Crusader Kings 3 - The Mindset For Playing CK3

In this video I discuss the mindset for playing Crusader Kings 3. Whether you're a beginner or veteran CK3 player, having the right mindset will help you enjoy Crusader Kings 3 more.
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[@attrage7545]

I play to a character's traits yes, but also to my "gut feeling" based on events in the game. My favorite example of this was when my then King's daughter was imprisoned for falling pregnant to another man, and after giving birth to my granddaughter Romilda in a prison cell, she was executed. Now, my king was so angered, he arranged for her husband to be assassinated. He was nearing the end of his reign, so after that unpleasantness was done, he sort of figured ok, eye for an eye, we're done. However ... his son, who was seven, was so affected by his sister's demise, he became obsessed. Based on my gut feeling about him, I knew I had to abandon my well intentioned plans to be a "steward" king, and instead when he took the throne, his entire reign became defined by his quest for revenge. Intrigue went against his personality, so this was a difficult task, but something about the thought of little Romilda so far from home, surrounded by the men who had stood idly by while her mother was beheaded, he just couldn't let it go. So for sixteen long years he worked with his spymaster to undermine the rival kingdom's government and bring Romilda home.

[@LordCousland]

Yes, I love this type of play. After being frustrated for so long with the partition succession system, I shifted the way I play in my current campaign. I wanted to take the English throne, (yeah I know, not where original), but instead of doing it directly, I wanted to reenact the historical events and the norman conquest. So, I started as a Norse Asatruan viking built a small but strong realm and then Adventured to France. This character did not become norman however. He was never norman, his children who were born in the new land however were much closer to the French culture and religion than he was. So his son was the first to establish the Normans and convert to Christianity. His father was still clinging to the old faith and his freedom, his son much more content in life swear allegiance to the French king. By the time of his son, their viking days were long done and they were focused on building and prospering. Beating the occasional viking raiders. His son (4th gen) was an ambition old man, by the time he came to rule, and waged wars against Brittany, and conquered it. He had no children, his wife given him a single daughter, who was my first duchess. Inherited his father's ambitions and warlike nature, she was the first to conquer lands on the British Isles. Since England was never formed in this campaign (Alfred died too young, and Danelaw was not established, I was disappointed) but the small disorganized Anglo-Saxon counties were up for grabs. She remembered her great grandfather's legend, the tales that she heard of a land so beautiful and plentiful she wanted all for herself. So firs she gained a foothold in Cornwall and in 3 decades she ruled the entire southern region of England. She married late in life and only had a daughter. She wasn't as ambitious as her but she promised to finish her mother's dream and unite the Anglo Saxons, by the this time many hybrid cultures popped up, even Scotland, Ireland was formed, France started to fall apart with the death of the king and the ascension of a toddler, the inner conflicts within West Francia and moving to Winchester as the new realm capital, she fought for independence. As a new independent ruler to further distance herself from the French she converted to Insular Christianity and took Canterbury as a symbol to her new faith. Her son being a zealous little boy will become known as the Conqueror of England and who united the Anglo Saxons. He spread Insular Christianity all through the land and established the Kingdom of England and since he was born in Winchester Castle, he embraced his new culture and became the first English king. We are in the early 1100s at this point. His first son was a womanizer, lustful individual, he reformed the faith after the pope refused to dissolve his marriage, he took her head and reformed the faith, broke away from the pope, appointed himself as the new head of faith (yeah I know deja vu Henry VIII vibes, but it made sense, for the character). Soon after the pope organized on all out Crusade for the soul of England. Thankfully, this king put his faithful dukes in positions of power and on this small island we beat back an army of nearly 190 thousand with 70 thousand men. It was the toughest war I fought in this game bar none. But We have prevailed! And so by the time of the end of his sons reign England was fully formed and fully embraced the new English religion. So it took me many generations to get their but it was so much fun. I am still playing this dynasty, I also changed the house's names and coat of arms a few times when it made sense including the symbols from our past and present, from the norse house to the norman house to now the House of Essex since we moved our capital to London, Essex county. I diverged the culture once, as a norman to signify our shared bonds with the Bretons of Brittany, but after that I only reformed the culture and now I am reforming the English culture and picking up traditions that make sense for them, like hunting or castle building, chivalry etc. The ultimate goal of course is to unify the Kingdoms of Britain under one ruler, but how and who will do it remains to be seen. And perhaps to establish an Empire that will rule over even India one day. I have 250 years until the end of the game so will see how far I will get. The Arabian Empire in the middle east and north Africa is currently 130 thousand strong compared to my 25 thousand so... I don't I will wage any Crusades any time soon. But who knows, maybe the next King will be a zealous, ambitious individual who will not be afraid to throw the lives away of his own subjects for a grand cause of taking the Holy Land away from the heathens. We'll see.

