Crusader Kings 3: Roads to Power Expansion Guide

Crusader Kings 3 has long been celebrated for its deep and intricate storytelling, allowing players to step into the lives of medieval rulers. Whether you’re playing as an Irish chieftain or an Indian rajah, there’s always a unique blend of war, diplomacy, and intrigue. But after countless hours of gameplay, the loop can start to feel repetitive, regardless of the starting location.

Enter Roads to Power, the third major DLC expansion for Crusader Kings 3, which shakes up the established formula and breathes new life into the game. Whether you’re scheming in the Byzantine Empire or embarking on adventures as a landless wanderer, this expansion offers fresh and exciting gameplay mechanics. Let’s dive into what makes Roads to Power a must-play for fans of CK3.

A New Beginning: The Byzantine Empire Overhaul

At the heart of the Roads to Power expansion lies a massive overhaul of the Byzantine Empire, a fan-favourite region. While Byzantium was always a major power in CK3, the new content transforms it into one of the most engaging areas on the map, thanks to a revamped government system and added complexity.

Byzantine Politics: Intrigue and Power Plays

The Byzantine Empire now operates under an Administrative Government, which significantly changes the way power is distributed. Unlike the Feudal or Clan systems in the base game, the administrative system is all about influence, manipulation, and power plays. Titles are no longer inherited by default; instead, they are earned through influence, political scheming, and the Basileus’ Favor.

If you’re a fan of CK2’s Viceroyalties or Merchant Republic gameplay, you’re in for a treat. The Byzantine system is all about plotting against rivals, promoting your family’s interests, and leveraging influence to rise to power. No longer can you simply rely on military might to ascend to the throne. Now, it’s all about scheming, seduction, and good old-fashioned backstabbing.

Influence: The Key to Power

In the Byzantine Empire, influence is the most valuable currency. The new stat determines who controls which title, from the smallest provincial governorships to the Imperial Crown itself. To climb the ladder, you’ll need to accumulate influence through a variety of means, such as pleasing the Basileus, undermining rivals, or successfully completing schemes.

But beware influence is a double edged sword. Just as you can use it to rise to power, your enemies can use it to knock you down. The constant balancing act of managing your own influence while sabotaging your rivals is where the true challenge of Roads to Power lies. The Byzantine Empire now feels much closer to the original vision of Crusader Kings as a game of intrigue and manipulation, where the battlefield is just one arena in a much larger game of thrones.

Landless Adventurers: A Game-Changing Feature

Perhaps the most talked-about addition in Roads to Power is the ability to play as a landless adventurer. This is a first for Crusader Kings, and it introduces an entirely new way to experience the game. Until now, CK3 revolved around landed titles if you didn’t control land, you couldn’t play. Roads to Power flips that on its head, allowing you to roam the world as a nomadic wanderer, mercenary, or treasure-seeker.

Building Your Legend: Adventurer Gameplay

As a landless character, you won’t have a castle or kingdom to call your own at least, not yet. Instead, you’ll start with an encampment, a small sum of gold, and a handful of followers. Your primary goal is to survive and thrive in a world dominated by powerful nobles and kings. You’ll complete contracts for local lords, hire mercenaries, and upgrade your camp as you gain wealth and reputation.

Unlike traditional CK3 gameplay, where succession and dynasty management are key, adventurers are all about personal glory. You can carve out your own legend, whether that involves becoming a fearsome mercenary, a benevolent protector of the people, or a cunning bandit. The choice is yours.

But beware adventurer life is dangerous. Without the protection of a landed title, you’re always at risk of being attacked by bandits, betrayed by mercenaries, or even executed by a vengeful lord. Death can come quickly and without warning, making each decision more impactful.

Adventurer Contracts: A New Way to Earn Gold

The bread and butter of adventurer gameplay is contracts. These missions, posted by local nobles and barons, range from simple tasks like escorting merchants to more dangerous ventures like raiding enemy camps. The payouts vary based on the difficulty of the contract, but the rewards go beyond gold. Completing contracts builds your reputation, which is crucial for unlocking more lucrative opportunities.

Over time, you’ll build up a warband, recruit skilled characters to support your efforts, and upgrade your camp to provide better bonuses. Whether you aim to build a reputation as an honourable mercenary or a ruthless outlaw, your choices shape your character’s path.

Byzantine Expansion: A New Government System and Cultural Additions

In addition to the landless adventurers, Roads to Power introduces new mechanics and decisions for Byzantine rulers. The revamped Byzantine government system, known as the Administrative Empire, focuses on family influence, candidacies, and scheming.

Administrations: Family Matters

In the Byzantine Empire, power is no longer guaranteed by birthright. Instead, governors and rulers are appointed based on a candidacy system. To succeed, you’ll need to build up your family’s influence and outmanoeuvre your rivals. This can involve everything from winning chariot races to executing long-term plots against competing families.

The introduction of influence-based politics makes every decision more significant. Should you focus on boosting your candidacy, or spend your influence to sabotage a rival? These decisions define the Byzantine experience and add layers of complexity to the already intricate CK3 gameplay.

Cultural and Military Additions

Roads to Power doesn’t stop at politics. The expansion also adds new cultural and military options for Greek and Byzantine characters. You’ll gain access to new man-at-arms’ units, participate in triumph celebrations, and make use of a gorgeous Constantinople throne room.

If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating the glory of the Roman Empire, this expansion provides the tools to make it happen. You can now adopt the Hellenic faith, converting your vassals and establishing a resurgent Roman Empire. However, be warned this path comes with significant challenges, including revolts, plagues, and the looming threat of the Mongol Empire.

Landless Characters: Endless Roleplaying Possibilities

While the Byzantine additions are impressive, the true game-changer in Roads to Power is the landless adventurer mechanic. This feature opens up endless roleplaying possibilities. Want to play as a wandering scholar spreading ancient wisdom across Europe? Or perhaps you’d rather form a band of mercenaries and sell your sword to the highest bidder? With landless characters, the choice is yours.

Roleplaying as an Adventurer

One of the best aspects of adventurer gameplay is the freedom it offers. You’re no longer bound by the rules of land ownership. Instead, you can pursue your own personal goals. Maybe you want to gather enough gold to found a kingdom, or perhaps your aim is simply to become the most feared warrior in all of Europe. The possibilities are nearly endless.

Adventurer gameplay also introduces more personal stakes. With no heir to inherit your titles, every decision carries greater risk. Your character’s survival is paramount, and one wrong move can lead to an early grave. But for those willing to embrace the danger, the rewards are immense.

Final Thoughts: Roads to Power is a Must-Play

Roads to Power is more than just another DLC for Crusader Kings 3 it’s a true expansion that fundamentally changes how the game is played. Whether you’re plotting your way to the Byzantine throne or carving out a name for yourself as a landless adventurer, this expansion offers something for everyone.

For players who love intrigue, scheming, and political manipulation, the Byzantine overhaul is a dream come true. And for those who prefer a more personal, roleplaying-focused experience, adventurer gameplay is a game-changer. With its fresh mechanics, rich storytelling potential, and endless replay ability, Roads to Power is a must-have for any CK3 fan.

In conclusion, whether you’re a veteran Crusader Kings player or a newcomer curious about what makes this grand strategy game so addictive, Roads to Power will keep you coming back for more. So, don your crown (or your adventurer’s cloak), and prepare to forge your own path to power.