Who should I choose to go with in Skyrim?

When deciding who to follow in the vast and immersive world of Skyrim, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and role-playing goals, as Ralof and Hadvar offer distinct benefits and alignments, but the overall storyline remains largely unaffected. The decision to side with the Stormcloaks or the Imperials depends on whether you want to support the independence of Skyrim or the Empire’s rule, respectively.

Understanding the Factions

Background

To make an informed decision, understanding the background and motivations of both the Stormcloaks and the Imperials is crucial. The Stormcloaks, led by Ulfric Stormcloak, seek independence for Skyrim, believing in the right to self-governance and the freedom to worship Talos, a deity forbidden by the Empire. On the other hand, the Imperials, under the leadership of General Tullius, aim to maintain the Empire’s control over Skyrim, ensuring stability and unity across the provinces.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it better to join the Stormcloaks or Imperials? The choice between joining the Stormcloaks or Imperials depends on your character’s backstory and beliefs. If your character values independence and the right to worship freely, the Stormcloaks might be the better choice. If your character believes in the unity and stability the Empire provides, then the Imperials could be more appealing.

2. What are the benefits of following Ralof? Following Ralof gives the Dragonborn an opportunity to join the Stormcloaks and support the independence of Skyrim. It also allows for certain glitches to be exploited for leveling up skills.

3. Can I marry certain characters in Skyrim? Yes, Skyrim allows players to marry certain characters, including Aela the Huntress, Mjoll the Lioness, and Camilla Valerius, among others, providing a deeper role-playing experience.

4. Who is the best person to marry in Skyrim? Mjoll the Lioness is often considered a top choice for marriage due to her noble character and dislike for corruption, making her a good companion for players who value integrity.

5. Does the gender of my character affect the gameplay? The gender of your character in Skyrim has minimal impact on the overall gameplay, except for certain perks like Agent of Dibella, which might favor female characters.

6. Can I join both the Stormcloaks and Imperials? No, you cannot join both factions simultaneously. However, you can switch sides during the Civil War questline, but this will have consequences and limit certain interactions.

7. What happens if I choose to follow Hadvar? Choosing to follow Hadvar leads to joining the Imperial Legion and working to maintain the Empire’s control over Skyrim, which includes quests to regain control of key cities.

8. Are the Imperials the good guys in Skyrim? The perception of the Imperials as good or bad depends on the player’s perspective. They aim to unify and protect the province, but their methods and restrictions, such as the ban on Talos worship, can be seen as oppressive.

9. Who are the most likable characters in Skyrim? Characters like Paarthurnax, J’zargo, and Neloth are often liked by fans due to their unique personalities and contributions to the story.

10. Can I save both Hadvar and Ralof? The fate of Hadvar and Ralof depends on the choices you make during the game. If you pick a side during the escape and later change sides, it’s implied that the character you initially chose to follow could still be alive.

11. What happens to Ralof if you join the Imperials? If you save Ralof but decide to join the Imperials, Ralof will not be available for certain quests, but it is implied he survives, allowing for a satisfaction in knowing your initial choice had a positive outcome for him.

12. Is it possible to marry Hadvar in Skyrim? No, Hadvar is not a marriable character in Skyrim. Players looking to marry must choose from the list of eligible characters.

13. What are the consequences of choosing Stormcloaks? Siding with the Stormcloaks results in changes to the leadership of certain cities, such as Whiterun, Riften, and Dawnstar, reflecting the independence of Skyrim.

14. Can I betray the Stormcloaks? Yes, you can betray the Stormcloaks by not returning the Jagged Crown to Ulfric and instead giving it to the Empire, which would be a significant plot twist.

15. How do I choose to side with the Stormcloaks? To side with the Stormcloaks, you must follow Ralof during the initial escape, then proceed to meet Ulfric Stormcloak in Windhelm and complete the Joining the Stormcloaks quest, solidifying your allegiance to the Stormcloak Rebellion.