Crusader Kings III

crusader-kings-3Legends of Crusader Kings III Introduces People to Lifestyles with Character

Paradox Interactive’s award-winning medieval grand-strategy game Crusader Kings III has long been a favorite of newcomers to the Paradox stable of dynamic historical games. Its deft mix of deep strategy, period flavor, and character-centered role-playing appeals to a wide range of game-playing styles. Today, the Crusader Kings III team is launching a month-long activation on their channels aimed at making the game even more welcoming to curious people – with a free update coming in May. No need to be intimidated by the map, the numbers, or the sea of scowling faces.

Over the next month, Crusader Kings III will reintroduce a few familiar characters from one of the game’s most popular starting bookmarks. This campaign is designed to highlight the diversity of play options and story-telling possibilities available in the game. Even the most warlike of players must deal, from time to time, with other role-playing approaches if they want to get the most out of their experience.

Watch the announcement trailer HERE.

At Paradox, we’re not under any illusions that our grand strategy games are immediately approachable, but we’ve always been proud that Crusader Kings III has been able to attract a wide range of types of players,” says Crusader Kings III Game Director, Alex Oltner. “Its ‘story generator’ qualities have proven very effective at getting a certain type of player into the larger themes that typify our largest titles. Legends of Crusader Kings III is intended to further lower the barriers by putting the different playstyles up front, showcasing the potential variety to curious people intimidated by taking that first step into historical grand strategy.

Legends of Crusader Kings III takes advantage of the game’s most distinctive feature – rich character personalities and biographies that encourage different play styles. In Crusader Kings III, a warrior-king is encouraged to pursue different goals with different advantages than a ruler adept at managing money or scheming against their foes. Legends of Crusader Kings III revises the popular 1066 “Rags to Riches” game start by highlighting five rulers as exemplars of the five key traits of Crusader Kings III characters.

  • Diplomacy: Petty King Murchard of Munster in Ireland uses his strong relationship-building skills to anchor his drive to unite the island under one crown.
  • Stewardship: Duke Vratislav of Bohemia rules a rich land at the heart of Central Europe, helping development and construction in his realm.
  • Learning: Duchess Matilda of Tuscany promotes scholarship in her Italian lands, leading to better education and quicker research.
  • Intrigue: Emir Yahya of Toledo is at the center of scheming and manipulation in the combative arena of Iberian politics.
  • Martial: Duke Robert of Apulia has his sights set on the conquest of the rich lands of Sicily, and is just the warlord for the job.
  • Each leader is recontextualized with greater emphasis on their different playstyles, including a few new events for some of these characters to deepen immersion. They will have updated appearances and biographies, setting them apart from the hundreds of other possible characters to choose from.

    The Legends of Crusader Kings III update will be available in May to everyone who owns the game. Meanwhile, visit the website to discover the five legends and their stories, or forge your own!

    crusader-kings-3Defy Plagues and Commission Propaganda in Legends of the Dead

    Even the most ancient of bloodlines must be bolstered by stories of greatness. Why should one noble house dominate others, if it has no glorious past to claim? Warriors and diplomats, hunters and saints, all have a place in the chronicles of history and the songs of troubadours. Can you build a legend so powerful that people speak of it centuries later? Secure an everlasting legacy in Crusader Kings III: Legends of the Dead.

    Watch the Crusader Kings III: Legends of the Dead release trailer HERE.

    Legends of the Dead is the newest core expansion to Paradox Interactive’s award-winning grand-strategy role-playing game of the medieval world. Travel back in time to a world of scheming regents and rival monarchs as they compete for prestige and dynastic power. In Legends of the Dead, you can preserve the legitimacy of your rule through not only great deeds, but the publicity of these deeds, creating a worldwide memory of your actions long after death.

    But death comes for us all, and, in this expansion, new epidemics and plagues, including the Black Death, threaten to overshadow the accomplishments of all humankind, covering the earth in sickness and despair.

    Features of Crusader Kings III: Legends of the Dead include:

    Legends: Commission an epic retelling of your family history or build your own heroic reputation through great deeds. Promote this legend, far and wide, and see how the stories of the past reverberate through the centuries, and add even more glory to legendary dynasties.
    Legendary Playstyle: Leverage your living legend status through new Decisions and actions, keeping the stories of your family in the minds of a continent, strengthening the legitimacy of your rule and allowing further choices.
    Legendary Buildings: Your legendary reputation gives you access to new elite buildings, cementing your legacy for future generations.
    Legendary Feasts: Poets and bards can ornament your celebrations with songs and odes to your greatness, inspiring your guests to spread the tale of your legendary generosity.
    Court Chroniclers: Hire an official historian to spread the story of your dynasty’s great accomplishments, or use your poets and musicians to turn your actions into art.
    Two New Legacies: A new Heroic dynastic Legacy for the heirs of legendary characters, even using the great deeds of ancestors to justify claims from the distant past, as well as a Legitimacy Legacy that promotes your dynasty as the true rulers of the realm.
    Illness and Mourning: New diseases like the Bloody Flux, Measles and Holy Fire may ravage your court, but you can honor your deceased loved ones with dignified Funeral rites, according to your faith.
    The Black Death: The greatest scourge of the Middle Ages strikes down noble and commoner alike, radically transforming the political and social environment. Prepare your realm and prepare your soul, because a rampaging plague may be the strongest enemy facing your rule.
    New Art: Both life and death are given new energy with the celebrated art style that Crusader Kings III fans have come to appreciate. A new exclusive Map Table, new varieties of clothing, unit models and holding designs for extra flavor.

