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Crusader Kings II

An unforgettable wander through the bastions, banquet halls and bedchambers of Medieval Europe.
Crusader Kings II Game Cover
89%Game Brain Score
gameplay, story
grinding, stability
91% User Score Based on 47,371 reviews
Critic Score 84%Based on 2 reviews

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Crusader Kings II Game Cover

About

Crusader Kings II is a single player and multiplayer role playing game with fantasy and historical themes. It was developed by Paradox Development Studio and was released on February 14, 2012. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

The Dark Ages might be drawing to a close, but Europe is still in turmoil. Petty lords vie against beleaguered kings who struggle to assert control over their fragmented realms. The Pope calls for a Crusade to protect the Christians in the Holy Land even as he refuses to relinquish control over the investiture of bishops - and their riches. Now is the time for greatness. Expand your demesne and se…

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Crusader Kings II screenshot
Crusader Kings II screenshot
Crusader Kings II screenshot
Crusader Kings II screenshot
Crusader Kings II screenshot
Crusader Kings II screenshot
Crusader Kings II screenshot
Crusader Kings II screenshot
Crusader Kings II screenshot
Crusader Kings II screenshot
Crusader Kings II screenshot
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91%
Audience ScoreBased on 47,371 reviews
gameplay778 positive mentions
grinding122 negative mentions
  • Crusader Kings II offers unparalleled depth of gameplay, allowing for intricate character-driven narratives and emergent storytelling that varies with each playthrough.
  • The game features a rich tapestry of political intrigue and character development, creating immersive experiences that evoke strong emotional connections and memorable moments.
  • The extensive modding community and replayability ensure that no two campaigns are the same, providing endless customization and new experiences.
  • The steep learning curve and complex mechanics can be overwhelming for newcomers, making it difficult to fully enjoy the game without significant investment in time and effort.
  • A significant portion of the gameplay experience is locked behind numerous DLCs, leading to frustrations over the monetization strategy and perceived 'cash grab' practices.
  • The game suffers from technical issues, including bugs and performance problems, particularly in multiplayer modes, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • gameplay
    3,211 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Crusader Kings II offers a complex and deeply engaging gameplay experience centered around character-driven narratives and intricate mechanics, allowing players to manage dynasties over centuries. While the game features a steep learning curve and can be overwhelming for newcomers due to its extensive mechanics and user interface, many players find the depth and emergent storytelling rewarding once they grasp the systems. However, a significant portion of the gameplay experience is locked behind numerous DLCs, which can be costly, leading to mixed feelings about the game's monetization strategy.

    • “Crusader Kings II offers an unparalleled depth of gameplay, allowing players to engage in intricate character-driven narratives that unfold over centuries.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics are beautifully implemented, creating a puzzle of scheming and diplomacy that is both challenging and rewarding.”
    • “Once you get past the steep learning curve, the gameplay becomes incredibly immersive, with endless possibilities for storytelling and strategy.”
    • “The gameplay quickly devolves into tedious micro-management, and the constant betrayal and scheming become more annoying than engaging.”
    • “It's extremely hostile to new players and doesn't seem to want to teach its dozens of mechanics within the game, somehow expecting you to just intuit what to do or else expecting you to dedicate a workweek of time to learning its rules.”
    • “The steep learning curve and complex mechanics may alienate new players, making it difficult to enjoy the game fully.”
  • story
    1,548 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story aspect of "Crusader Kings II" is widely praised for its emergent storytelling, allowing players to craft unique narratives through their decisions and interactions within a complex medieval world. Players engage in political intrigue, plot assassinations, and navigate dynastic relationships, resulting in a rich tapestry of personal and historical drama that varies with each playthrough. While the game lacks a fixed storyline, its sandbox nature encourages creativity and role-playing, making every session a new and engaging story of power, betrayal, and legacy.

