Does it matter who you choose at the start of Skyrim?

Does it Matter Who You Choose at the Start of Skyrim?

When you first start playing The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, you’re presented with a choice that sets the tone for the rest of your adventure: who to follow out of the two prisoners, Hadvar or Ralof. But does this choice actually matter? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

The Same Story, Regardless of Choice

As it turns out, regardless of which prisoner you choose to follow, you’ll still end up in the same town, Whiterun, and the same storyline will unfold. The only difference is the company you’ll have by your side for the early parts of the game. So, what does it really matter?

A Few Minor Differences

While the choice may not drastically alter the course of the game, there are a few minor differences you can expect to encounter depending on who you choose to follow:

• Equipment: If you choose Hadvar, you’ll start with a set of leather armor and a sword. If you choose Ralof, you’ll get a set of chainmail armor and a battle-axe.
• Faction: If you choose Hadvar, you’ll become a member of the Stormcloaks, a rebel faction fighting against the Empire. If you choose Ralof, you’ll become a member of the Imperial Legion, the Empire’s military force.
• Dialogue: Some NPCs will have slightly different dialogue or reactions depending on who you chose to follow.

Joining the Other Side

But here’s the thing: you can always join the other faction later in the game. No, you don’t have to stay with the faction you chose at the beginning. You can choose to switch sides and join the opposing faction at any point in the game.

The Importance of Side Quests

While the main storyline may be the same regardless of your choice, there are many side quests and factions to explore in Skyrim. These are where the real meat of the game lies. Joining the Companions, Dark Brotherhood, or Thieves Guild, for example, can provide hours of additional gameplay and storyline.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice of who to follow at the start of Skyrim doesn’t significantly impact the game. While there may be a few minor differences, the overall story and gameplay remain the same. So, choose who you want to follow, but don’t stress too much about it. There’s still plenty of adventure to be had in Skyrim, regardless of your initial choice.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Experiment with Different Choices: Try choosing both Hadvar and Ralof to see how the game changes.
• Join Other Factions: Explore the various factions in Skyrim, such as the Dark Brotherhood or Thieves Guild, for additional gameplay and storyline.
• Play Through Multiple Times: Try playing through the game multiple times, choosing different prisoners and exploring different storylines.

FAQs

Q: Can I change my choice later in the game?
A: Yes, you can always join the opposing faction later in the game.

Q: Do my choices affect the game’s ending?
A: No, your initial choice does not significantly impact the game’s ending.

Q: What’s the best choice for a beginner?
A: Choose who you’re interested in, or try both Hadvar and Ralof to see how the game changes.