All Under Heaven is the largest expansion so far for Crusader Kings 3, introducing the rest of Asia, which includes China, Japan, Korea, and the many islands of Southeast Asia. Across CK3's existing three start dates, this means there are hundreds of new starting rulers to choose from in the region.
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Moreover, each of these new regions has its own unique government type, completely changing the way the game is played. In China, for example, Meritocracy holds sway, with individuals taking exams and proving themselves in smaller governing roles to increase their Merit and climb the career ladder, whereas god-kings in Southeast Asia rule via the vastly different Mandala government. As such, the following are the best starting rulers for All Under Heaven in CK3, with options across the continent.
Anchalsa Sin Yeong-Jae Of Naju - 867
Forge A New Destiny For Korea In A Time Before Cultural Dominance
- Government Type: Meritocratic
In later start dates, the Kingdom of Goryo, which is modern day Korea, only has one culture, but in 867, things are still more fragmented. Players could therefore start as Anchalsa Sin Yeong-jae, of the Baekje culture, and try to push against the more dominant Silla culture for which the kingdom is currently named.
There is only one other governor of the Baekje culture in the southwest, and the Goguryeo culture is also present in the northwest. These cultures are remnants of the Three Kingdoms Era of Korea. Furthermore, if players are able to take control of the entire peninsula, the neighboring lands to the north of Korea are more fragmented, meaning an expansion of the kingdom is possible.
Master Song Jiang - 1066
A Landless Adventurer & Future Rebel Against The Song Dynasty
- Government Type: Landless Adventurer
If players also have the Road to Power DLC, then they will be able to play as Landless Adventurers such as Song Jiang in 1066. He is a historical figure who led a band of outlaws and eventually an armed rebellion against the Song Dynasty in China.
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His band will start as swords for hire, but they could turn to freebooting and banditry if players want to sow as much chaos in the large Hegemony. At just 16 years of age, Song Jiang also has many years to gather strength and improve his own skills, perhaps one day being able to dismantle the Celestial government. As he is free to go where he pleases, this is also a great opportunity to explore the rest of Asia that was added in All Under Heaven.
Maharaja Harshavarman III Of Angkor - 1066
Expand The Kingdom Of Angkor & Learn The Mandala Government
- Government Type: Mandala
If players are looking for an easy way to learn the new Mandala government type, then the large Kingdom of Angkor is a great place to begin. The name Angkor is, of course, highly recognizable thanks to Angkor Wat, and players can build this temple in the 1066 start date in the capital of this kingdom. Historically, it was built in the early 12th century, and with players needing to raise 1950 gold, this seems a likely timeframe.
The Mandala government is all about becoming a god king, with each ruler choosing an aspect to embody. Faith is therefore a huge part of gameplay in this region, with it even being used to attract and retain Tributaries.
Bhupati Nyang Of Berau - 1066
Unite The Kaharingan Faith To Reclaim The Island Of Borneo & All Holy Sites
- Government Type: Wanua
Out of all the new government types in All Under Heaven, Wanua is the one that has gone most under the radar. It is similar to Tribal, but with an emphasis on coastal raiding, as well as a new Barter mechanic, which enables goods to be traded between tribes.
While there are many Wanua realms to play as in the southeast-most section of the expanded map, the island of Borneo is of particular interest, as those following the Kaharingan faith in 1066 control none of the five Holy Sites. As Bhupati Nyang of Berau, one of the younger Kaharingan leaders, players can try to reclaim this holy island while also collecting Cranial Trophies.
High Chieftain Temujin, Of The Mongols - 1178
Genghis Khan Can Now Conquer China Too
- Government Type: Nomad
For those who also own the Khans of the Steppe DLC, playing as the future Genghis Khan is now even more engaging with the introduction of the rest of Asia. Previously, the Mongols could only go west and south, but now they can venture east into China as they did historically.
This can then lead players into a Celestial or Meritocratic playstyle if they choose to settle and rule in China, with hybrid cultures and faiths all being possibilities too. Many of the other best rulers for the Khans of the Steppe DLC are better with All Under Heaven for similar reasons.
Soryo Minamoto Yoritomo Of The Kawachi Bushidan - 1178
Unite Other Minamoto To Bring Peace To Japan, Before Potentially Defending Against Mongols
- Government Type: Soryo
When people envisage medieval feudal Japan, they are likely thinking of the Sengoku period, which only started in the 15th century. While this mostly lies outside of Crusader Kings 3's timeline, the 1178 start date gets players closer, and at this time, almost the entire realm falls under the Soryo government type, which is a form of feudalism.
In earlier start dates, Ritsuryo governance is more common in Japan, a form of Administrative government, similar in ways to what is found in China. When choosing a Soryo leader in 1178, Minamoto Yoritomo is a good option, as he can unite other members of the Minamoto dynasty to prevent Taira Kiyomori from completely controlling Japan. With the Mongols soon coming to the fore, strengthening the islands against possible attacks should also be a priority.
Intendant Xin Qiji Of Hunan - 1178
Try To Militarize China Before The Arrival Of The Mongols
- Government Type: Celestial
China is certainly a major highlight of All Under Heaven, and if players want more turmoil, then they should start in 1178, during an era of tension in the dynastic cycle. To the north of the Song Hegemony, there is the Jin Empire, and with the Mongols soon to rise, another threat looms from the northwest.
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Players could therefore take over as a strong, militaristic governor, such as Intendant Xin Qiji. The aim should be to expand the lands of the Song Dynasty, creating buffer zones against all threats, and increasing taxes and manpower to eventually fight the Mongols. Players will want to get a governorship in a border region and also work on building up defenses.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- September 1, 2020
- ESRB
- T for Teens: Drug Reference, Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Interactive
- Publisher(s)
- Paradox Interactive
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Grand Strategy
