Crusader Kings III Beginners Guide- Tips and Tricks

• Don’t skip the tutorial, let it be your stepping stone to greatness in Crusader Kings III. 
• Marriages and alliances hold the key to your dynasty’s prosperity and survival.
• Make strategic choices, build alliances, and exercise diplomacy to ensure your reputation remains untarnished and your dynasty prospers through the ages. 
• Build a strong and well-equipped army is not only a display of your might but a vital aspect of securing your realm’s stability and expanding your influence.
• By mastering these hotkeys, you’ll find yourself seamlessly navigating the intricacies of Crusader Kings III

In this article, we’ll be your guiding hand, offering Crusader Kings III Beginners tips and tricks to thrive as a ruler. Building a successful dynasty requires wit, strategy, and a keen understanding of human nature. From securing advantageous marriages to plotting political intrigue, and from commanding armies on the battlefield to navigating the delicate dance of diplomacy, you’ll need to master a diverse set of skills to ensure the survival and prosperity of your dynasty.

Crusader Kings III, the latest installment in the critically acclaimed Crusader Kings series, is a masterpiece developed by Paradox Interactive. Set in the turbulent era of the Middle Ages, the game allows you to take control of a noble house and lead it through the centuries.

So, gather your council, ready your banners, and prepare to embark on a journey through time and history. Remember, the fate of your dynasty rests in your hands, and the choices you make will shape the course of history itself. Will you be a wise and benevolent monarch, or a cunning and ruthless conqueror? The choice is yours, and with the tips and tricks we’ll provide, you’ll have the knowledge and strategy to make your mark in the world of Crusader Kings III. 

Start your journey in Ireland

Ireland is the perfect place for beginners to embark on their Crusader Kings III adventure. Petty King Murchad, the Duke of Munster and a highlighted character in the 1066 “Rags to Riches” scenario, offers the ideal opportunity to acquaint yourself with the game’s basics.

Ireland provides a gentle introduction as it is relatively small and isolated, giving you the chance to focus on just a few people and titles to manage. The advantage of playing as Murchad is that he already holds significant power in Ireland. You won’t face immediate threats from Scotland or England, allowing you to expand your realm without the constant worry of facing overwhelming enemies.

Moreover, choosing to play the tutorial mode lets you step right into Murchad’s shoes, easing you into the gameplay mechanics seamlessly. This way, you can learn the ropes while guiding Murchad to prosperity.

Playing the tutorial is a must

Playing the tutorial is the best way to get started and become familiar with the game’s fundamental concepts and terms. The tutorial guides you through essential actions, giving you a solid foundation to build upon. While it’s not exhaustive, it effectively explains how various parts of the interface function and the mechanics of certain features.

However, I must admit that the tutorial falls short when it comes to explaining the “why” and “when” behind certain actions. It could do more to prepare new players for the strategic aspects of the game. Nevertheless, the tutorial allows you to establish a strong foothold in Ireland before you venture forth without training wheels.

Once the tutorial is over, fear not, for you won’t be left entirely on your own. The in-game encyclopedia, represented by a little book icon at the bottom center of the screen, and hyperlinked tooltips are there to provide a wealth of descriptive information – although they may not offer specific guidance, they can be invaluable resources for further learning and understanding.

Difficulty

When you embark on your new adventure in Crusader Kings III, you’ll be presented with three difficulty options: Normal, Easy, and Very Easy. While you’re still learning the ropes, I recommend sticking with the default option, Normal. Now, you might wonder why not opt for the easier settings to have a smoother experience. Well, here’s the thing – in Crusader Kings III, it’s not just about dominating the map with your armies, as you might expect from other games.

The easier difficulty settings don’t necessarily empower your armies to deal more damage, but rather, they lessen the impact of events that could pose challenges to your rule. For instance, hostile schemes plotted by AI characters are less likely to succeed, and rebellious factions might not rise up as frequently. While this can make the game less challenging, it also takes away from the richness and depth of the storytelling experience.

In essence, Crusader Kings III isn’t solely about winning; it’s about crafting captivating and unpredictable narratives. The easier difficulty settings might shield you from potential setbacks, but they also deprive you of the chance to encounter diverse and thrilling twists in your dynasty’s tale.

Take advantage of the Blue Text for tips

In Crusader Kings III, you’ll notice helpful blue text scattered throughout the game, providing explanations about various mechanics and concepts.

These little nuggets of wisdom are incredibly valuable, especially when you’re starting out. They offer insightful explanations and shed light on different aspects of the game. So, keep an eye out for that friendly blue text – it’s like having a wise mentor by your side, guiding you through the complexities of ruling your dynasty. 