[@thecomedian5933]

Im not reading allathat.

[@smoore6461]

Life happens sir, you need to take care of the real world first and foremost, I'm pretty new to thr game I'm not at 300 hours yet. I'm not a min/maxer but I do have a hard time starting anywhere but Sardinia, that silver mine is just so lovely..I love playing this game in a RP fashion though! I always try to choose my responses based on the characters traits even when it will go badly for me. I also at times have to think a King would make the best choice for his or her realm even when that goes against their best interest.

[@garrettstauffacher7876]

Who needs to start in Sardinia when you can just "repurpose" the mines as any one? :p

[@smoore6461]

@@garrettstauffacher7876 true, I just find starting there a really fast way to get a duchy and kingdom as well

[@garrettstauffacher7876]

@@smoore6461 don't blame yah sometimes I hybridize them while I'm there just for stalwart defenders for even more gains lol

[@smoore6461]

@@garrettstauffacher7876 stalwart defenders is really good too, I find hybridization with Italian works very well If you want to take all of Italia as well, I usual switch to catholic from orthodox ASAP bur I have also gotten born in the purple in My bloodline before too. When I was trying to reform Rome. That was the closet I have come to reforming Rome iirc.

[@SOM-1]

Using immersion mods is also a good thing to add a little challenge, inherichance, higher mortality rates ect.

[@DronesClubMember13]

Roll play is undoubtedly the best way to play....but I still rage when I lose territory. I can't quite completely override my own traits with the character traits. Very good point though on noting at this point in history no one thought about national identities. I think most people forget that and get angry with how the game treats succession.

[@randyclark1221]

Great video. I'm playing now, slowly, as Matilda of Tuscany and trying to make decisions as I understand her, both within the game and historically. I'm playing slowly, and having a lot of immersive fun as opposed to rushing through and trying to 'win' something.

[@niafer9444]

I bought CK3 on sale a few weeks back and your videos have been a great help. Thank you and welcome back!!

[@stefan_wsl3398]

I really embraced this after my character was ousted from the throne of Wales (that her great grandfather created) by her uncle, so we worked on building up a stable and prosperous relm, getting a good marrage for us and our sister until eventually her uncle died in a crusade and we were able to defeat our cousin and reclaim the throne. Leaving a untied and prosperous relm for our later dynasty to tear apart in more bloody cival wars over a fancy chair!

[@washinthewind]

Missed you dude!!! I'm glad to have you back and I hope life calms down for you and the fam!

[@stanleyrosella7042]

Thanks for this video. This is what I also think is the way to play this game. You're stepping into the shoes of someone that might have very different ideas and values as you do. You play this character and when it's time to shift to the heir you might very well change the way you approach the contiuation of your game. It's easy to start following your own ideas and ways and force the decisions on that, then go the same way when the heir is up to bat. The way you suggest I think makes the game very different even in the very same save. You don't have to start with someone else and try a new approach. Just follow what the present character you play and whatever he/she might have done. If Paradox done their job many times it takes one down the same path as history, but now and then you get to make that what-if choice and see where history could have gone all within the character you play own way of thinking. Makes the game so much fun I think.

[@Oven-kq2fm]

0:51 legendary voice crack very good video though

[@Suspect333]

Welcome back man, hope everything is good? Looking forward for some more guides in the future.

