Crusader Kings III: Warfare Guide

Welcome to the ultimate Crusader Kings III Warfare Guide! Whether you're a battle-hardened monarch or just starting your reign, mastering the art of war is crucial for expanding your kingdom and securing your legacy. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into essential strategies and tactics to help you dominate the battlefield. You'll discover how to Build Your Army from the ground up, understand the roles and strengths of Key Units and Their Uses, and learn the secrets of Using Commanders and Leaders Effectively. We'll also cover Managing Resources for War to ensure your troops are always ready for action and unveil top Strategies for Winning Battles. Get ready to lead your dynasty to glorious victory!

Building Your Army

So, you’ve got your fancy new kingdom in Crusader Kings III and it’s time to flex those military muscles. Armies in CK3 are your bread and butter for expanding territory, defending against invaders, and showing everyone else who’s boss. Let’s break down the basics of building your army into something Charles the Bald would be proud of.

Levy Basics

Levy troops make up the bulk of your forces. These are your everyday peasants with pitchforks and farm tools, who band together to fight for their liege. Here’s what you need to know:

• Source: Levies come from your own domain and the domains of your vassals.
• Numbers Matter: The more land and vassals you control, the more levies you’ll have at your disposal.
• Quality: Levy troops aren’t the best fighters. They’re numerous but not super effective against professional soldiers.

Raising Levies

To raise your levies:

1. Open the Military Menu: Hit the Military tab on your main screen.
2. Click Raise All Armies: This calls up all your available levies and any Men-at-Arms you’ve hired.
3. Formations: Levies automatically gather at rally points. You can set these points wherever on the map is most strategic for your campaigns.

Men-at-Arms

Men-at-Arms are the professionals. They’re tougher and more effective in battle than levies. Here’s why you need them:

• Special Units: These include heavy infantry, archers, cavalry, and more.
• Counter System: Each type of unit has strengths and weaknesses against other units. Wield the right balance to overcome your foes.
• Customization: You can hire and upgrade Men-at-Arms regiments to better suit your battle needs.

To manage Men-at-Arms:

1. Select Men-at-Arms in the Military Menu: Here, you can hire, upgrade, and disband units.
2. Balancing Acts: Keep an eye on your gold and prestige. These troops cost resources, so don't overextend yourself.
3. Strategic Use: Deploy them strategically. Men-at-Arms are your aces in the hole for key battles.

Knights

Every medieval story has its knights in shining armor. In CK3, knights are your best fighters:

• High Prowess: Knights have individual stats called prowess, which determine their effectiveness in combat.
• Recruitment: Knights are usually picked from your nobility, but you can also invite knights from other realms by increasing your court grandeur or hosting events.
• Careful Management: Losing knights in battle is a big hit, so use them wisely.

Mercenaries and Holy Orders

Sometimes, you need some extra muscle, especially in tough wars. That’s where mercenaries and holy orders come into play:

• Mercenaries: These are hired guns ready to fight for whoever pays their price. Good for short-term beefing up.
  • Check the Military Menu for available mercenary bands.
  • Watch your funds; they’re expensive and only stick around as long as you have gold.
• Holy Orders: These units fight for your faith. They’re cheaper than mercenaries and renew their contract periodically.
  • Available when you have high faith and fervor.
  • Can’t deploy them against rulers of the same religion.

Strategy Tips

• Balance Types: Don’t go all-in with one type of Men-at-Arms. Have a mix to counter various enemy units.
• Economy Control: Keep an eye on your finances. Wars drain your coffers quickly.
• Rotation: Sometimes raising all your levies can leave your land defenseless. Rotate your troops wisely.
• Rally Point Positioning: Set rally points near the frontlines but not so close that your troops are ambushed before they’re ready to fight.

Practice Makes Perfect

Jumping into wars without a solid strategy is a recipe for disaster. Take your time to understand different troop types and practice with smaller skirmishes before launching into major wars. Know your enemies, plan your conquests, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming the next great ruler in Crusader Kings III. Happy conquering!

Key Units and Their Uses

In Crusader Kings III, knowing your units and their strengths can turn the tide of battle. Here's a rundown of some key units you’ll encounter and how to best use them.

Knights

What they are: Elite warriors and noblemen who lead your armies.

Uses: Knights are incredibly powerful in combat. Each knight can deal a significant amount of damage compared to regular soldiers. Always keep an eye on your knight count; you can never have too many of these bad boys. They lead from the front and can make a huge difference in battles, especially when the numbers are close.