    Crusader Kings III: Legends of Dead is available for the suggested retail price of $19.99/£16.75/€19.99. It is also available as part of the Crusader Kings III Chapter III bundle which includes one Instant Unlock upon purchase, the Major Expansion Roads to Power and the Event Pack Wandering Nobles.

    More game information is available on the official Crusader Kings III website.

    crusader-kings-3Today, Paradox Interactive unveiled its 2024 plans for Crusader Kings III, its award-winning grand strategy game about the medieval era, known for its captivating story-telling and character-rich plotting. Chapter III of Crusader Kings III will feature two expansions, including a long-anticipated Byzantine-themed Major Expansion, as well as an event pack and a free cosmetic clothing add-on, which is available for download now – for everyone who pre-purchases the Expansion Pass.

    Crusader Kings III: Chapter III includes:

    Couture of the Capets (free): Unveil a world of opulence with Couture of the Capets. Available immediately upon purchase of Chapter III, this cosmetic pack introduces new fashions and styles inspired by French royal culture in the High Middle Ages (13th century).
    Legends of the Dead: Turn yourself into a figure of legend in this Core Expansion, where great feats and effective propaganda can enhance the power of your bloodline through the centuries. Direct the course of your dynastic legend through Court Chroniclers, and use your growing reputation to build a lasting material legacy. But beware of the growing threat from distant lands as the Black Death builds a legendary legacy of its own.
    Roads to Power: The majesty of the Byzantine Empire takes center stage in this Major Expansion. Rule from Constantinople through a new Administrative Government form and experience various Byzantine-themed events and flavors. Or, be truly daring and live a life where your noble reputation is not tied to the land, roaming the map as an adventurer for hire.
    Wandering Nobles: Building on the travel system introduced with Tours & Tournaments, this event pack introduces a new Travel Lifestyle and new ways and reasons to travel – incidents and stories related to roaming far from the safety of your court.

    It’s very exciting to be able to talk about our plans for 2024,” says Crusader Kings III Game Director Alex Oltner. “We’ve been working hard on trying to find ways to introduce major historical content like the Black Death and the Byzantine Empire’s distinct form of government into CKIII, and we know that our fans have been wanting these as well. Chapter III promises to be one of the biggest phases in the game’s history.

    The first piece of content of the third Chapter is coming on March 04. Legends of the Dead is a new core expansion for Crusader Kings III that adds many new activities, events, and features to Paradox’s award-winning medieval role-playing grand strategy game.

    War, disease, and scheming relatives can bring an end to even the most illustrious of rulers. How will you ensure that your fame and reputation survive after you are gone? Nothing burnishes the glory of a royal house like the fame of its ancestors, so it may be wise to invest in the future by singing of your past. In Legends of the Dead, guarantee that stories of your great deeds live after you’ve shuffled off the mortal coil through propaganda perpetuated by chroniclers and troubadours. But even legendary greatness is challenged by the greatest peril of all – the Black Death, a dangerous plague that threatens the foundations of the medieval world.

    Watch the Crusader Kings III: Legends of the Dead Announcement Trailer HERE.

    Chapter III for Crusader Kings III can be purchased now for the suggested retail price of $43.98/£38.48/€43.98. Once purchased, owners can immediately download the Couture of the Capets cosmetic pack for free. More information is available on the official Crusader Kings III: Chapter III webpage.

    crusader-kings-3Defeat Your Rivals and Claim the Legacy of Persia

    The decline of Abbasid rule in the east has opened the door to new challengers. Powerful vassals, foreign chiefs and the caliph himself struggle to unite a land diverse in cultures, faiths and geography. Rise to the challenge and walk in the footsteps of mighty emperors before you, and claim the Legacy of Persia. Available today, Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia is a new flavor pack for Paradox’s award-winning medieval grand strategy game. New historical color and pageantry await you as you try to win the Struggle for the Iranian heartland as the once mighty Caliphate fights to keep control. Unite the divided lands under your new dynasty, or restore the Caliph to a place of strength and security.

    Watch the release trailer for Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia HERE.

    Features of Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia include:

    The Iranian Intermezzo: The Abbasid Caliphate is on the decline, and strong-willed Iranian rulers are set upon independence and a new future for the region. Will you forge a new Empire, subjugate the faltering Caliphate for your own benefit, or see a resurgent Caliphate bring order to the region?
    More Historical Flavor: New decisions, interactions and buildings for rulers in the Persian region, as well as special content highlighting the importance of clan leadership and protecting the frontier regions.
    Changes to Iranian Cultures: New Iranian traditions include innovative Court Scholars, unique Men-at-Arms, and powerful new buildings to bring riches out of barren lands.
    New Art and Music: Persian characters get new clothing, Persian buildings get a redesign and the UI can take on a more Iranian appearance in this Flavor Pack. There are also 8 new music tracks, some cued to events and some to set the mood.

