How to Complete the Civil War Quests in Skyrim

Last Updated: December 28, 2019

A large-scale civil war is taking place in Skyrim, fought between the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks. You are only able to choose one side, which leads you down a large questline helping the faction you decided to side with. Many of the quests in these questlines can be very similar for both sides regardless of who you choose, including battles against forts across Skyrim.^{[1]
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Research source} There is no major benefit to choosing one side over the other. Once you choose one side, you will be unable to switch to the other one. Before you start, you’ll need to decide who you want to side with: the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Joining the Imperial Legion

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Join the Legion in Solitude. If you decide to side with the Legion, head to Solitude located in the northwest part of Skyrim and speak with General Tullius inside Castle Dour. General Tullius will point you towards Legate Rikke, also in Castle Dour, and hand you some work to prove your usefulness. Legate Rikke will give you the task of clearing out bandits from Fort Hraggstad, west of Solitude. Once you have cleared out the fort, head back to Legate Rikke and take the Imperial Legion oath. Tullius will direct you to the castle’s blacksmith, Beirand, to pick up your Imperial armor.
- The bandits can be easily killed, but make sure to bring plenty of health potions to heal!
2
Start the quest “The Jagged Crown” by speaking with Legate Rikke. After you take the oath, you will be offered another quest to aid the Imperial Legion. Rikke will direct you to the ruins of Korvanjund found northeast of Whiterun to clear it out and recover the Jagged Crown. Once you cleared the ruins, take the crown back to Tullius. This will complete the quest and immediately begin the next quest, “Message to Whiterun.”
- Completing the Jagged Crown offers no reward, and moves directly to the next quest instead.
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3
Deliver a message to the Jarl of Whiterun. General Tullius will hand you a note after completing “The Jagged Crown” quest to be delivered to the Jarl of Whiterun. You can find the Jarl within Whiterun in Dragonsreach. Deliver the note to the Jarl and he will give you an axe for you to deliver to Ulfric. Travel to the city of Windhelm (east and marked on your map) and find Ulfric in the Palace of the Kings. The Palace of Kings can be found straight ahead once you enter Windhelm. Ulfric will tell you to take the axe back to the Jarl and to expect a ton of excitement for Whiterun.
- Return to the Jarl in Whiterun, who will take back the axe and ask you to speak with Legate Quentin Cipius, who will inform you that the Stormcloaks have arrived at Whiterun and intend to take the city. You can find Quentin within Dragonsreach,
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Speak with Legate Quentin Cipius and head to the gates of Whiterun. Upon exiting Whiterun’s main gate, you will find Legate Rikke addressing a speech to the troops. Once the speech is completed, the Stormcloak assault will begin. You will first need to defend the barricades of the city. After this, you will need to defend the drawbridge leading into the city. Once these two defenses are successful, you simply need to kill as many Stormcloak troops you can. Eventually, the remaining troops will run away in fear. After the battle is over, speak with the Jarl, who will offer you the privilege of buying a house in Whiterun.
- Using a bow from afar is an effective method in defending against the Stormcloak invasion. The Stormcloak archers will be busy shooting the Whiterun defenders.
- You can use melee weapons if you want, but you will be hit by Stormcloak archers and their melee troops as well. You will need to have health potions on you when you are up close taking damage.
5
Regain Skyrim’s holds in the quest “Reunification of Skyrim”. Right after you defend Whiterun, the “Reunification of Skyrim” will begin. You will be tasked to capture the holds in Skyrim, which are controlled by the Stormcloaks. Depending on whether or not you completed the “Season Unending” quest, some holds may or may not be needed to be captured.
