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Crusader Kings III

Crusader King 3 takes the throne as the new king of historical strategy by expanding on and deepening the best parts of what made its predecessor memorable and unique.
Crusader Kings III Game Cover
90%Game Brain Score
gameplay, story
stability, grinding
90% User Score Based on 63,369 reviews
Critic Score 91%Based on 36 reviews

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Crusader Kings III Game Cover

About

Crusader Kings III is a single player and multiplayer role playing game with warfare and historical themes. It was developed by Paradox Development Studio and was released on August 31, 2020. It received very positive reviews from both critics and players.

Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy game set in the medieval era, allowing players to rule and expand their dynasties through diplomacy, war, and intrigue. Experience detailed character development, engage in dynamic political systems, and manage your realm's economy, religion, and culture. With an immersive world full of events, complex relationships, and historical depth, Crusader Kings III offers endless strategic possibilities for aspiring rulers.

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Crusader Kings III screenshot
Crusader Kings III screenshot
Crusader Kings III screenshot
Crusader Kings III screenshot
Crusader Kings III screenshot
Crusader Kings III screenshot
Crusader Kings III screenshot
Crusader Kings III screenshot
Crusader Kings III screenshot
Crusader Kings III screenshot
Crusader Kings III screenshot
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90%
Audience ScoreBased on 63,369 reviews
gameplay1.2k positive mentions
stability324 negative mentions
  • Crusader Kings III offers exceptional replayability, with each campaign providing a unique experience driven by dynamic mechanics and diverse characters.
  • The game features stunning graphics and immersive storytelling, allowing players to craft intricate narratives through their decisions and interactions.
  • Character development is deep and complex, making each ruler feel like a distinct personality with traits and life events that significantly influence gameplay.
  • The game suffers from significant performance issues, particularly in late-game scenarios, with many players reporting crashes and lag.
  • The monetization model has been criticized as a cash grab, with overpriced DLCs that often feel incomplete or unnecessary, locking essential content behind paywalls.
  • Many players find the gameplay to be tedious and repetitive, with excessive micromanagement and a lack of engaging content in the late game.
  • gameplay
    5,166 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Crusader Kings III is characterized by its intricate mechanics and deep role-playing elements, allowing players to navigate the complexities of managing a dynasty through political intrigue, warfare, and personal relationships. While many players appreciate the game's immersive storytelling and the variety of choices available, some criticize the reliance on DLC for core mechanics and the simplification of certain systems compared to its predecessor, Crusader Kings II. Overall, the game offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time in learning its systems, though it may feel repetitive and lacking in depth for some players.

    • “I'm on my second campaign now and the mechanics just flow.”
    • “Lots of content, great mechanics, immersive gameplay.”
    • “The depth of the gameplay is astounding, offering a perfect blend of strategy, role-playing, and storytelling.”
    • “The core gameplay loop is boring because NPCs barely matter in a game ostensibly about politics.”
    • “The content added to Asia, Iran, or Iberia doesn’t connect to the mechanics in other parts of the world — it just adds more bloat.”
    • “The sudden crashes and incapacity of playing even in 3x speed makes the game torturously slow; it almost feels like they don't test the new mechanics they add on singleplayer at all.”
  • story
    1,684 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story aspect of Crusader Kings III is widely praised for its emergent storytelling and character-driven narratives, allowing players to craft unique tales through their decisions and interactions. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to generate unexpected plot twists and dramatic moments, making each playthrough feel like a distinct saga filled with intrigue, betrayal, and personal growth. While some players note a lack of structured storylines compared to its predecessor, the overall consensus is that CK3 excels as a sandbox for players to create their own epic narratives in a richly detailed medieval world.

    • “This game is unparalleled when it comes to world-building and storytelling.”
    • “Every decision feels meaningful, every alliance or betrayal has weight, and the storytelling that unfolds is nothing short of amazing.”
    • “Crusader Kings III is a storytelling masterpiece wrapped in deep strategic gameplay.”
    • “There's no engaging story, no thrilling combat — just endless, confusing resource management (if you can even figure it out).”
    • “Sure the governments may be different, but the story that each character has is the same... just finally realized this and I am disappointed.”
    • “For me, crusader kings has always been about the roleplay and crafting personal story, which seems to have been swapped here for crafting the story of your nation.”
  • graphics
    1,565 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in Crusader Kings III have received widespread praise for their significant improvement over its predecessor, Crusader Kings II. Reviewers highlight the stunning visuals, detailed character models, and vibrant map design, which enhance immersion and overall gameplay experience. However, some players note that while the graphics are impressive, they feel the game lacks depth compared to CKII, with many mechanics simplified or omitted.

