The Best Starting Rulers For Beginners in Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings 3 is one of the greatest grand strategy games ever made. Paradox Interactive has truly knocked it out of the park in their medieval simulation series, with players finding themselves lost in this game for hours on end as they try to form massive dynasties, help rulers flourish, and rewrite the very flow of history itself. The sheer number of things players can accomplish in this game is mind-boggling.

Given how beginner-friendly Crusader Kings 3 is, most people might take it a step too far and select any random character on the map to play as. This is a horrible strategy, and players should try getting familiar with the mechanics of this game first with easier rulers before moving on to more complex kingdoms and dynasties.

Updated on September 10th, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra:It's heartwarming to see a game like Crusader Kings 3 tread new ground for the grand strategy genre and become accessible to the masses while retaining its complexity. While the aggressive monetization practices Paradox has followed for this game may leave a sour taste in the mouths of fans, players willing to make this financial investment will be treated to one of the most rewarding gaming experiences around, where they step into the shoes of a ruler and help them expand their empire to great heights. The sheer number of mechanics at play in this game can be overwhelming for many, and some of the best CK3 starting rulers ensure that players can learn the ropes and become masterful leaders in no time.

Special Mention: Create Your Own Ruler

With the addition of the Ruler Designer, players can create a custom ruler in their image and add them to a game if historical accuracy is not a huge concern for them. If players don't care too much about achievements, then they can go completely nuts and create an OP ruler with multiple beneficial traits to make the game easier and more of a power fantasy.

However, keep in mind that players will need to create a strong legacy if they don't want their inheritances to die out. This is easier said than done, but veteran players should have no trouble forming a long-lasting realm that will keep them entertained for quite some time.

Robert De Hauteville, Duke Of Apulia

A Rags To Riches Character With High Martial

It's easy to see why new players would love to play as a ruler with special scenarios curated just for them, and the five legends of Crusader Kings 3 help them achieve this goal and then some. Not only are all of these rulers a joy to control, but they also have high stats in one particular department that help them stand out as some of the best CK3starts players can check out.

Given how warfare plays a huge role in the game, it's easy to see why players would be tempted to play as Robert de Hauteville, the Duke of Apulia. Contrary to what most people think, starting as a ruler with a liege is a better way for players to grasp the basics before expanding their scope, even if it's tempting to play as a king or emperor from the start. This Duke is a competent ruler who can fight his way out of his liege's service and start a kingdom of his own in no time if players wish.

Yahya Dhunnunid, Emir Of Toledo

A Rags To Riches Character With High Intrigue

While every stat in Crusader Kings 3is complex in its own right, players who want to be sneaky and use spies and assassinations to fuel their lust for power should play a character with high Intrigue. This makes Emir Yahya one of the best CK3starts players can get their hands on. Intrigue is way more complicated than most people would assume, and this character ensures that players can come to grips with the shadier side of ruling a kingdom.

Plotting an assassination may be a bit too harebrained in the early goings, and it's better for players to slowly build up by getting hooks and blackmailing people first before moving on to more ambitious and sinister plots. It may seem daunting for a beginner, but focusing on a single stat makes things way easier than trying to be a jack-of-all-trades.

Guilhem VIII De Poitou, Duke Of Aquitaine

The Mightiest Duke Serving Under The King Of France

Controlling a duchy may not seem like the most action-packed way to kickstart a playthrough of Crusader Kings 3, but what helps Duke Guilhem stand out is the fact that he's one of the strongest dukes serving under the King of France. This gives one of the best CK3 starts a lot of leeway to shape his rule in whatever manner players see fit.

It can be a tall order to go against the King of France, but players who are successful in freeing themselves from this vassalage can embark on a conquest for the ages and gather allies to form a powerful empire in Europe. For beginner players, learning the ropes and serving under a liege can be done in a jiffy, and it's fine to be ambitious and move on to greener pastures after hitting the ceiling of what they can achieve as a duke.

Mahasamanta Parakkirama Of Pandya, Raj Of Pandya

Start Out With The Third-Highest Paying Duchy In The Game

Many rulers in India are a blast to control, and one such character that has a wealth of advantages at their disposal is Mahasamanta Parakkirama of Pandya. Players who want to understand how culture works will find this ruler to be right up their alley, even if they may be overwhelmed when it comes to armies.

