Does it matter who you pick at the start of Skyrim?
No, who you pick at the start of Skyrim (Ralof the Stormcloak or Hadvar the Imperial) doesn't significantly impact the overall game; the choice mainly changes your immediate escape route from Helgen and offers minor starting gear/contacts in Riverwood (like free armor/materials from Hadvar's uncle or lodging from Ralof's sister), but both paths lead to the same main quest and civil war later on, allowing you to join either faction regardless of your initial choice.Does it matter who you follow at the start of Skyrim?
No, who you follow at the start of Skyrim (Ralof the Stormcloak or Hadvar the Imperial) doesn't significantly matter for the overall game, as you can join either faction later; the main differences are minor loot/rewards in the first town (Riverwood) and which soldiers you fight during the escape. Siding with Hadvar offers early access to blacksmith supplies from his uncle, Alvor, while Ralof lets you get heavy armor from fallen Imperials and a key to a house.Is it better to go with Hadvar or Ralof?
You should go with Hadvar for early Smithing/Two-Handed loot (ingots, items from Alvor's shop) or Ralof for better starting gold (Imperial armor to sell) and Heavy Armor/One-Handed gear, but the choice has no major long-term impact, only slight variations in early game items, and doesn't lock you into a faction. Choose based on whether you prefer early crafting/melee or early selling/heavy armor for your first few levels, or just pick the character you like best.Does the first choice in Skyrim matter?
It honestly doesn't matter which you choose at first. You can always change. I go with the imperials at first because doing so let's you take the ingots at the Riverwood blacksmith by the armor bench. Helps start off smithing early.Does it matter who you go with in the beginning of Skyrim?
No, your choice between Ralof (Stormcloak) and Hadvar (Imperial) at the beginning of Skyrim doesn't significantly matter long-term, as you can still join either faction later; it mostly affects your initial loot and who you meet in Riverwood, with Hadvar offering blacksmith materials and Ralof providing valuable light armor from fallen Imperials.Which Faction Should You Choose In Skyrim? | Stormcloaks or Imperials
What's the best character to start with in Skyrim?
In Skyrim's opening, the main choice after the dragon attack is escaping Helgen with either Hadvar (Imperial) or Ralof (Stormcloak), a decision that offers minor early-game benefits like specific armor (heavy with Ralof, light with Hadvar) or access to smithing supplies (Hadvar), but has no major impact on the overall story, allowing you to join either faction later. Hadvar leads to a blacksmith who provides ingots, while Ralof leads to a Stormcloak family; choose based on your preferred early loot or roleplaying.What are the consequences of choosing Ralof?
But if you choose Ralof you get to kill the imperial captain that wanted you beheaded, so it is very satisfying plus you get her armor. Also, siding with Ralof let's you fight the torturer, siding with Hadvar have you either helping him or standing at the side.Which side should I pick in Skyrim?
Choosing between the Imperials and Stormcloaks in Skyrim depends on your roleplaying preference: the Empire offers stability and unity against the Thalmor but compromises Nordic tradition (Talos worship), while the Stormcloaks fight for Nordic freedom and culture but risk weakening Skyrim against the Dominion and have issues with segregation (Dark Elves/Argonians). The "better" choice is subjective, affecting Jarls, guards, and city aesthetics, but less so major game mechanics, so pick the side whose ideals align with your Dragonborn.Will I lose Lydia if I join the Stormcloaks?
Nothing happens to her.Has anyone ever 100% beaten Skyrim?
Skyrim finally truly beaten as fanatical player does 'everything that can be done' in the game, nabbing every item and perk in quest to hit level 1,337. This is how our grandparents felt watching the Moon landing.Why did Hadvar call Ralof a traitor?
I believe that Hadvar and Ralof didn't know eachother, and Hadvar saying "You damn traitor" to Ralof is probably because they're both Nords and they chose different sides and Hadvar sees Ralof as a traitor for that.Who to join at the beginning of Skyrim?
Picking Ralof is better if you're planning your build to include heavy armor because of Imperial armor drops. Also, the Imperial light armor is slightly better and sells for a little more gold than Stormcloak armor, so picking Ralof is slightly better even if you're not gunning for heavy armor.Can I marry Ralof?
