Traits play a major role in Crusader Kings 3 and can be gained and lost in a variety of ways. One such method involves using console commands to instantly add or remove traits, although to do so, players will need a list of CK3 trait IDs like the one found a little further down the page.
Crusader Kings 3: Pro Tips To Level Up Your Rule
Some pro tips exist for grand strategy fans to have the most fun with their Crusader Kings 3 experience.
Whenever console commands are involved, it’s important to double-check if everything has been entered correctly, as failure to do so can lead to unforeseen consequences. Thankfully, though, by following these examples, Crusader Kings 3 players can save themselves from these potential problems.
Updated on April 8th, 2026, by Joe Grantham: This guide has been updated to include all the new Traits added with Crusader Kings 3 DLC expansions, such as All Under Heaven and Khans of the Steppe. Bear in mind that if you don’t have the correct DLC, you won’t be able to add these Traits, so if something isn’t working, this is one reason. With the upcoming Realm Maintenance patch and new DLC already being teased for 2026, it looks like a good year to jump back into CK3, especially for those who prefer playing in Europe.
How to Change Crusader Kings 3 Traits Using Console Commands
Before they can use console commands, players will need to open Crusader Kings 3 in debug mode and then access the console by pressing the ~ key. Adding or removing traits all follow a general formula. Players will have to type add_trait [trait ID] or remove_trait [trait ID]. The square brackets are omitted. Here’s an example of what that would look like:
- add_trait humble
- remove_trait celibate
- add_trait shrewd
The Best Trait IDs To Use In Crusader Kings 3
While any Trait can be added to a character in Crusader Kings 3, the following are a selection of the best CK3 Traits and their relevant IDs. A ruler or adventurer with these Traits will be set up to conquer the world and lead their dynasty to glory.
|
Ambitious |
Ambitious |
|---|---|
|
Brave |
brave |
|
Diligent |
diligent |
|
Gregarious |
gregarious |
|
Just |
just |
|
Temperate |
temperate |
|
Pure-blooded |
pure_blooded |
|
Beautiful |
Beauty_good_3 |
|
Genius |
intellect_good_3 |
|
Fecund |
fecund |
|
Herculean |
physique_good_3 |
|
Shrewd |
shrewd |
|
Strong |
strong |
|
Immortal |
immortal |
|
Intrigue |
education_intrigue_5 |
|
Diplomacy |
education_diplomacy_5 |
|
Stewardship |
education_stewardship_5 |
|
Martial |
education_martial_5 |
|
Learning |
education_learning_5 |
|
Prowess |
education_martial_prowess_5 |
|
Blademaster |
lifestyle_blademaster |
|
Poet |
lifestyle_poet |
|
Military Engineer |
military_engineer |
|
Forder |
forder |
|
Flexible Leader |
flexible_leader |
|
Athletic |
athletic |
|
Condider |
confider |
|
Journaller |
journaller |
|
Venerated Ancestor |
saint |
|
Living Legend |
legend |
|
Pilgrim/Hajji |
pilgrim |
|
Augustus |
augustus |
|
Conqueror |
conqueror |
The Lifestyle Traits haven’t been included in this list of best CK3 Traits, as they are all amazing.
CK3 Education Trait IDs
Characters who are given a proper education throughout their life have the chance to get a great bonus in a particular Lifestyle.
|
Intrigue |
education_intrigue_1 | education_intrigue_2 | education_intrigue_3 | education_intrigue_4 | education_intrigue_5 |
|
Diplomacy |
education_diplomacy_1 | education_diplomacy_2 | education_diplomacy_3 | education_diplomacy_4 | education_diplomacy_5 |
|
Stewardship |
education_stewardship_1 | education_stewardship_2 | education_stewardship_3 | education_stewardship_4 | education_stewardship_5 |
|
Martial |
education_martial_1 | education_martial_2 | education_martial_3 | education_martial_4 | education_martial_5 |
|
Learning |
education_learning_1 | education_learning_2 | education_learning_3 | education_learning_4 | education_learning_5 |
|
Prowess |
education_martial_prowess_1 | education_martial_prowess_2 | education_martial_prowess_3 | education_martial_prowess_4 | education_martial_prowess_5 |
|
Republican Knowledge |
education_republican_knowledge_1 | education_republican_knowledge_2 | education_republican_knowledge_3 | education_republican_knowledge_4 |
CK3 Personality Trait IDs
It’s worth noting that there’s some subjectivity when it comes to terms like “positive” and “negative” in Crusader Kings 3. Both positive and negative traits have their strengths and weaknesses, and most are useful to some extent. These terms simply reflect what were considered attractive qualities in the Medieval world.
