How To Make Confederations in Crusader Kings 3

With the release of the Khans of the Steppe DLC for Crusader Kings 3, Paradox Interactive introduced a powerful new mechanic available to all players for free: Confederations. These defensive pacts allow certain rulers to band together against common threats, providing mutual protection and strategic advantages.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about Confederations, including how they work, their benefits, how to form them, and the best strategies for using them effectively.

What Are Confederations in Crusader Kings 3?

Confederations are defensive alliances primarily available to Tribal and Nomadic rulers of lower ranks (Counts and Dukes). They function similarly to mutual defense pacts, where members agree not to attack or raid each other and automatically join defensive wars when one member is attacked.

Key Features of Confederations:

• Automatic Defense Pact: If any member is attacked, all others will join the war.
• No Internal Wars or Raids: Members cannot declare war on each other, ensuring stability.
• Fertility Bonus for Nomads: Nomadic rulers gain a fertility boost, allowing them to sustain their population longer before needing to migrate.
• Path to Expansion: The Confederation leader can eventually "Elevate Confederation" to turn allies into vassals and form a kingdom.

How to Form a Confederation

Not every ruler can form a Confederation. There are specific requirements that must be met:

Eligibility Requirements:

• Government Type: Must be Tribal or Nomadic.
• Title Rank: Only Counts or Dukes (no Kings or Emperors).
• Independence: Must be fully independent (not a vassal or tributary).
• Authority Laws: Authority Law or Dominance must be Level 2 or lower.
• Recent History: Cannot have left a Confederation in the last 5 years.
• Diplomatic Standing: Must be a Diplomat, Patriarch, or have a powerful enemy on your borders.
• Cost: Requires Prestige and Piety to initiate.

Steps to Form a Confederation:

Check Eligibility: Open the Decisions tab (left-hand menu) and look for "Call for Confederation."

Invite Neighboring Rulers: After selecting the decision, you can offer other rulers to join.

Secure Members: Independent rulers of equal or lower rank (Counts/Dukes) are the best candidates.

Negotiate Membership: Some rulers may refuse unless you:

• Use a Hook (if you have one).
• Gift Herd (for Nomads).
• Impress with Prestige.

Form the Confederation: Once at least one ruler accepts, the pact is formed, and you become the leader.

Managing Your Confederation

Once established, Confederations offer several strategic options:

1. Expand the Confederation

• As the leader, you can invite more rulers to join, strengthening the alliance.
• Look for rulers who share your culture or religion for better cohesion.

2. Elevate the Confederation (Become a King/Queen)

• If you meet the requirements, you can "Elevate Confederation" in the Decisions tab.
• This turns all members into your vassals, consolidating power under a Kingdom-tier title.
• Requirements for Elevation:
  • Must be the Confederation leader.
  • Must control enough land to form a De Jure Kingdom.
  • Must have high Prestige and Piety.

3. Leave the Confederation

• If the Confederation no longer benefits you, use the "Abandon Confederation" decision.
• However, you cannot rejoin or form another Confederation for 5 years.

Strategic Uses of Confederations

1. Defense Against Powerful Enemies

• Ideal for smaller realms facing large empires (e.g., steppe nomads defending against Mongol invasions).
• The automatic defensive war feature deters aggressors.

2. Tribal & Nomadic Stability

• Prevents infighting among Tribal vassals.
• Nomads benefit from fertility bonuses, reducing the need for constant migration.

3. Early-Game Power Consolidation

• A Confederation can help small rulers survive until they’re strong enough to form a kingdom.
• Later, elevating the Confederation turns allies into vassals for a smoother realm transition.

Limitations of Confederations

• Not for Feudal or Clan Governments: Only Tribal and Nomadic rulers can form them.
• No Offensive Power: Members don’t join wars of aggression, only defensive ones.
• Potential Betrayals: Members may leave if they grow stronger or dislike the leader.

Conclusion: Are Confederations Worth It?

Confederations are a powerful tool for Tribal and Nomadic rulers, especially in the early game or when facing overwhelming threats. They provide safety in numbers, prevent internal conflicts, and can even serve as a stepping stone to kingdom formation.

If you're playing as a steppe horde, tribal chief, or small duke, forming a Confederation could be the key to survival and expansion. Just remember to keep prestige and piety high, maintain good relations with members, and eventually elevate your Confederation to secure lasting power.

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