Battle for Whiterun

Battle for Whiterun in Skyrim: storm the city with the Stormcloaks or defend it with the Legion. Walkthrough for both sides of the civil war's turning point.

Objectives

  1. Stormcloaks: break through the barricades, open the gate and drawbridge, force Balgruuf to surrender
  2. Legion: meet Legate Rikke, defend the barricades and drawbridge, destroy the attackers

The Battle for Whiterun is the turning point of Skyrim’s civil war – and the moment you’re locked into your side for good.

Stormcloak side

Get your orders from Galmar, break through the barricade outside, open the gate and the drawbridge, and fight through three barricades inside Whiterun. Force Balgruuf to surrender in Dragonsreach. Reward: an enchanted sword.

Imperial side

Meet Legate Rikke and Hadvar at the gates, defend the barricades and the drawbridge against the Stormcloak attack, and drive them off.

Good to know

  • Stay out of the line of catapult fire.
  • If the Stormcloaks win, Balgruuf is replaced by Vignar Gray-Mane, and his family moves to Solitude.
  • Afterwards, the campaign continues with “Liberation of Skyrim” or “Reunification of Skyrim”.

Characters

BCharacterBalgruuf the GreaterNord Jarl of Whiterun Hold who sends the Dragonborn to Bleak Falls Barrow and names them Thane of…GCharacterGalmar Stone-FistUlfric Stormcloak's housecarl and second-in-command of the Stormcloak army.HCharacterHadvarNord Imperial Legion soldier from Riverwood who can help the Dragonborn escape Helgen. Nephew of Alvor the blacksmith.Legate RikkeCharacterLegate RikkeNord chief legate of the Imperial Legion under General Tullius.

Factions

IFactionImperial LegionThe Empire's army in Skyrim, led by General Tullius from Castle Dour in Solitude.SFactionStormcloaksUlfric Stormcloak's rebel army fighting for Skyrim's independence and the worship of Talos, based in Windhelm.

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