Key points
- The free update for CK3 adds a start date of 1178 with new rulers and political scenarios.
- Rulers such as Duke Henry III, King Henry II and Sultan Salah Al-Din are prominent choices.
- Players can play as iconic characters such as King Baudouin IV and King Louis VII.
Thanks to the free update released together with the Roads to Power DLC for Crusader Kings 3everyone can enjoy the new start date of 1178. Well over a century after the start date of 1066, the political landscapes of Europe, North Africa and the Holy Land in particular are all very different. Players will also start with more advanced innovations and laws and experience the flavor of the late Middle Ages sooner.
Best of all, there are dozens of new rulers for the 1178 start date, and medieval history buffs will notice many familiar names. The top rulers for 1178 are a mix of famous names too iconic to ignore, as well as lesser-known nobles with epic histories ahead of them. While there are also many great rulers centered around the Byzantine Empire in 1178, those characters are best appreciated with the Roads to Power DLC that not all players own.
5 Duke Henry III 'The Lion' of Angria
An influential figure in the Holy Roman Empire
For those who like to start as someone who isn't the supreme liege lord, Duke Heinrich III, often known as “the Lion,” is a great option. As one of the most influential nobles of the era, Heinrich is powerful in his own right, but also has incredible family connections.
Not only is the Holy Roman Emperor his cousin, but his wife is the daughter of King Henry II of England. This creates some interesting dynamics, with players able to pursue their own ambitions or help turn the tide of other conflicts. Heinrich starts with excellent Stewardship Perks, making him incredibly wealthy.
4 King Henry II of England
Try to maintain control of a vast kingdom while dealing with wayward children.
King Henry II of England would have been a great starting ruler, regardless of other additions. However, with the “Choose a New Destiny” mechanic, things can get even more interesting when he dies, as players can choose from any of Henry's notoriously troubled children, often referred to as the devil's brood. These include Richard the Lionheart and the infamous King John of England, but perhaps Henry the Young King and Geoffrey will also survive their game.
As for playing as Henry II himself, players will be tasked with overseeing a vast kingdom, described by historians as the Angevin Empire, which covers roughly half of France. At their side is the indomitable Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most influential women of her time and a constant thorn in Henry's side. To play as Henry II in CK3Players will want to travel anywhere, anytime, as the itinerant king was notoriously restless and always on the move.
3 Sultan Salah Al-Din of the Ayyubid Sultanate
A legend of the crusades and begins with the new conqueror trait
Perhaps the most famous name among the 1,178 new rulers is Salah al-Din, which is actually an honorific that roughly translates to “The Righteousness of the Faith.” As the ruler of the Ayyubid Sultanate, Salah al-Din wields great power, bolstered by the new Conqueror Trait, which essentially turns him into a raid boss with a host of bonuses.
Of course, players can do whatever they want with their game, but you can't go wrong attacking Jerusalem as Salah al-Din. It's probably best to play Salah al-Din with Legacy of PersiaDLC for Crusader Kings 3which improves the game for Muslim rulers and clans.
2 King Baldwin IV 'the Leper' of Jerusalem
A tough match for an iconic character
Those who have seen the film The Kingdom of Heaven will be familiar with King Baldwin IV “the Leper” of Jerusalem. With the addition of a start date of 1178, players are now able to walk the arduous path of this determined king who was reluctant to let his debilitating disease get the better of him.
There is a good chance that players will die early in the game, but even so, they may be able to pull off a miraculous defense of the Holy Land. With a great court physician and a lot of luck, they may even be able to defy the odds and achieve true greatness. If Baldwin succumbs to leprosy, and if he is unable to produce an heir, then players can continue as his equally interesting sister, Sibylla. She is another of the best starting characters in 1178 for CK3. …
1 King Louis VII 'the Younger' of France
Try to reclaim France like Louis or his son Philippe
Those unfamiliar with 12th century history might be surprised to see that most of modern France was occupied by England and, to a lesser extent, Aragon in 1178. Reclaiming this lost land is therefore a fun game idea for CK3To do so, players will want to start as King Louis VII, but the real fun can begin when his son Philip II ascends to the throne.
Philippe would earn the nickname “Augustus” for his efforts in restoring territories to the French crown, and players will be aided in their efforts by Philippe's strong statistics and great personality traits.