Marriages and Alliances

Just like in previous games of this incredible series, Crusader Kings III places great importance on marriages and alliances. They can be the key to your survival and success in this medieval world.

When it comes to battles and securing support, having strong allies is essential. And the primary way to forge these alliances is through marriages. At the start of your reign, your ruler might not have a spouse, and you’ll need to find a suitable match swiftly, for the unforeseen hand of fate can claim them at any moment.

Look to powerful neighboring rulers for potential spouses, as marrying into influential families can yield powerful allies. It’s crucial to have at least one heir to secure your throne and ensure the continuity of your dynasty.

Remember, if your heir is from the same dynasty, they will inherit all the titles upon your ruler’s death. However, failing to keep your dynasty intact could lead to a game over, so choose your spouse wisely. Understanding your realm’s Law of Succession and Elective laws is crucial in navigating this matter, so be sure to familiarize yourself with them.

Reputation and Titles

Your reputation holds immense significance in earning the loyalty of others within Crusader Kings III. The way you are perceived by your peers and vassals greatly influences their trust in you.

A bad reputation can be detrimental, as vassals may view you as untrustworthy and less likely to be loyal. Hence, it’s crucial to be mindful of your reputation right from the beginning of the game.

One way to boost your reputation is through piety, which can help shape a positive perception of your character. However, it’s essential to remember that your successor will inherit some of the previous ruler’s reputation, so be mindful of the legacy you leave behind.

Creating titles becomes possible when you control 2/3 of the provinces. This means gaining control over lands, either through military might or strategic alliances.

While military conquest can be a means to expand your domain, it’s wise to avoid taking lands from your king’s vassals by force. Such actions could lead to strained relationships with your liege and potentially harmful consequences.

Adhere to guidance and observe pop-up notifications

As you immerse yourself in the game, you’ll encounter various popups that demand your attention, each involving crucial decisions for your Kingdom’s well-being.

These popups can be broadly categorized into two types:

The first type is advice, indicated by a diamond icon. Here, you’ll face decisions that directly impact your Kingdom’s affairs. These choices carry significant weight, and your judgment can shape the course of your rule.

The second type is issues, represented by a circular icon. While you’ll still need to make decisions, these matters may not hold as much importance as the advice popups. Nonetheless, they require your consideration as they can influence smaller aspects of your Kingdom’s management.

Councils Panel

In your council panel, you’ll find a group of trusted advisors, each with their specific roles to aid you in ruling your realm:

Chancellor: Responsible for handling domestic affairs, ensuring the smooth governance of your Kingdom.

Steward: In charge of collecting taxes, contributing to the financial stability of your realm.

Marshal: Can either organize levies to bolster your military strength or work to increase control over newly acquired territories.

Spymaster: A master of intrigue, this advisor uncovers valuable secrets that you can use as leverage and supports various schemes.

Spouse: Besides providing emotional support, your spouse offers a boost to any chosen stat while assisting in managing the realm.

However, it’s crucial to keep the opinions of the archbishop or realm priest in mind. If they aren’t favorably disposed towards you, you have two options to sway them to your side: offer a bribe as an incentive or, with a right-click, select the “Sway” option to engage them personally and win their favor.

Scheming and Decision Making

In the captivating realm of Crusader Kings III, you hold the power to meticulously plan your schemes, secrets, and hooks through the Intrigue Panel. This intricate feature allows you to uncover hidden secrets found by your skilled spymaster and utilize them to invoke favors from various individuals.

Yet, I must advise caution when considering this path. Unless your plans directly contribute to advancing your cause, it may be wise to avoid such ventures. More often than not, these risky endeavors result in failure and may not serve your overall goals.

For those seeking to expand their influence and rule over different regions, the Decisions panel holds an array of possibilities. From conquering lands to dismantling empires, these choices can shape the course of your realm’s destiny. While they might not be immediately relevant, exploring the panel can provide insight into the potent capabilities you’ll have later in your reign.

However, the Decisions panel isn’t solely about matters of conquest and strategy. It also offers opportunities for more leisurely pursuits. You can find solace in simple pleasures like petting a cat or dog, engaging in meditation, or embarking on a pilgrimage. And if you find yourself unwell, fear not, for the option to appoint a Court Physician awaits you.

Your Army

In the military panel, you have the ability to assess the size of your levies and even recruit devoted soldiers known as men-at-arms, who form the backbone of your forces. Additionally, you can bolster your army by enlisting the aid of Knights Templar and hiring skilled Mercenaries.