No, you can't natively marry Ralof in vanilla The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, as he isn't programmed as a marriage candidate, but PC players can use mods like the "Marriable Follower Ralof" mod on Steam or Creations to make him a follower and spouse after siding with the Stormcloaks and winning the Civil War. Many players wish he were marriable due to their shared escape from Helgen, but without mods, he remains just a comrade.Should I pick Hadvar or Ralof?
You should go with Hadvar for early Smithing/Two-Handed loot (ingots, items from Alvor's shop) or Ralof for better starting gold (Imperial armor to sell) and Heavy Armor/One-Handed gear, but the choice has no major long-term impact, only slight variations in early game items, and doesn't lock you into a faction. Choose based on whether you prefer early crafting/melee or early selling/heavy armor for your first few levels, or just pick the character you like best.Who is the unkillable follower in Skyrim?
Characters like Aela the Huntress, Barbas the talking dog, and Cicero offer unique skills and immortality, making them powerful assets to any player's journey. Some essential followers require that players complete quests or make certain choices in order to recruit them.What quest gives you 20,000 gold in Skyrim?
Another option is to complete the Dark Brotherhood. Doing so will net you 20000 gold for the final mission and this will start a repetable mission called The Dark Brotherhood Forever.Can I revive Lydia if she dies?
If Lydia died in Skyrim and you're on PC, you can use console commands like resurrect or player.moveto to revive or summon her, but console resurrection can be buggy. On consoles (Xbox/PlayStation/Switch), your main options are reloading a save from before she died, finding mods that add resurrection spells (like a tome in Whiterun), or finding a new follower, as her death is usually permanent without console access.Will I lose my house in Whiterun if I join the Stormcloaks?
Balgruuf will remain Jarl and the Whiterun Guard will remain as the city's guards, but all other NPCs will act as if the city had been taken by the Stormcloaks. If Breezehome is owned before the siege, it may be lost afterwards.Is Lydia good or bad?
While she definitely started off as nihilistic and more villainous, this was mainly due to her mother's manipulation and she officially disowned her and her ways in season 9, fully aligning with the heroes.Who is the best ally in Skyrim?
The "best" follower in Skyrim depends on your playstyle, but Serana (Dawnguard DLC) is often top-tier due to her unique Vampire Lord powers, extensive dialogue, and essential status (cannot die). For vanilla game players, Aela the Huntress (archery, tanky) or Vilkas (heavy armor, two-handed) are excellent, while Frea (Dragonborn DLC) is great for dual-wielding and has no level cap. For modded, Inigo is legendary for his personality and unique interactions.Is there a downside to joining Dark Brotherhood?
Risk - A Dark Brother/Sister practices the art of murder, and must be willing to pay for the consequences of their actions. With gold, a jail sentence, or even more bloodshed. Unlike the Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood assassins have a higher chance of being killed due to their line of work.Who should I go with in the start of Skyrim?
In Skyrim's beginning, your choice between Hadvar (Imperial) and Ralof (Stormcloak) at Helgen offers small, temporary perks: Hadvar gives early access to heavy armor/smithing supplies via his uncle, while Ralof lets you loot valuable Imperial light armor from guards for quick cash; ultimately, neither choice significantly impacts the main game, so pick for roleplaying or the slight early-game advantage that best fits your planned build (Heavy Armor/Smithing vs. selling loot).Is it better to side with Stormcloaks or Imperials?
Deciding between the Stormcloaks and Imperials in Skyrim depends on your roleplaying goals, as both sides have valid points and significant flaws: Imperials offer stability, a stronger military against the Thalmor, and a unified Tamriel but compromise religious freedom (Talos worship ban); Stormcloaks fight for Nord traditions, freedom, and religious rights but are seen as xenophobic, short-sighted, and risk weakening Skyrim against the Thalmor by prolonging civil war, which the Dominion benefits from.Do decisions matter in Skyrim?
The only decision impact is sometimes you can decide if you have a mage or warrior with you as an escort on that particular mission. There is zero game-changing impact to any decision, other than who is standing around after.
← Previous question
What happens if you give Hestu poop?
What happens if you give Hestu poop?
Next question →
What is the meaning behind "Don't Fear the Reaper"?
What is the meaning behind "Don't Fear the Reaper"?