Whose Side to Take in Skyrim: A Deep Dive into the Civil War
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The million-dollar question in Skyrim: Imperials or Stormcloaks? The truth is, there’s no objectively “right” answer. It all boils down to your personal preferences, roleplaying desires, and what you value most within the game’s rich world. Consider your character’s race, their beliefs, and what you want to achieve in Skyrim. The civil war is a major storyline and it pays to consider all of your options.
Understanding the Factions
Before making a decision, let’s examine each faction’s core beliefs and motivations:
The Imperial Legion
The Imperials represent the established order. They strive to maintain the Empire’s control over Skyrim, believing it’s the best way to ensure peace and stability. However, they are currently operating under the strict conditions of the White-Gold Concordat, a treaty with the Thalmor that forbids the worship of Talos, a revered hero-god in Skyrim.
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Pros:
- Order and Stability: Believe in a unified Empire.
- Strategic Advantage: Stronger military and resources.
- Thalmor Resistance: Secretly hate the Thalmor, playing along to rebuild.
- Cosplay potential: Who doesn’t want to fireball and shout as a Roman Legionnaire?
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Cons:
- Thalmor Influence: Enforce the ban on Talos worship.
- Suppression of Skyrim Culture: Viewed as outsiders imposing their rule.
- Moral Ambiguity: Complicity with the Thalmor undermines their claims of justice.
The Stormcloaks
The Stormcloaks, led by Ulfric Stormcloak, are a rebel faction fighting for Skyrim’s independence from the Empire. They believe Skyrim should be ruled by Nords and free to worship Talos without interference.
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Pros:
- Freedom and Independence: Fight for Skyrim’s self-determination.
- Nord Pride: Uphold Nord traditions and religious beliefs.
- Anti-Thalmor Stance: Openly defy the Thalmor.
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Cons:
- Potential Instability: Independence could lead to chaos and infighting.
- Nord Supremacy: Accusations of racism and intolerance towards non-Nords.
- Ulfric’s Ambitions: Questions about his true motives and leadership.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing
Several factors can influence your decision:
- Character Race: A Nord might naturally gravitate towards the Stormcloaks, while an Imperial character might feel more aligned with the Empire.
- Moral Compass: Do you value order and stability above all else, or do you prioritize freedom and self-determination?
- Religious Beliefs: How important is the worship of Talos to your character?
- Gameplay Preferences: Do you prefer a structured military campaign (Imperials) or a more guerilla-style rebellion (Stormcloaks)?
Impact on Gameplay
While the civil war questline offers a compelling narrative, its impact on the overall gameplay is somewhat limited:
- Territorial Control: The winning faction gains control of various cities and holds, but this mainly affects guard patrols and Jarls.
- Quest Rewards: Each faction offers unique armor and weapons, but these are not significantly better than other options available in the game.
- Dialogue: Certain NPCs will react differently to you depending on which side you’ve chosen.
Important Considerations
- The Thalmor: Both the Empire and the Stormcloaks have issues with the Thalmor. The Empire is forced to comply with their demands, while the Stormcloaks openly resist them.
- Post-War Skyrim: Regardless of who wins, Skyrim will likely face challenges in the aftermath of the civil war, including rebuilding, dealing with the Thalmor, and managing internal conflicts.
- Your Personal Story: Ultimately, the best choice is the one that feels right for your character and enhances your overall Skyrim experience.
FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions About Skyrim’s Civil War
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide even more clarity on the Skyrim civil war:
1. Are the Imperials the good guys in Skyrim?
Not necessarily. The Imperials represent the established government and prioritize order. However, they are forced to comply with the Thalmor, which involves outlawing Talos worship. This makes them appear as oppressors to many Nords. Their compromises, while strategic, come at the cost of cultural autonomy.
2. Are the Stormcloaks or Imperials better?
There’s no objectively “better” faction. The Imperials have better equipment and training. The Stormcloaks fight for Skyrim’s freedom to worship as they wish. It depends on what you value most. For Roman Legionnaire cosplayers the choice is clear.
3. Does it matter who you choose in Skyrim?
Yes, but mostly in terms of story and roleplay. Your choice affects which side you fight for in the civil war questline and which characters support you. The actual gameplay differences are relatively minor.
4. Should I go with Hadvar or Ralof?
At the very beginning of the game it is almost always recommended to go with Ralof, as you will get better stuff to sell. This is not true, Hadvar is statistically the better choice because they are the same. Both of them lead you to the same path.
5. Can you join both the Imperials and Stormcloaks?
No, you can only join one faction or the other. Once you commit to one side, you are locked out of joining the other. There is no way to join both.
6. Can I betray the Stormcloaks?
Yes, during the “Jagged Crown” quest, you can retrieve the crown for the Stormcloaks, but instead of giving it to Ulfric, you can give it to General Tullius of the Imperial Legion.
7. What happens if you save Ralof but join the Imperials?
The storyline remains mostly identical to the one where you save Hadvar and join the Imperials. You won’t encounter Hadvar during the scouting mission or have the dialogue about the reunion.
8. Is Ulfric a bad guy?
It’s debatable. Ulfric can be viewed as a patriot fighting for his people’s freedom or a power-hungry rebel whose actions could destabilize Skyrim. His methods are often questionable.
9. What happens if you choose Stormcloaks?
If you side with the Stormcloaks, you will fight to liberate Skyrim from the Empire. This will result in changes in leadership in some cities, with Stormcloak supporters taking over as Jarls.
10. Can you switch sides in Skyrim?
Yes, but only during the “Jagged Crown” quest. You can retrieve the crown and then choose to give it to the opposing faction, switching your allegiance.
11. What race should you be in Skyrim?
There isn’t a “best” race, but Nords are well-suited for the Skyrim setting due to their cultural connection and resistance to cold. Orcs and Nords are both strong.
12. What happens if you side with the Imperials or Stormcloaks?
Siding with the Stormcloaks gives you the opportunity to become Thane of Windhelm and own Hjerim. Siding with the imperials makes things in the long run much easier.
13. Who do the Imperials hate in Skyrim?
While they outwardly comply with the Thalmor, the Imperials secretly resent them and view them as a threat. The Empire is waiting to fight.
14. Will I lose Lydia if I join the Stormcloaks?
No, your follower and spouse (including Lydia) will not be affected by your choice in the civil war.
15. Is there a morally right faction to join?
No, both factions have compelling arguments and flaws, making the choice a matter of personal values and roleplaying preferences. The game wants you to feel the conflict.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a side in the Skyrim civil war is a significant decision that can shape your character’s journey. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each faction, consider your character’s motivations, and ultimately choose the path that feels most meaningful to you. Remember that your choices have consequence. The important thing is for you to have fun!
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