Imperials Vs Stormcloaks: The perks and the lore

Imperials of the Empire vs Stormcloaks of the Rebellion – Which Side Should You Choose in Skyrim?

Alright, let’s talk about one of the biggest and most divisive decisions in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim — choosing between the Imperials and the Stormcloaks. If you’ve played the game even halfway through, you’ve probably found yourself stuck at the crossroads thinking, “Wait, who do I even support here?” Trust me, I’ve been there… multiple times. I’ve done full playthroughs siding with both factions, and honestly? It’s not an easy decision, no matter how many times I do it.

So let’s break this down like we’re sitting in the Bannered Mare with a mug of mead, weighing out the pros and cons of the whole civil war mess. Whether you’re a first-time Dragonborn or a returning legend, here’s my take on Imperials vs Stormcloaks — who they are, why you might join either side, and who, in the end, deserves your support.

Who Are the Imperials and the Stormcloaks?

Imperials are the ruling faction of the Empire of Tamriel. Think Roman Empire vibes — organized, militarized, bureaucratic. They’ve ruled Skyrim for centuries, but after the events of the Great War with the Aldmeri Dominion (those high-and-mighty Thalmor Elves), they signed the White-Gold Concordat, banning Talos worship. That didn’t sit well with a lot of Nords.

Stormcloaks, led by Ulfric Stormcloak, are the rebellion. They believe Skyrim belongs to the Nords, and they want independence from the Empire. They’re pissed about the Talos ban (since Talos is a god who used to be a man — and a Nord at that), and they see the Empire as weak for bowing to the Thalmor.

So, that’s the setup. You, the Dragonborn, are tossed into the middle of this war — and both sides want your help.

Why Choose the Imperials?

The Imperials are all about unity. They want to hold the Empire together because, let’s be real — the Thalmor are a serious threat, and the Empire knows that eventually there’s gonna be another war. From their perspective, it’s better to stay strong as a whole rather than splinter off.

General Tullius, the Imperial commander in Skyrim, may come off as a cold, no-nonsense military man, but he’s practical. He doesn’t hate Nords — he just thinks Ulfric is dangerous and the rebellion is a distraction the Empire can’t afford right now.

Why I’ve chosen Imperials in some playthroughs:

• The bigger picture. The Empire, even flawed, seems better equipped to eventually take on the Thalmor.
• Ulfric gives off major "power-hungry" vibes. He may talk about freedom, but he wants the High King’s throne, and he started the war by shouting the last one to pieces.
• The Empire has structure. It feels like a more stable choice if you're thinking about the long-term fate of Skyrim and Tamriel.
• Ulfric's citizens will openly chide/berate a Dark elf when you first visit Windhelm, going so far to call them traitor.

Why Choose the Stormcloaks?

The Stormcloaks are all about freedom, tradition, and Nord pride. They see the Empire as having sold out their gods and their people. Ulfric believes in fighting for the right to worship Talos, defend Nord customs, and kick out foreign rule.

Joining the Stormcloaks feels more like joining a passionate, grassroots movement. They’re the underdogs fighting for independence. And I mean, there's something appealing about fighting the fight for your homeland’s freedom, especially when it seems like the Empire’s just being bossed around by the Thalmor.

Why I’ve backed the Stormcloaks:

• The Talos thing. I mean, I’m Dragonborn, and Talos was Dragonborn too. Why should I be told I can’t honor the guy?
• Some Imperial actions feel shady — arresting people for worship, secret Thalmor agents running around, etc. The Thalmor are a piece of work as you will discover when you progress through the College of Winterhold questline.
• If you roleplay as a Nord or "a true child of Skyrim", joining the Stormcloaks just feels right.

Benefits of Joining Each Faction

Let’s be honest, beyond the politics, there are gameplay perks for picking a side.

Imperial-side perks:

• You get to fight alongside the better-equipped Legion soldiers.
• Fort battles feel more organized and tactical.
• Imperial cities like Solitude feel more welcoming during your playthrough.
• You will get access to the forge as well as smithing materials of Alvor, the Riverwood Blacksmith when you escape Helgen with the Imperial side. This is an important benefit in the early game where you can periodically just visit the forge and take the materials instead of stealing them(if you get caught,a bounty gets added on you. Even rabbits and chickens can snitch on you.)

Stormcloak-side perks:

• You get to wear the Stormcloak armor — if that rugged fur-lined Nord style is your thing.
• Ulfric may seem cold, but he does respect your strength as the Dragonborn.
• It feels more “rebellious” and personal, like you're fighting for something instead of just maintaining order.

Who Should the Dragonborn Support?

This is where it gets personal. The game doesn’t give you a clear "right" or "wrong" side, and that’s kind of brilliant. I’ve played as both a Nord who felt deeply connected to the land and traditions — and joined the Stormcloaks — and also as a more diplomatic, big-picture type who sided with the Empire to try and prepare for the real threat: the Dominion.

Ultimately, it depends on how you see the Dragonborn. Are you a symbol of Skyrim's independence and old ways, or a unifying force meant to hold Tamriel together in the face of a greater evil?

If you're playing a Nord with strong ties to tradition and Talos? Stormcloaks make sense.

If you're playing a High Elf, Imperial, or someone who sees the Thalmor as the bigger problem? Then the Empire is probably the smarter pick.

For me, the tipping point usually comes down to how I see Ulfric. Some playthroughs I respect him as a warrior and a leader. Other times, I can’t shake the feeling he’s using the rebellion for personal gain, not just for Skyrim’s sake. And every time I see the Thalmor lurking in the shadows, I wonder if the Empire is just biding its time until it can strike back.

So, which side should you choose? Honestly? Whichever one fits your character’s story best.

Skyrim isn’t black and white, and the civil war reflects that beautifully. Both sides have flaws, both have noble goals, and both are capable of being the “right” choice, depending on how you roleplay it.

So go with your gut. Think about your playstyle, your character, their background, and their beliefs.