Crusader Kings II
- February 14, 2012
- Paradox Development Studio
- 228h median play time
An unforgettable wander through the bastions, banquet halls and bedchambers of Medieval Europe.
Get on SteamThe 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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Reviews
- gameplay3,172 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Crusader Kings II is characterized by its intricate mechanics and deep role-playing elements, allowing players to manage a dynasty through complex political, social, and military interactions. While the game offers immense depth and replayability, it presents a steep learning curve, often overwhelming new players with its extensive systems and mechanics, many of which are locked behind paid DLC. Despite these challenges, players find the experience rewarding as they navigate the rich tapestry of medieval politics and personal relationships, creating unique narratives with each playthrough.
“Its depth and complexity make it a standout title in the strategy genre, appealing to players who enjoy sandbox-style gameplay.”
“The emphasis on characters rather than faceless states makes it deeply personal, as every ruler has traits, ambitions, and quirks that affect gameplay.”
“The character-driven gameplay is the core of Crusader Kings II, where players must balance the desires of their vassals, heirs, and rivals, while managing diplomacy, religion, and military campaigns.”
“The interface can feel overwhelming at first, with a wealth of information and mechanics to manage.”
“The complexity of the game’s mechanics hit me hard—there are so many systems at play that it’s difficult to know where to start.”
“The deep mechanics and layered systems can be intimidating for newcomers, requiring patience and a willingness to learn.”
- story1,534 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The story aspect of "Crusader Kings II" is widely praised for its dynamic and emergent storytelling, allowing players to craft unique narratives through their decisions and interactions within a medieval setting. Players engage in intricate plots, political intrigue, and character-driven gameplay, resulting in a rich tapestry of personal and familial sagas that can vary dramatically with each playthrough. While the game lacks a traditional linear storyline, it excels as a sandbox for players to create their own epic tales filled with betrayal, alliances, and unexpected twists.
“Overall, Crusader Kings II is a masterclass in storytelling and strategy, offering players the chance to create their own dynastic saga filled with intrigue, betrayal, and triumph.”
“One of the game's ultimate strengths is its dynamic storytelling - the unpredictable nature of character interactions and events makes each playthrough feel unique.”
“The emergent storytelling that arises from character interactions and historical events creates a unique and engaging experience with each playthrough.”
“The game does not have any storyline.”
“This game is like watching a movie without a plot and where the characters are just a set of attributes on a spreadsheet.”
“The game may lack any semblance of story line, but the organic way in which small events can snowball into much larger ones can create a very more interesting and unique story than any hard-coded script.”
- replayability1,005 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
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 inclusion of numerous DLCs and a vibrant modding community further enhances the game's depth and variety, allowing for nearly infinite gameplay possibilities. While the learning curve can be steep, the game's intricate mechanics and emergent storytelling keep players engaged for hundreds, if not thousands, of hours.
“The game's dynamic events and character-driven mechanics ensure that no two games are ever the same, fostering a sense of immersion and replayability that few other games can match.”
“With a multitude of playable characters, each with unique traits and ambitions, the game encourages diverse playstyles and replayability.”
“The replayability is phenomenal, the strategy is incredibly deep and involving, and there are literally too many ways to play the game for me to list them without writing a novel.”
“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.”
“Great game if you spend the money on the DLC; however, it's not as replayable as a lot of other 4X games as you find the same trends in gameplay quite quickly.”
- graphics618 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of Crusader Kings II are generally considered functional but outdated, with many reviewers noting that they lack the polish and detail of modern titles. While the visuals primarily consist of a detailed map and simple character portraits, they effectively convey the game's medieval atmosphere and strategic depth. Despite the graphical limitations, players often emphasize that the engaging gameplay and intricate mechanics more than compensate for the visual shortcomings.
“The visuals are impressive, with detailed maps and character designs that really draw you into the medieval world.”
“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 may not be amazing but it feels like a real board game, but not with all the boring bits of setting the thing up.”
“The graphics are atrocious.”
“The graphics and the look of the UI are so bad that I just can't keep playing.”
“Graphically this game is dull; the entirety of it is basically staring at a map.”
- music573 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music in Crusader Kings II is widely praised for its atmospheric and immersive quality, with a medieval-inspired soundtrack composed by Andreas Waldetoft that enhances the game's historical context. While many players find the soundtrack to be one of the best in strategy games, some note that it can become repetitive over long play sessions, leading to a desire for more variety. Additionally, there is criticism regarding the numerous music packs available as DLC, which some feel should have been included in the base game.
“On top of fantastic mechanics and solid map art, this game boasts one of the best strategy game soundtracks I have ever heard in my life.”
“The soundtrack, composed by Andreas Waldetoft, is atmospheric and fitting, with medieval-inspired music that enhances the immersion.”
“The music enhances the sense of time and place, immersing players in the medieval setting and heightening the emotional impact of pivotal events in their dynastic saga.”
“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 music is very cinematic and medieval, but there is almost no music, and the extra tracks are DLC that cost extra.”
- humor428 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The humor in "Crusader Kings II" is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting its dark, absurd, and often unexpected comedic moments that arise from the game's intricate mechanics and character interactions. Many reviews mention the hilarity of bizarre events, such as outrageous family dynamics and ludicrous political scenarios, which create memorable and entertaining stories. While some players find the humor to be a significant draw, others note that it may not appeal to everyone, particularly those less inclined towards the game's complex strategy elements.
