Crusader Kings 3is 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-friendlyCrusader Kings 3is, 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 Jul 22, 2025 by Ritwik Mitra:Crusader Kings 3 is one of the greatest grand strategy games ever made that is perfect for new players to experience just how engaging this title is. Players will have a great time roleplaying as the ruler of their choice and helping their dynasty succeed at all costs. This can force players into some horrific decisions, but this is just a part of what makes Crusader Kings 3 such a joy to play through. If players want to try out some of CK3’s best starts with a good ruler, then it’s best to keep this information in mind.
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.
30Afonso “The Conqueror” Borgonha, King Of Portugal
The First King Of Portugal With Many Heirs
Crusader Kings 3has enjoyed a whole host of free updates, including one that added a whole new starting year for players to mess around with. Having access to better technology and other such innovations means that players can enjoy more ofCrusader Kings 3’s late-game systems than they could before.
To make things even better, this update came packed with some interesting characters to roleplay, including King Afonso of Portugal. While he may be on his last legs by the time players get to control him, he is still one ofCK3’s best starts simply because players will learn how succession works, letting them plan out things accordingly in the future when such a situation pops up again.
29Friedrich “Barbarossa” Hohenstaufen, Kaiser Of The Holy Roman Empire
One Of Germany’s Most Powerful Rulers Who’s A Joy To Control
The Holy Roman Empire can be tough to manage, but beginners who want to enjoy unlimited power that will ease them into the decision-making present in this title will love how engaging this playthrough can be. It’s one of the bestCK3starts, despite its complexity, because players will have an advantage over pretty much every nation, letting them experiment without being in constant fear of angering vassals or allies.
Of course, players should still operate within certain constraints, but there’s a surprising degree of freedom that can be enjoyed as the Kaiser of the Holy Roman Empire. As a result, Friedrich “Barbarossa” Hohenstaufen becomes one of the most interesting rulers to roleplayinCrusader Kings 3.
28Richard Plantagenet, Count Of Poitiers
Players Can Either Become Richard The Lionheart Or Carve Their Own Path
Richard the Lionheart is one of the most popular figures in history, and players who want to help establish this legacy can roleplay as this character before he attained this glory. The game starts with Richard’s ailing brother on the verge of death, leaving him first in line to succeed as the King of England.
He can be a valiant ruler in no time, but some players can choose to carve their own path and mold Richard into whatever image they see fit. He can rule France as well if one plays their cards right, making him one of the bestCK3starts. For the most part, beginners should stick to ruling England instead, since it’s easier and lets them develop the skills they need to tackle harder playthroughs in the game.
27Robert 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 ofCrusader Kings 3help 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 thebestCK3startsplayers 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 asRobert 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.
26Yahya Dhunnunid, Emir Of Toledo
A Rags To Riches Character With High Intrigue
While every stat inCrusader 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 makesEmir Yahyaone of thebestCK3startsplayers 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 beforemoving 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.
25Guilhem 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 ofCrusader Kings 3, but what helpsDuke Guilhemstand out is the fact that he’s one of the strongest dukes serving under the King of France. This gives one of thebestCK3startsa 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.
24Mahasamanta 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 isMahasamanta 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.
23Bjorn ‘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 learnhow 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 aCrusader Kings 3player.
22Rurik 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 likeRurik, 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.
21Sancho 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, butSancho’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 timeusing diplomacy and politics to establish their kingdomas 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.
