In the treacherous realm of Crusader Kings III, where power plays and dynastic struggles intertwine, the role of the best men-at-arms becomes paramount. These elite warriors form the backbone of any formidable army, their presence on the battlefield striking fear into the hearts of enemies. With their unwavering loyalty, exceptional combat skills, and ability to turn the tide of battle, the best men-at-arms are indispensable assets to any ruler seeking glory and conquest.
Among the most renowned and feared men-at-arms are the Varangian Guard, a legendary force composed of hardened Norse warriors. Their reputation for unwavering discipline and unmatched ferocity precedes them, making them a formidable presence on any battlefield. Equally formidable are the Mamelukes, a highly trained and disciplined cavalry unit hailing from the deserts of Egypt. Known for their lightning-fast charges and deadly precision, the Mamelukes are a force to be reckoned with.
However, the choice of the best men-at-arms ultimately depends on a ruler’s strategic goals and the specific challenges they face. For rulers seeking to dominate land-based conflicts, the heavily armored Huscarls or fearsome Knights Templar offer unmatched protection and offensive power. In contrast, rulers with ambitions of naval supremacy will find the Varangian Guard or Galloglaich, with their amphibious capabilities, to be invaluable assets. Ultimately, the best men-at-arms are those who align with a ruler’s specific military strategy and the unique challenges they encounter in the ever-shifting landscape of Crusader Kings III.
The Elite Warriors of Crusades
The best men-at-arms in Crusader Kings 3 are the elite warriors of the Crusades. These are the knights and sergeants who fought for God and glory in the Holy Land. They were the best equipped and trained soldiers of their time, and they played a major role in the success of the Crusades.
The Knights of the Crusades
The knights of the Crusades were the most iconic and powerful of the best men-at-arms. They were heavily armored and armed with swords, lances, and maces. They were trained to fight on horseback and on foot, and they were skilled in both melee and ranged combat.
Knights were a formidable force on the battlefield. They were able to break through enemy lines and wreak havoc on the enemy. They were also a valuable asset in sieges, as they could use their strength and armor to scale walls and breach fortifications.
Knights were drawn from all levels of society. Some were wealthy noblemen, while others were poor peasants who had risen through the ranks. All knights, however, were required to swear an oath of loyalty to their lord and to the Church.
In addition to the knights, there were also sergeants who fought in the Crusades. Sergeants were not as well-equipped or trained as knights, but they were still a valuable asset to any army. They were often used to guard baggage trains, escort prisoners, and perform other support roles.
| Type | Attack | Defense | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knight | 10 | 8 | 100 gold |
| Sergeant | 6 | 4 | 50 gold |
Building the Ultimate Men-at-Arms Army
Men-at-arms are the backbone of any CK3 army. They are well-rounded units that can hold their own in a fight against any other unit type. If you want to build an army that can conquer the world, you need to make sure your men-at-arms are the best of the best.
Picking the Right Men-at-Arms
The first step to building a great men-at-arms army is to pick the right units. There are many different types of men-at-arms available in CK3, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The best men-at-arms for you will depend on your playstyle and the enemies you are facing.
If you are looking for a well-rounded unit that can hold its own in any fight, the Levy Infantry is a good choice. They are cheap to recruit and maintain, and they can be upgraded with a variety of weapons and armor.
If you are facing an enemy with a lot of cavalry, you may want to consider recruiting some Pikemen. Pikemen are strong against cavalry, but they are weak against infantry. If you are facing an enemy with a lot of infantry, you may want to recruit some Men-at-Arms. Men-at-Arms are strong against infantry, but they are weak against cavalry.
Upgrading Your Men-at-Arms
Once you have recruited your men-at-arms, you need to upgrade them to make them as effective as possible. There are a variety of ways to upgrade your men-at-arms:
Weapons
The weapons your men-at-arms use have a big impact on their combat effectiveness. Upgrading your men-at-arms’ weapons will increase their damage output and make them more likely to win battles.