Crusader Kings 3 Beginner’s Guide
Crusader Kings 3 takes quite a bit of learning to get into, but with some key pointers, players can begin ruling effectively in no time.
Positive
|
Ambitious |
Ambitious |
|
Brave |
brave |
|
Calm |
calm |
|
Chaste |
chaste |
|
Content |
content |
|
Diligent |
diligent |
|
Fickle |
fickle |
|
Forgiving |
forgiving |
|
Generous |
generous |
|
Gregarious |
gregarious |
|
Honest |
honest |
|
Humble |
humble |
|
Just |
just |
|
Patient |
patient |
|
Temperate |
temperate |
|
Trusting |
trusting |
|
Zealous |
zealous |
|
Compassionate |
compassionate |
|
Eccentric |
eccentric |
Negative
|
Lustful |
lustful |
|
Gluttonous |
gluttonous |
|
Greedy |
greedy |
|
Lazy |
lazy |
|
Wrathful |
wrathful |
|
Impatient |
impatient |
|
Arrogant |
arrogant |
|
Deceitful |
deceitful |
|
Craven |
craven |
|
Shy |
shy |
|
Arbitrary |
arbitrary |
|
Cynical |
cynical |
|
Paranoid |
paranoid |
|
Callous |
callous |
|
Sadistic |
sadistic |
|
Stubborn |
stubborn |
|
Vengeful |
vengeful |
CK3 Congenital Trait IDs
These are traits that have a chance of being passed down from a character’s parents. The traits Melancholic, Lunatic, and Possessed can also appear by triggering certain events in the game.
|
Melancholic |
depressed_1 | depressed_genetic |
|
Lunatic |
lunatic_1 | lunatic_genetic |
|
Possessed |
possessed_1 | possessed_genetic |
|
Fecund |
fecund |
|
Albino |
albino |
|
Lisping |
lisping |
|
Stuttering |
stuttering |
|
Pure-blooded |
pure_blooded |
|
Giant |
giant |
|
Scaly |
scaly |
|
Club-footed |
clubfooted |
|
Dwarf |
dwarf |
|
Hunchbacked |
hunchbacked |
|
Sterile |
infertile |
|
Wheezing |
wheezing |
|
Spindly |
spindly |
|
Bleeder |
bleeder |
|
Beauty |
beauty_bad_1 | beauty_bad_2 | beauty_bad_3 | beauty_good_1 | beauty_good_2 | beauty_good_3 |
|
Intellect |
intellect_bad_1 | intellect_bad_2 | intellect_bad_3 | intellect_good_1 | intellect_good_2 | intellect_good_3 |
|
Physique |
physique_bad_1 | physique_bad_2 | physique_bad_3 | physique_good_1 | physique_good_2 | physique_good_3 |
Crusader Kings 3: 10 Worst Traits
When trying to lead a country in the world of Crusader Kings 3, players should avoid giving their leaders these traits.
CK3 Physical Trait IDs
These traits depict the physical appearance of a character and what people might see when they gaze upon them for the first time.
|
Shrewd |
shrewd |
|
Strong |
strong |
|
Scarred |
scarred |
|
Dull |
dull |
|
Weak |
weak |
|
One-Eyed |
one_eyed |
|
One-Legged |
one_legged |
|
Disfigured |
disfigured |
|
Eunuch |
eunuch |
|
Beardless Eunuch |
beardless_eunuch |
|
Immortal |
immortal |
CK3 Lifestyle Trait IDs
These are traits that are obtained after mastering certain Lifestyles or by making rare decisions linked to one of these Lifestyles.
|
Diplomat |
diplomat |
|
Gallant |
gallant |
|
Overseer |
overseer |
|
Strategist |
strategist |
|
Administrator |
administrator |
|
Architect |
architect |
|
Avaricious |
avaricious |
|
Schemer |
schemer |
|
Seducer |
seducer |
|
Torturer |
torturer |
|
Scholar |
scholar |
|
Theologian |
theologian |
|
Whole of Body |
whole_of_body |
|
Celibate |
celibate |
|
Family First |
family_first |
|
Herbalist |
lifestyle_herbalist |
|
Inspector |
lifestyle_surveyor |
|
Wayfarer |
lifestyle_wayfarer |
|
Voyager |
lifestyle_voyager |
CK3 Leveled Trait IDs
The following Traits can be leveled up via events, choices, and other actions.