    • “The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is incredibly immersive, and the depth of choices keeps me hooked for hours.”
    • “The visuals are a major step up, with a beautifully detailed map and character models that make the world feel alive.”
    • “The graphics are gorgeous, the lore is deep, and the music is so fitting that you’ll feel like a medieval monarch.”
    • “Every subsequent DLC has long been forgotten after the initial launch; graphic optimization still needs work and the overall war mechanic is still shallow despite getting pushbacks for years to do better, not to mention the poor AI and difficulty scaling.”
    • “The graphics are a bit better than CK2, and the UI is good, but otherwise there's no reason to upgrade to this version.”
    • “This game is over 5 years old and it's still a pure downgrade to CK2 in every way possible except graphics and culture customization.”
  • replayability
    730 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Crusader Kings III is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, with players noting that each campaign offers a unique experience due to its dynamic mechanics, diverse characters, and extensive modding community. While some reviews mention that the base game provides substantial replay value, others highlight that additional DLCs can enhance the experience further, albeit at a high cost. Overall, the game is considered a grand strategy gem with nearly infinite replay potential, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

    • “Crusader Kings III is a deeply engaging, endlessly replayable grand strategy game with unmatched storytelling potential.”
    • “The replayability of this game is immense, with every playthrough offering a unique experience based on your choices, the game's mechanics, and the world's events.”
    • “With its addictive gameplay, massive replay value, and immersive visual design, Crusader Kings III is a game that will keep players engaged for hours on end.”
    • “It has some good total conversion mods, but the base game has very little replayability and has a lot of event spam.”
    • “Without them, the game really just loses replayability and stuff pretty fast.”
    • “The replay value is tremendous and the game is very unique in the way that the main character or 'entity' isn't a person but more so the family tree.”
  • optimization
    465 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, particularly in late-game scenarios where lag and crashes are common. While some users with high-end systems experience smooth gameplay, others, especially on lower-end machines or Macs, struggle with severe stuttering and long loading times. Overall, there is a consensus that the game's optimization needs substantial improvement, particularly as new DLCs continue to burden performance.

    • “The performance of the game is great, and with each DLC, they also release a free update, which is pretty fun.”
    • “The optimization for this game is amazing, it runs even better than CK2, and overall is a big step up from CK2.”
    • “Performance is vastly smoother.”
    • “The explanation behind all the aforementioned is simple: throughout this game’s lifetime, Paradox Interactive has done the bare minimum to optimize it, creating load upon load on top of its ongoing development, thus affecting the performance and general compatibility it should have had from the start.”
    • “Each and every unoptimized DLC burdens the title to the point where it’s unplayable for many, when, in the past, it was not.”
    • “The game is very poorly optimized and it's clear that Paradox is only focused on pumping out more and more DLC rather than ensuring the game functions well with the system requirements and recommendations that buyers took into account before getting this game.”
  • humor
    435 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Crusader Kings III" is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the game's ability to generate absurd and hilarious scenarios through its complex mechanics and character interactions. From darkly comedic events involving inbreeding and unexpected deaths to the sheer unpredictability of player choices leading to laugh-out-loud moments, the game offers a rich tapestry of humor that enhances the overall experience. While some players note a shift from the outrageous humor of its predecessor, "Crusader Kings II," many still find the game to be a source of endless amusement and entertaining storytelling.

