CK2 or Stellaris for NEW PLAYER?

[Crymoricus]

I've read the thread about CK2 vs Stellaris, and I'm getting the impression that it would be better for someone like me who has zero experience with these kinds of games to start with Stellaris. Am I right on that? The learning curve isn't nearly as steep in Stellaris, etc? I admit the idea of CK2 appeals to me slightly more than Stellaris, but I don't want to buy it and be overwhelmed. Stelaris isn't so overwhelming?

[Admod, the Equivocal]

I'd suggest stellaris over ck2 for a new player but if it doesn't interest you there is no reason to get it. It's just that Ck2 is probably the most frustrating game paradox has ever made while stellaris is chill.

[cheg]

Originally posted by Crymoricus:

I've read the thread about CK2 vs Stellaris, and I'm getting the impression that it would be better for someone like me who has zero experience with these kinds of games to start with Stellaris. Am I right on that? The learning curve isn't nearly as steep in Stellaris, etc? I admit the idea of CK2 appeals to me slightly more than Stellaris, but I don't want to buy it and be overwhelmed. Stelaris isn't so overwhelming?

i have no experience with stellaris but i learnt ck2 in 20 minutes, and ck2 provides information vital for other paradox games. id suggest watching this tutorial https://youtu.be/VgcwfLt6sfY

[Velimirius]

I had more fun with CK2 than any other paradox game, sure some are easier but if u take ur time with CK2 u wont regret it.

[CidDaBird]

Originally posted by Admod, the Capricorn:

I'd suggest stellaris over ck2 for a new player but if it doesn't interest you there is no reason to get it. It's just that Ck2 is probably the most frustrating game paradox has ever made while stellaris is chill.

But Stellaris is the most boring out of all Paradox games. I would try EU4 first then CK2 and then maybe Stellaris if you feel you want to try something new.

I personally like CK2 more but I had to warm up to it, but its much better to enjoy than it was when it only had 4 dlcs.

[steven1mac]

It depends on wha you like, both ar ok, but I haven't played it since the 2.0, and by the diaries they look to be chaning the way planets work now on the next expansion, while CK2 will be getting a new expansion in 2 to 3 months.

The user interface is better in stellaris, which might help you a little more at the begining, but give CK2 a few hours and you get used it and it become second nature.

Overall it is how attached you want to get to your charters and their family whiule conquering europe or trying to conquer the unverse.

[Heraclius Caesar]

i've never played stellaris, but i've played plenty of Crusader Kings II. Definitely go with CKII, once you get the hang of it you'll wonder how you could have went without it for so long; plus it sounds like you already might rather play a game in the middle ages instead of space.

the thing is tho, you just missed a ck2/paradox sale last week, so you might want to wait til the next 1 comes around - probably the next holiday season

[meiam]

They're different game and becoming more and more different with time, CK is what's called a grand strategy while stellaris is a space 4X.

As far as newb friendly, stellaris 5 gajilliions miles is easier to pick up, CK2 has millions of little weird rules and case. Inheritance, vassal, ect. all these have a bunch of exception and counter exception and most of it isn't very intuitive. Stellaris is much more straightforward.

But really they're different game, CK is much more about personal relationship and navigating the byzantine feudal bureaucract (sometime literally!). Stellaris is more about managing resource and macro decision. CK2 is pretty fun to watch lets play of, so I'd say just watch one to get an idea of what it feel like.

[Lendoo]

stellaris is extremly boring go with ck2

[Zednaught]

Originally posted by Emu121211221:

stellaris is extremly boring go with ck2

Came here to say exactly this. Steallaris just isn't that fun.


CK2 is much more rewarding, and it that game appeals to you more, then get it first. The learning curve isn't that steep, especially if you only focus on the key features (some things like inheritance and cassus belli will be confusing for a while). Much of the DLC is worth getting, but just try the default game at first and it'll be easy to play.

[Claus]

CK2 is not frustrating at all, but it lacks a proper tutorial but even then if you're in any way familiar with grand strategy games you know them all with a few exceptions.

If you're not familiar then stay far away from Victoria 2, it's a very complex game, after playing that all other grand strategy titles seems simple in comparison.

I have no knowledge of history besides my own country, i went from count to king fairly quickly.

I recommend the youtube tutorials, if you don't have patience to sit down and learn the game while playing grand strategy is not for you.

Stellaris is probably the only game i would exclude as it is easy to learn and master.