While it takes quite a bit of learning to get into, Crusader Kings 3 has a lot going for it. As one of the new games on Xbox Game Pass for PC, the cost to give it a try is relatively cheap, giving even those not well-versed in strategy games a reason to dive in and try to rule a kingdom.

As many players have noticed, Crusader Kings 3 is a complex game, and it isn't always an intuitive experience. There are tons of menus to wade through that can be off-putting to players at first glance, and the beginner tutorial only goes so far. However, by keeping some key elements in mind early on, players will find their experience much more enjoyable.

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Getting Started

Crusader Kings 3 Vassals Taxes Levies

Players new to the franchise should not only play through the game's tutorial but play close attention to it. While there are numerous pop-up menus and a lot of reading to be done, the first tutorial is essential in establishing how to play Crusader Kings 3. With Crusader Kings 3 reviews  being pretty positive and the title being on Game Pass, there are bound to be newcomers, and the game isn't the best about welcoming them in.

The initial tutorial won't teach players everything there is to know about the game, far from it in fact. But it will teach them how to declare war in Crusader Kingsfind a spouse, have children, and so on. A big part of the problem seems to stem from the game explaining how to do those things, but not teaching players how to do them strategically. Fundamentally, it requires players to be patient and willing to learn, and it certainly isn't a game for everybody.

Depending on the scenario players choose at the beginning — besides the tutorial — their situations will be fairly different. There are, however, some fundamental things to establish first in order to gauge their current position in their relative kingdom.

Finding a Spouse

crusader kings 3 trait id list

One of the first things players need to do is find a suitable spouse. As the game makes clear, finding a spouse isn't all about love, rather it's a complicated decision than can be used to gain powerful allies. Not only can the player get married, but they can also marry off their children, courtiers, and so on to establish alliances.

It's easy to jump into a marriage proposal with little thought, and the game doesn't really explain the ramifications it can have later on. Picking a suitable match from France or Germany might sound promising at first, but when a player in Ireland needs to call on their allies for aid in a war, the alliances to distant relatives may prove to be mostly useless, severely damaging a player's position.

Think of finding a spouse — and playing Crusader Kings in general — like an episode of Game of Thrones. By garnering favor with a powerful lord and then sealing the bond with a marriage, players can form a network of alliances that, in time, can take them from a lowly county-holder to a king.

It's also important to take notes of which traits the potential spouse has. For the player, in particular, a spouse's traits can be inherited by their children, and if they want to continue a long line, it's best to find a match that has powerful connections and good traits. Simply diving into a marriage without considering each element can set players up for a short reign.

Starting Wars

Declaring war in Crusader Kings 3

Ambitious players, inevitably, are going to want to start wars with opposing leaders. There are numerous ways to go about this, though starting a war isn't always the best move in the first place. First, players will need a Casus Belli to initiate war. In other words, there has to be a reason for players to go to war. Frequently, this will be a dispute over a title, which players have the option to fabricate claims for, or land. Sometimes, certain religions and cultures will ask for help in a war, too.

The game will also alert players when war can be declared, but they'll want to consider a few different factors before they hit that button. The first, and most immediate thing, is relative enemy strength. Crusader Kings will give an idea of which leader has the better military strength, but its a bit deceptive.

Both parties will likely have allies that can be called to war. While the player may overwhelm the opposition at face value, this isn't always the case. It's important to keep in mind who is allied to who if players want to have any chance of winning. Situations can change rapidly, too. If an ally dies or is captured, it can have a dramatic outcome on the war.

Winning Wars

Winning a war and starting a war are two radically different things in Crusader Kings 3, and there's no open and shut way to walk away victorious. Rather, players simply need to keep in mind some basic tactics. Soldiers perform differently based on the type of terrain they're in, with bonus' varying depending on the type of troop. This is easiest to see with Men at Arms regiments, which will list their bonuses directly in the Military menu. The game handles war faster than Civilization 6but isn't as involved as Total War.

By selecting armies, players can divide them into smaller groups. This is useful for a number of reasons. First, it allows for pincer movements throughout the map, which can be an effective tactic. It also allows players to have a presence in multiple places, allowing for a variety of sieges and attacks to divide enemies. It's equally important to keep in mind where one's allies are, and how they'll react as the situation changes.

Try to keep enemies pinned against bodies of water and mountain regions, as it'll make it more difficult for them to escape. While that's going on, think of places to divide an army that may open the opportunity for a siege, while keeping enemies away from it. Gradually, players will notice a War Score going up and down depending on the tide of the war. Get it to 100%, and the option to "Enforce Demands" will pop up, giving players what they wanted. Of course, at -100% players lose the war, and that will happen occasionally.

There's a lot more that goes into Crusader Kings 3and strange situations will emerge almost constantly. It's okay to be frustrated at first, as the game takes a lot of getting used to, but by picking battles and considering options carefully, players can set themselves up for long, successful reigns.

Crusader Kings 3 is available now for PC.

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