Single Track Leveled Traits & How To Upgrade Them In CK3
These Traits have a single track to be leveled up. To do so, use the following command where [z] = the desired trait code and [x] = a value such as 50:
- effect = { add_trait_xp = {trait = [z]=[x]}}
So, for example, this would be:
- effect = { add_trait_xp = {trait = lifestyle_blademaster value=100}}
|
Physician |
lifestyle_physician |
|
Blademaster |
lifestyle_blademaster |
|
Mystic |
lifestyle_mystic |
|
Reveler |
lifestyle_reveler |
|
Poet |
lifestyle_poet |
|
Scarred |
scarred |
|
Knight Errant |
knight_errant |
|
Charioteer |
charioteer_blue (green, white, red) |
|
Governor |
governor |
|
Confucian Education |
confucian_education |
Multi-Track Leveled Traits & How To Upgrade Them In CK3
Multi-track Traits, on the other hand, have two or more tracks, which can all be leveled up separately. To level up an individual track, use the following command where [z] = the desired trait code, [y] = the track name, and [x] = the value, such as 100:
- effect = { add_trait_xp = {trait = [z]=[y] value=[x]}}
For example, this could be:
- effect = { add_trait_xp = {trait = tourney_participant track=foot value=100}}
|
Hunter |
lifestyle_hunter_ |
hunter | falconer |
|
Traveler |
lifestyle_traveler |
travel | danger |
|
Hastiluder |
tourney_participant |
foot | bow | horse | wit |
|
Gallowsbait |
gallowsbait |
bandit | trickster | thief | poacher | marauder |
GameRant Quiz
Easy (15s)Medium (10s)Hard (5s)
CK3 Commander Trait IDs
A character with a commander trait is going to be extremely useful in battle. Players should check these traits out and assign these players as commanders to parties if they fit the bill.
|
Winter Soldier |
winter_soldier |
|
Desert Warrior |
desert_warrior |
|
Aggressive Attacker |
aggressive_attacker |
|
Flexible Leader |
flexible_leader |
|
Forder |
forder |
|
Holy Warrior |
holy_warrior |
|
Logistician |
logistician |
|
Military Engineer |
military_engineer |
|
Organizer |
organizer |
|
Reaver |
reaver |
|
Unyielding Defender |
unyielding_defender |
|
Cautious Leader |
cautious_leader |
|
Reckless |
reckless |
|
Forest Fighter |
forest_fighter |
|
Open Terrain Expert |
open_terrain_expert |
|
Rough Terrain Expert |
rough_terrain_expert |
|
Jungle Stalker |
jungle_stalker |
CK3 Courtier Trait IDs
The Royal Court is a great expansion for Crusader Kings 3, allowing players to invest in their courts to make them as lavish and enticing as possible. Many people will be enticed to join the player’s court, sporting a variety of traits to make them even more valuable to a ruler’s decision-making process.
Crusader Kings 3: 5 Tips For Managing Succession
Succession is inevitable in Crusader Kings 3. Here’s how players can make sure rulership transitions smoothly.
|
Scholarly Courtier |
scholarly_court_1 |
|
Valued Scholarly Courtier |
scholarly_court_2 |
|
Intrigue Courtier |
intrigue_court_1 |
|
Valued Intrigue Courtier |
intrigue_court_2 |
|
Administrative Courtier |
administrative_court_1 |
|
Valued Administrative Courtier |
administrative_court_2 |
|
Warlike Courtier |
warlike_court_1 |
|
Valued Warlike Courtier |
warlike_court_2 |
|
Diplomatic Courtier |
diplomatic_court_1 |
|
Valued Diplomatic Courtier |
diplomatic_court_2 |
CK3 Criminal Trait IDs
Traits that aren’t really of a positive nature are referred to as Criminal traits. Most people would prefer to control characters that don’t exhibit these traits since they can be a bit harder to control.
|
Adulterer |
adulterer |
|
Fornicator |
fornicator |
|
Deviant |
deviant |
|
Murderer |
murderer |
|
Dynastic Kinslayer |
kinslayer_1 |
|
Familial Kinslayer |
kinslayer_2 |
|
Kinslayer |
kinslayer_3 |
|
Incestuous |
incestuous |
|
Sodomite |
sodomite |
|
Witch |
witch |
|
Cannibal |
cannibal |
|
Excommunicated |
excommunicated |
CK3 Coping Mechanisms Trait IDs
After accumulating enough stress, characters will have a Mental Break and will turn to certain vices to help cope with their stress.
|
Comfort Eater |
comfort_eater |
|
Contrite |
contrite |
|
Drunkard |
drunkard |
|
Flagellant |
flagellant |
|
Hashishiyah |
hashishiyah |
|
Improvident |
improvident |
|
Inappetetic |
inappetetic |
|
Irritable |
irritable |
|
Profligate |
profligate |
|
Rakish |
rakish |
|
Reclusive |
reclusive |
|
Athletic |
athletic |
|
Confider |
confider |
|
Journaller |
journaller |
|
Opium Addled |
opium_addled |
|
Henbane Addict |
henbane_addict |
|
Burdened |
burdened |
CK3 Childhood Trait IDs
These traits appear in childhood and disappear as a character becomes more mature. Keep in mind that these traits also entail what kind of education is suitable for a child.
|
Bossy |
bossy |
|
Charming |
charming |
|
Curious |
curious |
|
Pensive |
pensive |
|
Rowdy |
rowdy |
CK3 Health Trait IDs
Over time, characters will suffer injuries and deal with illnesses throughout the game. These conditions are mostly unavoidable, with fate and old age taking their toll on a character.
