Why Can’t I Join the Imperials in Skyrim? A Deep Dive into Faction Lockouts and Missed Opportunities

So, you’re eager to don the Imperial armor, uphold the law, and bring order to Skyrim, but you’ve hit a snag. You find yourself wondering, “Why can’t I join the Imperials?” The answer, like many things in the vast world of Skyrim, is multi-faceted and depends on your actions within the game. Let’s break it down:

The most common reason for being locked out of the Imperial Legion questline is progressing too far in the main quest before making your choice. Specifically, there’s a point of no return linked to the “Talk to the Greybeards” quest. If you’ve already undertaken this quest, the game assumes you’re committed to the Dragonborn’s destiny, potentially delaying or outright preventing the start of the Imperial storyline, which begins in Solitude.

Another possibility is that you have already initiated the Stormcloak Rebellion questline. Once you take the oath to Ulfric Stormcloak, you will be notified of failing to join the opposing faction. There is one more exception though; if you chose the Imperial Legion quest line to begin with, you must not return the jagged crown to Ulfric.

Joining the Imperial Legion: A Step-by-Step Guide and Troubleshooting

To join the Imperials, head to Solitude, located in the northwest region of Skyrim. Enter the city and make your way to Castle Dour. Inside, you’ll find General Tullius, the military governor of Skyrim. Speaking with him will initiate the quest “Joining the Legion.” Tullius will then direct you to his second-in-command, Legate Rikke.

Rikke will assess your worthiness by tasking you with a trial: clearing out a fort overrun by bandits. This quest is appropriately titled “Joining the Legion“. Complete this task efficiently, returning to Rikke for your formal induction into the Imperial ranks.

Potential Roadblocks and How to Overcome Them

• Main Quest Progression: If you’ve progressed significantly in the main quest before even considering the Civil War, the option to join the Imperials might be temporarily unavailable. Try completing or at least advancing the “Dragon Rising” quest to see if it unlocks the Imperial questline. This early main quest can be bypassed through a mod, but that is another option.

• Active Stormcloak Questline: If you’ve already sworn allegiance to the Stormcloaks, you’re locked into their storyline. You can’t be a double agent. Reload an earlier save if you wish to switch sides.

• Glitches and Bugs: Skyrim, despite its popularity, is notorious for its glitches. If you believe you’ve met all the requirements but still can’t start the quest, try talking to different NPCs in Solitude or reloading a previous save. PC players can use console commands (search online for specific commands related to starting the “Joining the Legion” quest) as a last resort, but be aware that using console commands can sometimes introduce further issues.

The Importance of Choice: When and Why to Commit

The decision to join the Imperials or the Stormcloaks is a significant one that shapes the narrative and your experience within Skyrim. It impacts not only the Civil War questline but also your interactions with various NPCs and your overall perception of the game’s world. The information presented at GamesLearningSociety.org suggests that player choices and narrative impact are crucial elements in fostering engagement and deeper understanding of game worlds.

Understanding the consequences of your actions and the potential lockouts involved in each faction is vital for a smooth and enjoyable playthrough.

FAQs: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions About Joining the Imperials

Here are 15 frequently asked questions designed to further clarify the intricacies of joining the Imperial Legion in Skyrim:

Can I Join the Imperials After Starting the Main Quest?

Yes, but progressing too far into the main quest, specifically after the “Talk to the Greybeards” quest, can potentially delay or lock you out of the Imperial questline. It’s best to decide early in the game if you want to join the Imperials and pursue that path before fully committing to the Dragonborn’s destiny.

What are the benefits of joining the Imperial Legion?

Joining the Imperials provides access to unique quests, gear, and storylines. It allows you to experience Skyrim from the perspective of a structured military organization fighting to maintain order and uphold the Empire’s laws. Some players find the Imperial cause to be more aligned with their character’s moral compass.

Can I join the Imperials as a Nord?

Absolutely! While the Stormcloaks appeal primarily to Nords, many Nords within Skyrim still support the Empire. Your race doesn’t restrict your faction choice.

If I start the Stormcloak questline, can I betray them and join the Imperials?

Yes, you can betray the Stormcloaks and hand over the jagged crown to the Empire instead, if you choose the Stormcloak questline at first.

Can I join the Imperials after killing a member of their faction?

Potentially, yes. Minor skirmishes or accidental deaths of Imperial soldiers usually don’t prevent you from joining. However, deliberately targeting and killing key Imperial figures might have consequences and could lock you out of the questline. This is a circumstance where you should reload a previous save.

Do I need a specific skill level to join the Imperials?

No, there are no skill level requirements to join. The initial quest to clear out the bandit fort is relatively easy and serves as an introductory challenge for any character.

I can’t find General Tullius. Where is he located?

General Tullius is located inside Castle Dour in Solitude. If he’s not there, ensure you haven’t progressed too far into the main quest or Civil War questline, which might temporarily relocate him.

Can I join the Imperials after completing the main quest?

Yes, the Civil War questline (Imperials or Stormcloaks) is largely independent of the main quest. You can complete the main quest and then decide to join either faction afterwards.

What happens if I choose the wrong dialogue option when talking to General Tullius or Legate Rikke?

Most dialogue options don’t have permanent consequences. If you accidentally select a wrong option, simply continue the conversation, and you’ll usually be able to steer it back on track.

Does my character’s backstory affect my ability to join the Imperials?

No, your character’s backstory or past actions (outside of the Civil War questline) don’t affect your ability to join the Imperials.

What happens if I complete the Civil War questline with the Imperials?

Completing the Civil War questline with the Imperials results in the defeat of the Stormcloaks and the restoration of Imperial control over Skyrim. Ulfric Stormcloak will be killed. Windhelm will have a more accepting Jarl.

Is it possible to befriend Ulfric Stormcloak and still join the Imperials?

While you can interact with Ulfric before choosing a side, joining the Imperials ultimately places you in direct opposition to him and the Stormcloaks. Befriending him is not possible if you join the Imperials.

Can I change my mind after joining the Imperials?

No, once you swear your oath to the Imperial Legion, you are committed to their cause. There’s no way to switch sides mid-questline without reloading a previous save.

Does joining the Imperials affect my relationships with other factions, like the Thieves Guild or the Dark Brotherhood?

No, joining the Imperials generally doesn’t affect your relationships with other factions. You can still pursue their questlines and maintain your status within those organizations.

Is it better to join the Imperials or the Stormcloaks?

The “better” choice is subjective and depends on your character’s values and your preferred gameplay experience. The Games Learning Society emphasizes the importance of player agency and allowing individuals to make choices that resonate with their own beliefs and play styles.

Conclusion

Joining the Imperial Legion in Skyrim is a rewarding experience, offering a unique perspective on the game’s Civil War and the larger political landscape. By understanding the potential roadblocks, planning your playthrough accordingly, and considering your character’s motivations, you can ensure a smooth and fulfilling journey as a loyal servant of the Empire. Remember, your choices matter in Skyrim, and understanding the consequences of those choices is key to mastering the game.