    • “The strength in this game is the storytelling; it is made with the intent of not being too serious and allowing the player to experience both the realistic part of the times and the more laughable ones.”
    • “Every playthrough feels like a new story: you might rise as a powerful emperor or end up watching your dynasty collapse because of one ill-timed marriage.”
    • “The game’s appeal is that it gives the player the option to create their own story, but what this means is that there’s no late game goal.”
    • “The emergent storytelling is second to none—no two campaigns are the same, and the chaos that can unfold from a single choice is often hilarious and horrifying in equal measure.”
    • “The game does not have any story line.”
  • replayability
    995 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Crusader Kings II is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, with players noting that no two playthroughs are ever the same due to the game's vast array of characters, cultures, and events. The extensive modding community further enhances this replay value, allowing for endless customization and new experiences. While the base game offers significant content, many players recommend investing in DLCs to unlock even more depth and variety, making it a timeless classic in the grand strategy genre.

    • “A truly unique grand strategy experience with near-infinite replayability.”
    • “The endless mods available especially add replayability.”
    • “This unpredictability ensures high replayability, as no two games are ever the same.”
    • “Without the DLC, this game just isn't fun and has no sense of replayability; it's not worth buying the DLC anyways with CK3 out.”
    • “The only downside is the multitude of DLCs needed to add any replay value after playing the game 2 or 3 times, as playing as other religions and cultures each require a separate DLC to play.”
    • “It's a fun game, but doesn't offer much in terms of replay value.”
  • graphics
    622 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Crusader Kings II are generally considered outdated and simplistic, often described as functional rather than visually impressive. While some players appreciate the game's art style and the charm of its character portraits and maps, many criticize the clunky interface and lack of modern polish. Overall, the visuals serve the gameplay well, but those seeking cutting-edge graphics may find the experience lacking.

    • “The visuals are impressive, with detailed maps and character designs that really draw you into the medieval world.”
    • “The graphics are mesmerizingly detailed, and the soundtrack immerses you in the medieval atmosphere, which literally makes you dive into each game session you have.”
    • “Crusader Kings II's presentation is also top-notch, with lush graphics, atmospheric music, and detailed character portraits that bring the medieval world to life.”
    • “The graphics are outdated and the interface is clunky.”
    • “The graphics are so bad that I just can't keep playing.”
    • “The graphics are lacking, but it makes up for it in what it depicts.”
  • music
    568 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in Crusader Kings II is widely praised for its atmospheric and immersive quality, with many players highlighting the medieval-inspired soundtrack composed by Andreas Waldetoft as a standout feature that enhances the game's historical context. While the soundtrack is generally considered excellent, some users note that it can become repetitive over long play sessions, leading to a desire for more variety, which is often addressed through additional DLC music packs. Overall, the music significantly contributes to the game's ambiance, making it a memorable aspect of the player experience.

    • “The soundtrack, composed by Andreas Waldetoft, is atmospheric and fitting, with medieval-inspired music that enhances the immersion.”
    • “The music, sound effects, graphics, designs, etc., they are all amazing.”
    • “The soundtrack is amazing, and the game makes it suck you in with its changes and shifts in tone.”
    • “The music can be a bit repetitive, so after playing for a while, I recommend lowering the volume and putting on something in the background to counter it.”
    • “The soundtrack is amusing the first couple of times, but after a while, it starts to wear on you.”
    • “The amount of DLC is a bit over the top, but you only really need some of it for some types of games (like playing as a maharaja) and the cosmetic and music ones can be ignored.”
  • humor
    429 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, often blending absurdity with dark comedy, leading to countless hilarious and unexpected scenarios. Players enjoy the chaotic nature of dynastic politics, where choices can result in both comedic triumphs and tragic downfalls, creating memorable stories that are both entertaining and engaging. While some find the humor hit-or-miss, the overall consensus is that the game offers a rich tapestry of funny moments, especially when played with friends.

