CK3 AGOT is a total conversion mod for Crusader Kings 3 which brings the world of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire to life. At the heart of this Game of Thrones mod, is a wonderful cast of characters that players can play as.

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From the king himself to the Lords Paramount and lords and ladies further down the social ladder, there are hundreds of playable characters across the two bookmarks for CK3 AGOT. With such a wide selection, however, finding a fun ruler who offers the appropriate challenge isn't too easy.

Links to the CK3 AGOT mod:

7 Eddard Stark

CK3 AGOT Eddard Stark

The Starks of Winterfell are one of the most beloved Houses in Game of Thrones and no Stark is as iconic as Eddard Stark himself. For players who are new to CK3 AGOT or even Crusader Kings 3 itself, Ned Stark is also one of the best starting rulers.

One of the reasons for this is that despite being heavily involved in Robert's Rebellion, the Stark lands are a fair distance from the fighting, meaning that players should not find their own lands under siege. With a large host of men at their disposal, players can play a major role in the war without being the main combatant. Playing as Ned Stark in the Crowned Stag bookmark is also an option for players who would prefer to start the game during a time of peace.

6 Marq Grafton

CK3 AGOT Marq Grafton

If players are looking for a challenge in CK3 AGOT then there are few harder starting rulers than Lord Marq Grafton of Gulltown. Unlike the other lords of the Vale who owe their allegiance to Jon Arryn, Marq Grafton has remained true to his overlord, King Aerys II, and as such finds himself under siege from Robert Baratheon at the outset of the war.

Just like the hardest starting rulers for Crusader Kings 3, players will have their work cut out for themselves and will have to come up with creative ways to avoid an early game over. In fact, players who know their Game of Thrones history will know that Lord Marq Grafton was actually killed in the siege of Gulltown.

5 Balon Greyjoy

CK3 AGOT Balon Greyjoy

Balon Greyjoy, the father of Theon, is one of the starting characters that is only available in the Crowned Stag bookmark. With his own father dead and a new king on the throne, Balon Greyjoy sees an opportunity to return his people to the old way of the Iron Islands.

With their own religion and a more distinct culture from those found within the green lands, the ironborn present players with one of the most enthralling ways to play the game.

4 Lord Commander Jantos Of The Night's Watch

CK3 AGOT Lord Commander Jantos of the Night's Watch

For players who would prefer to watch Westeros burn from the relative safety of the Wall, the Night's Watch offers a truly unique experience in both Crusader Kings 3 and CK3 AGOT. Unlike other positions, the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch does not inherit the position in a hereditary fashion, instead, a brother is chosen from among the order.

Related: The 7 Deadly Sins of Game Of Thrones Characters

The Night's Watch is also involved in the struggle beyond the Wall, which uses the struggle mechanic from the base game to great effect. Despite not taking part in any wars of Westeros, players will always have their gaze set firmly north, and must manage diminishing finances carefully.

3 Petyr 'Littlefinger' Baelish

CK3 AGOT Petyr Baelish

Petyr Baelish also known as Littlefinger is easily one of the most ruthless characters from Game of Thrones and certainly cannot be trusted to do anything except feed his own ambition. Ambition however is exactly what players will need when playing as Petyr Baelish as the mod sees him start out in humble origins.

With scars fresh from his duel with Brandon Stark, the young Petyr Baelish must use his wits and manipulation to rise to the top. With an incredible intrigue stat, players who love their plots in Crusader Kings 3 will have incredible fun. His stewardship skill should also mean players can amass a large wealth. What they do with that gold is up to them though.

2 Rhaegar Targaryen

CK3 AGOT Rhaegar Targaryen

Rhaegar Targaryen could have been the perfect king if he had not lost to Robert on the Trident and thankfully this is a dream that can be realized in CK3 AGOT. On their way to restoring House Targaryen to glory, players will need to take down both Robert and Rhaegar's own father and liege, the Mad King.

With plenty of unique events just for Rhaegar involving Lyanna Stark amongst others, this is one of the playthroughs that is best for those looking for a good story. Best of all, players will be able to ride into battle clad in Rhaegar's iconic armor which has been beautifully recreated for the mod.

1 Robert Baratheon

CK3 AGOT Robert Baratheon

Seeing as one of the first available bookmarks in CK3 AGOT is Robert's Rebellion, there is arguably no better starting ruler to play as than Robert Baratheon himself. With a strong appetite for war, women, and feasts Robert Baratheon is the perfect Crusader Kings character, offering players plenty of opportunity to role-play in their game.

Leaner and keener than his older self in the TV show, players will get to experience the Robert who became famous for his warhammer and forced marches to surprise the enemy. Players can also play as Robert once he is king, in the Crowned Stag bookmark.

Crusader Kings 3 is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

More: Game Of Thrones: Best Kings & Queens In The History Of Westeros