Hardest Vanilla faction

[Rex Somnorum]

I've played through most of the factions and I've decided that Portugal and Sicily provide the most challenge for the early-to-mid game. Money is scarce, the kingdoms consist of far flung provinces and they're surrounded by enemies.

What factions does everyone else think are the most difficult?

[jackfruitguy69]

hre and egypt

[easytarget]

And given their starting location you'd have to think Russia or Hungary would be a challenge too. Both are going to run into the early expansive Byzantines and eventually the invaders will coming knocking. ;)

[Myth]

Honestly I think Portugal or Denmark. The HRE can blob and conquer everything with smart crusade and merc use. Egypt has the richest ports in the game and the jihad mechanic. Denmark has some broken 2h infantry, 1 settlement, AI HRE, England and France nearby, the Crusade targets are usually 10 years away or complete crap (the ones in Lithuania). Portugal has to contend with the Moors, which is bad. And Spain starts stronger, which is also bad.

[Gregoshi]

Honestly I think Portugal or Denmark.

That settles it. As the HRE I shall have to crush the Danes first to keep them on the "Hardest Faction" list.

[Myth]

You can literally do it wit a few generals and knights

[Macksimus]

In my experience it has been the Venetians. If I don't go after Milan immediately, they team up with HRE and Sicly and knock the stuffing out of me.