With the addition of Nomads to conquer the Great Steppe or other regions, theKhans of the SteppeDLC forCrusader Kings 3is one of the most exciting. To get the most out of the expansion, players will typically want to play as the new Nomadic Government type, although it can occasionally be fun to try and stop the inevitable Mongol Invasion in the early 13th century.
While the Mongols are a huge part of the DLC, there are plenty of other Nomadic rulers to start with, including a few outside of the Great Steppe, as long as the relevant Game Rules are adjusted.
6High Chieftain Temujin, Of The Mongols - 1178
The Man Who Would Become Genghis Khan
Naturally, a list of the best Nomads to play as inKhans of the Steppemust include the man himself, Temujin, who would go on to bear the title Genghis Khan. In the1178 start date, Temujin is only 16, but incredibly stacked when it comes to Traits and skills, meaning his moderate Herd can soon become a vast horde of Mongols.
Interestingly, one of the first things to do as Temujin is to gain revenge on High Chieftain Yesunge of the Mergid Mongols, who, as is explained in an event, recently kidnapped Temujin’s wife. Otherwise, players can raid, gain Tributaries, and grow their Nomadic capital and army until they can take the Become the Greatest of Khans decision and dominate the Steppe and beyond. The future Genghis Khan is naturally great for world conquest runs.
5Khagan Koncek, Of The Cumans - 1178
For those who likestrong starting rulers inCK3, there is no better option for Nomads than Khagan Koncek of the Cumans in 1178. He is the current Gurkhan, meaning he has the biggest Herd and thus is the most feared and powerful. Only the Gurkhan can achieve the highest level of Dominance, which is the Nomadic version of Crown Laws.
As the leader of the Cumans, this may be a fun start for fans of theKingdom Come: Deliveranceseries, with the Cumans featuring prominently in both games, which are set over 200 years later. Players could even lead the Cumans into Bohemia. Positioned in the Western Steppe, they are ready to interact with or conquer much of Europe or the Middle East.
4Grand Prince Vladimir II, Of Minsk - 1178
Unite The Eastern Slavs Against The Inevitable Mongol Horde
While most players will want to play as Nomads in theKhans of the SteppeDLC, it can also be fun to try and stop the oncoming Mongol Horde, which spawns around the year 1215. Naturally, there are many candidates, with many powerful kingdoms or empires in Europe, Africa, and Asia, but a more challenging start would be in the fragmented lands of the Eastern Slavs.
Positioned between Poland and Hungary to the West and with the Nomads of the Steppe to the East, players could start out as Grand Prince Vladimir II of Minsk, a member of thefamous Rurikid dynasty. The aim would be to unite the vast swathes of independent princes and chieftains, and eventually gain enough strength to fend off the Mongols. With only around 40 years to prepare, this is a tough ask, but a fun one, and before the Mongols arrive, there will be plenty of interactions with other Nomads, such as the Cumans.
3Chieftain Thakiya II, Of The Butrs - 1066
Experience Nomadic Gameplay In North Africa
As long as players turn the Extra Nomadic Region: Sahel Game Rule on, then they can experience Nomadic gameplay outside of the Steppe in North Africa. The Nomads here in 1066 all start out with similar levels of strength, and with low Fertility across the board, only the strong will survive. The Tiniri Nomadic region is split into three regions: North Africa, the Sahara, and the Sahel. Players can migrate between these depending on the current and projected seasons.
While many of the starting rulers will offer similar experiences, a good option could be Chieftain Thakiya II of the Butrs. Positioned fairly centrally, he can lead his people in any direction. Other places to try out Nomadic life by using the Game Rules include the Horn of Africa, Arabia, and the Sapmi regions.
2High Chieftain Inanch, Of The Kerait - 1066
While many of the Nomads inCrusader Kings 3follow the sky god Tengri, High Chieftain Inanch of the Kerait culture is instead a follower of the Nestorian branch of Christianity. To help spread Nestorianism in the Steppe, Inanch starts out with excellent Learning and the Zealous Trait, potentially making for a unique Nomadic experience when thenorm is usually raidingand warring.
In this 1066 start date, High Chieftain Inanch will start out as a Tributary of Great Liao, but players could migrate away and break free. This playthrough could potentially become even better once theAll Under HeavenDLC releases, giving the Keraits the option of going east instead of west.
Follow In The Footsteps Of History & Migrate Into Hungary As A Nomad
While many of the best starting rulers forKhans of the Steppeare in 1178 and in the Eastern Steppe, there is one incredibly interesting 867 start at the western edge of the Steppe. Almos Arpad, Khan of the Mogyers, is a Nomad in the process of hopefully migrating into Pannonia, meaning players are dropped straight into a war against the King of Bulgaria. Thankfully, they have some special troops to help.
If players recognize the dynasty name Arpad, that is because they ruled Hungary, eventually as kings. Forming Hungary is a feat that players can replicate in their playthrough if they decide to settle down. Otherwise, they could create an alternate history where the Mogyers continue as Nomads and conquer more of Western Europe. At the start of the game, his son Arpad, for whom the dynasty is named, is 22 and already stacked withCK3’sbest Traitsand skills.