[@senexiratus973]

I like your take, because you add dynasty and rank to the "I'm gonna roleplay the traits". So, I generally play traits with the first character (I play vassals in Europe), and that character's life and actions influence how I play the next character along with the next character's traits, and so on, and so forth, then I have a dynastic view based on the history of the characters, so I might end up playing against the traits, because maybe they don't fit the dynasty, and there's a certain sense of duty and/or self-loathing in a character that makes them act against their nature (such as their nature is determined by those traits). And in reality, people act against their personal nature all of the time, which tends to stress them out, which the game models with the stress mechanic. Anyhow, gonna watch your Angevin campaign, as I'm subscribed, but not sure I've ever actually watched you play. I'm interested to see your take on roleplay in action.

[@joebailey4374]

Great insights! Never played anything like this before. Thanks Brother! =)

[@Kinzarr4ever]

To add to your comments about nation-states, as far as I know, (and I'm no expert); the first time the idea of the nation-state as we know it became significant was in the French revolution; so you were pretty much spot on in terms of the time-period. As far as I understand it, the revolutionaries strongly felt they were all 'French', and they were all, as Frenchmen, being screwed by their king. Which, in my eyes, makes it kind of ironic they would put an emperor on the throne within 20 years. Guy you might've heard of by the name of Napoleon Bonaparte. I don't know much about the details but I'm pretty sure I got the gist of it.

[@jamesormondroyd1009]

Great to see you back!

[@gocryptic]

Good seeing a post from you man!!

[@bowiebolissian1619]

I agree 100% with this! Your videos are awesome, man, that's all I'm gonna say

[@martinmyggestik292]

For me CK3 is a freaking awesome medieval story generator. I see myself as some sort of director or GM and try to shape the story by nudging my character in the right (or wrong) direction 😊

[@crystalbuck5990]

Whatnot happens. So glad to see you back!

[@joshuabixby2776]

Can't wait to see your next playthrough. Glad to see you uploading again.

[@irondeath212]

Lovely video and perspective of gameplay. I have always been playing with some aim in my head, make strong island kingdom, make and empire, conquer Constantinople or play tall with a duchy. But next time I will just play for my dynasty and for the ruling character, not for country or conquering. : ) 🍻 Thank you for the lovely idea.

[@adrionixx7852]

I began a full rolling campaign and I hadn’t noticed how funny some interactions are if you don’t take it seriously and don’t pick the best outcome choices

[@thatoneguy4209]

Hey didn't know you had stop making vids for a while I love your videos about countries and regions and was looking for one about Hungrey then found this lol. Keep them up they are invaluable.

[@mandead]

oh, a new RBG video, nice. time for a new tip2 run, surely? xD I do a broad roleplay style, never min-max, and never play ironman. nice to see you back mate, hope you stick around and do some more vids.

[@tracehackaday7058]

Well with Legends of the Dead and Chapter 3 coming out, there is definitely going to be a stronger focus on the whole RPG play style (rather than minmax and optimization), which I think is a major W for this game.

[@cba2make1up]

There are times when I start out wanting to roleplay but then the game just compels me to go against everything my character stands for. Yeah I realize I have the choice to accept that my calm and compassionate ruler would never imprison and execute his sons to secure the succession, but I just end up doing it cuz I've been working towards something or I don't really feel like losing everything. Although I definitely understand the point you made about the cool stories that unfold and the memorable moments. I've done some campaigns that "went south" at first, but then turned out so interesting that they got me thinking maybe it's not too bad to let the game play out without pushing for an optimal run.

[@cba2make1up]

*Storytime:* Just yesterday I was playing this campaign and my guy died before I could disinherit this one son because I'd already used the renown to disinherit other sons, so the realm split in 2. Naturally I ended up going to war with my half-brother. We were both martial guys and we led our respective armies. We fought some battles which also had the rest of our brothers fighting on opposite sides. The best part, his own full brother was fighting for him, but he was literally my best friend, and at one point I got a pop-up (a letter) from him saying he supports my claim against his own full brother, whom he's fighting for... This game got me wondering about how conflicted some other irrelevant character must've been feeling. Then eventually I captured the main contender in battle and essentially won, but I decided to execute him and go after his sons as well. Looking back, now I also imagine the back-and-forth that took place on the battlefield, and the conversation moments before the execution, and I just see the most interesting story ever while it started from a complete accident. This is just one of the many reasons I love CK3.

