Crusader Kings II (CK2) is one of the most complex and rewarding grand strategy games ever made, blending dynasty management, medieval politics, and ruthless conquest into an endlessly replayable experience. But for new players, the sheer depth of mechanics—from succession laws to secret cults—can be overwhelming. That’s where Benjamin Pearce’s CK2 guides come in. Whether you’re a beginner struggling to keep your realm intact or a veteran looking for advanced tactics, these how-to’s break down the game’s most essential strategies in clear, actionable ways.
1. Getting Started: The Basics of Survival in CK2
CK2 doesn’t hold your hand, and a single mistake can lead to the collapse of your dynasty. Benjamin Pearce’s beginner guides emphasize core survival tactics, such as securing alliances through strategic marriages, managing vassal opinions, and avoiding early-game pitfalls. One key lesson? Gavelkind succession can destroy your realm—new players often lose everything because their lands are split among heirs. Pearce’s guides explain how to navigate inheritance laws, whether by changing succession types, strategically disinheriting sons, or even arranging “unfortunate accidents” for problematic heirs.
2. Warfare & Expansion: How to Conquer Without Falling Apart
Conquering new lands is easy; holding onto them is the real challenge. Pearce’s military guides go beyond simple “raise levies and attack” advice, diving into casus belli optimization, mercenary management, and defensive strategies against larger foes. For example, holy wars can rapidly expand your realm, but they also provoke massive coalitions. Instead, Pearce recommends fabricating claims or marrying into titles for more stable expansion. Additionally, his guides cover how to suppress rebellions by balancing troop placement, cultural/religious differences, and vassal loyalty—because a kingdom that’s always at war internally can’t grow outward.
3. Intrigue & Scheming: Playing the Long Game
CK2 isn’t just about armies—it’s a game of deceit, assassination, and political maneuvering. Pearce’s intrigue guides teach players how to manipulate factions, murder rivals, and seduce their way to power. One advanced tactic? Using the “Plot to Kill” system effectively—not just by spamming invites, but by ensuring your conspirators have high intrigue stats and personal grudges against the target. Another key strategy is hostage-taking through wards and marriages, ensuring that enemy heirs are under your influence. These guides also explore secret societies (like the Assassins or Satanists) and how to exploit them for maximum gain.
4. Vassal Management: Keeping Your Kingdom Loyal
A realm filled with angry vassals is a realm on the brink of civil war. Pearce’s vassal management guides explain how to balance power, prevent revolts, and maximize tax/levy efficiency. Key strategies include:
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Giving titles to content (but competent) vassals instead of ambitious ones who will scheme against you.
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Using honorary titles and council positions to keep powerful nobles happy.
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Creating buffer vassals (like merchant republics or theocratic leaders) to minimize direct management.
His guides also cover faction suppression, whether through dread, strategic imprisonment, or well-timed wars to distract rebellious lords.
5. Religion & Culture: Exploiting Faith for Power
Religion in CK2 isn’t just about piety—it’s a tool for control, conquest, and dynasty-building. Pearce’s guides break down how to reform pagan faiths, manipulate the Pope for claims, and use heresies to your advantage. For example, playing as a Norse pagan allows subjugation CBs and coastal raiding, while Catholic rulers can request invasions or excommunicate rivals. His guides also explore cultural retinues and innovations, showing how to tailor your playstyle to your culture’s strengths (e.g., Welsh longbowmen or Berber camel cavalry).
6. Advanced Strategies: Becoming an Unstoppable Medieval Powerhouse
Once you’ve mastered the basics, Pearce’s advanced guides help players min-max their campaigns for world domination. This includes:
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Eugenics programs—breeding genius, strong, and attractive heirs.
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Creating custom empires for optimal de jure control.
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Exploiting tributary states for infinite gold and manpower.
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Preparing for the Mongol invasion (or becoming the Mongols with Horse Lords DLC).
These guides also cover rare events, hidden mechanics, and cheese tactics (like repeatedly imprisoning and releasing vassals to farm piety/prestige).
Conclusion: Mastering CK2 with Benjamin Pearce’s Guides
Crusader Kings II is a game where diplomacy is just as deadly as war, and a well-planned murder can be more effective than an army. Benjamin Pearce’s guides provide the detailed, strategic insights needed to go from a struggling count to a medieval superpower. Whether you’re trying to restore the Roman Empire, survive as a Zoroastrian under Muslim rule, or create a incestuous dynasty of immortal lunatics, his how-to’s offer the knowledge to make it happen.
