What happens if I don’t join Imperials or Stormcloaks?
In the game Skyrim, players are given the option to join the Imperials or the Stormcloaks, two groups vying for control over the province of Skyrim. However, not all players may want to join one of these factions, either due to personal preference or a desire to play as a neutral character. But what exactly happens if you decide not to join either of these groups?
Avoiding the Civil War
The first and most noticeable consequence of not joining Imperials or Stormcloaks is that you avoid participating in the Civil War storyline. This means that you won’t receive the subsequent quests and missions that the factions offer, and the conflict will continue to escalate without your involvement.
Impact on the Game
Joining neither faction does not have a significant impact on the overall story or gameplay of Skyrim. Your character will still be free to explore the world, complete quests, and take on various missions and jobs. However, some dialogue options and interactions may change or become unavailable, as the factions will no longer recognize you as a potential ally or enemy.
Stunted Main Quest
While joining neither faction won’t drastically alter the main story, it can lead to some stunted progression in the main quest. Characters may not recognize your abilities or accomplishments, and key NPCs may not interact with you as they would have if you had joined the Empire or Stormcloak ranks. However, this won’t necessarily prevent you from progressing through the main storyline or achieving the game’s main objectives.
Other Options
If you decide not to join Imperials or Stormcloaks, there are still other options for your character to participate in the conflict. You can:
- Stay out of the conflict: Decline the invitation to join the factions and avoid involvement in the Civil War altogether.
- Become an assassin: Use your abilities to take out key members of both factions, manipulating the conflict to your advantage.
- Seek the support of other factions: Consider joining other groups or factions, such as the Companions, College of Winterhold, or the Dark Brotherhood, to take a different path in the game.
Conclusion
Ultimately, not joining Imperials or Stormcloaks in Skyrim is a perfectly valid choice, and the game will still offer you a rich and immersive experience. While you may miss out on some dialogue and interaction options, the absence of the Civil War plot won’t significantly impact the overall story or gameplay of the game. With various other options available, your character can still take a unique path and make meaningful contributions to the world of Skyrim.