"Crusader Kings 3" was released today. It is a great RPG, strategy game, and sim game. But like most grand strategy things, the maps, menus, and millions of stats are a bit scary. Thankfully, not only is it the most user-friendly game Paradox has ever designed, but it's also included in Xbox Game Pass, which reduces the risk of jumping in.

Crusader Kings 2 seems to be an EVE-like experience for many: hanging around, listening, but rarely playing. It is time consuming, often bewildering and, at first glance, quite dry. In Crusader Kings 3, the areas of expertise are more emphasized and the complex systems are introduced much better, but it's still a fairly high threshold. It's the perfect game for a service like Game Pass, which allows you to check in for a month or even 12 months.

If you haven't used it before, you can take advantage of the free trial and sign up for the first month for £1/$1. This is more than enough time to find out if it is to your liking, but it is very dense and would only scratch the surface. I have spent hours looking at maps of my kingdom and there is still so much I haven't tried.

There are other Paradox grand strategy games on Game Pass, Crusader Kings 2 is free, but Crusader Kings 3 should be your first Paradox game. you're covered. The social simulation is so rich in drama that it feels like watching ten soap operas at once, and there's a proper RPG progression system for both the characters and the dynasty itself, with plenty of opportunities to form rulers.

You can learn the basics in Crusader Kings 3's tutorial, and you can continue conquering Ireland after the tutorial ends.

The game proposes several different types of nobility with varying degrees of difficulty, but in 867 and 1066, you can jump into the shoes of the head of any dynasty, whether you are a countess or an emperor. Vikings are always fun. A nice beard. A bit of plunder. The good life. You might want to get out of Europe and visit some of the dynasties along the Nigerian coast. I'll be posting some beginner's guides later today.

"Crusader Kings 3" is available for purchase on Game Pass starting today, as well as on the Microsoft Store, Paradox Store, and Steam.