Factions in Skyrim are in-game groups and guilds of NPCs. Several Factions are joinable and the player can join multiple at the same time, as long as the values and goals of the Factions do not clash. Joining a Faction provides the player with several benefits such as free access to their home base and facilities, access to faction-specific Quests, special Equipment, and sometimes even unique abilities. This page contains a list of all joinable Factions in Skyrim.
Skyrim Factions
The Dark Brotherhood
Leader: Astrid
Faction Base: Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary & Dawnstar Sanctuary
Faction-specific Quests: Dark Brotherhood Quests
The College of Winterhold
Leader: Savos Aren
Faction Base: College of Winterhold
Faction-specific Quests: College of Winterhold Quests
The Companions
Leader: Kodlak Whitemane
Faction Base: Jorrvaskr
Faction-specific Quests: The Companions Quests
Thieves Guild
Leader: Mercer Frey
Faction Base: The Ragged Flagon
Faction-specific Quests: Thieves Guild Quests
Bards College
Leader: Viarmo
Faction Base: Bards College
Faction-specific Quests: Bards College Quests
Volkihar Clan
Leader: Harkon
Faction Base: Castle Volkihar
Faction-specific Quests: Volkihar Clan Quests
Imperial Legion
Leader: General Tulius
Faction Base: Castle Dour
Faction-specific Quests: Civil War Quests
Stormcloaks
Leader: Ulfric Stormcloak
Faction Base: Palace of the Kings
Faction-specific Quests: Civil War Quests