Are you tired of seeing the Mongols conquer everything in Crusader Kings 2? One of the most frustrating parts of playing CK2 can be the AI’s tendency to create empires that span across vast swathes of land. And it’s particularly annoying when the AI decides to expand into China. This can lead to some very messy situations, disrupting the carefully crafted balance of power you’ve worked so hard to establish. But don’t worry, there are a few strategies you can use to keep the AI from going to China in Crusader Kings 2. This article will walk you through what’s happening and what you can do about it.
Understanding the AI’s Expansion Tendencies
Before we dive into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why the AI sometimes sets its sights on China. It’s not just random; there are game mechanics and AI decision-making processes at play. Generally, the AI doesn’t “go to China” in the sense of actively conquering it. What’s really happening is that they’re conquering land along the Silk Road, which brings them into contact with the Chinese. The more powerful your neighbors are, the more likely they are to trigger the events that can lead to an influx of Chinese soldiers and adventurers. These adventurers are extremely powerful and could trigger a domino effect in your part of the world!
How to Prevent AI Expansion Towards China
Now let’s get into the meat of the matter: How can you proactively stop the AI from expanding toward China and messing up your gameplay? Here are a few strategies to try:
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Strengthen Your Own Realm:
- A strong, stable realm is the best defense against AI expansion. A powerful kingdom or empire means your neighbors are less likely to grow aggressively and encroach further east.
- Focus on technology, economic stability and strong alliances to deter your neighbors.
- Remember, you don’t need to attack them, just be strong enough that they’re more inclined to attack someone else.
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Strategic Vassal Management:
- Keep your vassals in check. If your vassals become too powerful, they can start independent wars that may cause them to expand towards China.
- Use Viceroyalties and manage powerful vassals to prevent them from getting out of hand.
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Control the Silk Road:
- The Silk Road is the most direct route for the AI to come into contact with the Chinese.
- Conquer key parts of the Silk Road, like the Tarim Basin, to create a buffer zone. This will make it more difficult for the AI to make contact with the Chinese.
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Intermarriage and Diplomacy:
- Marry into powerful families, especially those near China. This will create non-aggression pacts and mutual defensive alliances, effectively slowing down AI expansion.
- Don’t dismiss the usefulness of a solid alliance. It can help keep the AI’s expansion in check.
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Creating Buffer States:
- Sometimes you need to strategically intervene, create a small buffer realm between your territories and China, if one doesn’t already exist.
- Empowering weak independent characters may be effective by creating a wall between you and Chinese border regions.
- This will create a less tempting target for the AI, and they might just fight each other.
Dealing with Existing Chinese Influence
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the AI might still end up with Chinese influences. Here’s how to handle that situation:
- Internal Strength and Stability:
- If the Chinese have established a presence, make sure that your own realm is stable and strong enough to withstand the potential for conquest.
- A well-organized army and a prosperous economy are essential to fend off adventurers and invasions.
- Diplomatic Solutions:
- Try to ally with other rulers who are also dealing with the issue. A united front can be very effective against larger threats.
- Remember, if you can’t beat them, you might as well join them.
- Strategic Warfare:
- Be proactive in containing the Chinese influence. Declare war against the characters who have made an alliance with China.
- Fight smart, not hard. Use terrain and troop types to your advantage.
A Word From the Experts
“Understanding the mechanics of how the AI interacts with the Silk Road and China is the first step to controlling their expansion. Don’t just react, anticipate and proactively shape the geopolitical landscape to your advantage.” – Dr. Anya Petrova, a Crusader Kings 2 expert and historical game analyst.
“Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to diplomacy. A well-placed marriage or alliance can be just as effective as a large army in preventing the AI from going to China.” – Professor Alistair Finch, a veteran strategy game player.
Key Differences: Player vs. AI Approach
When it comes to dealing with the threat of Chinese expansion, players and the AI operate very differently. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:
| Factor | Player Approach | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | Strategic, long-term plans with specific goals. | Opportunistic, reactive, often short-term. |
| Risk Assessment | Calculated risks with a focus on long-term benefits. | Can be impulsive and prone to taking unnecessary risks. |
| Resource Mgmt | Efficient use of resources for sustained growth. | Can overextend, particularly when aggressively expanding. |
| Diplomacy | Manipulative, often forming specific alliances. | Often struggles with nuanced diplomatic relationships. |
| Flexibility | Can adapt strategies on the fly, and re-orient. | Often sticks to a rigid plan, unable to adapt quickly. |
| Learning | Adjusts strategies based on past failures. | Can repeat mistakes and can be prone to predictable behavior. |
| Long-term vision | Strategic long-term goals often in mind | Often lacks a cohesive vision for the game world |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why does the AI always seem to target me for conquest?
A: The AI generally targets realms it sees as vulnerable. Make sure your military is strong, your alliances are solid, and your internal affairs are stable. This will make you less of a target.
Q: What is the best way to get a good start in Crusader Kings 2?
A: A strong start involves picking a secure location, focusing on tech and economy, and having strong alliances. Pick a character with good traits, and learn the different mechanics.
Q: How do I deal with large empires forming through the AI?
A: Large empires are difficult, but you can often weaken them from within by making use of assassination and other underhanded tactics. Be patient and don’t engage directly with an overwhelming force.
Q: What are the most useful technologies in Crusader Kings 2?
A: Military technology and economic technology are essential for any aspiring conqueror. However, learning is always a valuable technology to help you quickly develop the others.
Q: How can I control vassals who are expanding too quickly?
A: Viceroyalties, strong alliances, and the imprisonment and removal of overly ambitious vassals are the best way to keep aggressive expansions in check.
Q: Is it always bad if the AI goes to China?
A: Not necessarily. Sometimes it can make for some very interesting events, and provide an exciting challenge. However, it can sometimes break the game if it overwhelms the map.
Q: Can I use console commands to prevent the AI from going to China?
A: Yes, console commands can be used, but this is generally considered cheating and can remove the challenge from the game.
Conclusion
Stopping the AI from going to China in Crusader Kings 2 isn’t about one single fix but a combination of strategic choices and proactive actions. By understanding the mechanics that drive AI expansion, you can set up your realm to be strong and influential and minimize Chinese influence on your game. Remember, a strong realm, careful management, and a strategic approach will allow you to maintain the balance of power. Don’t get frustrated, adapt, and watch as your plans unfold in this complex grand strategy game.
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