Can You Be a Villain in Skyrim?
In the world of Skyrim, the Dragonborn is often portrayed as a hero, tasked with saving the world from the return of the dragons. However, the game also offers players the opportunity to play as a villain, making morally questionable choices and wreaking havoc on the world. In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities of being a villain in Skyrim, examining the different choices and actions that can be taken to achieve this goal.
Two Chances to Be a Bad Guy During the Main Story
During the main Skyrim questline, players are given two chances to commit terrible, sometimes atrocious acts. The first opportunity arises during the "Diplomatic Immunity" quest, where a distraction is needed to slip out of the party. Here, players can choose to commit a murder, or other heinous act, to achieve their goal.
The second opportunity comes later in the game, when players are given the choice to betray the Empire and join the Stormcloaks. This decision can lead to the player character becoming a rebel leader, waging war against the Empire and its allies.
Other Ways to Be a Villain in Skyrim
While the main story offers limited opportunities to play as a villain, there are other ways to achieve this goal. Here are a few examples:
- Join a Dark Brotherhood Contract: The Dark Brotherhood is a secret society of assassins that can be joined through various means. Once a member, players can take on contracts to kill specific targets, including innocent civilians.
- Become a Thieves Guild Member: The Thieves Guild is a group of thieves and rogues that can be joined through completing specific quests. As a member, players can steal from NPCs, including those who are vulnerable or defenseless.
- Engage in Banditry: Players can choose to become bandits, robbing and pillaging travelers and villagers. This can be done through various means, including joining a bandit camp or simply taking up a life of crime.
- Use Magic for Evil: Skyrim’s magic system allows players to create powerful spells and potions. By choosing to use these abilities for evil, players can wreak havoc on the world, casting spells that harm innocent civilians and destroying property.
Consequences of Playing as a Villain
Playing as a villain in Skyrim can have significant consequences for the game world and its inhabitants. Here are a few examples:
- Increased Enemy Aggression: When players engage in villainous activities, they can expect to encounter increased aggression from enemies, including guards, bandits, and other hostile NPCs.
- Damage to Reputation: Players who consistently choose to play as villains can damage their reputation, making it more difficult to interact with certain NPCs and gain their trust.
- Decreased NPC Trust: As players engage in villainous activities, NPCs may begin to distrust them, leading to decreased dialogue options and potential loss of allies.
- Impact on the Game’s Story: Players who choose to play as villains can alter the game’s story, potentially changing the outcome of key quests and events.
Can You Survive as a Villain in Skyrim?
While playing as a villain in Skyrim can be a fun and challenging experience, it’s important to note that the game is designed to punish players who engage in morally questionable behavior. Here are a few tips for surviving as a villain in Skyrim:
- Be Stealthy: When engaging in villainous activities, it’s essential to be stealthy and avoid detection. This can be achieved through the use of stealth skills, sneak attacks, and careful planning.
- Use Your Abilities Wisely: Players who choose to play as villains must use their abilities wisely, choosing the right tools and tactics for the job.
- Build a Strong Reputation: While it may seem counterintuitive, building a strong reputation as a villain can be beneficial. This can be achieved through completing contracts, gaining the trust of other villains, and consistently engaging in villainous activities.
- Be Prepared to Fight: When players engage in villainous activities, they must be prepared to fight. This can include engaging in combat with guards, bandits, and other hostile NPCs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, playing as a villain in Skyrim is a viable option for players who want to experience the game in a different way. By engaging in morally questionable behavior, players can alter the game’s story, damage their reputation, and increase enemy aggression. However, playing as a villain also requires careful planning and execution, as the game is designed to punish players who engage in villainous activities. With the right skills, abilities, and tactics, players can survive as villains in Skyrim and experience the game in a unique and challenging way.