You can just play the base game as is. The Lazy Newb Pack is simply a launcher where you can checkbox the third party graphics and tool options.

There are lots of games with some learning curve. When starting with Crusader Kings II, I spent more time reading the game wiki than actually playing the game.

Not to mention doing a detailed study of the geography and history of medieval feudal Europe, including just what the heck agnatic-cognatic gavelkind succession is and that the Holy Roman Empire was neither holy, Roman, nor an empire.

Some days I prefer a sickly in-bred imbecile devil-worshipping king, and some days I just want to deal with short sturdy creatures fond of drink and industry.

Amen. It's deep, and the UI is complex.

And then there is the regular updates/DLC thing, which often adds whole new, poorly explained features.

Still a lot of fun though. Breath Status: Held for CKIII

I still don't understand CKII. Believe I had tried noob island last, it seemed comprised of waiting for things then being uncertain whether I'm skipping time too much or too little. I must have invaded a vassal as per tutorial 2-3 times and failing.

hell, reading the wiki is half the fun!

It's only a few hours. That's how long it takes to learn many games.