Dive into the intricate, captivating world of Crusader Kings III with our comprehensive Walkthrough! Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer to the medieval grand strategy genre, our guide ensures you lead your dynasty to glory. Uncover essential tips and in-depth strategies across all key areas: from establishing your lineage in Starting Your Dynasty, to mastering regional tactics in Key Regions and Their Strategies. Learn to effectively govern your lands with Managing Your Realm and Vassals, forge powerful bonds through Diplomacy and Marriage Alliances, and conquer neighboring territories with Strategies for Warfare and Expansion. Embark on your quest for supremacy in Crusader Kings III today!

Crusader Kings III Walkthrough#

Starting Your Dynasty#

So, you’re diving into Crusader Kings III and ready to build a legacy that will be the envy of history books? Awesome. Here’s how to kick off your dynasty and glide through the early game like a pro.

Choose Your Realm#

First things first: pick a starting realm. If you’re new to CK3, consider beginning as a smaller, more manageable territory. Larger realms can get overwhelming with all their vassals, wars, and court drama. A great starting point is Ireland, often referred to as “Tutorial Island.” It’s relatively isolated and offers a gentle way to learn the ropes.

Know Your Character#

Every game begins with you selecting a character. Your ruler’s stats and traits influence everything, from your diplomatic prowess to your fertility. Here’s a quick overview of stats:

• Diplomacy: How well you get along with others. High diplomacy means fewer people trying to stab you in the back.
• Martial: Your skill in war. High martial lets you crush rebels and invade neighbors with ease.
• Stewardship: Your financial wizardry. The higher it is, the richer you get.
• Intrigue: Your sneakiness. Use it to plot murders, unveil secrets, and manage court scandals.
• Learning: Your smarts. It helps with tech advancements and converting regions to your faith.

Consider starting with a character who has balanced or strong stats in areas you find interesting. If you love warfare, go for a high martial and stewardship combo. Diplomacy paired with intrigue can create a charismatic yet cunning ruler.

Focus on Marriage#

Marriages are key to expanding power and forming alliances. Look for spouses who can bring useful stats, alliances, or claims to your lines. Traits matter too! A partner with the Genius, Beautiful, or Hale traits can pass those advantages to your kids.

When arranging marriages for your children, aim for alliances that shore up your defenses or give strategic advantages. Just be mindful of their own genetics and traits. You wouldn’t want too much Inbred creeping into your family tree, would you?

Build Your Council#

Your council is made up of powerful vassals and advisors. Place people with high corresponding stats in council positions (like a martial-focused character as your Marshal).

Council Positions#

• Chancellor: Manages diplomacy.
• Marshal: Handles your military.
• Steward: Manages taxes and development.
• Spymaster: Deals with espionage and secrets.
• Court Chaplain: Oversees religious matters.

Sometimes, appointing a powerful vassal to a council position can keep them loyal. You don’t necessarily want the best stats if it means alienating someone powerful who’ll lead a revolt against you.

Manage Your Domain#

Domains are your personal holdings. Early on, focus on developing them rather than extensive conquests. Build structures that boost your income (like Farms or Markets) or military (like Barracks or Training Grounds). Balance is key; a powerful army is great, but it needs funding!

Diplomacy & Alliances#

Forge strong alliances by marrying off your family members to other powerful houses. This is crucial for defense in case someone decides they like your land more than you do. Alliances can be a double-edged sword – your allies might drag you into wars you’d rather avoid – but are usually worth the trouble.

Dealing with Vassals#

Vassal management is critical. Happy vassals make for a stable realm; unhappy vassals plot rebellion. Grant lands to family members or loyal subjects to keep them on your side. Constantly check their opinions of you and use titles, gold, or a spot on the council to boost loyalty.

Final Tips#

• Education Focus: Train your heirs with an education matching their best traits. A kid good at martial should focus on becoming a powerful commander. Guide them well; they’re your legacy.
• Expand Carefully: Don’t rush conquest. Expand slowly and consolidate your gains. Integrate new lands peacefully to avoid constant revolts.
• Heir Management: Make sure your primary heir is secure. Use titles and lands to manage any secondary heirs and prevent infighting.

With these strategies, you’ll set the foundation for a robust dynasty. The early game is all about laying groundwork, balancing power, and making wise moves in diplomacy, marriage, and management. Ready to become legendary? Go forth and carve out your place in history!

