Summary
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimwas a major event in videogames. In 2011, Bethesda Game Studios released what is now undoubtedly one of the most recognized and long-lasting RPGs ever made.Skyrimstunned gamers and critics alike with its approach to open-world design, narrative, and incredibly immersive player agency. The studio’s crowning achievement at the time basically opened the floodgates for the numerous titles inspired by it that came afterward, with the developer itself also having to shoulder the burden of living up to its heights.
Almost 15 years after release,Skyrimremains relevant in the industryand with fans, and interesting discoveries and details continue to surface. And while Bethesda has produced a handful of generally popular and well-received titles since, there’s one aspect inSkyrimthat none have really managed to one-up, in the form of its fascinating factions and the characters and quests that comprise them.
The Elder Scrolls 6was officially announced in 2018, but is still not expected to arrive until at least a few years from now.
Skyrim’s Legendary Factions and Organizations
Looking at the range offactions inSkyrim:
Upon initially meeting some, they may seem quite standard within RPG conventions, but following and engaging with their respective questlines will uncover deep-seated machinations within them. The Companions appear as a simple band of adventurers, but have a compelling story underneath. Another major example isThe Dark Brotherhood, often a fan-favorite for its tale of betrayal, with layers of intrigue, and characters like Astrid and Cicero who represent conflicting facets of the Brotherhood and its ideals. Fans can join as an initiate assassin, and eventually get caught in the middle of the group’s schism, ultimately deciding their fates, and that ofSkyrim’s arm of the Brotherhood.
The Imperial Guard, responsible for the player character being brought imprisoned to the province, were embroiled in a civil war with Jarl Ulfric’s Stormcloaks over the treatment of Nords andreligion inSkyrim. There, players are able to choose a side to support and sway the outcome. Elsewhere, the Mages of Winterhold and the Thieves’s Guild also both delved deeply into series lore and the organizations' inner workings and ambitions via their narratives and outcome choices.
Finally, the Dawnguard DLC introduced a conflict between the vampiric Volkihar Clan and the members of the order dedicated to eradicating them. In keeping with the above, there were wheels within wheels, especially if players decided toembrace vampirism and/or help Seranadepose her power-mad father, Vampire Lord Harkon. Conversely, they could join the ranks of the Guard and aid in ridding the realm of the vampire threat. All ofSkyrim’s factional interactions, though, were some of the most entertaining, emotional, and memorable seen in all of gaming.
Other Bethesda Titles Have Attempted to Outdo Skyrim’s Factions, But None Have So Far Succeeded
Bethesda’s most recent title,Starfield, was criticized a bit for its underwhelming factions and quests, especially compared toSkyrim. Certain ones, like the Crimson Fleet, may be closest to replicating ones like The Dark Brotherhood, but still didn’t quite reach those heights. Prior to that,Fallout 4’smain factionswere often regarded as more one-sided as well, without as many interesting wrinkles in the characters and subplots. While the studio’s work in this area was certainly well-done in these, none have really had the impact thatSkyrim’s did.Skyrim’s factions, with the breadth and depth of their stories, stand atop the hill of Bethesda’s RPG output as the most engaging, diverse, and fulfilling to date, and present a challenge to be outdone thus far.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
WHERE TO PLAY
Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim celebrates 10 years of adventuring in stunning detail. The Anniversary Edition includes a decade worth of content: the critically acclaimed core game and add-ons of Skyrim Special Edition, plus Creation Club content released on or prior to June 06, 2025.EPIC FANTASY REBORNSkyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.LIVE ANOTHER LIFE, IN ANOTHER WORLDPlay any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the legendary freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls is realized like never before.YOU ARE WHAT YOU PLAYChoose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities. The new character system allows you to play any way you want and define yourself through your actions.BATTLE DRAGONSBattle ancient dragons like you’ve never seen. As Dragonborn, learn their secrets and harness their power for yourself.
