord hero who ascended to godhood. They view the Empire as weak and subservient to the Thalmor, and believe Skyrim must forge its own destiny, even if it means standing alone.

The game presents compelling arguments for both sides, avoiding a simplistic “good vs. evil” narrative. The Empire offers stability and protection, but at the cost of cultural identity and religious freedom. The Stormcloaks promise independence and self-determination, but risk internal division and vulnerability to external threats.

The Dragonborn’s Influence: A Decisive Factor

Regardless of which side holds a strategic advantage or has more compelling arguments, the Dragonborn’s decision is paramount. The Dragonborn is a powerful individual whose actions greatly influence the direction of Skyrim’s future. The player’s choices regarding joining the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks determine which side ultimately wins the war.

The Aftermath of Victory

Whether the Imperials or Stormcloaks emerge victorious, Skyrim faces significant challenges. A Stormcloak victory could lead to a fractured Empire, making it easier for the Aldmeri Dominion to conquer Tamriel. An Imperial victory could leave Skyrim resentful and unstable, ripe for future rebellions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Skyrim Civil War

To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Skyrim Civil War, here are 15 frequently asked questions, answered in detail:

1. Who is supposed to win the civil war in Skyrim according to the lore? Lore-wise, there’s no definitive “canon” winner. Bethesda intentionally leaves the outcome ambiguous. Arguments can be made for both sides based on in-game events and historical context, but ultimately, the Dragonborn’s choice dictates the outcome. A common theory suggests the Empire is the more likely victor, given their resources, but this is speculative.

2. What happens if the Stormcloaks win the war? If the Stormcloaks win, Ulfric Stormcloak typically becomes High King of Skyrim. Skyrim declares its independence from the Empire. The long-term consequences are debated, but most scenarios suggest a weakened Empire is more vulnerable to the Aldmeri Dominion. Some also suggest Skyrim will face internal conflicts due to Ulfric’s policies.

3. What happens if the Imperials win the war? An Imperial victory results in Skyrim remaining part of the Empire. The Stormcloak rebellion is crushed, and a new Jarl, loyal to the Empire, is installed in Windhelm. While order is restored, resentment may linger, potentially leading to future unrest.

4. Do the Thalmor want Ulfric to win the Skyrim Civil War? The Thalmor’s dossier on Ulfric indicates they want to prolong the conflict, not necessarily ensure a Stormcloak victory. A weakened Skyrim, regardless of who rules it, benefits the Thalmor by diverting Imperial resources and sowing discord within Tamriel. They view Ulfric as a valuable (though potentially uncontrollable) asset in this scheme.

5. Can you peacefully end the Skyrim Civil War? There is no genuine peaceful resolution to the Civil War questline within the base game. The “truce” brokered during the main quest is temporary and only serves to address the dragon threat. The conflict resumes immediately afterward until one side is defeated.

6. What are the two sides of the Skyrim Civil War fighting for? The Empire fights to maintain control over Skyrim and preserve the integrity of the Empire. The Stormcloaks fight for Skyrim’s independence and the right to worship Talos freely.

7. Is Ulfric Stormcloak a good or bad guy? Ulfric is a complex character. He’s a passionate and charismatic leader fighting for what he believes is right for Skyrim, but he’s also accused of being ambitious, prejudiced, and even a Thalmor asset. Whether he is “good” or “bad” is a matter of perspective and player interpretation.

8. Why do the Stormcloaks hate the Empire? The Stormcloaks believe the Empire is weak and has betrayed Skyrim by banning Talos worship under the White-Gold Concordat with the Aldmeri Dominion. They see the Empire as no longer representing Skyrim’s interests and values.

9. Is it better to side with the Imperials or Stormcloaks? There’s no objectively “better” side. The choice depends on your character’s values, beliefs, and roleplaying preferences. Consider what’s most important to you: stability, freedom, religious expression, racial equality, or Imperial unity.

10. Does the Civil War affect the rest of the game? The Civil War directly affects the political landscape of Skyrim, changing the Jarls (rulers) of certain holds. It also impacts dialogue and NPC attitudes. However, the fundamental gameplay remains largely the same, regardless of which side wins. The Games Learning Society has done several studies on how video games, like Skyrim, affect player values. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

11. Who is General Tullius? General Tullius is the Imperial military governor of Skyrim and the leader of the Imperial Legion forces. He’s a skilled strategist and a staunch believer in Imperial law and order.

12. What is the White-Gold Concordat? The White-Gold Concordat is a treaty signed between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion after the Great War. It bans the worship of Talos and grants the Thalmor certain concessions within Imperial territory, which are major grievances for the Stormcloaks.

13. Can you lose the Civil War in Skyrim? In the unmodded game, you cannot lose the Civil War. Once you choose a side, that side is guaranteed to win. Mods can alter this, allowing for defeats and more dynamic outcomes.

14. Does the Civil War affect Thane status? Yes. If the Jarl of a hold changes due to civil war events, you will lose your title as Thane for that hold. You’ll need to earn the new Jarl’s favor to regain your Thane status.

15. Does the Civil War impact the main questline (Alduin)? The Civil War has no impact on the core narrative of the main questline involving Alduin. The Dragonborn’s role in defeating Alduin remains unchanged regardless of the outcome of the war. The war must be temporarily stopped so that the Dragonborn can continue with the main quest.

In conclusion, the Skyrim Civil War’s “official” winner is determined solely by the player’s choice. There is no predetermined outcome dictated by lore. This player agency is a key element of Skyrim’s appeal, allowing players to shape the destiny of the province according to their own values and desires.