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Steal a Stormcloak courier’s documents in “A False Front.” Speak with Legate Rikke at the Pale Imperial Camp west of Dawnstar. Locate the courier by asking the innkeepers in Candlehearth and Nightgate. Candlehearth is the first building you see when entering Windhelm, while the Nightgate Inn can be found between Dawnstar and Windhelm. Once located, take the documents back to Legate Rikke. After the documents are modified, deliver them to Frorkmar Banner-Torn at Dawnstar in the White Hall. To complete the quest, return to Rikke.
7
Lead an attack on Fort Dunstad. To begin this quest, visit Legate Rikke at the Pale Imperial Camp. Meet the legionnaires southeast of Fort Dunstad (south of Dawnstar). Clear out the entire fort of Stormcloak rebels and, once complete, return to General Tullius in Solitude.
8
Obtain evidence of Anuriel’s connection with the Thieves Guild to help regain control of Riften. Report to Legate Rikke at the Rift Imperial Camp south of Ivarstead. You will be required to find evidence in Anuriel’s room in Mistveil Keep to convince her to help the Imperials take Riften. You can find Anuriel’s room on the right once you enter Mistveil Keep. Once you show the evidence to her, she will mention a trade caravan containing valuables. Inform Rikke of the new information you found. Travel to the marker and proceed to attack the caravan, and then return to Rikke once complete.
9
Clear out the rebels in Fort Greenwall south of Shor’s Stone. Visit Rikke at the Rift Imperial Camp. Rikke will inform you to clear out the rebels at the fort. Meet up with the Legion soldiers outside of the fort and attack the fort. Once cleared, the quest will be completed.
10
Free the prisoners of war from Fort Kastav. Speak with Legate Rikke at the Winterhold Imperial Camp northwest of Winterhold. Rikke will command you to meet up with the Imperial scouts near Fort Kastav located north of Windhelm. You can either sneak into the fort using an Invisibility potion or barge your way in. Clear out the guards before releasing the prisoners, and then retake the fort by killing any remaining rebels. Once cleared, return to Hadvar to complete the quest.
11
Remove the threat of rebels from Fort Snowhawk west of Morthal. Report to Legate Rikke at the Hjaalmarch Imperial Camp east of Morthal. You will be given the task to meet up with the Legion soldiers outside of the fort and then clear the fort of any rebels. The quest is completed once all rebels are killed.
12
Take control of Fort Sungard by clearing out the rebels. Speak with Rikke at the Reach Imperial Camp east of Ragnvald. You will be ordered to clear Fort Sungard (west of Whiterun) of any rebel presence. Once you clear the fort, the quest will be completed.
13
Destroy any threats of Stormcloak rebels in Fort Neugrad. Begin this quest by speaking to Legate Rikke at the Falkreath Imperial Camp east of Glenmoril Coven. You will be instructed to clear rebel soldiers at Fort Neugrad, found southeast of Helgen. Once you have cleared the rebels, the quest will be complete.
14
Aid the Imperial army in taking Fort Amol. Speak with Rikke at the Eastmarch Imperial Camp south of Windhelm. You will be given the task to attack Fort Amol with some Imperial soldiers. You can find Fort Amol northeast of Ivarstead. Once you cleared the entire fort, the quest will be completed.
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Lead an attack on Windhelm and claim back Skyrim. Once “Battle for Fort Amol” is completed, Rikke will order you to meet just outside of Windhelm. General Tullius will be giving a speech before the assault on the city. You must fight through waves of Stormcloak soldiers and make your way to the Palace of the Kings. There will be a brief speech between Tullius and Ulfric. Ulfric and Galmar will become hostile and force you into a fight. Once you kill Galmar, focus your attacks on Ulfric. Once Ulfric is hurt badly enough, he will give in and ask you to kill him instead of General Tullius. Regardless of what you decide, Ulfric will be killed and his sword will be given to you. You will then exit the palace. Tullius will give a speech, and the Imperials will be victorious.
- Before entering this battle, it is recommended that you bring health potions with you. Other useful potions include magicka potions (if you use magic) and agility potions.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Joining the Stormcloaks