“It's a hilarious and addictive journey through the turbulent waters of dynastic politics, where you'll learn that family is the greatest source of power and the most entertaining source of chaos.”
“The unfolding narrative is what makes this game great and making 'mistakes' because it is not clear what the best thing to do is will make for the most fun / interesting / funny events.”
“The amount of different things you can do and have randomly happen to your character(s) can be hilarious, frustrating, and amazing (sometimes all at the same time!)”
“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.”
- grinding137 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 89 % negative mentions
The reviews consistently highlight that grinding in the game is often tedious and time-consuming, requiring significant patience and effort to navigate complex mechanics and menus. Many players find the gameplay slow and repetitive, with a steep learning curve that can lead to frustration, although some appreciate the depth and potential rewards of sticking with it. Overall, while the game offers intriguing elements, the grinding aspect is frequently described as a major drawback that detracts from the overall enjoyment.
“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.”
“It's a complex and deep grand strategy game, but it can be slow and tedious.”
“If you want a mind-numbing, boring, tedious 'strategy' game where you are limited at every step but your enemies can just levy troops and hold wars for an eternity at no penalty, then this is the game for you.”
“Everything strategic comes slow and tedious in this game; technology, territory improvements, money, conquest, etc. you have to jump through a dozen hoops just to see a small gain.”
- stability134 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with many reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and glitches that can disrupt gameplay. While some players find the game enjoyable despite these issues, others describe it as nearly unplayable, particularly in multiplayer modes. Overall, the game appears to require extensive troubleshooting and may not be suitable for those seeking a smooth gaming experience.
“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.”
“It's complicated, unforgiving, and to be honest a bit buggy, but it's also unlike anything else; it's gripping, anything but slow, and pretty well balanced considering the massive amount of data crunching that has to be happening in the background.”
- monetization96 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 68 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it as a "cash grab" due to the prevalence of in-game advertisements and the high cost of DLCs that often lock essential content behind paywalls. While some acknowledge the game's quality and the value of certain DLCs, the overall sentiment is that the aggressive monetization tactics detract from the gaming experience, making it feel exploitative and frustrating for players.
“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 is incredible, and the modding community adds tons of replay value, but the constant in-game advertising is getting on my nerves. First adverts for CK3 and now for this monthly DLC subscription fee.”
“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.”
“This game is more paradox trash; you get half a game and are forced to pay out the ass for the rest of it through the most bullshit DLC cash grab fest of any company.”
- optimization90 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 28 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant performance issues, particularly in late-game scenarios and on lower-end hardware. While some users report that the game runs smoothly on their systems, others highlight the need for third-party mods and patches to address stuttering and lag, especially as campaigns progress. Overall, while there have been improvements, the game's optimization remains a concern for many players, particularly in relation to its DLC content and the demands of complex gameplay mechanics.
“Performance: 9.5/10 – besides a long loading time, I mostly don’t encounter glitches or lagging.”
“The game is well optimized.”
“This game has the best performance among other popular and historical grand strategy titles of Paradox Interactive.”
“Performance issues in late-game: as campaigns progress into the later centuries, the game may experience performance issues and slowdowns, particularly on less powerful hardware.”
“The game is horribly unoptimized, both in visuals and the save data itself.”
“Only downside: if you get a big realm, performance of the game isn't that great anymore (and savegames are bloated).”
- emotional60 mentions
- 98 % positive mentions
- -3 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by players' deep connections to their characters and the impactful storytelling that unfolds through gameplay. Many express experiencing a wide range of emotions, from joy and laughter to heartbreak and sadness, particularly during pivotal moments involving family dynamics and moral dilemmas. While some players feel a lack of substance in character development, others appreciate the emotional rollercoaster that the game's events create, leading to significant investment in their dynasties and the stories that emerge.
“The music enhances the sense of time and place, immersing players in the medieval setting and heightening the emotional impact of pivotal events in their dynastic saga.”
“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.”
“The emotional depth of the characters felt superficial, making it hard to connect with their struggles.”
“I expected a gripping narrative, but the emotional moments fell flat and lacked impact.”
“While the game aimed for an emotional experience, it often felt forced and unconvincing.”
- atmosphere47 mentions
- 49 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in Crusader Kings II is widely praised for its immersive medieval setting, enhanced by a captivating soundtrack and detailed graphics that bring the historical context to life. Players appreciate the atmospheric music, sound effects, and the intricate design of character portraits and maps, which collectively create a rich and engaging experience. While some find the music repetitive at times, the overall aesthetic and attention to detail contribute to a compelling and authentic medieval atmosphere.
“The soundtrack, composed by Andreas Waldetoft, is atmospheric and fitting, with medieval-inspired music that enhances the immersion.”
“The attention to historical detail, from the intricate map to the character portraits, creates a captivating atmosphere that draws players into the medieval world.”
“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.”
“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 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.”
- character development46 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highly praised for its depth and complexity, allowing players to engage in intricate storytelling and role-playing as they manage dynasties and navigate political intrigue. The unique character progression systems and immersive mechanics create a rich experience that sets it apart from traditional strategy games, making it a defining feature that enhances gameplay and player attachment to characters. Overall, the game successfully blends historical realism with character-driven narratives, appealing to both strategy enthusiasts and those who enjoy role-playing elements.
“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.”
