Crusader Kings 3: 15 Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod (2024)

CK3 AGOT is a total conversion mod for Crusader Kings 3 which brings the world of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire to life. At the heart of this Game of Thrones mod, is a wonderful cast of characters that players can play as.

From the kings and Lords Paramount to nobles further down the social ladder, there are hundreds of playable characters across the various bookmarks for CK3 AGOT. With such a wide selection, however, finding a fun ruler who offers the appropriate challenge isn't too easy.

Links to the CK3 AGOT mod:

• Steam Workshop
• Nexus Mods

Updated August 23, 2024 by Joe Grantham: Dragons have arrived in CK3 AGOT, and with them, two entirely new start dates, one of which aligns with the early stages of House of the Dragon. Those looking for the best starts in CK3 AGOT have scores of great options to choose from, including popular characters such as Daemon, Rhaenyra, and Viserys I Targaryen. Additionally, existing starting characters such as Maelys 'The Monstrous' and King Aegon V, are even more fun now thanks to the CK3 AGOT dragon update.

15 King Jaehaerys I Targaryen - 82 AC

Reign Of The Conciliator Bookmark

While the 82 AC start date doesn't have any scripted events or exciting chaos of other bookmarks, this makes it a great starting point for beginners in CK3 AGOT, and it is perfect as a sandbox bookmark. Set during the mostly peaceful reign of King Jaehaerys 'The Conciliator', players have time to build, develop, and foster the dynasty of their dreams.

King Jaehaerys himself is a great option for this, but players can essentially choose any ruler, big or small, and decide their own future. As Jaehaerys, players can create a sprawling dynasty of dragon riders, who hopefully won't all come crashing down.

14 King Viserys I Targaryen - 106 AC

The Rogue Prince Bookmark

King Viserys I Targaryen is a fan favorite character thanks to Paddy Considine's heart-moving portrayal. He also happens to be a great starting ruler for this Game of Thrones mod. As king, and head of the Targaryen family, Viserys naturally has great control over everything, including a whole host of dragons and dragon eggs.

Playing as King Viserys is also a great way to play as his daughter and heir Rhaenyra Targaryen, although players are able to start as her if they wish. The only problem is that she is a mere 9 years old, and even as the ruler of Dragonstone, she doesn't have many options till she comes of age. As Viserys is married to Alicent Hightower at the start of the game, there is a good chance that their real children will be born. This can lead to a difficult decision about Viserys' heir, and could ultimately end in war. Players could try to prevent the Dance of the Dragons with savvy political moves, or let it unfold for untold chaos and fun.

13 Lord Lyonel Strong Of Harrenhal - 106 AC

The Rogue Prince Bookmark

Playing as Lyonel Strong in CK3 AGOT is great for three main reasons. First of all, players control Harrenhal, which, while cursed, can eventually be restored to its former glory and become the greatest castle in all of Westeros.

Secondly, Lyonel's heir is Ser Harwin Strong, and so all being well, players will eventually get to take control of this fan-favorite character. Speaking of popular characters, players will also have one of Season 2's fan favorites, Ser Simon Strong at their disposal.

12 Lord Corlys Velaryon Of Driftmark - 106 AC

The Rogue Prince Bookmark

By the 106 AC bookmark in CK3 AGOT, Corlys Velaryon has already completed his nine great voyages and has long been known as the 'Sea Snake'. However, players can take Lord Corlys and the Velaryon to even greater heights in the mod, especially as the only non-Targaryen House with dragonriding capability.

Although Corlys himself cannot take to the skies on dragonback, his wife and children can, which sets up even more fun for the future and a possible civil war for the Iron Throne. Out of the gates though, Corlys' first task is a war fought alongside Prince Daemon for control over the Stepstones.

11 Prince Daemon Targaryen - 106 AC

The Rogue Prince Bookmark

Daemon Targaryen, for whom The Rogue Prince bookmark is named, is certainly one of the best starting characters for CK3 AGOT due to his fiery nature and the fact that he rides Caraxes. Obsessed with dragons, Daemon is perfect for trying out the new update, and as a disputed heir to the Iron Throne, there are many directions a playthrough can twist and turn.

First on the agenda for Daemon in the 106 AC bookmark, however, is a war for the Stepstones, which fans might remember from Season 1 of House of the Dragon. If successful, Daemon will be presented with some interesting choices for his next move.

10 King Aegon V Targaryen - 258 AC

The War Of The Ninepenny Kings Bookmark

King Aegon V Targaryen is a character whom many will become more familiar with when HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms kicks off. In that show, he will be a small bald boy named Egg, but years later, despite being the fourth son of a fourth son, he comes to sit the Iron Throne.

In CK3 AGOT, players can take over as King Aegon V, 25 years into his mostly peaceful reign. However, war is brewing with a Blackfyre pretender looking to invade from across the Narrow Sea. Perhaps even more interesting though, is Aegon's obsession with dragons, and his desire to see their return can be finally realized with the dragon update to CK3 AGOT. Perhaps players should head to a place called Summerhall...

9 Lord Roger Reyne Of Castamere - 258 AC

The War Of The Ninepenny Kings Bookmark

The Rains of Castamere is an infamous song, capable of inspiring fear in the Lannisters - and for good reason too. It sings of the total destruction of House Reyne, who rebelled against Tywin's father, a man known as 'The Toothless Lion'. Unfortunately for the Reyne's, Tywin Lannister was on the cusp of manhood and proved himself a formidable foe.

In CK3 AGOT, however, players can try their own luck as Lord Roger Reyne of Castamere and attempt to write a different history. At the start of the game, players will receive a demand to pay back 2000 gold, but they can opt to ignore this request.

