Mastering the Art of Pressing Claims in CK2- A Comprehensive Guide to Asserting Your Kingdom’s Rights and Dominance

How to Press Claims in CK2

In the grand strategy game Crusader Kings II (CK2), pressing claims is a crucial aspect of managing your dynasty and expanding your territories. Pressing claims allows you to lay claim to territories controlled by other dynasties, potentially leading to conflict or, in some cases, peaceful resolution. In this article, we will guide you through the process of pressing claims in CK2, ensuring you make the most out of this strategic feature.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the process of pressing claims, it’s essential to understand the basics. In CK2, a claim is a legal right to a territory, and pressing a claim means you are asserting your dynasty’s right to that land. There are several types of claims, including direct claims, vassal claims, and inheritance claims, each with its own implications and strategies.

Locating and Identifying Claims

To begin pressing claims, you first need to locate and identify potential targets. Open the World Map by pressing ‘M’ on your keyboard, and zoom in on the region where you wish to press a claim. Look for territories that are controlled by other dynasties, especially those with a different religion or culture, as these are often prime targets for pressing claims.

Selecting a Claim

Once you have identified a target territory, select it by clicking on it. If you have a claim to that territory, a small claim icon will appear on the territory’s flag. Right-click on the flag and choose “Press Claim” from the context menu. This will initiate the process of pressing the claim.

Calculating Claim Strength

Before pressing a claim, it’s important to calculate your claim strength. This is determined by several factors, including your claim level, the claim level of the target territory, and the loyalty of the people in the target territory. To calculate your claim strength, you can use the “Claim Strength” calculator available in the CK2 forums or by searching for a similar tool online.

Handling the Outcomes

After pressing a claim, the game will simulate a conflict between your dynasty and the target dynasty. The outcome of the conflict depends on various factors, such as your claim strength, the military strength of both sides, and the political climate. Here are some possible outcomes:

– Success: If your claim is successful, you will gain control of the target territory and may need to provide land to the former ruler as a fief.
– Failure: If your claim fails, you may lose favor with the target dynasty, leading to a diplomatic conflict or war.
– Peaceful Resolution: In some cases, the target dynasty may agree to a peaceful resolution, such as ceding the territory or allowing you to become a vassal.

Strategies for Success

To increase your chances of success when pressing claims, consider the following strategies:

– Build alliances: Form alliances with other dynasties to strengthen your position and provide additional support during conflicts.
– Improve your claim level: Invest in improving your claim level by researching and completing claim-related tasks.
– Manage your vassals: Ensure that your vassals are loyal and well-managed, as they can provide additional support during conflicts.
– Choose the right time: Wait for a favorable political climate before pressing a claim, such as during a time of weakness for the target dynasty.

By following these guidelines and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of pressing claims in CK2. Happy gaming!