Warfare in Crusader Kings 3 can elevate your dynasty to greatness or bankrupt your realm in a matter of months. Knowing when to raise your levies, how to manage your armies, and when to sue for peace is just as important as having a larger force. This guide walks through the practical steps to fight smart and stretch your war chest without collapsing your economy.
Understand Your Army Composition
A key mistake new players make is relying solely on levies. Levies are cheap but lack punch, especially in late-game conflicts. Focus instead on a small but specialised force of men-at-arms. These professional troops cost more upfront but deal significantly more damage and can counter specific enemy units effectively. For example:
- Pikemen beat cavalry
- Archers outrange and shred light infantry
- Heavy infantry dominate in rough terrain
Men-at-arms also reinforce faster than levies, making them ideal for rapid campaigns.
Hire Knights Strategically
Knights (champions) are some of the most effective fighters in the game. A single high-prowess knight can kill dozens of enemies per battle. Prioritise court members and guests with prowess of 12 or higher. Use the Invite Knights decision if you’re lacking quality fighters. Just ensure you can afford their court salaries long-term.
Keep Supply and Attrition in Mind
Nothing drains a treasury faster than starving armies. Always watch your supply limit. Marching a stack of 5,000 into a province with a 2,000 supply cap leads to attrition losses and decreased army effectiveness. Split your forces when moving through poor terrain and consolidate before battles.
Building up your military camps or investing in the Logistics lifestyle perks can help mitigate these issues, particularly for extended campaigns.
Timing Your Wars
Wage wars when you’re strongest and your neighbours are distracted or recovering. A ruler with full levies, a gold reserve, and a few event troops from decisions or events is in a perfect position to strike.
Check your target’s allies before declaring war. Even small realms can pose a challenge if they’re backed by a powerful ally. Use marriage alliances and diplomacy to isolate them before committing to conflict.
Use Mercenaries Wisely
Mercenaries are expensive but can be decisive if used correctly. Don’t hire them at the start of a long war. Wait until the critical moment—often right before a major siege or pitched battle—then bring them in to tip the scales. Make sure you have enough gold to pay them for the duration, as they desert the moment you can’t afford their wages.
Siege Efficiently
Sieging down castles is where wars are won or lost. Men-at-arms regiments like siege weapons (onagers, mangonels, etc.) greatly reduce siege times. Speed is vital; the quicker you end a war, the cheaper it is.
Prioritise your war target and avoid wasting time on far-off holdings that don’t contribute war score. Focus on objectives, and only chase armies if you have a clear advantage.
Don’t Let Wars Drain Your Realm
Keep a close eye on your income. Wars often cause vassal taxes and county incomes to drop, particularly if enemy armies raid or occupy your lands. If your income dips into the negative, disband armies after battles when safe, especially levies. A brief disband and regroup can save hundreds of gold over time.
Invest in your economy before launching long wars. Domains with upgraded buildings provide both income and troops. A few extra gold per month can mean the difference between sustaining your armies or falling into debt.
Ransom and Pillage
Use warfare to fund itself. Ransoming prisoners can be highly profitable, particularly nobles and heirs. After major battles, check your prisoner list and send ransom offers quickly. If your culture and faith allow, raiding can also fund your military efforts—though this is best reserved for tribal rulers or hybrid cultures built for pillaging.
Know When to End It
Dragging out wars to try and win every last holding is rarely worth it. If you’ve captured the war goal, crushed their armies, and have a strong war score, enforce demands and get out. Wars that drag on too long invite peasant uprisings, opportunistic invasions, and drained coffers.
The Seven Swords takeaway
Winning in Crusader Kings 3 isn’t just about fielding the largest army. It’s about fighting efficiently, reading the political landscape, and managing your resources carefully. Prioritise speed, avoid attrition, use knights and men-at-arms effectively, and only pick fights you’re positioned to win. Victory should elevate your dynasty, not ruin it.
