In the vast and turbulent realm of Crusader Kings 3, where chivalry and warfare intertwine, the selection of the most elite men-at-arms can spell the difference between victory and defeat. These formidable warriors stand as the backbone of any army, their unwavering loyalty and exceptional combat prowess inspiring awe upon the battlefield. As you embark on your journey to conquer and rule, meticulously assembling a formidable retinue of men-at-arms is paramount to achieving your grandest ambitions.
Amongst the myriad of choices at your disposal, several units stand out as the crème de la crème of medieval soldiery. The towering Huscarls, hailing from the frozen lands of Scandinavia, wield fearsome two-handed axes and don impenetrable chainmail. Their unwavering discipline and indomitable spirit make them a formidable force against any foe. From the sun-drenched plains of Iberia emerge the formidable Caballeros Villanos, mounted knights renowned for their skill in both jousting and close combat. Adorned in gleaming plate armor and wielding razor-sharp lances, they charge into the fray with unwavering determination, crushing their enemies beneath their hooves.
Transitioning to the far-flung steppes of Central Asia, we encounter the elusive Horse Archers. Masters of mounted skirmishing, these nomadic warriors unleash volleys of deadly arrows from afar, disrupting enemy formations and sowing chaos. Their unmatched mobility and ability to hit-and-run tactics make them a formidable asset in any army. As you navigate the treacherous waters of medieval warfare, carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of each unit. By assembling a diverse and well-balanced retinue of men-at-arms, you will forge an unstoppable force that will conquer all who stand in your path.
The Brutal Berserkers
The Berserkers are a terrifying sight on the battlefield, their bodies painted with war paint and their eyes blazing with fury. They are the ultimate shock troops, capable of tearing through enemy ranks with ruthless efficiency. Their ferocity is unmatched, and they are said to be immune to pain and fear while in the throes of battle.
Traits and Abilities
Berserkers have several unique traits and abilities that make them a formidable fighting force:
- Berserker Rage: When a Berserker engages in combat, they enter a state of rage, increasing their attack and damage output.
- Unstoppable Force: Berserkers are immune to knockback effects while in a state of rage, making them difficult to stop once they get going.
- Fearless: Berserkers are immune to fear, making them even more effective against units that would normally cause terror.
Counters
Despite their fearsome reputation, Berserkers are not without their weaknesses:
- Poor Defense: Berserkers have low defense, making them vulnerable to archer fire and other ranged attacks.
- Low Morale: Berserkers have low morale, meaning they can be easily routed if their flank is exposed.
- Expensive Upkeep: Berserkers are expensive to maintain, so you need to make sure you have the resources to support them.
Utilizing Berserkers
Berserkers are best utilized as a shock troop to break through enemy lines. They are most effective when combined with other units that can provide support, such as archers or cavalry. It is important to keep their flanks protected, as they are vulnerable to being flanked and routed.
| Unit | Cost | Upkeep | Attack | Defense | Morale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berserkers | 450 Gold | 2 Gold/Month | 100 | 50 | 50 |
The Agile Skirmishers
The Agile Skirmishers are a versatile unit in CK3, capable of both melee and ranged combat. They excel in skirmishing and raiding, making them a valuable asset to any army.
Melee Capabilities
In melee combat, the Agile Skirmishers are armed with swords and shields, making them relatively durable. Their high agility gives them an advantage in dodging enemy attacks and landing their own.
Ranged Capabilities
The Agile Skirmishers are also proficient archers, able to inflict significant damage from afar. Their high accuracy and range make them effective in both defensive and offensive operations.
Skirmishing and Raiding
The Agile Skirmishers are particularly擅长skirmishing and raiding. Their mobility allows them to quickly engage and disengage from combat, making them difficult to pin down. Their ability to raid enemy territory allows them to disrupt enemy supply lines and weaken their economy.
Counters
The Agile Skirmishers are vulnerable to heavy cavalry and other units with high mobility and attack. Their relatively low armor and health can also make them susceptible to heavy infantry and siege weapons.
Unit Statistics
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Attack | 12 |
| Defense | 8 |
| Health | 30 |
| Speed | 13 |
| Cost | 18 |
The Specialized Archers
MaA Archers are simply the best non-hybrid unit in the entire game. Why? Because when in melee combat, they have the same stats as the normal MaA, but when in skirmish mode, they have 2 more attack and 1 more defense than regular MaA. Furthermore, they are still cheaper than normal MaA and still have the same upkeep cost.
Armored Archers (Feudal Age)
As their name suggests, armored archers are given a chainmail shirt and an iron helmet, massively increasing their durability and allowing them to tank more damage than crossbowmen in melee combat. Crossbowmen win out in ranged combat, however, making armored archers more useful in armies that intend to close in on the enemy rather than holding back.
Crossbowmen (Feudal Age)
Crossbowmen use powerful crossbows that deal more damage than standard bows. However, they are slower to fire than standard bows and cannot fire while on the move, meaning they need to be very well protected. In melee combat, they are far worse than other MaA, so the player should ensure that their crossbowmen are well-flanked by other units or kept at range.