Armor
The armor your men-at-arms wear protects them from enemy attacks. Upgrading your men-at-arms’ armor will reduce the amount of damage they take in battle, making them more likely to survive.
Tactics
The tactics your men-at-arms use in battle can also have a big impact on their combat effectiveness. Upgrading your men-at-arms’ tactics will give them new abilities and bonuses that can help them win battles.
Leveraging Men-at-Arms’ Unique Abilities
Men-at-arms (MAA) are specialized military units in CK3 that provide unique abilities and strengths to your armies. Understanding and utilizing these abilities effectively is crucial for optimizing your military strategy and achieving victory on the battlefield.
Example Ability Bonus
Men-at-arms can play a crucial role in siege combat. For instance, siege towers grant a significant +30% bonus to siege progress, while siege engineers provide a +20% bonus. These bonuses can dramatically speed up the siege process, allowing you to capture enemy strongholds more swiftly and efficiently.
Additionally, certain MAA types excel in specific terrain conditions. For example, the Varangian Guard and Wildling Wolfpack gain substantial combat bonuses when defending in forests, while cataphracts and horse archers dominate open terrain. By strategically deploying MAA types based on the battlefield terrain, you can maximize their effectiveness and gain a significant advantage over your opponents.
| MAA Type | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Siege Towers | +30% Siege Progress |
| Siege Engineers | +20% Siege Progress |
| Varangian Guard | +20% Defense in Forests |
| Wildling Wolfpack | +20% Defense in Forests |
| Cataphracts | +20% Light Cavalry Combat in Open Terrain |
| Horse Archers | +20% Light Cavalry Combat in Open Terrain |
MaA Compositions for Every Occasion
Early Game
Invest in cheap MaA for a cost-effective army early game. Levies are the bare minimum and won’t serve you well in most combat situations. Spears are slightly more expensive but a considerable upgrade, and Men-at-Arms (MAA) are great all-arounders.
Mid Game
In the mid game, start transitioning to specialized MaA. Spearmen are excellent frontline units, especially with a commander skilled in the Pikes skill. Halberdiers are more expensive but formidable against cavalry. Crossbowmen offer ranged support, while Men-at-Arms continue to be a solid backbone for your army.
Late Game
In the late game, your MaA can dominate with the right composition. Champions are powerful melee units, but expensive; consider Cataphracts or Shock Cavalry if you need mounted troops. Horse Archers can deal massive ranged damage, and Huscarls, Varangian Veterans, or Housecarls offer elite infantry options.
Specific Counters
Tailor your MaA to address specific threats. Pikemen excel against cavalry, while Halberdiers dominate infantry. Crossbowmen are ideal against mounted troops, and Siege Engines take down fortifications. Consider using Skirmishers to harass enemy archers.
Mixed Compositions
In many cases, a combination of MaA types is the most effective approach. For example, a mix of Spearmen and Crossbowmen can provide a balanced combination of frontline and ranged units. Experiment with different mixtures to find what works best for your playstyle.
Equipping Men-at-Arms for Victory
Choosing the Right Units
Each type of Men-at-Arms unit has unique strengths and weaknesses. Consider factors such as terrain, enemy composition, and your army’s overall strategy when selecting units.
Upgrading Weapons and Armor
Investing in higher-quality weapons and armor significantly improves the combat effectiveness of your Men-at-Arms. For example, upgrading from swords to axes increases damage output against infantry, while plate armor provides superior protection against piercing attacks.
Leveraging Abilities and Traits
Certain characters possess traits or abilities that can enhance Men-at-Arms performance. For instance, the “Master-at-Arms” trait grants a bonus to unit damage, while the “Siege Master” ability allows Men-at-Arms to inflict more damage on fortifications.
Plan for Combat Tactics
Effective use of combat tactics can give your Men-at-Arms an edge in battle. Consider using flank attacks to deal increased damage, using terrain to gain defensive advantages, or deploying specific unit types to counter enemy formations.
