Crusader Kings (Series)

Crusader Kings (Series)

Crusader Kings is a series of historical grand strategy video games developed and published by Paradox Interactive. The games allow players to control a Medieval European noble family across generations, managing affairs of state, diplomacy, intrigue, war, and religion while expa
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grand-strategy medieval historical dynasty-simulator
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Crusader Kings: Historical Grand Strategy

Explore a medieval world where you control a noble family across generations, managing state affairs, diplomacy, intrigue, war, and religion while expanding your dynasty - Crusader Kings

What is Crusader Kings (Series)?

The Crusader Kings series of video games from Paradox Interactive plunges players into the political, religious, and family intrigues of Medieval Europe. As the leader of a noble dynasty navigating the complex tides of history from 1066 to 1453 AD, players must manage diplomacy, marriage alliances, plots and assassinations, internal conflicts, war, technology advancement, law, intrigue, and religion to expand their family realm and legacy across generations. Known for its extremely detailed geopolitical simulation and emergent sandbox gameplay, the series emphasizes strategic thinking over raw management or conquest.

With each sequel building on fan feedback and internal improvements, the series has expanded from a core focus on Catholic Western Europe to cover pagan religions, the Orthodox East, the Islamic world, Viking raiders, Mongols, French and English colonization, New World discovery, the Renaissance and reformation, the Byzantine Empire, and more. A major emphasis is placed on the interplay between religion, culture, and politics in shaping the course of history.

Titles in the Crusader Kings series include the 2004 original, Crusader Kings II released in 2012 along with multiple expansions, and the newest entry Crusader Kings III which arrived in 2020 to critical acclaim. Known for its extremely passionate fanbase, emergent storytelling arising from simulation mechanics, and blending of RPG with grand strategy genres, Crusader Kings has cemented itself as one of the most unique and influential series in strategy games.

Crusader Kings (Series) Features

Features

  1. Grand strategy gameplay
  2. Complex dynastic and feudal relationships
  3. Character-focused gameplay
  4. Map painting
  5. Roleplaying elements
  6. Modding support

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase

Pros

Extremely deep and complex gameplay

Huge amount of replayability

Engaging stories and roleplaying

Active modding community

Runs well even on lower-end PCs

Cons

Steep learning curve

Can feel overwhelming for new players

Performance issues in late game

DLC policy controversial to some

Official Links

Official Website
https://www.crusaderkings.com

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