[@Sevatar_VIIIth]

Idk I would say that's still pretty tame compared to how some play CK. If you wanna see the perfect example of CK degeneracy go watch Legend's CK2 Charlemagne playthrough......sweet Jesus that's degenerate but hilarious the way he plays that.

[@corentinboxho]

I like your ideas here. Though unfortunately, I think the game itself doesn't really help with that mindset most of the time. 😅 2 examples: - The existence of those genetic traits that can make your character so much better makes it hard to resist not chasing them and the achievements and perks that can make your dynasty permanently better, and not save-scumming for a genetically better heir... I think the game would be so much better and chill is those genetic traits didn't exist at all, to be honest... - as for staying reasonable and roleplay in your realm expansion, sometimes the game makes it totally impossible. My example: I recently tried to play as the count of Cagliari in the 867 start. It was easy enough to form the duchy of Sardinia, and my initial intention was really to stay reasonably small, especially given that the Sardinian culture has the isolationist trait! But in order to form the kingdom of Sardinia & Corsica, I needed to have 2 duchies. Corsica was out of my reach because it was held by Italy, that was far more powerful than me... So I thought I will conquer Tunis, only to have 2 duchies, and later I'll be able to get Corsica back via the stewart's interaction on the de jure counties... But then, when I started to have a few powerful Orthodox vassals in North Africa, they started to wage their own holy wars and to expand the realm by themselves... And why wouldn't they? The surrounding muslims were all small fragmented duchies! So I conquered 1 or 2 myself just to round things up and complete a few more duchies... Then before I know it, I can form the kingdom of Africa and the holy Orthodox site of Alexandria is reachable... So much for my isolationist roleplay playthrough! 😞

[@esssaaaa5417]

Thanks for this video! I really struggle with CK3 bc in other paradox games there is more nation building. Ive been really struggling with role playing and immersion, this vid made more sense of rp

[@mahmud7645]

CK3 is usually the easiest in terms of getting strong because the strategy is a bit straightforward and you have many ways of influencing powerful characters to be your ally because raising a characters opinion in CK3 is waaay easier than increasing a nations opinion in EU4

[@iammarcustcleveland5780]

Great discussion. I explained it similarly to my pop when he bought it to play with me. As a min max guy he didn't get it😂

[@billychops1280]

Omg, your back

[@devilmemnoch]

Ty for the upload!

[@McDudes]

But to roleplay with history in mind you first need to have that historical knowledge which isn't always that easy especially if you play in an area that you don't know much about.

[@RealmBuilderGuy]

That’s very true. That’s when you lean into the character traits a bit more.

[@McDudes]

@@RealmBuilderGuy yeah makes sense. And I guess wikipedia can help too xD

[@cruelbanana441]

I usually play like that, but sometimes you gotta break the character. A content compassionate ruler might get way to boring

[@Sevatar_VIIIth]

That's kinda like how I can't play CK3 or any other game unless I like or am interested in the history/lore/story of it. For me the history and story is a make or break factor in whether or not I'll engage with any game, book, or movie really.

[@Grasher134]

I usually play optimally. Although several times I totally had my bastard child and their mother getting their own kingdom or duchy

[@McDudes]

me playing norse with scandinavian electives and the citizens always vote for the big strong martial war leader every generation 😂

[@pristinesavant4946]

Just finished my first world conquest ever. Probably should've been more inclined to the kind of gameplay described in the video. The last bits of playthrough were so tedious and boring, and I actually finished it just to fulfill the task. Never gonna minmax again 😌

[@methospayne4735]

Me at the beginning of the game : Ok I'm gonna max out everything play like a beast and crush everyone 😠 Me in the middle of the game : Hmmm I wonder what will happen if I indulge my characters new strange want for a sexual relationship with his mother 🤔 me at the end of the game : Shit I really should have set this thing to no end date 😪

[@frequan6261]

Bro what

[@godkidableable]

No end date is crazy

[@JerryNorthwayNJ]

Great video. Can u make one for eu4. I'm between ck3 and after a while switch between them.

