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At the end of the Civil War questline in Skyrim, players either free Skyrim from Imperial rule or re-establish the Empire’s power in the Nordic province by taking out Ulfric. Though plenty of diehard fans on both sides fervently defend their chosen alliance, both Imperials and Stormcloaks have as many upsides as downsides.
Updated June 3, 2022 by Erik Petrovich: The age-old argument of who to choose between Stormcloaks vs Imperials in Skyrim never seems to go away. With every re-release of the game, the fanbase gets stirred up over whether Imperials or Stormcloaks are better, not just in terms of politics, but in terms of aesthetics, values, and even characters. In Skyrim Imperial or Stormcloak players can progress through their side’s portion of the Skyrim Civil War questline, eventually ridding the province of the other in one of two potential endings to the conflict. You can choose not to ally with Stormcloaks or Imperials, which essentially freezes the Civil War, though there are few reasons to do this aside from saving time in a second playthrough or roleplaying.
What If You Don’t Choose Stormcloaks or Imperials?
Because Skyrim encourages players to make their own way however they wish to, it’s perfectly feasible to beat the game without ever choosing between the Skyrim Stormcloaks or Imperials. It’s perfectly possible to skip this questline, which is technically a side quest, in your pursuit of Alduin.
The world will act as though the war is still going on, and neither side will make advances on the other until the player reaches the negotiation table segment of the main quest. Here players choose the means of settling a temporary peace treaty between both sides, and it can be easier to make choices if you have no stake in either side’s claim.
The Legion Offers The More Satisfying Questline
Quests and stories play a major role in Elder Scrolls games as they fundamentally shape the player’s experience, especially when their choices have meaningful outcomes. Both Stormcloak and Imperial questlines are based around taking back areas the other faction controls, eventually leading to a final confrontation in either Solitude or Windhelm.
When it comes to the storyline and quests presented to players, it’s a toss-up. Imperials eek ahead, though, because they don’t force players to attack Whiterun, arguably the most beloved city in Skyrim or any Elder Scrolls game.
Stormcloaks Have More Interesting And Unique NPCs
While the Imperial Legion doesn’t force players to kill Jarl Balgruuf, their leadership and important NPCs are far from the most interesting in the Elder Scrolls games. General Tullius and the rest of the upper echelons of the Legion are one-sided military types, while the Stormcloak leadership is rife with interesting and unique characters.
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It’s hard to forget the raspy, terrifying voice and mannerisms of the warrior Galmar Stone-Fist, and Yrsarald Thrice-Pierced is as mysterious as he is imposing. Ulfric Stormcloak himself is a flawed character, to be certain, but after reading the Thalmor Dossier on his torture one can begin to understand his complex feelings towards the Empire.
Imperials Stand A Better Chance Against The Aldmeri Dominion
While the Civil War is the focal point for major conflicts throughout Skyrim, the Stormcloaks aren’t the only imminent threat facing the Empire. The White-Gold Concordat was only signed as a temporary peace treaty between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion, and as soon as the agreement ends the Great War of the Fourth Era will resume.
The terms of the agreement, specifically the ban on Talos worship, was the spark that ignited the Stormcloak Rebellion. However, if the Stormcloaks win and take over Skyrim, they will be woefully unprepared to take on a force as organized and overwhelming as the Aldmeri Dominion. Taking Skyrim back for the Empire presents a more unified front against the elven aggressors.
The Legion Is Diverse, While The Stormcloaks Are Mainly Nords
The Empire stretches across Tamriel, encompassing many areas of influence spread throughout the various cultures of the continent. For as many issues as the bureaucratic Imperials have, they are more accepting of non-human races than most thanks to this blending of cultures, a diversity that is reflected in the Legion’s ranks.
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The Stormcloaks, however, seem to have it out for just about any race that isn’t a Nord. While their attitudes towards Elves are understandable, they see Imperials and Bretons as lesser races of man, and as such have a fighting force almost entirely made up by Nords. Depending on your character’s race, it makes more lore sense to join one faction over the other.
Stormcloak Cities Are Rustic and Rugged, But Disorderly…
When it comes to pure aesthetics of their settings, the Stormcloaks have the upper hand, generally. Their cities, towns, and major settlements are all built into mountains and surrounded by wilderness, whether it’s as harsh as Windhelm’s biting blizzards or as refreshing as Riften’s peaceful waters.
The downside of Stormcloak settlements is the relative lack of law, or rather the lack of authoritative order to control the citizens. Riften is a good example of how a Stormcloak city can fall in stature without the orderliness akin to Imperials. However, because of this lack of order, the people feel more raw, realistic to the harsh times in Stormcloak territory.
…Imperial Settlements Have Order and Architecture, But Lack Personality
While Stormcloak cities tend to be located in beautiful areas of the world, Imperial cities are a marvel to look at on their own. Solitude is the shining example of this, being the Empire’s major foothold in the province, though other Imperial-controlled settlements also feature its same attention to architecture, use of space, and grandeur (even in a smaller sense).
The problem with Imperial settlements is that they lack personality. They are all built for a purpose with little thought given to their natural surroundings. Their architecture is certainly advanced, but it’s nowhere near as impressive as the tar pits south of Windhelm or the misty natural beauty surrounding Riften.
So, Should You Pick The Imperials Or The Stormcloaks?
Ultimately the choice to go with the Imperials or the Stormcloaks is a personal one that depends on the direction you want to take your character. Nord characters will find a home among the Stormcloaks, as long as they agree with their point of view on the Empire. Other races will find Imperials welcoming them with open arms, provided they yield some power to the Empire.
Pick Imperial if you want to play a character who is originally from a place aside from Skyrim, as it doesn’t make sense to fight under a banner that ultimately won’t accept you. Pick Stormcloak if you believe the Empire has no right to say what Skyrim denizens can and can’t do, especially if you are a Nord. If you play a High Elf, though, it is actually lore-accurate to play Stormcloak, as several Thalmor documents imply that they favor the Stormcloaks in their attempts to oust the Empire (and thus give the Aldmeri Dominion a stronger chance to take over the province later on).
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S
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