Faction Ranks & Progression

Joining factions in Skyrim opens up new questlines, unique rewards, and a deeper understanding of the world. Each faction has its own hierarchy, and rising through the ranks requires completing specific tasks and demonstrating loyalty. This guide details how to join, progress, and master the various factions scattered across the province.

Your journey as the Dragonborn can take many paths, and aling yourself with certain groups is a sificant part of that. Whether you seek glory as a warrior in the Companions, knowledge in the College of Winterhold, or power within the Thieves Guild, understanding how to advance within these organizations is key to unlocking their full potential and experiencing all that Skyrim has to offer.

The Companions

The Companions are Skyrim's most renowned warrior guild, based in Whiterun. They value strength, honor, and camaraderie.

Joining: Speak to Kodlak Whitemane or one of the other Companions in Jorrvaskr.
Progression: Complete radiant quests for Farkas, Vilkas, and Athis. These typically involve hunting beasts, clearing out bandit camps, or retrieving items.
Ranks: You start as a 'Seeker' and can eventually become a 'Harbinger' by proving your worth and completing the main Companions questline.
Key Rewards: Access to the Skyforge for unique steel and wolf-themed weapons, the ability to become a Werewolf, and powerful armor sets.

College of Winterhold

The College is the center of magical learning in Skyrim, located in the city of Winterhold.

Joining: Pass a magical test administered by Faralda at the main gate.
Progression: Complete quests for Arch-Mage Savos Aren, Tolfdir, and other senior members. These quests involve retrieving artifacts, dealing with magical anomalies, and exploring ancient ruins.
Ranks: You begin as an 'Acolyte' and can ascend to 'Arch-Mage' by completing the College's main questline.
Key Rewards: Access to powerful spells, unique enchanted gear, a personal room within the College, and the ability to learn from master mages.

Thieves Guild

Operating from the Ratway beneath Riften, the Thieves Guild is a clandestine organization focused on stealth, thievery, and illicit dealings.

Joining: Speak to Brynjolf in the Riften marketplace or the Bee and Barb inn.
Progression: Complete increasingly difficult burglary and thieving jobs for Brynjolf, Delvin Mallory, and Vex. These involve pickpocketing, lockpicking, and stealing specific items. Restoring the Guild's influence in various holds unlocks more lucrative opportunities.
Ranks: You start as a 'Rookie' and can become the 'Guild Master' after completing the main questline and restoring the Guild's reputation.
Key Rewards: Access to unique Thieves Guild armor, the Nightingale Blade and Armor (if you complete the Nightingale questline), and fences to sell stolen goods.

Dark Brotherhood

The Dark Brotherhood is a guild of assassins, operating in secret throughout Skyrim.

Joining: Complete the 'Innocence Lost' quest, which begins with Aventus Aretino in Windhelm.
Progression: Undertake assassination contracts for Astrid and other Brotherhood leaders. These missions vary widely, from eliminating specific targets to sabotaging events.
Ranks: You begin as an 'Initiate' and can become the 'Listener' after completing the main Dark Brotherhood questline.
Key Rewards: Access to unique assassin armor, potent poisons, the Blade of Woe, and the Shadowmere mount.

The Imperial Legion & Stormcloaks

These are the two main warring factions in Skyrim, fighting for control of the province.

Joining: Report to General Tullius in Solitude for the Legion, or Ulfric Stormcloak in Windhelm for the Stormcloaks.
Progression: Participate in battles, clear forts, and complete strategic missions for your chosen side.
Ranks: You start as a 'Recruit' and can rise to 'Legate' (Legion) or 'Stormcloak Officer' (Stormcloaks).
Key Rewards: Access to Legion or Stormcloak armor and weapons, and the satisfaction of influencing the outcome of the Civil War.

Dawnguard (DLC)

A faction dedicated to hunting vampires.

Joining: Speak to Isran in Fort Dawnguard after being approached by an NPC about vampires.
Progression: Complete quests for Isran and other Dawnguard members, often involving hunting vampires and retrieving ancient artifacts.
Ranks: While not strictly tiered, progression leads to becoming a trusted member and acquiring powerful vampire-hunting gear.
Key Rewards: Access to unique crossbows, vampire-hunting gear, and the ability to recruit specialized followers.

Tips for Faction Progression

Focus on One Faction at a Time: While possible to be in multiple factions, focusing on one can help you complete its quests more efficiently.
Complete Radiant Quests: These repeatable quests are essential for climbing the ranks in many factions.
Pay Attention to Dialogue: NPCs often provide hints or crucial information about faction objectives.
Invest in Relevant Skills: If you join the College of Winterhold, focus on magic skills. For the Companions, invest in combat skills.