Pro Tip: Invest in the Chivalry focus or Martial lifestyle perks to boost their effectiveness even more.

Men-at-Arms

What they are: Professional soldiers you hire, train, and maintain. They come in various types, like archers, light footmen, pikemen, and more.

Uses: Men-at-Arms units are way stronger than your regular levies. Hiring these units allows you to tailor your army composition to counter the enemy’s strengths. For instance, pikemen can deal with cavalry effectively, while archers can whittle down enemy forces from a distance.

Pro Tip: Check your enemy's unit composition and adjust your Men-at-Arms accordingly. Use the “Create Men-at-Arms” button to bolster your forces where needed.

Levies

What they are: The bulk of your army, made up of peasants and commoners.

Uses: While not as strong as Men-at-Arms or Knights, levies make up the numbers. Quantity can sometimes beat quality, especially when you’re laying siege to a fort or castle. They serve as your mainline troops.

Pro Tip: The quality of levies varies depending on your realm development. High development areas provide better-equipped levies.

Archers

What they are: Ranged units that can attack enemies from afar.

Uses: Archers are great for softening up the enemy before your main forces engage. They’re especially effective against units with low armor. Position them strategically behind your mainline to avoid direct engagement.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the terrain. Archers are more effective in open fields and less so in dense forests or mountainous areas where their range is limited.

Cavalry

What they are: Mounted units, including light and heavy cavalry.

Uses: Cavalry units excel at flanking maneuvers and charging into unprepared enemy lines. They can cause panic and break enemy formation. Heavy cavalry is especially devastating but costs more to maintain.

Pro Tip: Use cavalry in conjunction with infantry to maximize their impact. Having them charge from the sides can wreak havoc on enemy morale.

Siege Weapons

What they are: Heavy machinery like trebuchets and mangonels designed for breaking down fortifications.

Uses: Siege weapons are essential for quick sieges. Instead of waiting months or years to starve out the enemy, you can bring their walls down in weeks. They don’t perform well in direct combat, so keep them protected.

Pro Tip: Always bring siege weapons when attacking well-defended castles or keeps. They can save you a lot of time and reduce casualties.

Special Units

What they are: Unique units tied to specific cultures or regions, like Varangian Guards for Norse rulers or Janissaries for Muslims.

Uses: Special units often have specific bonuses that can give you an edge in particular situations. They can turn into a game-changer if used correctly.

Pro Tip: Check the cultural innovations in your realm to unlock and recruit these elite units. Use them wisely to capitalize on their unique strengths.

Final Tips

• Scout and Adapt: Before committing to battle, check the enemy's army composition and adapt yours to counter it.
• Terrain Matters: Always consider the terrain you’re fighting on. Different units perform better or worse depending on the landscape.
• Balance: A well-rounded army usually outperforms a one-dimensional force. Combining various units ensures you're prepared for any scenario.

Understanding these key units and their uses will help you become a military powerhouse in Crusader Kings III. Now, go out there and conquer the world!

Crusader Kings III: Warfare Guide

Using Commanders and Leaders Effectively

Crusader Kings III is all about mastering the complexities of medieval life, and one of the keys to ruling successfully is knowing how to utilize your commanders and leaders in war. Here's how to do just that:

Choosing the Right Commander

Choosing the right commander can vastly improve your chances in battle. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best leaders:

• Traits Matter: Traits such as "Brilliant Strategist,", "Unyielding Defender," or "Aggressive Attacker" can make a significant difference. These traits amplify a commander's effectiveness on the battlefield.
• Martial Skill: The higher the Martial stat, the better. This number directly impacts the commander's ability to lead troops and win battles.
• Synergy with Unit Types: Some commanders have special abilities or traits that work best with certain types of units. For example, a commander with the "Inspirational Leader" trait boosts the performance of Light Infantry.

Know Your Army Composition

Commanders aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. Matching the right leader with the right army composition is key:

• Heavy Infantry: They pair well with commanders who have traits that boost their effectiveness, like "Unyielding Defender."
• Cavalry: Use commanders with "Aggressive Attacker" traits to maximize their charge potential.
• Archers: Archers can benefit from commanders with traits that increase skirmish effectiveness or provide tactical flexibility.

