You saw it during a sale. Your friend keeps telling you bizarre stories about their rulers. You are curious about Crusader Kings III. You are also probably a little terrified. This game has been out for nearly five years. It looks incredibly complex from the outside. I am here to tell you two things. First, your fear is valid. Second, this is the perfect time to start playing. Let me be your guide.
This game is not like other strategy titles. A game like the upcoming Anno 117 focuses on building the perfect city. It is about logistics and placement. Crusader Kings III is about messy, flawed people. You do not play as a country or a spirit. You play as a character. When that character dies, you play as their heir. Your goal is to keep your dynasty going.
It Is Not a Map Painter
The most important lesson is this. You are not meant to conquer the world. This game is a story generator. Your primary goal is to ensure the survival of your dynasty. Sometimes, the best move is to stay small and safe. At other times, it involves risky wars for power. The game is at its best when things go wrong.
Therefore, you must learn to embrace failure. Your genius ruler might die hunting. Your perfect heir could be a scandalous drunk. This is not a setback. It is the story unfolding. Some of the best moments in this game come from spectacular failure. Do not try to “win.” Just try to survive and see what happens.
Your First Crusader Kings III Game
So, where do you actually begin? I know tutorials can be a drag. However, you should absolutely play the one in Crusader Kings III. It takes you to Ireland in 1066. This starting area is often referred to as “Tutorial Island” for a reason. You are relatively safe from the vast empires of the mainland.
The tutorial does an excellent job of teaching core concepts. It walks you through war, marriage, and succession. It holds your hand just enough. After you finish, I recommend starting a new game right there. Petty King Murchad of Munster is the perfect first character. His situation is simple. It allows you to learn the ropes at your own pace.
Three Quick Tips for Survival
Your first few rulers will likely struggle. That is perfectly normal. To help your dynasty survive, keep these key things in mind. They are the pillars of a successful reign.
- Always be marrying. Marriage is a political tool. Use it to create powerful alliances. Marry your children to the children of strong neighbors. Also, look for spouses with good congenital traits.
- Keep your vassals happy. Vassals are the rulers who serve you. If they hate you, they will plot against you. They might even start a civil war. Keep an eye on their opinion of you.
- Do not ignore your money. Everything in this world costs gold. Your armies need it for maintenance. Your schemes need it for bribes. A healthy treasury is a healthy realm.
Diving into Crusader Kings III DLC
You will notice the game has many DLC packs. Please do not feel pressured to buy them all at once. The base game has hundreds of hours of content. You can have a fantastic experience without any expansions.
When you’re ready, I suggest starting with the larger packs. Tours & Tournaments add a considerable layer of activities. It makes peacetime much more interesting. Wards & Wardens deepens the experience of raising your children. My advice is to play the base game first. Then, buy the DLC that adds more of what you enjoy. Now, go create some beautiful, yet cursed, medieval drama.