Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III

Viking Age Start: 867 AD

Master the Viking Age start in Crusader Kings III's 867 AD era. Conquer territories, lead fierce raids, and forge a new Norse dynasty through warfare and faith.

·Multi-source verified (192/192)

The 867 AD start date throws you into the heart of the Viking Age, a period of immense upheaval, raiding, and expansion across Europe. This era is characterized by powerful Norse rulers, the fragmentation of established kingdoms, and the rise of new, often pagan, powers. Playing as a Viking offers a unique and dynamic experience, focused on warfare, raiding, and the eventual establishment of powerful Norse empires.

Key Characteristics of the Viking Age Start

  • Pagan Religions: Many of the starting rulers are Asatru or other pagan faiths. These religions have different mechanics, including the ability to raid, perform human sacrifices, and have different views on marriage and succession.
  • Norse Culture: Norse culture is often aggressive and expansionist, with strong martial traditions.
  • Fragmented Europe: Many regions are divided into smaller, warring factions, offering ample opportunities for conquest. The Anglo-Saxon kingdoms are in disarray, and the Carolingian Empire is on the verge of collapse.
  • Raiding Mechanics: As a Viking, you have access to the powerful raiding mechanic, allowing you to plunder wealthy provinces for gold and prestige.

Popular Starting Points and Strategies

Several compelling starting points exist for Viking Age players:

  • The Great Heathen Army (867 AD): Playing as Ivar the Boneless or one of his brothers in Denmark offers the chance to participate in the historical invasion of England. This is a challenging but highly rewarding campaign focused on conquering the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
  • Björn Ironside (867 AD): Starting as Björn Ironside in Sweden allows you to carve out a vast empire through conquest and raiding, potentially even aiming for the Byzantine Empire.
  • Haesteinn of Nantes (867 AD): Haesteinn is a powerful adventurer with a unique starting position in Brittany, allowing for ambitious invasions of distant lands like North Africa or India.

Core Viking Gameplay Loop

The typical Viking campaign involves:

  1. Raiding: Use your powerful armies to raid wealthy provinces, accumulating gold and prestige.
  2. Conquest: Fabricate claims or use holy wars (if pagan) to conquer neighboring territories.
  3. Tribal Holdings: Initially, you'll be playing as a tribal ruler. Focus on upgrading your tribal buildings to increase levies and income.
  4. Feudalization: As you expand, you'll eventually want to transition to a feudal government to unlock more advanced buildings and mechanics. This often involves reforming your religion.
  5. Dynasty Building: Establish a powerful Norse dynasty that can dominate Europe for centuries to come.

The Viking Age start is for players who enjoy aggressive expansion, dynamic warfare, and the thrill of forging a new destiny from the ashes of the old.