    • “The game often doesn't take itself seriously, which gives a lot of funny and nonsensical moments to the player.”
    • “You'll become deeply invested in your dynasty, its triumphs, and its inevitable, often hilarious, downfalls.”
    • “The game throws absurd, hilarious, and tragic situations at you, and the best part is you write the story through your choices.”
    • “Besides the horrible graphics, I found it overcomplicated and not funny at all.”
    • “It's one of those games you'd have to study wikis for a week before starting to play, but it's not worth it because the game is incredibly boring and unfunny.”
    • “Game has aged so well it's not funny and still keeps me coming back to try for achievements.”
  • grinding
    138 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews consistently highlight that the grinding aspect of the game is often tedious and time-consuming, requiring significant investment to navigate complex mechanics and manage various in-game tasks. While some players appreciate the depth and complexity, many find the gameplay slows down to a frustrating crawl, making it difficult to maintain engagement over long periods. Overall, the game is described as rewarding for those who persevere, but the grind can be overwhelming and detracts from the enjoyment for many players.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Buy this game if the 4X genre isn't tedious enough for you.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “Gameplay quickly devolves into tedious micro-management, and the constant betrayal and scheming become more annoying than engaging.”
    • “While I appreciate the complexity and depth of the game, I find it to be too slow and tedious.”
    • “It's boring and tedious.”
  • stability
    134 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with many reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and issues particularly in multiplayer modes. While some players experience minimal glitches and praise the game's depth, others find it nearly unplayable due to persistent technical problems and a lack of effective support from developers. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," with many recommending caution, especially for those who are not comfortable troubleshooting technical issues.

    • “Seems to be a stable, bug-free game with extreme depth.”
    • “Good game with no glitches at all, definitely none.”
    • “Runs great on Linux, thank you for making a native build!”
    • “The game is a buggy mess without paying for DLC; however, it is still fun to rampage across the Middle East, so only play this game if you are willing to buy mods or don't care about the bugs.”
    • “This game literally crashes every single time I launch it, no mods installed; it's just not playable, plain and simple. The audio cuts out in the middle of the map screen and your whole screen freezes every single time.”
    • “The multiplayer in this game is so buggy it makes it unplayable.”
  • optimization
    93 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its performance on lower-end systems and noting improvements after recent patches, while others criticize significant late-game slowdowns and bugs that detract from the experience. Many users report that the game struggles with performance issues, particularly when using multiple DLCs or during extensive playthroughs, often requiring third-party mods to enhance stability and speed. Overall, while some find it well-optimized for most systems, others highlight persistent optimization shortcomings that can hinder gameplay.

    • “Performance: 9.5/10 – besides a long loading time, I mostly don’t encounter glitches or lagging.”
    • “It's very well optimized (most of them are not), there is a reasonable balance of internal challenge and external challenge, and it is the most well suited to emergent narrative.”
    • “This game has the best performance among other popular and historical grand strategy titles of Paradox Interactive.”
    • “The game is horribly unoptimized, both in visuals and the save data itself.”
    • “Only downside: if you get a big realm, the performance of the game isn't that great anymore (and save games are bloated).”
    • “I'll just say this game is full of bugs, performance drops, and the multiplayer is not working stable for 10 minutes.”
  • monetization
    87 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it as a "cash grab" due to the excessive in-game advertisements for DLCs and a subscription service, even for those who have already purchased the game. Users express frustration over locked content and the overwhelming presence of ads, which detracts from the overall experience, leading to a perception that the game prioritizes profit over player satisfaction. While some acknowledge the game's quality, the monetization practices are seen as exploitative and detrimental to the enjoyment of the game.

