Need Help Learning The Game

[Sexy_Innuendo]

Hello! I just bought this game and I'm having a hell of a time trying to learn the mechanics. I've already watched roughly 20 hours in tutorials and lets plays but when I get into a game myself, I'm lost after the find a wife part. I'm not a noob to paradox, I'm a proficient EU4 player. I just need someone to help me through the initial hump with this game. If interested in helping me out, please send me a message and please have a working mic. Thanks in advance

 

[Kumicho]

Just pick a character and start playing. I'd suggest a duke in a large kingdom, as you get the intrigue of existing in a large realm, the power of being a duke, and the safety of being in a large kingdom or empire. So to start pick a duke in either France or the Holy Roman Empire in 1066.

Step 1 - Find wife, preferably someone in your own realm that you can get an alliance through.
Step 2 - Find jobs for all of your councilors. I always do the following:
Councilor either improves relations with my liege, or fabricates claims on someone else's territory
Marshall trains troops in my capital
Steward increases taxes in my capital
Spymaster steals technology in Constantinople (although now all 1066 starts have the same tech?)
Chaplain researches cultural technology in my capital *or* improves relations with the Pope

And that's really it. You can sit back and watch what happens, who your liege goes to war with, and slowly build up your demesne by improving the buildings such as barracks, stables, etc. Try to fabricate claims on your neighbor's land, and then go to war for them if you have more troops (including alliances) than he does. The stronger you become, the more territory you can go to war for. Maybe you'll become Emperor yourself one day, or declare independence and form a new kingdom? Or you'll be a loyal vassal and work to keep your liege on the throne?

 

[hagagaga]

Don't worry I've logged several hundred hours in the game and I'm still a beginner.

 

[hagagaga]

You don't need to immediately get into the issue of political marriages and stuff. As a beginner, you should try to breed traits like Quick, Genius, Strong, and Attractive into your bloodline. Being the brother-in-law of a powerful ruler is helpful too, but in the beginning figuring out how to boost your stats is important.

Everything that you know about the specific mechanics of the game WILL change with the release of more DLC.

 

[Fishman786]

Start in Ireland in 1066, perhaps as the count of Dublin.

Why Ireland?
- Outsiders rarely bother Ireland in CKII (unlike sad reality)
- All the Irish counties are at a similar level of power
- All of Ireland is Catholic and their culture has no special abilities
- There are lots of small formable duchies and even a kingdom to aim for

 

[Ternega]

You don't need to immediately get into the issue of political marriages and stuff. As a beginner, you should try to breed traits like Quick, Genius, Strong, and Attractive into your bloodline. Being the brother-in-law of a powerful ruler is helpful too, but in the beginning figuring out how to boost your stats is important.

Everything that you know about the specific mechanics of the game WILL change with the release of more DLC.

Good breeding practices are nice, but to say that they are so important as to need learning by every new player? Nah.

 

[Red_Communist]

I'd start as the Petty Kingdom of Mumu. You have an instant claim to the county right below you (I can't remember it off the top of my head). Don't invade them. Let them come first since you'll get a penalty with crossing a river. I've formed Ireland twice with this start in less than 100 years. Usually around 70-80. Or you could alternatively play as the county of Dublin. Your father dies and you inherit the county right below you. Either one works. Just fabricate claims, make babies and kill people and you should be good.

 

[Bernard95]

Ireland is honestly a little deceptive- you're stuck with solely using fabricated claims and if you go with a count you may not have the troops to siege down your neighbor once you get the claim. Your income also isn't going to great either for awhile. Then if you manage to unite the entire island under one flag, you're still not going to have the strength to deal with Scotland or England barring a bad revolt. In 1066, rolling with the Petty King of Mumu isn't a terrible idea, nor would the Count of Breifine (high martial score, so you get more troops) or Leinster (since you're set to inherit a second county) but honestly you're much better off as a duke in the HRE. Ireland I wouldn't really bother with unless it's literally the first time you're loading up the game or you're trying follow Arumba's old tutorial.

The HRE at least has the same isolation and protection but you will also have gold and troops to work with. The Duchess of Tuscany or the Duke of Bohemia are especially prime, since you have an easy way to form a kingdom. Tuscany in particular is especially rich and being Italian means you have access to Italian Pikemen retinues, which will make your wars that much easier. You can also get the County of Ravenna right out of the gate by simply inviting and landing the Count's relative. Just make sure you get a matrilineal marriage and basically nothing can go wrong.

 

[Frank327]

For Ireland, why doesn't anyone recommend the county of Oriel? It has a strong claim from the very start and is part of the largest duchy of Ireland. If you first fabricate another county in your home duchy, then fabricate on the duchy of mumu you can create Ireland while only needing your chancellor to fabricate two claims. Also he's the decendent of the historical High king Niall which gives nice flavour.

Another start that might be interesting is Poland 1066. The HRE next to you looks scary but won't bite. And you can holy war your way to the Wendish Empire.

 

[Sexy_Innuendo]

Hey ya'll, thanks for all the replies I need to understand the mechanics (I'm an A type) Like I said, I'm not a paradox noob. I need someone who understands the game and is willing to talk to me on mic to help me learn the game and answer my specific questions.

 

[StormySkies]

I'd be happy to explain stuff on mic. I sent you a message, too.

 

[icedt729]

I really enjoyed Poland and Scotland, 1066, in my early games. In Scotland, you're a weak king who needs to use intrigue to expand your demesne and deal with your claimant Duke of Moray. In Poland you have a better internal situation, but with heathens to holy war in the Baltic and claims to press in Russia.