Key Regions and Their Strategies#

When diving into Crusader Kings III, choosing the right starting region can make all the difference in your game. Each area has its own unique challenges and advantages, so let’s break down some of the key regions and the best strategies for each one.

Scandinavia: Conquer with Viking Fury#

Scandinavia is an excellent place to start if you’re into raiding and pillaging. Comprising modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, it offers a unique start with Norse paganism, which allows you to raid immediately.

• Early Game Tactics: Focus on building up your military strength. Use your raiders to attack the rich coastal towns of England and France, looting gold and prestige.
• Unifying Scandinavia: Aim to form the Empire of Scandinavia. Subjugate neighboring tribes and consolidate your power.
• Embrace Feudalism: Once you have solid control, consider adopting feudalism. This provides better long-term stability and prosperity.

The British Isles: A Land of Opportunity#

The broader region of the British Isles includes Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. It’s a playground for both beginners and seasoned players due to its isolation and wealth.

• Ireland - The “Tutorial Island”: Often recommended for new players, Ireland is composed of many small, relatively weak realms. Start by uniting the smaller petty kingdoms until you can form the Kingdom of Ireland.
• Scotland and Wales: Both areas offer defensive terrain with mountains and hills. Use this to your advantage to fend off invasions from stronger neighbors like England or even Viking raiders.
• England - The Crown Jewel: England often becomes a prime target due to its wealth and size. Control over England implies a lot of power, but keep an eye on internal strife and external threats.

Iberian Peninsula: Reconquista and Beyond#

The Iberian Peninsula, including modern Spain and Portugal, is a hotbed of conflict, particularly between Christian and Muslim rulers.

• Reconquista Campaign: If you start as a Christian ruler, your main goal is reclaiming territory from the various Muslim taifas (kingdoms). Form alliances and use holy wars to expand your domain.
• Muslim Taifas: Starting as a Muslim ruler, focus on unity amongst the fragmented smaller taifas. Gain power rapidly by conquest and build alliances with other Muslim rulers.
• Control the Straits: Holding regions like Gibraltar is key as it allows you to control trade and military passage between Europe and Africa, giving you a strategic advantage.

Byzantium: The Eternal Empire#

The Byzantine Empire is one of the most powerful and complex regions to control, offering both great opportunities and challenges.

• Defensive Prowess: Use the strong natural defenses like mountains and the two famous walls, the Theodosian Walls of Constantinople and the Hexamilion Wall.
• Restore Rome: A fun long-term goal is to restore the Roman Empire by conquering former Roman territories and reclaiming your historic glory.
• Cultural Influence: Use your unique blend of Roman and Greek cultures to exert influence over neighboring kingdoms and duchies.

The Indian Subcontinent: Jewel of the East#

India offers a rich and culturally diverse landscape with a myriad of unique identities and religions.

• Dynastic Strength: Establish strong dynastic ties either through marriages or alliances within your bounds. Build a powerful empire by expanding through the complex web of realms.
• Religious Dominance: Implement your own religion’s unique mechanics to influence your vassals and neighbors. Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain paths offer distinct yet strategic benefits.
• Prosperity Focus: Focus on building up your economy and infrastructure. The Indian subcontinent can yield tremendous resources if managed well.

Conclusion#

Every region in Crusader Kings III offers a unique story and set of challenges. Whether you’re raiding the coasts as a Viking, maneuvering through the political landscape of Ireland, or reclaiming the glory of Byzantium, there’s always a grand adventure waiting. Choose your region wisely, implement the strategies discussed, and carve out your legacy in the medieval world.

Jump in and start making history!

Managing Your Realm and Vassals#

So, you’ve crowned yourself the king or queen of a glorious realm in Crusader Kings III. That’s awesome! Now, you need to keep everything from falling apart. Here’s how to make sure your kingdom stays in one piece and your vassals keep loving (or at least tolerating) you.

Understanding Your Realm#

Your realm is everything that falls under your rule. This includes your personal holdings and those controlled by your vassals. Keeping your realm well-managed involves a good balance of power, stability, and expansion.

Holdings and Domain#

First up, let’s talk about holdings. These are the castles, churches, and towns that make up your domain.

• Domain Limit: You can’t rule everything by yourself. You have a domain limit, which is influenced by your stewardship skill, certain perks, and your government type. If you go over this limit, you’ll get penalties and your vassals might start getting ideas.
• Building Up: Invest in your holdings by constructing new buildings. Farms and fields, barracks, and workshops can provide more money, soldiers, and buffs to your realm. The more developed your holdings, the stronger your domain.