Using the Terrain to Your Advantage

Certain commanders excel in varied terrains. Make sure to place leaders where they can make the most of the battlefield:

• Mountains and Hills: Commanders with "Mountain Expert" or "Hills Specialist" traits can turn these tough terrains into death traps for your foes.
• Forests and Marshes: Utilize commanders with traits like "Forest Fighter" or "Swamp Specialist" to gain an edge in these tricky landscapes.

Tactics and Engagements

Different commanders can employ various tactics based on their skills and traits:

• Flanking: A commander with high Martial skill and the "Reaver" trait can lead successful flanking maneuvers, causing significant morale damage to the enemy.
• Hold the Line: A defensive commander with traits like "Unyielding Defender" can make your forces tough to dislodge, even when outnumbered.

Commander Loyalty

While skill is crucial, loyalty and opinion should not be overlooked:

• Keep Them Happy: A commander who loves you is less likely to betray you during a crucial moment. Grant them titles or lands to keep their loyalty.
• Guard Against Schemes: Keep an eye on potential plots against your commanders, especially those who are ambitious or vengeful. Unhappy commanders can turn into a rebellion risk.

Promoting and Demoting Commanders

Don't be afraid to make changes:

• Promote Wisely: Identify your best commanders and give them more responsibility. This can improve the effectiveness of your entire military.
• Demote When Necessary: Sometimes a trusted commander may lose favor or become less effective. Be ready to demote them in favor of more competent leaders.

Summary

Being an effective ruler in Crusader Kings III means knowing how to use your commanders and leaders wisely. Focus on their traits, utilize their strengths with the right types of units, consider the terrain, and ensure their loyalty. With the right leadership, you can turn the tide of any battle in your favor.

Happy conquering!

Managing Resources for War

So, you're ready to lead your dynasty to victory on the battlefield? Awesome! Here's a breakdown of what you'll need to manage to keep the war machine rolling smoothly in Crusader Kings III.

Gold: The Lifeblood of Your Army

In Crusader Kings III, gold is everything. It's what keeps your armies paid, fed, and equipped. Without it, your soldiers will start deserting faster than you can say "insufficient funds."

Earning Gold

1. Taxes: Your vassals and holdings generate taxes, but there are ways to boost this income. Develop your lands, build new buildings, and appoint a Steward with high stewardship skills to increase tax revenue.
2. Raiding: If you're playing as a culture or religion that supports raiding, this can be a great way to gather gold quickly. Send your army to pillage neighboring lands.
3. Events and Decisions: Keep an eye out for events that grant gold. Occasionally, your decisions or random events can gift you a nice windfall.

Spending Gold

• Maintaining Armies: Armies cost money to raise and upkeep. Ensure you have enough gold before committing to a long war.
• Mercenaries: Sometimes, you need extra muscle. Hiring mercenaries can turn the tide but they come with a hefty price tag.
• Upgrades and Fortifications: While not directly tied to active war, investing in your lands' fortifications and improvements will make war easier in the long run.

Soldiers: Raising and Maintaining Your Troops

Your soldiers are your most tangible resource in any conflict. Protecting, training, and utilizing them efficiently is key to war success.

Types of Troops

1. Levy Troops: The backbone of your army, these come from your holdings and vassals.
2. Men-at-Arms: Specialized units that you can recruit separately. They offer better stats and various benefits depending on their type (e.g., archers, cavalry).
3. Knights: High-ranking characters who fight in your army. They're powerful but few.

Maintaining Troops

• Raising Levies: Levies are easy to raise but do diminish your counties’ productivity. Make sure not to drain your lands dry.
• Maintaining Men-at-Arms and Knights: These units cost money even when not raised, but having a few well-maintained Men-at-Arms regiments can make a big difference in battle.
• Training: Appoint a Marshal with good martial skills and use the "Train Troops" task to improve your levies' effectiveness.

Supplies: Keeping Your Army in Fighting Form

Marching an army is not just about having bodies to wield swords. Supplies are crucial. An army without supplies will suffer attrition, losing size and effectiveness over time.

Gathering Supplies

• Friendly Territory: Armies gather supplies when stationed in your own or allied lands.
• Raiding and Conquest: Plundering enemy lands can help replenish supplies.
• Sieges: When you successfully siege a holding, you often gain supplies as part of the loot.