    • “The main thing is that Crusader Kings III is a totally awesome medieval government simulator, full of drama, humor, and unforgettable stories.”
    • “Your ruler isn’t just a stat block, but a deeply flawed (or cunning) individual whose traits shape events in often hilarious or tragic ways.”
    • “The family interactions are pure gold, and you'll find yourself chuckling at the craziest family feuds and marriages that are stranger than fiction.”
    • “It's like a joke that's not funny.”
    • “They focus their entire time on bad event generators for the most ahistorical, spammy, and unfunny events possible.”
    • “And the game seemingly is still going toward the path of RPG with unfunny, brain-dead jokes.”
  • music
    434 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its atmospheric and immersive qualities that enhance the medieval setting. However, some players find the soundtrack repetitive and lacking in variety compared to its predecessor, Crusader Kings II, leading to a desire for more diverse tracks. Overall, while the music contributes positively to the game's ambiance, it may not satisfy all players, particularly those who enjoyed the more dynamic compositions of earlier titles.

    • “The music and sound design further enhance the atmosphere, drawing you into the medieval world.”
    • “The soundtrack is great and mod support as always is amazing.”
    • “The graphics are gorgeous, the lore is deep, and the music is so fitting that you’ll feel like a medieval monarch.”
    • “I had to switch off ten plus tracks of the music because they had long sustained notes lasting up to a minute at a time, drilling into the depths of my brain.”
    • “The remakes of CK2 tunes were nice, and only underlined that half of the music in CK3 was mindless.”
    • “For the vast majority of the game, the music seems more like quiet ambiance than anything else.”
  • stability
    358 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and significant bugs that disrupt gameplay. Many users have experienced complete system freezes requiring hard resets, particularly during loading screens or while playing multiplayer. Despite some players enjoying the game, the overwhelming consensus is that it remains a buggy and unoptimized experience, leading to frustration and a lack of immersion.

    • “The game runs great on my setup and it's a real pleasure to play.”
    • “I found the game very stable, mostly bug free or just minor not really important ones.”
    • “Launch has been, in my experience, bug free, and the game loads fast and runs smooth at max settings.”
    • “This game has so many bugs, glitches, and exploits.”
    • “The game freezes, along with my whole system, so I have to take the risk and do a hard reset.”
    • “Unfortunately, the developers have rarely prioritized fixing the persistent bugs and glitches that consume system resources like a power-hungry Chrome browser, leading to frequent lags and crashes.”
  • grinding
    264 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players describing it as tedious, repetitive, and often frustrating. Many reviews highlight the excessive micromanagement, annoying pop-ups, and a lack of engaging content in the late game, leading to a feeling of monotony and a need for a "second life" to endure the grind. While some players appreciate the streamlined mechanics compared to previous titles, the overall sentiment is that the game can become a tedious exercise in managing a medieval dynasty rather than an enjoyable strategic experience.

    • “Grinding isn't necessary to progress.”
    • “Grinding is only for leaderboards or ranks.”
    • “Paradox is really doing a good job with the latest DLCs; each one of them feels meaningful and adds mechanics that are not tedious but only enjoyable, and the modding community is doing a crazy job as always.”
    • “The player can expect to be making the most redundant and tedious decisions whilst trying to expand one's power and territory in an unworthy interface with constant interruptions, awkward controls, and a notably long load time.”
    • “The game feels tedious and annoying, with so many side activities and features that just bloat your time.”
    • “The issue I have is that you reach a point when the game slows down significantly and it becomes tedious.”
  • monetization
    101 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many reviewers expressing frustration over overpriced DLCs that often feel incomplete or unnecessary. Players feel that essential content is locked behind paywalls, leading to a perception that the developers prioritize profit over game quality. Despite the game's potential, the aggressive monetization strategy has left a sour taste for many, with calls for a more consumer-friendly approach.

    • “Importantly, there are no microtransactions, which enhances the value of the game.”
    • “Also, the initiative from the devs to not block key mechanics behind paid DLCs is noteworthy and deserves to be praised in an era where the predatory monetization of some games is a drawback.”
    • “While that lack of competition allows Paradox to be weird with their monetization, the game itself is a solid one, and well worth giving a try.”
    • “Overpriced DLC comes out, people buy it, get upset it broke their game. Paradox says something along the lines of 'we're so sorry, we love you guys so much and we will try really, really hard in the future.' They fix about 60% to 95% of it and then they focus on the next cash grab in production.”
    • “The DLC prices are predatory and full of microtransactions for stuff that should already be in the game, such as monument visuals or cultural clothing.”
    • “This game is 110% a cash grab and a piece of hot garbage; however, it is still a great game. I love when I am 200 years in and my heirs are all female as the RNG gods decided to smite me for annexing the Holy Land.”
  • emotional
    89 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by players' deep connections to their characters and the intricate narratives that unfold, often leading to heartfelt moments and significant emotional investment. Many reviewers express how the game's character-driven storytelling evokes a range of feelings, from joy and satisfaction to heartbreak and frustration, making it an engaging experience that resonates on a personal level. Overall, the blend of strategy and emotional depth creates a unique and immersive gameplay experience that players find both rewarding and, at times, overwhelming.