Keeping Vassals Happy#

Vassals can either be your best friends or your worst enemies. Here’s what you need to know to keep them happy and loyal.

Relationships Matter#

• Personal Diplomacy: Your relationship with a vassal is critical. Positive relations keep them loyal, while negative ones might lead to rebellions.
• Gifts and Titles: Sometimes, a simple gift or granting them a new title can keep them in check. It’s a small price to pay for peace.

Managing Expectations#

• Expectations: Every vassal has expectations based on their rank and your kingdom’s customs. High-ranking vassals, like dukes, expect to have a seat on your council.
• Council Positions: Put your powerful vassals on your council to keep them happy. They might not do the best job, but it’s better than them plotting against you.

Dealing with Trouble-Makers#

Even with all this, some vassals will still be difficult. Here are some ways to handle them:

• Sway Scheme: Use diplomacy to boost their opinion of you over time.
• Hooks and Secrets: Utilize secrets to get some dirt on them. A weak hook might make them pay extra taxes, while a strong one could force them to do almost anything.

Factions#

Vassals like to get together to form factions against you if they’re really not happy. They can range from mild demands to full-on rebellions.

• Preventing Factions: Keep a close eye on their happiness and try to address issues before they escalate. It’s usually easier than dealing with a revolt.
• Handling Rebellions: If worse comes to worst, be ready to crush the revolt quickly. Strong alliances and a powerful army are key here.

Enhancing Realm Stability#

Keeping your realm stable is like walking a tightrope. Here are some tips:

• Succession Laws: These can make or break your kingdom. Elective succession might give your vassals too much power, while gavelkind can tear your realm apart upon your character’s death. Keep these in mind and plan accordingly.
• Marriage Alliances: Marrying off your relatives can secure powerful alliances. These can be crucial if you need help squashing a rebellion.

Conclusion#

Managing your realm and vassals is a balancing act of power, diplomacy, and sometimes a bit of force. Keep your vassals happy - or at least, not too mad - and ensure your realm is strong and prosperous. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to creating a lasting legacy in Crusader Kings III.

Got any tips or tricks of your own? Share them with us in the comments below!

Diplomacy and Marriage Alliances#

Diplomacy and marriage alliances are two of the most powerful tools at your disposal in Crusader Kings III. Whether you’re looking to prevent wars, secure new territories, or strengthen your kingdom, knowing how to use these features effectively can make a world of difference.

Why Diplomacy Matters#

Diplomacy isn’t just about sweet-talking other rulers. It’s crucial for maintaining stability and expanding your influence. High diplomacy skill improves relations and opens up more negotiations, like alliances and non-aggression pacts.

• Improve Relations: You can send gifts or sway other characters to like you more. This is perfect for keeping potential enemies happy or securing powerful friends.
• Negotiate Alliances: Forming alliances with other rulers can provide much-needed military support. This can be a game-changer in times of war.

The Power of Marriage Alliances#

In medieval times, marriage was a strategic tool, and it’s no different in Crusader Kings III. Marrying off your children to the right families can secure powerful allies and even expand your realm.

• Prestige Boost: Marrying into prominent families boosts your prestige. This gives you more respect and potential allies.
• Claims and Inheritance: Marriages can give your descendants claims to other titles. If things go well, you could end up inheriting new lands.
• Strategic Marriages: Don’t just marry for love. Look for partners with useful traits or alliances. Use the “Find Spouse” feature to see potential allies.

Making an Alliance Work#

Once you secure an alliance through marriage or diplomacy, you need to keep it strong.

• Call to Arms: During wartime, you can call on your allies for help. Make sure to reciprocate when they need you, or you risk losing the alliance.
• Regular Communication: Send gifts and sway your allies periodically. The stronger your relationship, the more reliable they will be.
• Honoring Pacts: Breaking an alliance can have severe consequences. Try to honor your agreements to maintain your reputation.

Balancing Multiple Alliances#

Managing multiple alliances can be tricky but beneficial.

• Ally with Neighbors: Having nearby allies ensures quick military support. This is especially important if you’re surrounded by hostile forces.
• Spread Out: Don’t ally with people who might get you into conflicts. Spread your alliances to cover different threats without overlapping issues.

Potential Pitfalls#

While diplomacy and marriage are effective tools, they come with risks.

