Skyrim: Imperials Or Stormcloaks Pros And Cons. Skyrim fans have been debating whether to join the Imperials or the Stormcloaks since the game’s debut more than a decade ago. The Imperials are, of course, the faction that came close to putting the player to death. Though less bureaucratic, the Stormcloaks have nevertheless engaged in a number of morally questionable behaviours.
Players can either free Skyrim from Imperial authority or restore the Empire’s dominance in the Nordic region by defeating Ulfric at the end of the Civil War questline in Skyrim. Though there are many ardent supporters on both sides, both the Imperials and the Stormcloaks have advantages and disadvantages.
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Skyrim: Imperials Or Stormcloaks Pros And Cons
Erik Petrovich updated this page on June 3, 2022: The age-old debate over whether to choose Stormcloaks or Imperials in Skyrim never seems to end. Every time the game re-released, the fanbase divided on whether Imperials or Stormcloaks are superior in terms of politics. Aesthetics, ideals, and even characters. Players can go through their side’s section of the Skyrim Civil War questline in Skyrim Imperial or Stormcloak, eventually ridding the province of the other in one of two possible endings to the fight. You can choose not to ally with Stormcloaks or Imperials, thereby freezing the Civil War, but there are few reasons to do so other than to save time in a second playthrough or for roleplaying.
What If You Don’t Choose Stormcloaks or Imperials?
Because Skyrim invites players to go their own way, it’s entirely possible to complete the game without ever having to choose between the Skyrim Stormcloaks and Imperials. In your pursuit of Alduin, it’s absolutely possible to ignore this questline, which is technically a side quest.
The world will act as if the war is still ongoing, and neither side will make any progress against the other until the player reaches the main quest’s bargaining table phase. Players pick how to settle a temporary peace treaty between the two sides, and it’s easier to make decisions if you don’t have a stake in either side’s claim.
The Legion Offers The More Satisfying Questline
Quests and tales are important in Elder Scrolls games because they impact the player’s experience, especially when their decisions have significant consequences. Both the Stormcloak and Imperial questlines revolve around reclaiming lands controlled by the other group, culminating in a final clash in either Solitude or Windhelm.
It’s a toss-up when it comes to the plot and tasks available to players. Imperials have an advantage over players because they do not push them to attack Whiterun, probably the most beloved city in Skyrim or any Elder Scrolls game.
Stormcloaks Have More Interesting And Unique NPCs
While players not obligated to murder Jarl Balgruuf. The Imperial Legion’s leadership and significant NPCs are among the least fascinating in the Elder Scrolls games. General Tullius and the rest of the Legion’s higher echelons are one-sided military types. But the Stormcloak leadership is full of interesting and diverse personalities.
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The warrior Galmar Stone-raspy, Fist’s menacing voice and mannerisms are impossible to forget. While Yrsarald Thrice-Pierced is as mysterious as he is intimidating. To be sure, Ulfric Stormcloak is a problematic man. But after reading the Thalmor Dossier on his torture. One can begin to see his complicated views toward the Empire.
Imperials Stand A Better Chance Against The Aldmeri Dominion
While the Civil War is the focus of major conflicts across Skyrim, the Stormcloaks aren’t the Empire’s only immediate threat. The White-Gold Concordat only intended to a temporary peace deal between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion. And the Great War of the Fourth Era will begin as soon as the accord expires.
The Stormcloak Rebellion sparked by the provisions of the pact. Notably the prohibition on Talos worship. If the Stormcloaks prevail and take over Skyrim. They will woefully unprepared to face the Aldmeri Dominion’s organised and overwhelming military. Taking taking Skyrim for the Empire creates a more united front against the elves.
The Legion Is Diverse, While The Stormcloaks Are Mainly Nords
The Empire spreads across Tamriel, embracing several spheres of influence across the continent’s diverse cultures. Despite their many problems, the bureaucratic Imperials are more accommodating of non-human races than most because of this merging of cultures, which is evident in the Legion’s ranks.
The Stormcloaks, on the other hand, appear to have a vendetta towards any race that isn’t a Nord. While their sentiments toward Elves are comprehensible. They regard Imperials and Bretons as inferior species of man, and as a result. Their fighting army nearly completely composed of Nords. It makes more lore sense to join one group over the other depending on your character’s race.
Stormcloak Cities Are Rustic and Rugged, But Disorderly…
In general, the Stormcloaks have the upper hand when it comes to the pure aesthetics of their settings. Their towns, cities, and big settlements are all constructed into mountains and surrounded by nature, whether it’s as harsh as Windhelm’s stinging blizzards or as soothing as Riften’s calm waters.
The lack of law, or rather, the lack of authoritative order to regulate the population. Is a disadvantage of Stormcloak towns. Riften is a wonderful example of how a Stormcloak city can lose its significance if it lacks the orderliness of Imperial cities. The people, on the other hand, are more raw and realistic about the terrible times in Stormcloak territory as a result of the absence of order.
Imperial Settlements Have Order and Architecture, But Lack Personality
While Stormcloak cities often found in scenic sections of the realm. Imperial cities are stunning in their own right. The Empire’s main foothold in the province, Solitude, is a magnificent example of this. While other Imperial-controlled settlements share its attention to construction. Use of space, and grandeur (even in a smaller sense).
Imperial colonies have a difficulty in that they lack personality. They’re all designed with a specific purpose in mind, with little regard for their natural surroundings. Their architecture is impressive, but it pales in comparison to the tar pits south of Windhelm or the hazy natural beauty that surrounds Riften.
So, Should You Pick The Imperials Or The Stormcloaks?
In the end, whether you choose the Imperials or the Stormcloaks is a personal decision that relies on the path you wish to take your character down. Characters from the North will fit in with the Stormcloaks as long as they share their views on the Empire. Other races will welcomed with open arms by Imperials if they agree to hand over some power to the Empire.
If you wish to play a character who isn’t from Skyrim, go with Imperial. As fighting for a banner that won’t accept you makes no sense. If you believe the Empire has no right to dictate what Skyrim residents may and cannot do. Especially if you are a Nord, choose Stormcloak. However, if you’re playing a High Elf, it’s really more lore-accurate to play Stormcloak. As various Thalmor records indicate that the Stormcloaks preferred in the Empire’s fight