Customizing Leadership
The choice of commander for your Men-at-Arms can have a profound impact on their performance. Knights and other military leaders provide bonuses to unit morale, damage, and defense. Consider their traits and experience when selecting a suitable commander.
Advanced Equipment Considerations
For advanced players, there are additional factors to consider when equipping Men-at-Arms:
| Equipment | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Heavy Armor | Reduces incoming damage but slows down unit movement |
| Two-Handed Weapons | High damage output but requires more time to swing |
| Ranged Weapons | Can attack from a distance but lower damage than melee weapons |
| Cavalry | Highly mobile but vulnerable to spears and pikes |
| Siege Equipment | Specialized units for attacking fortifications |
Training and Upgrading Men-at-Arms
In Crusader Kings 3, Men-at-Arms (MAA) make up the bulk of your military forces. They can be trained in various types and upgraded to become more powerful. To do so, you’ll need to spend Gold and Prestige. The cost of training and upgrading MAA depends on their type and level.
Training MAA
To train MAA, you’ll need to select a Holding and click on the “Train” button in its Military tab. You can then choose the type of MAA you want to train. The amount of time it takes to train MAA depends on their type and the Holding’s Military Development.
Upgrading MAA
To upgrade MAA, you’ll need to select a unit and click on the “Upgrade” button in its Management tab. You can then choose the level you want to upgrade them to. The cost of upgrading MAA depends on their type and level.
Types of MAA
There are eight types of MAA in Crusader Kings 3, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The following table shows the different types of MAA, their cost, and their upkeep.
| Type | Cost | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|
| Archers | 50 Gold | 2 Prestige |
| Crossbowmen | 100 Gold | 4 Prestige |
| Light Cavalry | 150 Gold | 6 Prestige |
| Heavy Cavalry | 200 Gold | 8 Prestige |
| Pikemen | 250 Gold | 10 Prestige |
| Heavy Infantry | 300 Gold | 12 Prestige |
| Skirmishers | 350 Gold | 14 Prestige |
| War Elephants | 400 Gold | 16 Prestige |
Men-at-Arms as a Force Multiplier
Men-at-arms are a versatile and powerful force that can be used to great effect in Crusader Kings 3. They are more expensive than levies, but they are also much more powerful. Men-at-arms can be used to:
- Win battles
- Siege castles
- Raid enemy territory
- Protect your own territory
The number of men-at-arms you can have is limited by the size of your army and the number of military buildings you have. However, there are a number of ways to increase the size of your army and the number of military buildings you have. These include:
- Increasing your martial skill
- Adopting certain cultural traditions
- Building military buildings
- Hiring mercenaries
The Different Types of Men-at-Arms
There are a number of different types of men-at-arms in Crusader Kings 3, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The most common types of men-at-arms are:
- Infantry
- Cavalry
- Archers
Infantry
Infantry are the backbone of any army. They are relatively cheap to recruit and maintain, and they can be used to great effect in both offensive and defensive battles. Infantry are particularly effective against cavalry, as they can form a shield wall to protect themselves from cavalry charges. However, infantry are not as effective against archers, as they can be easily picked off from a distance.
Cavalry
Cavalry are a powerful offensive force. They are faster than infantry, and they can deal more damage in a single charge. However, cavalry are also more expensive to recruit and maintain than infantry, and they are not as effective in defensive battles. Cavalry are particularly effective against archers, as they can quickly close the distance and overwhelm them.
Archers
Archers are a ranged unit that can deal damage from a distance. They are particularly effective against infantry, as they can pick them off from a distance. However, archers are not as effective against cavalry, as they can be easily overrun by a cavalry charge. Archers are also relatively fragile, and they can be easily killed by enemy infantry.
| Type of Men-at-Arms | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Infantry | Cheap to recruit and maintain, effective against cavalry | Not as effective against archers |
| Cavalry | Fast, powerful offensive force, effective against archers | Expensive to recruit and maintain, not as effective in defensive battles |
| Archers | Can deal damage from a distance, effective against infantry | Not as effective against cavalry, fragile |
The Art of War with Men-at-Arms
Understanding the Power of Men-at-Arms
Men-at-arms form the core of any medieval army, providing versatility and strength. Understanding their capabilities is crucial for strategic success.