Horse Archers (Nomad, Early Medieval)
Horse archers are the knights of the archer world. They are cavalry archers, meaning that they are fast and can kite most infantry. In melee, they are only slightly worse than armored archers, making them a great unit to harass the enemy with ranged attacks before charging in to finish them off.
Mangudai (Nomad, High Medieval)
Mangudai are a specialized unit available to nomadic cultures in the High Medieval era. They are the best horse archers in the game and have a massive range advantage over other archer units. This makes them excellent for sieges, where they can bombard the enemy from afar. They are also very effective against infantry, as they can kite them and fire into them without taking return fire.
Skirmishers (Medieval Era)
Skirmishers are a versatile unit that can be used to counter both infantry and cavalry. They have a high defense against infantry and a high attack against cavalry, making them good in both situations. However, they are not as good as specialized units in either role.
Imperial Skirmishers (Late Medieval Era)
Imperial Skirmishers are a late-game unit that is similar to skirmishers but has even higher stats. They are very effective against both infantry and cavalry and are a great addition to any army. However, they are expensive.
Genoese Crossbowmen (Renaissance Era)
Genoese crossbowmen are a powerful unit that has the highest damage output of any archer unit in the game. They can quickly shred through enemy infantry and are also effective against other archers. However, they are very expensive and slow-moving, making them vulnerable to cavalry.
| Unit | Cost | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|
| Armored Archers | 100 | 1 |
| Crossbowmen | 120 | 1 |
| Horse Archers | 150 | 1 |
| Mangudai | 180 | 1 |
| Skirmishers | 120 | 1 |
| Imperial Skirmishers | 180 | 1 |
| Genoese Crossbowmen | 200 | 1 |
The Versatile Heavy Infantry
Heavy infantry forms the backbone of any medieval army, and Crusader Kings 3 is no exception. These sturdy warriors provide a solid defensive line that can withstand the onslaught of even the most determined attackers. They are also capable of dealing significant damage in close combat, making them a valuable asset in any battle.
Unit Stats
| Unit Type | Attack | Defense | Toughness |
|—|—|—|—|
| Heavy Infantry | 25 | 30 | 70 |
Heavy infantry’s high defense and toughness make them ideal for holding the line against enemy attacks. Their modest attack value is offset by their ability to deal bonus damage against heavy cavalry, which are often the most dangerous units on the battlefield.
Heavy infantry can be upgraded with a variety of weapons and armor, which can further improve their combat performance. Some of the most popular upgrades include:
- Chainmail: Increases defense by 5
- Plate armor: Increases defense by 10
- Two-handed swords: Increases attack by 5
- Halberds: Increases attack by 5 and grants a bonus against heavy cavalry
Heavy infantry is a versatile unit that can be used in a variety of roles. They can form the core of a defensive army, or they can be used to support other units in an offensive attack. With the right upgrades, heavy infantry can become one of the most powerful units in Crusader Kings 3.
The Best Men-at-Arms in Crusader Kings 3
In Crusader Kings 3, Men-at-Arms (MAA) are a vital part of any army. They are more powerful than levies, and they can be used to great effect in both offensive and defensive operations. However, not all MAA are created equal. Some are better than others in different situations. In this guide, we will discuss the best MAA in Crusader Kings 3 and how to use them effectively.
Light Infantry
Light Infantry are the cheapest and most versatile MAA in the game. They are good for both offense and defense, and they can be used in a variety of terrains. Light Infantry are also very mobile, which makes them ideal for flanking enemy armies or chasing down fleeing enemies.
Heavy Infantry
Heavy Infantry are more expensive than Light Infantry, but they are also more powerful. They have a higher base damage and defense, and they can wear heavier armor. Heavy Infantry are best used in defensive roles, as they can hold their ground against enemy attacks and deal heavy damage in return.
Archers
Archers are a ranged unit that can deal significant damage from a distance. They are especially effective against enemy armies that are heavily armored or have a lot of cavalry. Archers are also very mobile, which makes them difficult to pin down.
Cavalry
Cavalry are the most powerful MAA in the game. They have a high base damage and defense, and they can move very quickly. Cavalry are best used for offensive operations, as they can quickly overwhelm enemy armies and inflict heavy casualties.
People Also Ask
What are the best MAA for a small kingdom?
For a small kingdom, Light Infantry are the best MAA. They are cheap to recruit and maintain, and they can be used effectively in both offense and defense.
What are the best MAA for a large empire?
For a large empire, Heavy Cavalry are the best MAA. They are the most powerful unit in the game, and they can quickly overwhelm enemy armies and inflict heavy casualties.
What are the best MAA for defending against a siege?
For defending against a siege, Heavy Infantry are the best MAA. They have a high base defense, and they can wear heavier armor, which makes them difficult to kill.