A great way to make up for this early on is to cement alliances with other rulers to enjoy the benefit of their larger armies in the event of a war. Once the player is safeguarded from any unwanted aggressions, they can get to work hoarding a lot of wealth, forming titles, and expanding their realm until they can form India. It's a challenge, but one that players will be up for once they enjoy the opulence of being the Raj of Pandya.

Bjorn 'Ironside'

Form Alliances Quickly To Become A Leader Of Sweden

It's easy to assume thatBjorn 'Ironside'may be at a disadvantage, especially once players look at their lack of a proper army that can prevent them from mounting up a defense against their neighbors. As a result, new players will quickly learn how important it is to form alliances, with players ensuring that they're not at risk of being obliterated by other rulers.

Following these alliances, players must make some diplomatic moves and get more people on their side before going on to form Sweden. It's a tantalizing journey to go through with its fair share of ups and downs, but players who weather the early storm will be greeted with one of the most impactful experiences as a Crusader Kings 3 player.

Rurik The Troublemaker

Trying To Form The Country Of Russia Is A Blast

The best playthroughs are the ones where players can realistically form alliances and gain control over enough territories to form a country. This can be achieved with rulers like Rurik, who starts relatively safe and can use a mix of diplomacy and old-school warfare to become one of the most powerful rulers around.

Forming Russia is far from an easy task but something that players can go for if they want to attain a major level of success and understand the deeper mechanics of the game. It also serves as great practice for players who want to attain the achievement associated with Rurik, mandating them to form Russia while in control of this ruler in Ironman mode.

Sancho Remiriz De Aragon, King Of Aragon

A Nice, Smooth Playthrough Where Smart Ambition Is Rewarded

Starting with a kingdom as a beginner may seem daunting, but Sancho'sdecent stats and claims to other kingdoms make it quite fun to get used to playing on a greater scale. Players will have a great time using diplomacy and politics to establish their kingdom as one of the biggest powerhouses around.

However, players are also in the vicinity of powerful enemies that can take them out in no time flat if players become serial warmongers. This makes it important to pick and choose battles that Sancho's realm can handle before moving on to bigger things.

High Chieftess Daurama Of Kano

Tied To The Achievement "Mother Of Us All"

The High Chieftess Daurama of Kano is one of the best and most unique rulers in Crusader Kings 3. She has enough resources at her disposal to make for a peaceful and lucrative reign, but that's not what makes her special.

This dynasty is one of the few ones with enatic succession, which is pretty great indeed. Players who are slightly bored with the focus on male heirs can check this ruler out for themselves.

Jarl Dyre "The Stranger" Of Konugardr

The First Norse Ruler Of Kyiv

Jarl Dyre "The Stranger" of Konugardr is another interesting ruler and a fun one for beginners to start with. Players will learn about how titles are inherited through this ruler, and this harsh lesson is learned if they decide to sire an heir.

Players can potentially lose the name Oskyldr if they have a direct heir, with their firstborn son being the player heir with fewer titles to their name. To solve this dilemma, players should either not have an heir and keep their firstborn as healthy as possible, or legitimize the Jarl as soon as possible.

Haesteinn Of Montaigu

A Legendary Raider Who Teamed Up With Bjorn 'Ironside' At Munso To Form A Fearsome Reputation

Haesteinn of Montaigu is one of the most popular characters in the Crusader Kings community. Players love role-playing as this ruler, making him a great choice for beginners as well.

This ruler stays alive for a long time, allowing new players to learn the ropes and come to grips with the game's more complex mechanics. If everything is done right, then the transfer of power should be pretty smooth as well.

Laszlo, Duke Of Transylvania

Boasts A Large Army, Making Him An Easy Starting Ruler

The Duke of Transylvania is a highly recommended starting ruler by many players, with beginners benefiting from the massive armies that this ruler controls. Laszlo may be a bit too honest for his own good, but many people argue that this is his only negative trait.

A supportive family and great options for marriage make him a great starting ruler in Crusader Kings 3. It helps that controlling the area of Transylvania is also pretty engaging in its own right, given its prominence in history and literature.