When you decide to declare war on another ruler, the army you assemble will play a crucial role in your campaign. These troops will be your loyal companions on the battlefield, so it’s essential to have a well-trained and formidable force at your disposal.

Engaging in wars, however, comes with costs and challenges. Not only does it require prestige, but it also consumes supplies needed to maintain the efficiency of your troops. To ensure success and minimize risks, we highly recommend resupplying your army as soon as possible after each conflict. This prudent measure will keep your forces at their peak performance, ready to face any new challenges that lie ahead.

Acquaint yourself with the fundamental hotkeys

When immersing yourself in Crusader Kings III, you’ll quickly notice that there’s a LOT of clicking involved. To save time and streamline your gameplay, it’s well worth familiarizing yourself with some essential hotkeys, especially if you plan on playing for more than just a couple of hours. These are the ones I find particularly useful:

F1: Character Screen – Quickly access detailed information about your character.

F2: Realm – Bring up the realm menu to manage your territories efficiently.

F3: Military – Access your military panel for troop management and organization.

F4: Council – View and interact with your council members and their duties.

F5: Court – Navigate your court’s affairs and personnel.

F6: Intrigue – Delve into the realm of schemes and secrets with your spymaster’s assistance.

F7: Factions – Keep an eye on potential factions within your realm.

F8: Decisions – Explore the myriad of choices available to shape your dynasty’s future.

1-5: Game speed – Adjust the game speed; 5 is extremely fast, so be cautious.

Space: Pause and Play – Quickly halt or resume the game’s progression.

E: Regular Realm map toggle – Toggle between the regular realm map and other map views.

T: Cultural Map – Switch to the cultural map view to gain insights into cultural influences.

R: Religious Map – Explore the religious map view to observe the spread of faiths.

U, I, O: Duchy, Kingdom, Empire Titles – Toggle these titles, regardless of whether they’re formed or not.

W, A, S, D: Map Movement – Easily maneuver the map with these directional keys.

B: Go back to the previous menu – Swiftly return to the previous menu screen.

Escape: Usual button for exiting tabs – Use the Escape key to exit out of most menus.

However, if you wish to specifically close the “Issues” menu, press Tab instead since the Escape key will close other menus first.

Christian rulers have the option to request gold from the Pope

As a Christian ruler in Crusader Kings III, there’s a valuable opportunity you shouldn’t miss out on early in the game. You can ask the Pope for a generous sum of gold in exchange for 250 Piety and a temporary decrease in your relationship with him. Typically, you can receive anywhere from 125 to 200 gold or even more.

To qualify for this lucrative deal, it’s best to cultivate a good opinion score with the Pope, possess virtue traits, and minimize your sins. Taking advantage of this offer, especially in the early stages of the game, is a smart move.

Starting as a Duke or King, you’ll likely face pressing gold-related challenges. While Piety is essential for waging Holy Wars, gold can significantly bolster your progress. With gold, you can fund your Men-at-Arms Regiments and hire Knights with high Prowess, which are vital for building a formidable fighting force. Without such military strength, waging wars becomes an uphill battle.

Enhance the sizes of Men-at-Arms regiment

To diversify your Men-at-Arms composition for battle, follow a simple process. Click on the regiment portrait, which will open a menu, and then select “Increase Size to ____.” This allows you to recruit more units of a particular type of Men-at-Arms.

By doing so, you gain the flexibility to hire different types of regiments without any extra cost, as the size upgrade expense remains the same as the initial purchase. This strategic approach enables you to customize your army according to the specific challenges you face, providing a tactical advantage on the battlefield.

Where to buy Crusader Kings III

To embark on your epic journey as a ruler in Crusader Kings III, you can easily purchase the game at various online platforms, including Electronic First. With just a few clicks, you’ll have access to this captivating grand strategy game, allowing you to dive into the intricate world of medieval politics, warfare, and diplomacy.

Electronic First offers a convenient and user-friendly experience, ensuring you can swiftly get your hands on Crusader Kings III and other in demand games.

In conclusion, Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy masterpiece that plunges players into the captivating world of medieval politics, where they take on the mantle of a ruler, navigating through the complexities of diplomacy, warfare, and dynasty management.

Throughout this article, we’ve delved into the essential tips and tricks to thrive in this challenging landscape. From securing advantageous marriages and alliances to understanding the importance of reputation, these insights are the bedrock of your success as a ruler. Remember, building a strong council, utilizing hotkeys for efficient gameplay, and seeking the Pope’s aid for gold are all crucial strategies that can shape the destiny of your realm.

Let your strategic brilliance and wise decisions guide your realm to prosperity, and let your empathy and compassion be the pillars of your reign. Happy ruling!