    • “1083 hours in, my family barely recognizes me anymore, my friends have stopped asking if I’m free, and I have developed an emotional attachment to an in-game bloodline that I built from a one-eyed, clubfooted lunatic into an empire that spans continents.”
    • “The stories that unfold as you guide your dynasty through the ages are nothing short of emotional rollercoasters.”
    • “From heartbreaking to hilarious, it has everything, and I'm really looking forward to the royal court content!”
    • “Heartbreaking.”
    • “A pretty boring story in all, I guess, but the exciting thing is how everything could have turned out so very much differently.”
  • character development
    83 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is highly praised for its depth and complexity, allowing players to create intricate characters with unique traits, skills, and life events that significantly influence gameplay and storytelling. The revamped character designer and lifestyle systems enhance the experience, making each ruler feel like a distinct personality rather than just a game piece. While some players express a desire for more diverse interactions and mechanics beyond character-focused elements, the overall consensus is that the character development system is a standout feature that enriches the gameplay experience.

    • “The depth of character development and the intricate political dynamics make every decision feel impactful.”
    • “The depth of character development is astounding—your ruler isn’t just a figurehead but a living, breathing personality with traits, desires, and flaws that can shape the course of history.”
    • “The character development system, complete with traits, skills, and life events, creates deep and complex characters.”
    • “And to clarify, it's not taking a hit and seeing how it develops; the story moving forward is inherently uninteresting. In a game where they sprawl out a multi-lingual lexicon of definitions, you only ever get one choice or option based on your character design, so what's the point?”
    • “The only thing about the game that I really think they did worse compared to the other games is the way the game feels when played. There are much fewer character development decisions, and when there are, they are really simple and seem scripted.”
    • “What evidently will not change are the game-breaking issues, mainly holy wars, alliances, and control over character development. Control over character development is fleeting.”
  • atmosphere
    70 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive quality, enhanced by a masterful orchestral soundtrack that captures the essence of the medieval era. Players appreciate the stunning graphics, detailed maps, and high-quality sound effects that collectively create a captivating environment, drawing them into the historical setting. While some critiques mention a cartoonish feel or repetitive music, the overall consensus highlights the game's ability to transport players into a rich and atmospheric medieval world.

    • “The atmosphere is outstanding, the music fits perfectly, and the graphics are impressive for a game of this genre.”
    • “A haunting female voice, weighted with lament and warning, backed by a flat sound of sorrow which only strings can bring, described and complemented the atmosphere of that moment more perfectly than any words could.”
    • “Visually, the game is stunning, with detailed maps, beautifully rendered character portraits, and atmospheric music that transports players to the medieval world.”
    • “I tried to like this game, but I couldn't get over its cartoon atmosphere and frustratingly slow pace.”
    • “It destroys the atmosphere of the game when Mongols, Moors, and Africans suddenly show up as courtiers in France and England.”
    • “Definitely greatly improved since launch, but could still use more flavor and better sound design to bring the atmosphere closer to CK2.”
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91%Critics’ scoreBased on 40 critic reviews
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79h Median play time
348h Average play time
70h Main story
637h Completionist
20-395h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 455 analyzed playthroughs
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Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Crusader Kings III is a role playing game with warfare and historical themes.

Crusader Kings III is available on PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S, PC and others.

The main story can be completed in around 70 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 637 hours to finish. On average players spend around 348 hours playing Crusader Kings III.

Crusader Kings III was released on August 31, 2020.

Crusader Kings III was developed by Paradox Development Studio.

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

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

Similar games include Crusader Kings II, Stellaris, Total War: THREE KINGDOMS, Old World, Total War: Rome II and others.