Managing Supplies

• Supply Limit: Pay attention to the supply limit of areas you march through. Overextending your army in hostile or barren lands can lead to quicker depletion.
• Resupplying: When supplies dwindle, it's best to retreat to friendly lands to resupply.

Time: When to Fight and When to Wait

Timing can be everything in war. Sometimes, pressing the attack isn’t the best move.

Choosing the Right Time

• Seasons: Winter can devastate an unprepared army. Plan your wars around favorable seasons.
• Internal Stability: If your realm is facing internal strife, it might be wiser to stabilize the home front first.
• Enemy Weakness: Attack when your enemy is weak--during their wars, after a new ruler takes over, or during periods of civil unrest.

Patience Pays Off

• War Score: Let sieges play out and gain control of enemy holdings to gradually increase your war score.
• Resting Troops: Don’t be afraid to take a break between battles. Allow your levies to replenish and your Men-at-Arms to recover.

Conclusion

Managing resources for war in Crusader Kings III is a balancing act. Golden coffers, well-fed troops, and perfect timing are your keys to a successful campaign. Keep your economy strong, your battalions numerous and supplied, and pay close attention to the war's ebb and flow. With these tools at your disposal, you’ll be well on your way to expanding your empire and carving your name into history.

Good luck on the battlefield, my liege! 🚀

Strategies for Winning Battles in Crusader Kings III

When it comes to winning battles in Crusader Kings III, it's all about strategy and preparation. Whether you're a new ruler or an experienced one, these tips will help you dominate the battlefield. Let's dive into some key strategies to ensure victory.

Know Your Troops

Your army is composed of different types of troops, and each type has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Levies: These are your basic troops, good in large numbers.
• Men-at-Arms: Specialized units like archers, cavalry, and siege weapons. They're more effective than levies but cost more to maintain.
• Knights: These are your elite fighters. Each knight counts for several standard troops due to their high prowess.

Aim to have a balanced mix of these units. Relying solely on levies can be risky unless you vastly outnumber your enemy.

Commanders Matter

Picking the right commander can turn the tide of battle. Look for commanders with high Martial skill and useful traits. Some traits to look for:

• Aggressive Attacker: Bonus to damage when attacking.
• Defender: Bonus to defense when defending.
• Organizer: Faster movement speed, great for quick strikes.

Keep your commanders rotated and ready. Having a strong backup can save you if your primary commander is injured or dies.

Terrain Can Save You

Knowing the terrain you’re fighting on can make a huge difference. Here’s how it works:

• Mountains and Hills: Great for defense. Your troops get combat bonuses, and the enemy gets penalties.
• Forests and Wetlands: Good for slowing down the enemy.
• Plains: Cavalry is highly effective here.

Always try to pick the battlefield. If you're the defender, use the terrain to your advantage. If you're the attacker, avoid engaging in rough terrain where your enemy has the upper hand.

Outmaneuver and Isolate

Large-scale battles aren’t the only way to win. Use your army's movement to outmaneuver and isolate enemy forces:

1. Divide and Conquer: If the enemy has multiple smaller armies, try to isolate and defeat them one by one instead of facing their combined might.
2. Cut Supply Lines: Instead of always fighting head-on, raid enemy lands to weaken their economy and morale.
3. Siege Strategically: Choose to lay siege to important places like the capital or key economic centers. This weakens the enemy’s war capabilities.

Technology and Innovations

Don’t neglect your realm’s tech advancements. Innovations can grant you better equipment and new unit types, improving your army’s strength. Focus on military advancements to keep up with or get ahead of rival rulers.

Mercenaries and Allies

Sometimes, your own troops won't be enough. Here's what to do:

• Hire Mercenaries: They're expensive but can give you an edge, especially in tight situations.
• Call Allies: Use alliances to bring in additional troops. Make sure your allies are reliable and can actually help in battle.

Morale and Supply

Keeping your army’s morale and supply high is crucial:

• Rest Between Battles: If your army's morale is low, rest them in friendly territory before the next fight.
• Keep Supplies Stocked: Marching long distances or through enemy lands can deplete your supplies. Prioritize capturing or controlling supply points to keep your army fed and ready.

Final Tip: Save Often

Remember, things can go wrong no matter how prepared you are. Save your game often before big battles. This way, you can reload and rethink your strategy if things don’t go as planned.

With these strategies up your sleeve, you're ready to conquer the medieval world of Crusader Kings III. Build a strong army, choose the right battles, and lead your realm to glory!