How is CK3 vs. EU4 or Total War Three Kingdoms?

[Gildongs]

As the title says, wondering if I should buy. I've heard CK3 made the entry barrier a bit lower for noobs.

I've played EU4 but got a bit lost and could never really get into it. Expanding was very tedious through war with huge penalties and never really got into what made the game fun.

Recently been enjoying Total War series, playing Warhammer and Three Kingdoms. Three Kingdoms has more strategic layer and I end up mostly auto resolving the battles. In Warhammer, less strategic layer but better battles which I end up playing a bit more. But overall, I think I like Three Kingdom's strategic layer and vast expansion mode.

Given this context how does CK3 fit in?

Thanks

[corisai]

CK3 is not a battle sim like TW, it's more like Sims with assassinations, torture and incest - story of few powerful individuals fighting against each other to fulfill their desires.

CK3 is not designed for a map painting, while it still possible devs tried to limit it and you will miss a lot of content on this route.

Still I suggest to watch some videos - as I have no idea why someone will play TW with mostly auto-battles, as they're a only strong side of that series & everything else is a meh in TW games.

[VipreRX]

CK3 is EU4 but with an added character layer. If I had to choose between the two choices I'd say more Three Kingdoms than Warhammer. Battles in CK are the same as EU but no ships.

CK is much less "global empire" than EU and more Game of Thrones style court focused drama.

[corisai]

Originally posted by VipreRX:

Battles in CK are the same as EU but no ships.

Hell, no O_o. Only same that you are just watching on some digits flying then receive a combat result view.
EU4 combat - mass your best units with a lot arty and pray. CK3 combat - rock-paper system, so you're tailoring army for your own culture and landscapes. In result armies are not the same.

[VipreRX]

For purposes of comparing them to battles in the TW series they're the same.

[Ficelle]

For map painting, managing a nation, great diplo, a lot of game mechanics...EU4 any day
If you get into, it is a really great game
Now, you play a nation, not a character
The best Paradox game if you ask me (with Victoria 2)


CK3 is all about managing the ruler of a nation, his family and the important people around him...and what happens when he dies
Interaction between characters are much deeper than in EU4
The struggle is a lot more internal than external
Now, the whole nation part is way below EU4
You dont play a nation here, you play a character


Havent played TW3K
I would say probably closer to EU4 as you play a nation too
Of course, RT battles you wont find in Paradox games


Overall, if i had to choose, i like CK3...but i prefer EU4
I prefer the 'play a nation'

[ColdWonder]

I am surprised you didn't get into EU4 as it is the most like three kingdoms imo. If you found it tedious id recommend slowing right down and play iron man. The game is all about alliances and picking the fights to avoid tough wars. Only gets frustraiting to me when im getting impatient.

CK3 is closer to the likes of Rimworld imo its a story generator. Your dealing with events, arranging marriages etc not plotting wars so much.