Injuries & Disabilities
|
Wounded |
wounded_1 |
|
Severely Injured |
wounded_2 |
|
Brutally Mangled |
wounded_3 |
|
Sickly |
sickly |
|
Impotent |
impotent |
|
Infirm |
infirm |
|
Incapable |
incapable |
|
Inbred |
inbred |
|
Maimed |
maimed |
|
Blind |
blind |
Ailments & Diseases
|
Ill |
ill |
|
Bubonic Plague |
bubonic_plague |
|
Cancer |
cancer |
|
Consumption |
consumption |
|
Great Pox |
great_pox |
|
Gout Ridden |
gout_ridden |
|
Leper |
leper |
|
Lover’s Pox |
lovers_pox | early_lovers_pox |
|
Pneumonia |
pneumonic |
|
Smallpox |
smallpox |
|
Typhus |
typhus |
|
Bloody Flux |
dysentery |
|
Holy Fire |
ergotism |
CK3 Dynasty Trait IDs
These are traits related to members of the same Dynasty. These can be given and removed over the course of a playthrough.
|
Bastard |
bastard |
|
Bastard Founder |
bastard_founder |
|
Born in the Purple |
born_in_the_purple |
|
Child of Concubine/Consort |
child_of_concubine |
|
Denounced |
denounced |
|
Disinherited |
disinherited |
|
Disputed Heritage |
disputed_heritage |
|
Legitimized Bastard |
legitimized_bastard |
|
Reincarnation |
reincarnation |
|
Twin |
twin |
|
Wild Oat |
wild_oat |
|
Extolled By House |
extolled |
|
Venerated Ancestor |
saint |
|
Living Legend |
legend |
CK3 Descendant Trait IDs
These traits can be received from parents who have a founding or descendant trait of their own. All of these traits are pretty powerful and are indicative of either a player’s good choice or great play style throughout Crusader Kings 3, since descendant traits are extremely rare.
|
Saoshyant |
saoshyant |
|
Sayyid |
sayyid |
|
Paragon |
paragon |
|
The Savior |
savior |
|
Golden Lineage |
golden_lineage |
Crusader Kings 3: Pro Tips To Level Up Your Rule
Some pro tips exist for grand strategy fans to have the most fun with their Crusader Kings 3 experience.
CK3 Decision & Event Trait IDs
Certain events confer these traits on players for their actions. Some of these traits are temporary and go away over time.
Decisions
|
Pilgrim/Hajji |
pilgrim |
|
Augustus |
augustus |
|
Chakravarti |
chakravarti |
|
Greatest of Khans |
greatest_of_khans |
|
Celibate |
celibate |
|
Gallivanter |
gallivanter |
|
Reincarnation |
reincarnation |
|
Heresiarch |
heresiarch |
|
Detractor of the Caliphate |
fp3_struggle_detractor |
|
Supporter of Caliphal Authority |
fp3_struggle_supporter |
|
Conqueror |
conqueror |
|
Way of the Nomad |
nomadic_philosophy |
Events & Faith
|
Holy Monarch |
crusader_king |
|
Shield Maiden |
shield_maiden |
|
Raider/Viking |
viking |
|
Poet |
poet |
|
Adventurer |
adventurer |
|
Berserker |
berserker |
|
Crusader |
crusader_king |
|
Devoted |
devoted |
|
Heresiarch |
heresiarch |
|
Order Member |
order_member |
|
Peasant Leader |
peasant_leader |
|
Pregnant |
pregnant |
|
Saint |
saint |
|
Varangian |
varangian |
|
Crusader/Mujahid/Warrior of the Faith |
faith_warrior |
|
Veteran Adventurer |
adventurer |
|
Follower |
adventurer_follower |
|
Populist Leader |
populist_leader |
|
Loyal |
loyal |
|
Disloyal |
disloyal |
|
Dispoiler of Byzantium |
despoiler_of_byzantium |
|
Campeador |
campeador |
|
Seasoned Pastoralist |
lifestyle_seasoned_pastor |
|
Former Emperor |
former_emperor |
|
Historical Character |
historical_character |