In Crusader Kings 3, success in war begins long before the first troops take the field. A ruler who invests time in preparation will avoid costly mistakes and gain an edge over opponents. Whether defending your realm or seeking new lands, careful planning can make the difference between a decisive victory and a humiliating defeat.
Strengthen Your Economy
Wars are expensive. Before committing to conflict, ensure your treasury can support sustained campaigning. Maintain a healthy monthly income by developing holdings, upgrading economic buildings, and granting land to capable stewards who can improve tax collection. Avoid going to war if you are already in debt, as penalties to morale and opinion can cripple your efforts.
Secure Alliances
Diplomatic preparation can be as powerful as military strength. Marry into powerful families to secure alliances and call allies to arms when war breaks out. An ally’s troops can deter aggression from stronger rivals and help reinforce your armies during sieges or decisive battles. Be aware, however, that alliances may require reciprocation, pulling you into wars that are not in your interest.
Recruit and Organise Your Army
Your levies form the backbone of your forces, but Men-at-Arms regiments provide the real tactical advantage. Invest in units that suit your terrain and expected enemies, such as pikemen for defending against cavalry or archers for ranged support. Hire knights with high Prowess to lead charges or protect vulnerable flanks. Before declaring war, make sure your armies are fully reinforced and stationed in strategic locations.
Stockpile Supplies
Supply lines are critical. Marching armies without adequate provisions will quickly suffer attrition, reducing their strength before battle even begins. Station your troops in friendly territory before a campaign to replenish supplies, and avoid moving large armies through poor terrain or hostile lands without careful planning.
Monitor Enemy Strength
Use the Realm View and character windows to assess your opponent’s troop numbers, quality, and alliances. A hasty war against an enemy with hidden allies or superior Men-at-Arms can end in disaster. If your enemy is distracted in another conflict or facing internal revolts, it may be the perfect time to strike.
Plan War Goals and Strategy
Decide in advance what you aim to achieve. Whether pressing a claim, seizing a duchy, or countering a raid, focus on your primary objective and avoid being drawn into unnecessary battles. Control key chokepoints, such as river crossings or mountain passes, and aim to win early decisive engagements that break enemy morale.
Maintain Internal Stability
A war can expose weaknesses at home. Keep vassals loyal by granting titles, holding feasts, or arranging marriages. Disloyal vassals may revolt at the worst moment, splitting your focus and resources. A stable realm ensures your war effort remains uncompromised.
Crusader Kings 3 War Preparation Checklist
| Preparation Step | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| Check Treasury and Income | Ensure positive income, upgrade economic buildings, and avoid debt before declaring war. |
| Secure Alliances | Arrange marriages with powerful rulers and be ready to call allies to arms. |
| Recruit Men-at-Arms | Invest in units that suit your terrain and expected enemy composition. |
| Hire Knights | Select knights with high Prowess to lead your charges or defend flanks. |
| Reinforce Troops | Wait until levies and regiments are at full strength before moving to war. |
| Stockpile Supplies | Station armies in friendly territory to replenish and avoid attrition. |
| Scout Enemy Strength | Check enemy troop numbers, alliances, and Men-at-Arms composition. |
| Plan War Goals | Define clear objectives and avoid being drawn into unnecessary battles. |
| Secure Chokepoints | Control strategic locations like rivers and mountain passes. |
| Stabilise Realm | Keep vassals loyal through titles, marriages, or diplomacy to prevent revolts. |
Seven Swords Takeaway
Winning in Crusader Kings 3 is as much about preparation as it is about battlefield skill. A ruler who secures their economy, strengthens alliances, organises their forces, and times their strike well will have the best chance of expanding their realm or defending it against rivals. Patience and planning are often the most potent weapons at your disposal.