• Betrayal: Even strong alliances can end if interests clash. Always have a backup plan.
• Jealousy: Favoring one ally too much can make others jealous. Balance your attention and support among all allies.
• Complicated Family Trees: Marriages for alliances can create messy family trees. Be careful not to marry close relatives; it can lead to inheritance issues and health problems.

Pro Tips#

• Non-Aggression Pacts: Before forming an alliance, try a non-aggression pact with potential allies. This way, you can test the waters without full commitment.
• Regularly Check Relations: Stay updated on how your allies feel about you. A sudden drop in relations can lead to a surprise betrayal.
• Use Spies: Sometimes, inside information can help you save an alliance or exploit a weakness.

Remember, diplomacy and marriage are not just about making deals; they are about long-term strategy. Use these tools to build a powerful and lasting legacy in Crusader Kings III.

Strategies for Warfare and Expansion in Crusader Kings III#

Crusader Kings III isn’t just about managing families and dynasties—it’s also about leading your armies to conquer new lands and expand your territory. Here’s how to do it effectively.

Preparing for War#

1. Build Up Your Military

   • Levies and Men-at-Arms: Your basic troops are levies, which come from your land holdings. They’re essential, but you’ll also want specialized Men-at-Arms. Invest in different types like archers, cavalry, and siege weapons for more tactical flexibility.

   • Alliances: Form alliances through marriages. Your allies can join your wars and turn the tide in your favor. Check their strength before sending out those wedding invitations.

2. Maintain Your Economy

   • Gold and Troops: You need a strong economy to support your army. Make sure your domains are well managed to generate enough gold to hire and maintain your troops. Improve your holdings by building economy-boosting upgrades.

3. Check Your Opponents

   • Who Are You Fighting?: Before declaring war, look at your enemy’s allies, their military strength, and their vulnerabilities. Use your spymaster to find these details if you can.

Declaring War#

1. Casus Belli

   • Have a Legitimate Reason: You can’t just go on a rampage. Use a Casus Belli—a legitimate reason to declare war. Claims, De Jure rights, or alliances can be your reasons.

2. Timing is Key

   • Avoid Overstretched Armies: If your enemy is already in a war, their military might be stretched thin. This is an excellent time to hit them where it hurts. Also, avoid launching a war if your troops are weak or you’re already embroiled in another conflict.

3. Rally Your Forces

   • Gather Points: Raise your armies and meet them at a rally point. Make sure you have all your forces together before marching into the enemy’s territory.

Battle Tactics#

1. Coordinate Your Armies

   • Divide and Conquer: Sometimes dividing your forces can help. Smaller armies can protect your lands or besiege multiple enemy holdings. But be careful—don’t spread too thin.

2. Terrain Matters

   • Battle Locations: Terrain affects battle outcomes. Fighting in favorable terrain like hills or mountains can give you an advantage. Avoid crossing rivers or attacking into bad terrain unless you heavily outnumber the enemy.

3. Use Leaders Wisely

   • Strong Commanders: Good commanders can change the tide of battle. Assign your best leaders to critical armies. Check their traits; some are especially effective in certain types of terrain or against specific enemies.

Siege Warfare#

1. Take Strongholds

   • Prioritize Castles: Besieging and capturing enemy strongholds can give you war score and strategic advantage. Use siege weapons to speed up the process.

2. Manage Supplies

   • Avoid Starvation: Make sure your armies have enough supplies. An army without food will suffer heavy losses from attrition. Keep an eye on supply limits in hostile territory.

3. Defend Your Land

   • Don’t Get Caught Off-Guard: While you’re out conquering, don’t neglect your own territories. Garrison troops or set up defenses to keep opportunistic enemies at bay.

Post-War Management#

1. Peace Negotiations

   • Maximize Your Gains: Once you’ve defeated your enemy, negotiate a peace that maximizes your gains. This can include taking territories, demanding money, or establishing vassalage.

2. Consolidate Control

   • Integrate New Lands: Make sure newly conquered lands are under control. Assign trusted vassals to govern them and deal with any rebellions. Sometimes it’s better to give land to family members to keep it loyal.

3. Stabilize Your Realm

   • Avoid Overextension: Expanding too fast can lead to instability. Take time to consolidate your gains before launching into another war. Keep an eye on your vassals’ loyalty and your own internal stability.

By following these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to creating a dominant and expansive realm in Crusader Kings III. Balance your ambitions with careful planning, and you’ll see your dynasty’s influence spread far and wide. Happy conquering!