Why won’t guards stop attacking Whiterun?

Why Won’t Guards Stop Attacking Whiterun?

The guards in the city of Whiterun, Skyrim’s largest and most prosperous city, seem to be perpetually bent on sending you to your maker. You’ve done nothing to provoke them, yet they’re relentless in their pursuit of you. What’s going on?

Difficulty Setting

It’s worth noting that if you’ve adjusted your game’s difficulty setting to something other than Novice, the guards in Whiterun might be more aggressive towards you. On higher difficulty levels, NPCs tend to become more hostile towards the player, so if you’ve increased the challenge, the guards in Whiterun will likely become more formidable foes.

Wanted Bounty

Another possibility is that you have a significant wanted bounty on your head, and the guards in Whiterun have been informed of your nefarious deeds. Failing to turn in criminals, killing NPCs, or engaging in thievery can earn you a reputation as a fugitive, making the guards more inclined to chase you down. Check your journal to see if there are any active bounties on your head, and consider taking care of them to calm the waters.

NPC Hostility

Skyrim’s NPC system is designed to have enemies level with you to some extent, which means that as you progress in level, your enemies will also become stronger. This is a standard feature of the game’s design. However, some NPCs are more stubborn than others, and Whiterun’s guards are notorious for their tenacity. This might be because they’re simply more well-trained and equipped than their counterparts in other cities, or perhaps they’re particularly motivated by the city’s prosperity.

Distracting the Guards

In some cases, you can use noise to distract the guards and give yourself an opportunity to slip away or engage in a fight of your own terms. Shooting an arrow at a wall or making some other ruckus can draw their attention away from you, allowing you to escape. This tactic won’t necessarily stop the guards from pursuing you, but it might give you some breathing room.

Getting Away from Whiterun

If you’re being chased by the guards, there are a few ways to lose them in the wilderness:

• Head into the mountains: Whiterun’s guards won’t be able to pursue you if you venture too far into the mountains, where they can’t climb.
• Find a river: Swimming across a river will leave the guards behind, as they can’t swim.
• Get on a horse: Mounting a horse can give you a speed boost, making it easier to outrun the guards.
• Visit a neighboring city: Leaving Whiterun and traveling to a nearby city can help you reset your wanted status and lose the guards’ attention.

Resetting NPC Hostility

In some cases, you can atone for your sins and reset the NPC’s hostility towards you. In Skyrim, visiting the Church of Vows and speaking to Elden Ring’s Turtle Pope can help clear your reputation. This is a permanent solution, allowing you to start fresh without worrying about the guards bearing a grudge.

In conclusion, there are a few possible reasons why Whiterun’s guards might be chasing you relentlessly. Check your difficulty setting, bounty, and NPC hostility levels to determine the source of the issue. Whether you choose to distract them, outrun them, or reset the situation, there are several strategies available to help you navigate the challenges of playing in the city of Whiterun.

Important Notes

• Make sure you’re not on a high difficulty setting if you’re finding the guards too challenging.
• Turn in any bounties you’ve accumulated to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
• Try distracting the guards using noise to gain an advantage.
• Visit the Church of Vows to atone for your sins and reset your wanted status.