Summary
Crusader Kings 3, developed by Paradox Interactive, is a strategy simulation game in which players take control of a Medieval dynasty and must consolidate power through politics, war, or intrigue. Through the wide range of options that the title offers, it is possible to adapt strategies to suit different gameplay styles.
One of these strategies, which some players like to apply to their games, is known asTall. This means that, during the family dynasty inCrusader Kings 3, the gameplay will stay focused on just a few counties. This works to maximize the wealth of their land, removing the focus from expanding into new territory.
10Choose The Ideal Location
Fundamental To Applying Tall Strategy
To apply the Tall strategy inCrusader Kings 3,players must first choose a duchy or small kingdom(depending on the interpretation of the rules) where their dynasty will begin. Fortunately, there are several options to choose from in the game, but remote regions such as Sardinia and Iceland are good options due to the few conflicts.
Another excellent choice is Bohemia. Located centrally on fertile land, this duchy offers several holding slots and a gold mine, making it ideal for players looking to invest heavily in building infrastructure early on. There are several other options available on theCrusader Kings 3map that are ideal for Tall gameplay, as long as there are ample locations available to build on.
9Prioritize Development
Invest In It Early
Players who want to apply the Tall Strategy inCrusader Kings 3shouldn’t focus on wars or conquering enemy kingdoms; instead, they should focus on theinternal development of their lands. From the start, the best option is to setthe Steward to ‘Increase Development in County’in the capital or other critical regions.
In the long run, this will increase the wealth, levies, and technological progress of the lands, making it easier to evolve and catch up with the kingdoms controlled by the game’s AI. This way, even if the player has fewer territories, their other resources will balance out the game.
8Maximize The Domain Limit
Get More Counties Under Control
Focusing on a good Steward is not only necessary for the kingdom’s court inCrusader Kings 3. In Tall gameplay, the main character of the bloodline, controlled by the player, also needs to have a high value in this attribute. A high Stewardship value means the ruler can control more countries. Marrying someone with good attributes also helps toincrease the Domain Limit.
Along with focusing their heirs’ education on this attribute from an early age, some traits are essential, and help characters to have even more Stewardship. Players should aim to acquire traits like Midas Touched and the Divided Attention perk in the Architect Lifestyle, which increases the Domain Limit by 2.
7Build Efficient Buildings
Think About Their Long-Term Usefulness
Due to the limited amount of land,buildings should be designed to maximize resourcessuch as income and the development of regions. For example,Tradeports should be a priority in coastal regions, while Guild Halls are valuable in cities.
Defense shouldn’t be overlooked, either. In strategic counties, especially those near other kingdoms, military buildings should be constructed to prevent unwanted attacks from neighbors. It’s important to plan everything carefully.
6Plan Heirs For The Long Term
Genetic Traits Are Important
Crusader Kings 3is about maintaining power, and there are several ways to make a dynasty prosper. One of those is through the genetics of future heirs. When arranging marriages for children,look for partners with good genetic traitsthat can be inherited.
Traits like Genius and Intelligentensure that future heirs are born with a high Stewardship value, which can be further improved with other traits and good education. This ensures that future generations of heirs are even more efficient rulers.
5Create Strategic Alliances
Ensure Kingdom Defense
When using the Tall strategy inCrusader Kings 3, players might feel unprotected due to the small size of their kingdom. To prevent attacks, it’s important toform strategic alliances with surrounding noblesto protect the land.
The best way to achieve this is through marriage. Marrying heirs, or other court members to the heirs of other kingdoms, almost guarantees an alliance. However, remember that this partnership is mutual, and it may also be necessary to protect the allied lands.
4Focus On Expanding The Dynasty
Ensure That Bloodline Relatives Have Power
Expanding the dynastyis crucial for ensuring family longevity and power inCrusader Kings 3. Arranging marriages for children and grandchildren with heirs from other influential families can secure strategic alliances and bolster political standing. These unions enhance political influence and spread the lineage across various territories, extending the dynasty’s reach.
By placing relatives in positions of power within other kingdoms, a vital support network is established for times of conflict. Assisting relatives in conquering and maintaining titles in different regions generates loyal alliances and fortifies the dynasty. This approach ensures that influence extends across vast areas, providing stability and security throughout their reign.
3Choose The Best Heir
Use The Game’s Mechanics
To play Tall Strategy inCrusader Kings 3, it is essential to ensure that the ideal heir takes power. As the game is unpredictable, the head of the current dynasty may have many children with varying abilities, making it tricky to ensure the ideal child inherits power, but the game offers mechanics to simplify this process,with the Disinherit function being the primary tool.Although this option may upset many at court, ensuring the right heir assumes the throne is crucial for maintaining control.
If loyalty within relationships is not a primary concern, players can choose to have illegitimate children with concubines or other women. Among these options, the best heir can be selected and legitimized to take the throne. This alternative may strain relationships with other characters, especially if the player is married, but it is a worthwhile trade-off in the quest for the perfect descendant.
2Keep Good Men-At-Arms
Maintain A Personal Army
Even though the Tall style of gameplay inCrusader Kings 3doesn’t focus on war, combat will still be relevant to the dynasty. In addition to forming powerful alliances with neighboring kingdoms,players must maintain Men-At-Arms units for defense.
These units can be chosen as needed, and scale with bonuses from kingdom-specific buildings. For example, counties with Hunting Grounds offer additional bonuses to armies with Light Cavalry, making them more effective in combat. Also, choose units that adapt well to the duchy’s terrain and have good defensive attributes, ensuring the lands are protected from invasion.
1Have A Strong Economy
Important Throughout The Game
By applying the Tall strategy inCrusader Kings 3, players can accumulate significant wealth. This is excellent, but still needs to be managed well to ensure there is no shortage of money for essential resources at critical moments.
For example, wars can be long, and due to the small size of the kingdom, there may be a shortage of troops. In such situations,hiring a Mercenary Companycan mean the difference between victory and defeat. However, mercenaries are also high maintenance, so keeping emergency funds available for these instances is extremely important.
