CK3 vs EU4 which one?

[Mjmd]

I haven't bought a lot of new games in a while..... but every time I see either of these I kind of want to try one of them out. So the simple question is which one would ya'll recommend?

I've loved Pins CK3 write ups, but I 100% would try at a low difficulty probably for either game.

[Amicalola]

I've always heard that CK2 (or 3) is an RPG masquerading as grand strategy, while EU4 actually is grand strategy. So if you're more into the stories the game creates, and getting invested into characters, CK3 is probably the way. And if you're more into map painting and optimising an empire civ-style, EU4 is probably the way. I've only played EU3 and CK2 though, and both were a long time ago. I'm more of a Crusader Kings kind of person, but each game has it's fans.

Edit: CK3 also has some pretty amazing overhaul mods, if you're into that. Like this Lord of the Rings mod.

[Mr. Cairo]

EU4 has one hell of a learning curve, depending on the amount of dlc's you get. If you've never played CK2 or any other Paradox grand strategy I'd recommend starting with CK3. Personally I prefer EU4, I think it's fantastic, but even trying to imagine learning it from scratch gives me a headache.

[Ginger()]

Ditto what Amica said. I know this isn’t what you asked for but I have to jump in and recommed my absolute favorite PDX game, Stellaris. It’s so thematically rich and there are some good mods that make the AI stronger if you want a more challenging experience. The problem with it is that you need a couple of the DLCs, and the only way to get them at a reasonable price is to buy codes for them from a site like Eneba

[Jowy]

Base CK2 is free these days, you could just try it out. Also I wouldn't worry about difficulty, seeing as there's no way to win a game. It is in fact more fun when things go south.

[Kurumi]

Have you played any of PDX games before? If no, CK3 is probably your best bet. I skipped EU4 because I saw the game as going in a direction I wasn't fan of and haven't changed my mind since. CK3 on the other hand... Vast improvements from CK2 and years of development ahead. It's a sweet game that lets you do a lot more than base CK2 but since CK2 is free you might want to just dip your toes into it to figure out what kind of a game it is because it is pretty damn original.

And fun.

[pindicator]

I love them both but people are right that they're different games. Eu4 is the grand strategy, conquer the world (well, if you're a masochist) kind of game. Ck3 is more about characters and families but you can blob and conquer if you like. It just isn't really as fun to conquer for conquering sake imo

[Amicalola]

So, did you end up making a decision?

[Mjmd]

I did try CK2 as recommended and if its the easier one ...... To say I'm underwhelmed by the tutorial is an understatement. I'm intend to take another crack at some point.

[thestick]

Recently started getting into CK2, and what really helped me were searching up a beginner's guide on Youtube, and playing as an Irish ruler in the 1066 start. You start tiny, meaning that you don't get overwhelmed with complexity. Your with neighbors that are usually of equal power or weaker than you. The big powers (mostly England) usually leave you alone. There's an obvious initial goal: unify Ireland, and achieving it will give the basics of warfare. And later down the line, the special Tanistry succession means it's pretty simple to keep your realm in one piece, instead of it all splintering upon your ruler's death. All in all, it's a safe, forgiving situation.