[2023] For New Players: A Beginner's Guide to CKIII

New to Crusader Kings III?

Grand strategy games like Crusader Kings III can be complex. However, while this complexity is part of what makes the game great, it also makes it, well... complex and a little difficult to get the hang of. Therefore, we've decided to create this thread to help new players grasp the game and make it easier to get started.

There are many layers and elements to the game, but let's start with the basics for now. If you're looking to dive deeper, check out the CK3 Wiki.

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Video Tutorials

Many aspects of the game have been explained in our series of short video tutorials. You can find the full playlist of these videos HERE.

Want to learn more about something specific? Each subject in our tutorial series can be found separately below.

• Characters
• Dynasty
• Succession
• Schemes
• Vassals
• Domains
• Money
• Technology
• Military
• War
• Battles
• Religion
• Custom Rulers

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11 Pieces of Advice

If you're brand new to the game, you may find these simple tips useful in your first playthroughs.

1. Two major aspects of the game are managing your dynasty and your realm. You are not an omnipotent ruler or eminence ruling from the shadows; power will be balanced between you, your vassals, and your dynasty!
2. As the beginning of the game emulates history, there is no balancing between starting locations. Your campaign may be very easy or very hard depending on where you choose to start.
3. Gold, Prestige, Piety, and Renown are all forms of currency in the game. Gold represents your material wealth, Prestige represents your personal influence and majesty, Piety represents your perceived righteousness and dedication to religion, and Renown represents the glory of your dynasty. All four are acquired and spent in different ways.
4. Your culture, religion, realm size, and many other factors determine which strategies and goals are possible for you. What works for one ruler may be nearly impossible for another.
5. Make sure your councilors are competent in their respective areas, and that you're keeping them happy. A spymaster who hates your guts will look for opportunities to plant a knife in them.
6. Each member of your council has a variety of special tasks they can perform. Check the icons along the left side of their portraits in the Council menu to see what they can do for you!
7. You can always pause or slow down the game speed. While higher speeds are a good way to fast-forward through quiet times, you can easily miss important things if you keep your speed set to maximum all the time. Remember to stop occasionally and take a look at the state of things.
8. When an event window pops up, take a moment to check all of the details and your possible responses to it. Glossing over them too quickly can result in you picking an outcome you may not be happy with. Take advantage of nested tooltips to learn as much as you can.
9. You can pin characters of interest by clicking the pin icon in the upper right corner of their portrait in the character view menu. There are thousands of characters in the world, so pinning the ones important to you can make it easier to keep track of them.
10. Decisions are divided into Major Decisions, long term goals that can have a huge impact on your dynasty and the world at large, and Minor Decisions, which offer various short-term benefits. Take a look at which decisions are available to you and consider enabling notifications for ones you're interested in so you're informed as soon as you can take them.
11. If you play a long campaign, your first ruler WILL pass away. And the second. And the third. Make sure you have an heir (but not too many! Competition is unhealthy) and that they're properly educated and prepared to take the throne upon your passing. A poorly-planned succession can be devastating to even the most powerful kingdoms and empires.

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More Information

As Crusader Kings III is a complex game, this thread just covers the basics. Some more nuanced videos can be found below.

Paradox Grand Strategy - Crusader Kings 3 | Beginners Tutorial
Snap Strategy - 30 *HUGE* Tips for Beginners in Crusader Kings 3
ItalianSpartacus - 9 Useful Tips for Beginners in Crusader Kings 3 (First Time Player Tips)
PartyElite - 8 BIG MISTAKES TO AVOID IN CRUSADER KINGS 3 | Beginner's Guide 11
lionheartx10 - HOW TO BE A VIKING IN CRUSADER KINGS 3!
OneProudBavarian - The Ultimate CK3 Beginners Guide

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Still looking for more?

If you're looking for more advanced help, want to share ideas, or just want to engage with like-minded fans of history and strategy, then join our community! You can find official Crusader Kings III communities here on our Official Forums, our Steam Discussions forum, or on our Official Discord Server.