8 King Maelys I 'The Monstrous' Blackfyre - 258 AC

The War Of The Ninepenny Kings Bookmark

Maelys 'The Monstrous' is easily one of the most fun starts in CK3 AGOT for a number of reasons. First of all, he is the last Blackfyre pretender, from the line of the controversially legitimized Targaryen branch. In his eyes, he has a claim on the Iron Throne, and with the help of the Golden Company and pirate supporters known as the Band of Nine, he means to take what is his.

Players will notice that Maelys Blackfyre has a small second head sprouting from his shoulder, a detail that not many would have expected to see in the mod. Although Maelys was introduced with the addition of the War of the Ninepenny Kings, he is an even greater option with the new dragon update, seeing as he has a dragon egg. In fact, in the books, he gained his nickname 'The Monstrous' for sacrificing his son to try and hatch a dragon. Perhaps players will have better luck.

7 Lord Marq Grafton Of Gulltown - 282 AC

Robert's Rebellion Bookmark

If players are looking for a challenge in CK3 AGOT then there are few harder starting rulers than Lord Marq Grafton of Gulltown. Unlike the other lords of the Vale who owe their allegiance to Jon Arryn, Marq Grafton has remained true to his overlord, King Aerys II, and as such finds himself under siege from Robert Baratheon at the outset of the war.

Just like the hardest starting rulers for Crusader Kings 3, players will have their work cut out for themselves and will have to come up with creative ways to avoid an early game over. In fact, players who know their Game of Thrones history will know that Lord Marq Grafton was actually killed in the siege of Gulltown.

6 Prince Rhaegar Targaryen - 282 AC

Robert's Rebellion Bookmark

Rhaegar Targaryen could have been the perfect king if he had not lost to Robert on the Trident and thankfully this is a dream that can be realized in CK3 AGOT. On their way to restoring House Targaryen to glory, players will need to take down both Robert and Rhaegar's own father and liege, the Mad King.

With plenty of unique events just for Rhaegar involving Lyanna Stark amongst others, this is one of the playthroughs that is best for those looking for a good story. Best of all, players will be able to ride into battle clad in Rhaegar's iconic armor which has been beautifully recreated for the mod.

5 Lord Eddard Stark - 282 & 284 AC

Robert's Rebellion & The Crowned Stag Bookmarks

The Starks of Winterfell are one of the most beloved Houses in Game of Thrones and no Stark is as iconic as Eddard Stark himself. For players who are new to CK3 AGOT or even Crusader Kings 3 itself, Ned Stark is also one of the best starting rulers.

One of the reasons for this is that despite being heavily involved in Robert's Rebellion, the Stark lands are a fair distance from the fighting, meaning that players should not find their own lands under siege. With a large host of men at their disposal, players can play a major role in the war without being the main combatant. Playing as Ned Stark in the Crowned Stag bookmark is also an option for players who would prefer to start the game during a time of peace.

4 Lord Commander Jantos Of The Night's Watch - 282 & 284 AC

Robert's Rebellion & The Crowned Stag Bookmarks

For players who would prefer to watch Westeros burn from the relative safety of the Wall, the Night's Watch offers a truly unique experience in both Crusader Kings 3 and CK3 AGOT. Unlike other positions, the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch does not inherit the position in a hereditary fashion, instead, a brother is chosen from among the order.

The Night's Watch is also involved in the struggle beyond the Wall, which uses the struggle mechanic from the base game to great effect. Despite not taking part in any wars of Westeros, players will always have their gaze set firmly north and must manage diminishing finances carefully.

3 Lord Petyr 'Littlefinger' Baelish - 282 & 284 AC

Robert's Rebellion & The Crowned Stag Bookmarks

Petyr Baelish also known as Littlefinger is easily one of the most ruthless characters from Game of Thrones and certainly cannot be trusted to do anything except feed his own ambition. Ambition however is exactly what players will need when playing as Petyr Baelish as the mod sees him start out in humble origins.

With scars fresh from his duel with Brandon Stark, the young Petyr Baelish must use his wits and manipulation to rise to the top. With an incredible intrigue stat, players who love their plots in Crusader Kings 3 will have incredible fun. His stewardship skill should also mean players can amass a large wealth. What they do with that gold is up to them though.

2 Robert Baratheon - 282 & 284 AC

Robert's Rebellion & The Crowned Stag Bookmarks

Seeing as one of the first available bookmarks in CK3 AGOT is Robert's Rebellion, there is arguably no better starting ruler to play as than Robert Baratheon himself. With a strong appetite for war, women, and feasts, Robert Baratheon is the perfect Crusader Kings character, offering players plenty of opportunities to role-play in their game.

Leaner and keener than his older self in the TV show, players can experience the Robert who became famous for his warhammer and forced marches to surprise the enemy. Players can also play as Robert once he is king, in the Crowned Stag bookmark.

1 Lord Balon Greyjoy Of The Iron Islands- 284 AC

The Crowned Stag Bookmark

Balon Greyjoy, the father of Theon, is one of the starting characters that is only available in the Crowned Stag bookmark. With his own father dead and a new king on the throne, Balon Greyjoy sees an opportunity to return his people to the old way of the Iron Islands.

With their own religion and a more distinct culture from those found within the green lands, the ironborn present players with one of the most enthralling ways to play the game.

Crusader Kings 3

RPG

Grand Strategy

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:90/100 Critics Recommend:99%

Platform(s)

PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC

Released

September 1, 2020

Developer(s)

Paradox Interactive