Can you play both sides of the Civil War in Skyrim?
In the world of Skyrim, the Civil War is a pivotal event that divides the province into two factions: the Stormcloaks, led by Ulfric Stormcloak, and the Imperial Legion, led by General Tullius. While the majority of the game’s main quest is focused on resolving this conflict, some players may be wondering if they can play both sides or join the war effort simultaneously. The answer is yes, but with certain limitations.
Temporary Truce
One way to play both sides is by taking a temporary truce during the main quest. After reaching the climax of the Civil War, you will have the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Emperor Titus Mede II, the ruler of the Empire, and Ulfric Stormcloak, the leader of the Stormcloaks. Here, you can choose to take a truce, which will stop the fighting between the two factions, allowing you to continue with the main quest without joining either side. This temporary truce lasts until you complete the main quest and the Civil War questline.
Consequences of Joining
However, if you join either side, you will have committed to the conflict, and the consequences will be permanent. Once you join the Imperial Legion, you will have automatically failed the Stormcloak questline, and vice versa. This means that you will no longer be able to visit Stormcloak or Imperial camps, and their respective armies will become hostile towards you.
Practical Differences
While it may not seem like it at first, joining one side has some practical implications. Imperial camps will become hostile, and Stormcloak camps will become hostile towards you, respectively. Some towns and cities may still be friendly, but major cities will not react. Here is a summary of the key differences:
| Aspect | Imperial | Stormcloak |
|---|---|---|
| Camps | Hostile | Friendly |
| Forts | Hostile | Friendly |
| Towns/Cities | Neutral | Neutral |
Tips for Playing Both Sides
- Main Quest: Focus on the main quest and take a temporary truce to stop the Civil War.
- No Commitment: Avoid committing to either side until you have completed the main quest.
- Visit Camps: Make sure to visit both camps and the respective leaders to understand the motivations and objectives of each faction.
- Weigh the Consequences: Consider the potential consequences of joining one side before making a decision.
- Play Both Ways: You can play as both sides by taking on quests from each faction separately, without committing to the war.
Conclusion
In Skyrim, you can play both sides of the Civil War, but be aware that joining one side will commit you to that faction’s questline. Take a temporary truce during the main quest and focus on completing the primary storyline. Visit both camps and understand the motivations and objectives of each faction to make informed decisions. Playing both ways can be challenging, but it allows for a richer and more nuanced experience.