Types of Men-at-Arms
Various types of men-at-arms exist, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Heavy infantry, light infantry, and cavalry are the main categories, with subcategories within each.
Tactics for Deployment
Effective deployment of men-at-arms requires strategic planning. Cavalry excels at flanking and charges, while heavy infantry holds the line and protects vulnerable units.
Relying on Allies
Alliance with other realms can provide additional men-at-arms, increasing the size and strength of your army. Diplomacy is key in forging strong alliances.
Technological Advancements
Research in military technology can significantly enhance the capabilities of men-at-arms. Upgraded armor, weaponry, and training methods can provide an edge in battle.
Flanking Maneuvers
Flanking maneuvers involve attacking an enemy’s side or rear, bypassing their defenses. Cavalry and light infantry are ideal for executing flanking maneuvers.
Terrain and Weather Impacts
The terrain and weather conditions play a significant role in the effectiveness of men-at-arms. Forests and mountains can hinder cavalry, while rain or snow can reduce visibility and range.
Counter-Tactics
Anticipating enemy tactics is crucial. Skirmishers and archers can disrupt cavalry charges, while heavy infantry can withstand sustained attacks from light infantry.
The Art of Sieges
Men-at-arms are essential in siege warfare. Heavy infantry aids in constructing siege weapons and holding defensive positions, while light infantry harasses the enemy and gathers information.
Fallback Positions
Planning for retreat is vital in any battle. Establishing fallback positions for men-at-arms ensures an orderly withdrawal if necessary.
Choosing Men-at-Arms for Different Situations
| Situation | Recommended Men-at-Arms |
|---|---|
| Flanking Maneuvers | Cavalry, Light Infantry |
| Holding Ground | Heavy Infantry |
| Skirmish and Harassing | Light Infantry, Skirmishers |
Best Men-at-Arms in CK3
In Crusader Kings 3 (CK3), men-at-arms (MAA) form the backbone of your armies. They are professional soldiers who are more powerful and versatile than levies, but they also cost more to maintain. Choosing the right MAA for your army composition is essential for success in combat.
There are many different types of MAA available in CK3, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the best MAA include:
- Heavy Infantry: Heavy infantry are the most powerful melee unit in the game. They are slow and expensive to maintain, but they can deal devastating damage in close combat.
- Light Cavalry: Light cavalry are fast and maneuverable, making them ideal for scouting, raiding, and flanking enemy armies. They are not as powerful as heavy infantry in melee combat, but they can deal significant damage from range with their bows.
- Heavy Cavalry: Heavy cavalry are the most powerful cavalry unit in the game. They are heavily armored and can deal devastating damage in melee combat. However, they are also very expensive to maintain and slow in battle.
- Archers: Archers are ranged units who can deal significant damage from afar. They are vulnerable to melee combat, so they must be protected by other units.
- Crossbowmen: Crossbowmen are similar to archers, but they deal more damage at a slower rate of fire. They are also more accurate than archers, making them ideal for killing enemy units from a distance.
People Also Ask About Best Men-at-Arms CK3
What is the best MAA composition for a balanced army?
The best MAA composition for a balanced army will vary depending on your playstyle and the specific circumstances of your campaign. However, a good starting point is to have a mix of heavy infantry, light cavalry, and archers. This composition will give you a good balance of melee power, mobility, and ranged damage.
What is the best MAA for early game?
In the early game, you will not have access to many different types of MAA. The best MAA for early game are heavy infantry and light cavalry. Heavy infantry will give you a strong melee core, while light cavalry will allow you to raid enemy territory and scout out enemy armies.
What is the best MAA for late game?
In the late game, you will have access to a wider variety of MAA. The best MAA for late game are heavy cavalry and crossbowmen. Heavy cavalry will give you the power to crush enemy armies in melee combat, while crossbowmen will allow you to devastate enemy units from a distance.