Duke William "The Bastard" Of Normandy

Poised To Engage In A Legendary Clash To Invade England

Once known as the bastard, controlling Duke William and role-playing to help him ascend as a king is one of the most satisfying playthroughs anyone can go through. It may be slightly challenging, but beginners will learn a lot through this adversity.

Players should make their relationships wisely and ensure that they don't bite off more than they can chew. A smart and powerful rule is required to win the legendary war and become King of Normandy.

Negus Yemrehana Krestos Of Abyssinia

A Small Realm With Limitless Potential

At the start, Yehrehana Krestos has a pretty small territory and seems slightly uninteresting to play. However, over time, players will soon realize that this character has a ton of potential to grow.

This is mainly because Abyssinia has a ton of cover from the invasions in the North. This, coupled with a lack of worthy adversaries around, makes this ruler a great way to learn how to expand and consolidate kingdoms.

Sultan Yahya II Ibn Yahya Of The Idrisid Sultanate

Great For Learning The Basics Of Diplomacy

Players who want to comfortably learn the basics of diplomacy should try playing as Sultan Yahya II ibn Yahya of the Idrisid Sultanate. His relatively high diplomatic stat and a lack of any warring nations mean that players will enjoy a pretty comfortable reign indeed.

Forming allies is a pretty major part of Crusader Kings 3, and Sultan Yahya II ibn Yahya helps players learn that in spades. It's easy to see why he's such a favored start for many in the game, especially in the early going.

Earl Murchad Mac Diarmait Of Dublin

Uniting Ireland Is A Blast As A Beginner, With This Task Being Far From Complicated

Pretty much any area in Ireland serves as a perfect start for a Crusader Kings 3 player. After all, there's a reason why so many people call this nation a tutorial area, with the game itself proclaiming the same.

Uniting Ireland is not the easiest task around, but it makes for a pretty compelling goal regardless. As long as players manage their wars and heirs properly, this Kingdom will soon be theirs.

King Sancho II 'The Strong' Of Castille

A Sibling Rivalry Spices Up One's Playthrough

Money makes the world go round, and this applies in Crusader Kings 3 as well. So, players who want to enjoy a loaded playthrough should check out King Sancho II 'The Strong' of Castille.

This character might have a sibling rivalry, but most people won't care because of how enjoyable this ruler is to play as. The fact that he's pretty young makes his rule a long and enjoyable one too.

Thakur Vijayabahu Of Rohana

Starts In An Easy To Win War With Superior Troops And A Great Martial Stat

At a glance, Thakur Vijayabahu might seem like a rather tough character to play, since he's shown to be at war. However, it's when players start the game that they realize that their military power far outweighs their opponents.

Not only does this lead to an easy victory, but players can also easily form the Kingdom of Lanka shortly after. This action-packed start means that players will have a great time in the game from the get-go.

Matilda Di Canossa, Duchess Of Tuscany

Teaches Players The Importance Of Matrilineal Marriages

Controlling Matilda di Canossa makes for a great time in Crusader Kings 3. It's easy to see why so many players find her to be a great start in the series.

Players should make sure to marry families matrilineally so that they don't lose any territory. As long as these marriages play out in the player's favor, they will be more than capable of controlling a powerful realm in the game.

Maharaja Bhoja Of The Pratihara Kingdom

One Of The Most Powerful Kingdoms In South Asia

The South Asian realms in Crusader Kings 3 are a great place to start the game. For starters, most kingdoms in this area have great resources and technological advancements.

The Pratihara Kingdom is an especially great place to start due to its massive size and military power. Bossing around nations and forming powerful alliances will be an engaging prospect indeed. Players who want to boss around other rulers and try to unify the realms and form India will have a great time taking on the role of Maharaja Bhoja.

Murchad Mac Donnchad Briain, Petty King (Duke) Of Munster

There's A Reason Why This Character Is Who Players Control In The Game's Tutorial

It was only a matter of time before a ruler from Ireland would make their way on this list. After all, there's a reason why Crusader Kings 3 pretty much places one of these rulers as the protagonist for the game's tutorial.

Given how isolated Ireland is from the rest of the game, it's easy to stay wrapped up in local conflicts without worrying about the rest of the continent. Players who succeed in becoming the King of Ireland will have a way easier time with the rest of the game. It's far from a simple task but is worth investing in for players who want to see how far they can get with their first playthrough of the game.