Trying to get started in CK2

[ivhokie]

I downloaded the free game and did the $5 subscription for all of the DLC. If I click on the DLC it says it is in my steam library, but when I go into the game it says I don't own it and won't let me use it. Any help/suggestions?

edit: Disregard. It looks like I had to sign out of steam to get the DLC to download. Still trying to get my bearings.

 

[Dragatus]

My recommendation would've been to play just the base game for a bit until you get your bearing and only then throw in the DLC. CK2 is a great game, but it can be a bit overwhelming for beginners. Reducing the scope to just the core gameplay to begin with makes it easier.

So who did you decide to play as your first game?

 

[ivhokie]

My recommendation would've been to play just the base game for a bit until you get your bearing and only then throw in the DLC. CK2 is a great game, but it can be a bit overwhelming for beginners. Reducing the scope to just the core gameplay to begin with makes it easier.

So who did you decide to play as your first game?

I went with the general consensus and went with Ireland. Granted I don't know if I would call it a "first game." I'm doing a lot of short games in Ireland trying to get the hang of it.

 

[Dragatus]

That's fair. Ireland works as a tutorial to the point where you unite it. Then it gets hard because both Scotland and England are going to be bigger and stronger than you, so as a new player you're a bit stuck. It's best to abandon the run at that point and start over.

Once you decide to go for a "proper" long game, my recommendations would be either as one of the Jimena brothers (Leon or Castille), a duke inside the Holy Roman Empire (Matilda of Tuscany is a special favorite, but any one of them is a good choice) or William the Conqueror.

 

[R.Graymarch]

To me Jimena brothers > Ireland for beginners.
Sure in Ireland, in 1066 (the date is important) you are pretty safe. But because you are safe, you won't learn as much as in Spain where there are more challenges, but still achievable
Have fun (and don't put your heir as spymaster unless you want to be killed. Been there done that on my first game)

 

[jonjowett]

To me Jimena brothers > Ireland for beginners.

Definitely.

 

[Dragatus]

It depends on what your goal is.Ireland is basically good for learning the UI and the most basic of basics, but as a new player you might form the kingdom and then get stuck. With the Jimena brothers it's a tougher start, but also more potential to go the distance with the game, you learn about gavelkind and holy wars.

And a HRE duke is all about internal politics within a larger state. Your weasel your way up to getting elected emperor and then you have the power of throwing 50k angry Germans against anyone you dislike.

Actually a full CK2 training course could probably consist out of all three:
1. Irish start to learn the basics. Play until you form Ireland, then stop.
2. Castille/Leon start to learn to fight holy wars and deal with inheritance laws and claims.
3. HRE or Byzantine duke, teaching you about scheming and internal politics.