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Join the Stormcloaks by visiting Ulfric Stormcloak at Windhelm in the Palace of the Kings. Once speaking with Ulfric, he will direct you to his lieutenant, Galmar Stone-Fist (beside Ulfric), who will give you the task of killing an Ice Wraith in Serpentstone Isle. Once you complete the short task, return to the palace and speak with Galmar, who will initiate the oath to become part of the Stormcloaks. Upon completing this quest, you will be rewarded Stormcloak armor, including a hide helmet, fur gauntlets, Stormcloak Cuirass, and fur boots.
- You can find Serpentstone Isle directly east of the College of Winterhold. When attacking the Ice Wraith, it is recommended you use a melee weapon or magic. Using a bow can be difficult to hit the ice Wraith. Make sure to bring a health potion or two as well.
2
Speak with Galmar Stone-Fist to start the quest “The Jagged Crown”. Once you speak with Galmar, he will instruct you to head to Korvanjund northeast of Whiterun to clear out the ruins with him and his squad of troops. Once you retrieve the Jagged Crown, return to Ulfric. This will start the next quest, called “Message to Whiterun.” There is no reward for this quest.
3
Speak with Ulfric Stormcloak and deliver an axe to Whiterun. After completing the “The Jagged Crown” quest, you will need to speak with Ulfric, who will tell you to deliver an axe to the Jarl of Whiterun. Head to Whiterun and hand the axe to the Jarl in Dragonsreach, who will end up giving it back to you. He will not support the Stormcloaks and will seek out Imperial aid to defend the city. Take the axe back to Ulfric in Windhelm. Ulfric will be disappointed in the Jarl’s decision and will begin planning for an assault on Whiterun.
4
Prepare for the “Battle of Whiterun” and meetup with the Stormcloak assault. Report to Galmar who will tell you to meet him and his army outside of Whiterun. Head to the Whiterun Military Camp, which is southwest of Whiterun. Once the rallying of troops is complete, charge Whiterun and head for the initial barricades. They can be easily taken down with a couple hits of a weapon. You will then need to lower the drawbridge by pulling the lever beside it and make your way into the city itself. Head to Dragonsreach (the highest point in Whiterun) and clear out the enemies and seek out the Jarl. Once his health reaches 25%, he will surrender and you will be victorious. The next quest will immediately begin. Return to Ulfric in Windhelm for your reward of a random enchanted weapon and the title of Ice-Veins.
5
Capture the Imperial-controlled holds across Skyrim. Once you successfully capture Whiterun, the quest “Liberation of Skyrim” will begin. You will be given the task of capturing Imperial-controlled holds around Skyrim. Depending on whether you completed “Season Unending,” some holds may already be completed.
6
Secure Fort Neugrad and rescue the prisoners. Speaking with Galmar Stone-Fist will result in the quest “Rescue from Fort Neugrad.” You will be required to meet up with Stormcloak troops outside of the Fort Neugrad, found southeast of Helgen. You have the option of storming into the fort or going in quietly by sneaking past guards. If you decide to sneak into the fort, you will need to clear the guards later to release the prisoners. Storming into the fort can be more dangerous but is possible for someone who is wearing heavy armor.
- Locate the prisoners from within the fort and eliminate any Imperial troops. Once you have freed the prisoners and cleared the fort, speak with Ralof, who can be found just outside the fort, to complete the quest.
7
Find evidence on Raerek in Markarth that he is a Talos worshipper. Once you report back to Galmar at Windhelm in the Palace of the Kings, he will inform you that the steward of Markarth, Raerek, is worshipping Talos and you need to find evidence of this. Blackmail Raerek by locating an amulet in his room. You can find Raerek’s room by going right as soon as you enter the Understone Keep found in Markarth. Raerek will inform you of a wagon transport of silver and weapons. Report back to Galmar on what you have found out. You will be given the task of attacking the caravan, which will be marked with a quest marker on your map. Once you take over the caravan, report to Ralof to complete the quest.
8
Lead an assault on Fort Sungard. In the quest “The Battle for Fort Sungard,” speak with Galmar. He will ask you to meet up with Stormcloak soldiers to help take over Fort Sungard west of Whiterun. Once you have taken the fort and killed all Imperial troops, the quest will be completed.
9
Steal Imperial documents in the quest “A False Front”. Get your orders from Galmar, who will tell you to locate a courier at Four Shields Tavern or Frostfruit Inn. Four Shields Tavern is located in Dragon Bridge southwest of the Solitude sawmill. You can find the Frostfruit Inn in Rorikstead west of Whiterun. Ask the innkeepers of the courier’s whereabouts, and track him down. Retrieve the documents and return them to Galmar, who will have them forged. Return the documents to Legate Taurinus Duilis in Morthal (north of Whiterun). After you have returned the documents, return to Galmar to complete the quest.
10
Defeat the Imperials at Fort Snowhawk. Speak with Galmar who will tell you to meet up with Stormcloak men to attack Fort Snowhawk west of Morthal. Once the Imperial troops are killed in the fort, the quest will be completed.
11
Lead an attack on Fort Dunstad and kill the Imperial troops. Retrieve your orders from Galmar at the Pale Stormcloak Camp southeast of Bronze Water Cave. You will need to meet up with Stormcloak troops east of Fort Dunstad. Clear the entire fort of Imperial troops to complete the quest.
12
Take over Fort Kastav north of Windhelm. Visit Galmar Stone-Fist at the Winterhold Stormcloak Camp located northeast of Windhelm. You will be instructed to meet up with Stormcloak troops west of the fort. Clear out all Imperial soldiers to complete the mission successfully.
13
Clear out the enemy and capture Fort Greenwall south of Shor’s Stone. Meet up with Galmar at the Rift Stormcloak Camp found northeast of the Sarethi Farm. He will tell you to meet up with a group of Stormcloak troops to take over the fort. Clear the fort of Imperial presence. Once all enemy troops have been killed, the mission will be completed.
14
Wipe out the Imperials at Fort Hraggstad southwest of Solitude. Start the quest by visiting Galmar at the Haafingar Stormcloak Camp, located off the road from Solitude to Dragon Bridge. He will tell you to meet up with Stormcloak troops southeast of the fort. Take over the fort and clear out any Imperial troops. Once all the enemy troops have been destroyed, you will have successfully taken over the fort and completed the quest.
15
Attack Solitude and make General Tullius surrender. Once you have taken Fort Hraggstad, return to Galmar, who will tell you to meet up with Ulfric Stormcloak at the gates of Solitude. Ulfric will proceed to give a speech before the battle. Once completed, make your way through the city and to Castle Dour. Castle Dour can be found by heading straight up the ramp ahead of you and heading left. Enter the castle and attack General Tullius and Legate Rikke. Once Tullius has had enough, he will give in and you will have to kill Tullius. Once completed, you will receive a leveled sword as a reward for killing Tullius. This will complete the quest and finish the Civil War questline.
- Before you attend this battle, make sure to bring plenty of health potions as Tullius will put up a fight.

Community Q&A

Question

When I first start the game at Whiterun before I enter the first gate when a messenger approaches, can I give him a message to take to the king?

Community Answer

No, you can only retrieve mail, you can't send any out.