There are 4 main resources inCrusader Kings 3, and each is immensely important for different functions of the game. Gold, Prestige, Piety, and Renown are all kinds of currency that players can gain and spend with a vast plethora of actions.

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Each also has plenty of mechanics tied to them which determine the outcomes of both major and minor events and actions. For the most stable rule, one should attempt to acquire as much of all 4 resources as possible. To best do so, players should become familiar with how each resource works and what aspects ofCK3can grant the most income.

Gold

Everyone ruler wants to be rolling in Gold, as more of it means more money that one can invest into their holdings, army, and use on bribes.

Debt

However, be careful not to overspend, as debt will bring about severe penalties which will only get worse over time, in addition to preventing one from taking certain actions. To get a sense of just how bad things can get for a nation in debt, here arethe first few years of modifiersthat follow a country’s bankruptcy.

Following this trend, things just keep getting worse and worse at a gradual but consistent pace, meaning it will be harder to salvage a debt-heavy playthrough.

Income

For the most part, one’s most reliable income of Gold will be from a ruler’s domain tax, which comes from a ruler’s personal holdings, and their vassal tax, which is given to a ruler by their vassals and depends on said vassals' obligations. Here are the various ways these can generate Gold.

Vassal Tax

Prestige

Prestige is a representation of a player’s political influence and is most often gained through acquiring more titles and having a high Diplomacy skill. While this resource is immensely important for diplomatic actions of all kinds, there is a sub-resource that is directly connected to it called Fame (cannot be spent), which will unlock and increase various positive attributes and mechanics. The best way to increase Prestige (which will simultaneously raise Fame by the same amount) is to wage and win wars, though there are also other methods, such as picking related options in some events.

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Fame

There are 6 ranks of Fame which range from a character being a nobody to being so legendary that the entire world knows of them. Here is each Fame rank and what they mean.

Piety

This metaphysical religious currency is obtained mostly from one’s relations with religious figures as well as a character’s Learning skill. Players seeking a more faith-heavy playstyle will need lots of Piety for interacting with churches, and other religious structures, as well as for declaring holy wars.

Piety is build-up over time from the above-mentioned sources as well as many other attributes,including traits, focuses, and specific kinds of buildings. Furthermore, there are many factors that influence a ruler’s monthly Piety gain (or loss).

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Devotion

Similar to how Fame is a sub-resource linked to Prestige, Devotion is the equivalent for Piety and increases parallel to one’s Piety gain. Higher ranks of Devotion (of which there are 6) grant greater opportunities, so players should always aim for the higher tiers.

Renown

Renown is a measure of how successful and prolific one’s dynasty is and relates heavily to a character’s legacy and family connections. This resource is the least spent out of all, however, the sub-resource known as Splendor ties into Renown to make it vital for not just a single character, but an entire playthrough, as heirs inherit their parent’s Renown and it accumulates through any given run inCK3. These connected resources are most important for marrying into other dynasties and it also affects Prestige by varying degrees.

Splendor

This sub-resource is tied to Renown much like how Fame is tied to Prestige and is gained as one’s Renown increases. The higher a ruler’s rank of Splendor, the more benefits can be gained from each event that connects to this resource. Gaining Splendor is a great way to boost one’s Prestige (and Fame), as well as increase NPC Opinions, by large amounts for every marriage and birth.