If you have dreams of conquering the world, then Crusader Kings 3 is here to help. Paradox's grand strategy game is set in the middle ages and builds upon the franchise's existing framework to create an incredibly in-depth experience, allowing you to take control of a huge range of historical dynasties and lead them to riches or ruin. You can choose to play as a benevolent ruler, uniting kingdoms and crafting peace, or a scheming tyrant intent on leading with an iron fist, the choice is yours.
Getting Started
The first thing you'll notice, especially if you are new to the franchise, is that the grand in grand strategy is, if anything, an understatement. You can choose from one of several time periods in the middle ages and take control of one of a huge range of historical provinces, making your own futures and leading your own kingdom.
Everything is under your control, and I mean everything. You choose your spouse, your heir, your domain's rules, and your actions. Armies are under your command, as is the court. You'll need to use these alongside your allies' help, in order to grow your influence and spawn a long-lasting and successful dynasty.
So many choices can feel incredibly overwhelming, but there is an in-depth tutorial system to help you get your head around the basics. It will walk you through command, combat, and control. Once you've got the hang of the basics, you simply need to jump in and hope for the best. Thankfully, there are frequent tooltips in the game, allowing you to easily access a refresher on different features. You'll also find pop up information when you tackle new aspects of the game, as well as a helpful list that lets you know what actions are available.
A Whole New World
The world map of Crusader Kings 3 is hugely expansive and looks set to potentially grow. Opening the map reveals a huge amount of starting provinces but also spaces for the map to be extended and a tattered edge on the right-hand side that suggests this may be in the game's future.
You'll also notice that the map is incredibly detailed. Each country is split into areas and the towns and holdings of each are clearly shown on the map. From here you can select different domains to find out more information about the rulers and your relationships to them. You can also use the map to easily command armies, who will rally at your kingdom before venturing to wherever you choose to send them.
In your own domain, you'll also be able to make adjustments to your holdings from the map, such as increasing defenses or deploying members of your court to the area. Several parts of key information can be accessed via the map and the visual aspects make it easier to understand combat in particular. This is aided by pop up notifications that allow you to find out more about specific events and go straight to the appropriate menu to take action if required.
Becoming The Ruler You're Destined To be
Whichever starting point you choose, you'll take control of a ruler who often has some basic skills and experience. However, how these are utilized is up to you. The game allows you to choose a lifestyle of diplomacy, martial, stewardship, intrigue, or learning. Your choice will reflect on how you rule, as will the path you take within this area. Past experiences can also provide bonuses in specific paths.
The system works similarly to a class and talent tree system, allowing you to customize and specialize in areas that appeal to you. Choices you make as a ruler when random RPG related events occur will also affect your overall character, adjusting your statistics and influencing events that occur.
You can rule justly and fairly, building alliances and supporting peace when possible. Alternatively, you can choose to become a tyrant with an insatiable bloodlust and a penchant for incest - this is the middle ages after all.
As well as waging war on your neighbors, you can also become beloved by finding favor with other kingdoms. This will allow you to marry off your offspring in order to gain riches and prestige. There are so many paths, and the one you tread will depend on how your character reacts to the challenges that come.
Micro-Management
This game allows micro-management on an extreme scale. Absolutely anything you can think of that you'd want to do if you controlled a kingdom, you can very likely do. Want to conquer your neighbors? Done. Raise taxes? Done. Start a brand new religion? Done. Fire your entire court and start again? No problem. Need someone to "disappear"? We know a guy...
The world seems full of infinite possibilities once you begin to explore the menu system. Here, you'll also notice that everything feels more streamlined and intuitive than in previous versions. The complexity remains but navigation is simpler and easier.
Playing Crusader Kings 3 is not a journey for the fainthearted, especially if you've never touched the franchise before. The depth and complexity mean that the learning curve is steep, but the tutorial and tooltips do make it easier. However, you need to be committed to seeing it through as it takes a while to understand all the areas you need to keep an eye on.
I've only played a little of Crusader Kings 2 and while this is much easier to navigate thanks to the improved map and menus, it's still a steep learning curve. I found that trying different scenarios helped as each one starts with different levels of holding and with a different range of events going on. Some start in the middle of a war, while others have less rocky beginnings. This means that no matter if you want to start slow or jump in at the deep end, there's a path for you. Veteran players of the genre or franchise can even choose to start with a more difficult scenario to test their skills.
In summary, Crusader Kings 3 is so complex that even after hours of playing, you can still discover new features or uncover intricate systems you've not needed before. For those who want full control of a domain and dynasty, you won't be disappointed. Just be prepared to put a chunk of time into learning the ropes.
A PC version of Crusader Kings 3 was provided to TheGamer for this review. Crusader Kings 3 is available on September 1 for PC.
Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3 puts you in the middle of the grand strategy action in medieval Europe. It features a larger map than its predecessor, more detail, and more rulers to raise to dynastic greatness.