    • “Paradox's continued commitment to the game after all this time by creating new content along with a consumer-friendly monetization model is to be applauded.”
    • “Very fun, I don't normally spend this long on a single game, great for a free game without the need for microtransactions; however, I think the tutorial could be better, as I had to watch a YouTube tutorial to understand how the game works.”
    • “And overall the prices have been quite fair when compared to content delivered through microtransactions within games like Fallout 4.”
    • “The game itself isn't bad, but the advertising is terrible.”
    • “It's a 'newer' cash grab concept to milk the players for money without giving anything, except a demo, in return.”
    • “Right out of the gate it's advertising DLC in-game, and to add insult to injury, numerous features are present but locked behind a paywall, cluttering up the interface with locked buttons and prompts to buy more DLC.”
  • emotional
    58 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by players' deep connections to their characters and the dramatic narratives that unfold, often leading to moments of joy, heartbreak, and moral conflict. Many reviewers express how the game's storytelling evokes strong feelings, from laughter to tears, as players navigate complex relationships and challenging decisions within their dynasties. However, some players feel that the emotional depth is undermined by gameplay mechanics that prioritize resource management over character development, leading to mixed experiences.

    • “This adds an emotional layer to the game, as your connection to your characters deepens over time.”
    • “I cried at the end of the game, and at the end of both DLC campaign add-ons.”
    • “Engaging 'grand strategy' that gives you a surprising emotional investment as you shape the destiny of a noble family.”
  • character development
    46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is widely praised for its depth and intricacy, allowing players to engage in immersive storytelling and role-playing as they navigate court politics and manage dynasties. The combination of character progression, relationships, and unique events creates a rich gameplay experience that stands out in the grand strategy genre, often likened to a novelized RPG. Players appreciate the extensive customization options and the impact of character choices on the game's narrative, making it a defining feature that enhances overall enjoyment.

    • “The dynasty system, character development, and court intrigue make every playthrough a unique and immersive experience.”
    • “Few games have offered the depth of character development and role-playing that Crusader Kings II provides, and there are absolutely no rivals in the strategy space.”
    • “A full-blown character development and dynasty system gives incredible richness to the world and the player's attachment to character, family, and kingdom.”
    • “I was really shocked to find character designer as not a base game feature.”
    • “If you ever buy CK2 and think it sucks, revert to patch 2.1.6 and you will see a different game, a game that makes stories, a game that is about character development and relations with people, not about micromanaging a bunch of retarded kids or just about anything else possible.”
    • “For some people there may not be enough action and things may progress slowly; however, it makes up for that in its deep character development and politics.”
  • atmosphere
    45 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive medieval quality, enhanced by a fitting soundtrack composed of atmospheric orchestral pieces and detailed sound effects that evoke the era. The graphics, while not cutting-edge, effectively convey the historical context, contributing to a rich and engaging experience. However, some players note that the repetitive nature of the music can detract from the overall ambiance at times.

    • “The soundtrack, composed by Andreas Waldetoft, is atmospheric and fitting, with medieval-inspired music that enhances the immersion.”
    • “The clinking of armor, the screams of your enemies, and the ominous chants of monks in the background create an atmosphere so immersive that you'll swear you can smell the medieval mud and mead.”
    • “It truly embodies the whole time period and creates a realistic atmosphere.”
    • “They complement the atmosphere, but the repetitive music can get boring at times.”
    • “Still has some problems and some DLC is stupid (like Sunset Invasion which I always disable because the freaking Aztecs have no place crossing the Atlantic and hitting in medieval Europe, or the atmosphere-destroying DLC soundtracks like Paradox's own metal band which is also permanently disabled for me) but overall I recommend the game a lot.”
    • “The atmosphere is spot-on, and everything has been aesthetically thought of, even down to the UI changing depending on culture group, government, or a myriad of other factors.”
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84%Critics’ scoreBased on 2 critic reviews
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218h Median play time
494h Average play time
66h Main story
341h Completionist
37-826h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 360 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Crusader Kings II is a role playing game with fantasy and historical themes.

Crusader Kings II is available on PC, Mac OS, Windows, Linux and others.

The main story can be completed in around 66 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 341 hours to finish. On average players spend around 494 hours playing Crusader Kings II.

Crusader Kings II was released on February 14, 2012.

Crusader Kings II was developed by Paradox Development Studio.

Crusader Kings II has received very positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

Crusader Kings II is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include Crusader Kings III, Europa Universalis III, Stellaris, Victoria II, Mount & Blade: Warband and others.