[@arcanetactician8997]

I use a 30 face dice when I play.

[@hagymascsiposgyros5780]

ck3 grindset

[@421less1]

I was trying to do a kingdom of mann run by adventuring to strathclyde then fighting it out with ivarr for the irish sea. Iceland vikings kidnapped/concubined my wicked smart daughter who was my player heir, court tutor and physician. First i went on a raid to iceland and raided it entirely out of spite. Then i burned my one duchy conquest on him because, fuck em. Grabbed the entire duchy, had his wife two, daughters and 2 of the four sons. Executed/torturee the sons and wife and concubined his daughters. Eventually found the other 2 sons serving under someone back in norway. Repeatedly raided it until i had both of them. Killed the oldest one and made the youngest one my court jester where he was never married. My roleplay is that every visitor to our court got to hear from the jester that if you fuck around with King Helge "the awesome and terrible" your risking your entire dynasty.

[@Dominik-bl9sw]

I can’t stop min-maxing, what should i do?

[@RealmBuilderGuy]

Read up on an interesting character and get inspired to recreate their life. That’s the easiest way to softly step away from min-maxing.

[@VL1975]

I can't even play Paradox games because their fucking launcher is messed up.

[@nicholasbarber3644]

i forgot you existed

[@1992zorro]

This is really what players are doing to make the game less boring and more immersive. The problem is the game lack any type of diversity and depth. Just play Ck2 and you will see this problem is non-existent

[@jamesembry6721]

Comment

[@DJ-1Q84]

Golden Obligations all day

[@fierylightning3422]

oh yeah its absolutely time to get into the mood of arranging a marriage between my children

[@scarziepewpew3897]

This just seeems boring ngl. Way too realistic which wouldn't be a complaint but. The average guy wants to emulate a great king like Alexander napoleon or caesar thats why achievement hunters exist. Even medium level kings used to want to emulate great ones. Granted most kings lived a boring life managing bs because they were raised incompetent and lavish. but i dont wanna have to deal with petty politics 24/7 yes they should be there as an obstacle i need to get rid of in my way to glory. But not entirety of it. Would i have been a bitch who likes drama mroe than conquest if i was born into loyalty? Maybe. But let ys think we could be like Alexander

[@AtLaw95]

3 min intro is a bit much. I zoned out after 1

[@RealmBuilderGuy]

Ok…

[@sebastiedjuan7468]

is a stupid map painter blob simulator!!

[@stanislavkino]

Turn your brain off

[@andrisbig7710]

This is probably one of the worst game in the world due to gap between potential/promise of this type of game and actual mechanics, RNG and pure stupidity, absurdity of this game. It only made me angry and frustrated with it, i assure you guys, don't waste time with this trash. It is beyond horrible.

[@austinjones1059]

Yea seeing my family fall into cucking each other with an odd flavor of incest can be weird. But it helps illustrate a lot of actual lessons for life. If you want to railroad your people on a certain path, you’d probably have to use mods or cheats to an extant. The world is only as beautiful as you can make it, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@austinjones1059]

I think the most potential for entertainment is inside your noggin, so use a cheat mod as a “Notional RP Mechanic”. Oh you can’t vassalize someone because of a silly modifier? Just use a cheat and do the rp in your head. Or use as a crutch in case something frigs you over

[@hoticeparty]

Nah it's just not for you

[@mahmud7645]

@@austinjones1059 The Vassalizing you just mentioned: thats what the non-ironman mode with build-in cheats is for. But the complaint is kinda silly, the negative modifiers are there to keep you from getting super Overpowered. Kings generally do not accept vassalization because they have a -200(or was it -100?) modifier on that. Why would that make the modifier stupid? They are a prestigious King after all. Well maybe the game just isn’t for you

[@user-ct2oj7bn1o]

It’s a paradox game, I think Paradox games are just not for you, it’s not just “hur dur invade whole map and take it over”, it’s more about the economics, politics and fulfilling rp fantasies

[@ua2894]

hey, related question: how do you raise your children, especially your primary heir? How does the personality and experiences of your player character affect that?