Skyrim’s civil war defines the political tension and military conflict that runs through the game’s narrative. Caught between the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks, players are given the chance to influence the future of the province through direct action. This guide covers both factions, key missions, battlefield outcomes, and the long-term consequences of your decisions.
The Two Factions Explained
Imperial Legion
The Empire of Tamriel seeks to maintain control over Skyrim and preserve the stability of the continent. Led by General Tullius, the Legion is disciplined, formal, and allied with the Thalmor by treaty, which causes distrust among many Nords. Their base is Castle Dour in Solitude.
Stormcloaks
A rebellion led by Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm, who sees the Empire as weak and compromised. Ulfric aims to restore Skyrim’s independence and protect Nordic traditions, especially religious freedom. The Stormcloak headquarters is the Palace of the Kings in Windhelm.
How to Join a Faction
After the Unbound quest, players can choose which side to join. Talk to Hadvar to side with the Imperials, or Ralof for the Stormcloaks. However, you are not locked in until you complete the relevant initiation quests:
- Joining the Legion starts with a visit to General Tullius in Solitude.
- Joining the Stormcloaks begins with Ulfric Stormcloak in Windhelm.
Each side will test your loyalty through a trial mission before accepting you.
Major Quests and Progression
The civil war questline is mirrored between both factions. While locations and objectives vary, the structure remains the same.
Imperial Questline Highlights:
- The Jagged Crown
Retrieve an ancient crown to strengthen your claim over Skyrim’s leadership. - Battle for Whiterun
Seize or defend the pivotal central city. This battle shifts the balance of power. - Reunification of Skyrim
A multi-part campaign culminating in the final assault on Windhelm.
Stormcloak Questline Highlights:
- The Jagged Crown
Also pursued by the Stormcloaks, but with different motives. - Battle for Whiterun
You attack the city in an effort to liberate it from Imperial control. - Liberation of Skyrim
A campaign to capture hold after hold, ending with a siege on Solitude.
Each side also includes hold-specific missions such as taking Fort Greenwall, Fort Sungard, or Fort Snowhawk.
Key Battles and Locations
- Whiterun is always the first major city to fall. Its central location means it is contested early.
- Windhelm and Solitude are the capitals of their respective factions and the final battlegrounds.
- Forts act as strongholds between holds. Taking a fort usually signifies the transfer of power in that hold.
These large-scale battles are fought with dozens of soldiers, siege equipment, and scripted moments.
The Negotiation Option: Season Unending
If you delay choosing a side until after starting the main quest The Fallen, the game offers a diplomatic alternative. The Season Unending peace summit temporarily pauses the civil war, dividing territory in a negotiated settlement. This prevents the war from disrupting the main story but leaves the conflict unresolved unless you later commit to one side.
Consequences and World Impact
Whichever side you choose, the opposing faction is defeated and their leaders are killed or exiled. Jarls are replaced based on allegiance, which reshapes the political map of Skyrim.
- Stormcloak Victory
Skyrim becomes independent. The Empire loses influence, and the Dominion’s grip weakens in the region. Talos worship is openly restored. - Imperial Victory
The rebellion is crushed. Skyrim remains part of the Empire. Ulfric and his generals are removed. The Thalmor continue to observe Skyrim closely.
The game world reflects these changes in dialogue, hold guards, and map markers. However, civil war does not continue into dynamic events. Once the campaign ends, the world stabilises under the new regime.
Roleplaying Considerations
- Nord Characters may feel a natural pull toward the Stormcloaks, but this can conflict with players who oppose Ulfric’s racial policies or political extremism.
- Non-Nords often face hostility from Stormcloak NPCs, especially Dunmer and Argonians. This shapes many players’ choice to support the Empire.
- Religious Characters who value Talos worship may struggle with the Empire’s compliance with the White-Gold Concordat.
- Lawful vs Rebellious Playstyles often determine choice. The Empire represents order and central authority, while the Stormcloaks favour autonomy and tradition.
Can You End the War Peacefully?
Not entirely. Even if you complete Season Unending, the war remains unresolved. You must eventually pick a side to fully close the questline. There is no option to unify Skyrim or form a third way. The game presents it as a binary conflict with no middle path.
The Seven Swords takeaway:
Skyrim’s civil war is a clash of identity, culture, and history. While some choices lead to more favourable world states for certain characters or ideologies, there is no universally right answer. Each faction carries compromise, and the game never offers a clean moral resolution. Your decision shapes not just the land, but the tone of your character’s legacy.
