Picking your first CK3 character is a big decision. Pick someone too weak and you’ll be crushed. Pick someone too powerful and you’ll be overwhelmed by the mechanics. The sweet spot is a character who’s strong enough to survive your mistakes but not so strong that you don’t learn the game. Here are the best starting characters for beginners.

Source: Paradox Interactive, official Crusader Kings III Steam screenshot

Not sure which one fits you? Try the interactive CK3 Start Selector tool, which asks you three questions, plots the same five starts on a map, and hands you a recommendation with difficulty and a first goal.

The Tutorial Pick: Murchad, Duke of Munster (Ireland, 1066)

Murchad is the game’s recommended starting character, and for good reason. He’s the Duke of Munster in southern Ireland, and his situation is perfect for learning:

• No strong neighbors. Ireland in 1066 is a patchwork of small counts and dukes. No one can crush you early.
• Room to expand. The other Irish rulers are weak enough that you can conquer them one by one.
• No major threats. You’re not next to England, France, or the Vikings. You can learn at your own pace.

The classic “tutorial Ireland” run is to unite Ireland as Murchad, then expand into England and Scotland once you’re comfortable. It’s the perfect first campaign.

The Strong Pick: Duke William of Normandy (France, 1066)

William is the famous one. William the Conqueror. He starts as the Duke of Normandy with a claim on the English throne. He’s a strong pick for beginners who want a bit more action:

• A clear goal. You have a claim on England. Press it, win the war, and you’re the King of England.
• Strong military. William has excellent stats and a strong army. You can win the war against Harold Godwinson if you play it right.

Source: Paradox Interactive, official Crusader Kings III Steam screenshot

• A powerful position. Once you’re King of England, you have a strong base to build from.

The war for England is a real challenge. You’ll need to manage your army, your allies, and your finances. But it’s a great learning experience.

The Relaxed Pick: King Sancho of Castile (Spain, 1066)

Sancho is the King of Castile, one of the Christian kingdoms in Spain. He’s a good pick for beginners who want a more relaxed start:

• Strong position. Castile is one of the more powerful Christian kingdoms in Iberia.
• Clear expansion path. You can expand into the Muslim south or unite the Christian kingdoms.
• Manageable challenges. The Iberian struggle adds flavor, but it’s not overwhelming.

Source: Paradox Interactive, official Crusader Kings III Steam screenshot

Spain in 1066 is a complex region with multiple competing powers. It’s a bit more to manage than Ireland, but it’s still very doable for a beginner.

The Powerful Pick: Emperor Basil of the Byzantine Empire (867)

Basil is the Byzantine Emperor, and he’s one of the most powerful characters in the game. He’s a good pick for beginners who want to feel powerful:

• Massive realm. The Byzantine Empire is huge, with a strong economy and military.
• Strong ruler. Basil has excellent stats and a long reign ahead of him.
• Interesting position. You’re the bulwark of Christendom against the Muslim powers to the east.

Managing an empire is more complex than managing a kingdom. You have more vassals, more factions, and more to keep track of. It’s a good second or third campaign, but maybe not the first.

The Fun Pick: Count Eudes of Anjou (France, 867)

Eudes is a small count in France, and he’s a great pick for beginners who want a challenge:

• Small start. You’re a single county, which means you learn the basics of survival.
• Room to grow. France in 867 is fragmented, and there’s plenty of room to expand.
• Interesting position. You’re in the heart of Europe, with opportunities in every direction.

A single-county start is harder. You’ll need to manage your liege, build alliances, and expand carefully. It’s a great learning experience, but it’s more challenging than the other picks.

What to Look For in a First Character

If you don’t want to pick one of these specifically, here’s what to look for:

• A clear goal. Whether it’s uniting Ireland or conquering England, a clear goal gives you direction.
• A manageable realm. A kingdom is easier to manage than an empire. Save the empire for later.
• No immediate existential threat. You want to be able to make mistakes without being instantly crushed.
• Good stats. A ruler with decent stats makes the early game much easier.

Source: Paradox Interactive, official Crusader Kings III Steam screenshot

For your first campaign, pick Murchad of Munster and unite Ireland. It’s the classic beginner experience for a reason. It teaches you the game without punishing you too harshly. Once you’ve done that, try William of Normandy for a more action-packed campaign, or Sancho of Castile for a more relaxed one.

The key is to pick a character who gives you room to learn. You’ll have plenty of time to play the hard starts once you know what you’re doing.

Tracking your dynasty across campaigns? I made a physical journal for exactly this, Blood & Crown, a logbook designed for tracking CK3 campaigns reign by reign.