    Available now, Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia is the final piece of the Crusader Kings III Chapter II Pass, which also includes the Tours & Tournaments expansion and the Wards & Wardens event pack. Legacy of Persia can be purchased separately for the suggested retail price of $12.99/£10.99/€12.99.

    More information is available on the official Crusader Kings III website.

    crusader-kings-3The tottering Abbasid Caliphate struggles to maintain its grip on the eastern core of its empire. Disputed successions, cultural disharmony and poor circumstances conspire to undermine one of the great realms of the Middle Ages. Navigate the challenging world of Medieval Iran in Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia, coming on November 9.

    Inspired by the historical Anarchy of Samarra, Legacy of Persia uses the Struggle System to provide a new setting and new rulesets for the Iranian Intermezzo – a conflict that tests personal, cultural and religious loyalties. Establish your own new dynasty in this cradle of empires – ending Arab domination over Persia, or steer the Caliphate through the crisis, strengthening the power of Baghdad.

    Watch the Release Date Announcement Trailer HERE.

    Features of Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia include:

    The Iranian Intermezzo: The Abbasid Caliphate is on the decline, and strong-willed Iranian rulers are set upon independence and a new future for the region. Will you forge a new Empire, subjugate the faltering Caliphate for your own benefit, or see a resurgent Caliphate bring order to the region?
    More Historical Flavor: New decisions, interactions and buildings for rulers in the Persian region, as well as special content highlighting the importance of clan leadership and protecting the frontier regions.
    Changes to Iranian Cultures: New Iranian traditions include innovative Court Scholars, unique Men-at-Arms, and powerful new buildings to bring riches out of barren lands.
    New Art and Music: Persian characters get new clothing, Persian buildings get a redesign and the UI can take on a more Iranian appearance in this Flavor Pack. There are also 8 new music tracks, some cued to events and some to set the mood.

    Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia will be available on 09 November, 2023. It is the final piece of the Crusader Kings III Chapter II Pass, which also includes the Tours & Tournaments expansion and the Wards & Wardens event pack. Chapter II provides a 27% discount compared to buying each item separately.

    More information is available on the official Crusader Kings III website.

    crusader-kings-3Even in the distant past, children were the future. Heirs and spares secured the wealth and prestige of a royal house, carrying on legacies forged over centuries of careful education and child-rearing. Starting today, Wards & Wardens adds greater depth and interactivity to this crucial part of successfully surviving Crusader Kings III.

    In Wards & Wardens, you will experience dozens of new events connected to childhood, parenthood, and education, including the complicated situations that can arise with a young ruler on the throne.

    Watch the Crusader Kings III: Wards & Wardens Release Trailer HERE.

    Crusader Kings III: Wards & Wardens includes:

    Childhood Education Events
    Visiting Universities for adult characters
    More Childhood Personality Events
    Hostage Events for foreign children placed at your court
    Child-rearing events with courtiers, including a new court position, the Wet-Nurse.
    Child Regency Events for the training or usurping of rulers who have not reached adulthood.
    Four New Music Tracks

    This pack also includes a free update for all Crusader Kings III players, with a new hostage system, the new Eccentric character trait, new event art and new animations.

    Crusader Kings III: Wards & Wardens is available now at major online retailers for the suggested retail price of $4.99/£4.29/€4.99.

    More information is available on the official Crusader Kings III: Wards & Wardens webpage.

    crusader-kings-3Community Chosen Wards & Wardens Pack Tapped for August

    In a dynastic system, it is very important to leave the throne in the right hands. In most cases, you can’t choose your children, so it is crucial that you instruct them in the lessons of life and leadership while they are still willing to listen. In Crusader Kings III: Wards & Wardens, the rough road of royal childhood is yours to experience.

    Wards & Wardens is a new event pack for Crusader Kings III, chosen by the Crusader Kings community in a vote last winter. This event pack focuses on the perils and potentials of being a child ruler, educating the children at court and furthering your learning in adulthood. This event pack is scheduled for release on 22 August 2023, and is included as a part of Crusader Kings III’s Chapter II content pass.

    Crusader Kings III: Wards & Wardens includes:

    Childhood Education Events
    Visiting Universities for adult characters
    More Childhood Personality Events
    Hostage Events for foreign children placed at your court
    Child-rearing events with courtiers, including a new court position, the Wet-Nurse.
    Child Regency Events for the training or usurping of rulers who have not reached adulthood.
    Four New Music Tracks

    This pack also includes a free update for all Crusader Kings III players, with a new hostage system, the new Eccentric character trait, new event art and new animations.

    Crusader Kings III: Wards & Wardens will be available on 22 August 2023 for the suggested retail price of $4.99/£4.29/€4.99.

    More information is available on the official Crusader Kings III: Wards & Wardens webpage.

    crusader-kings-3It is a big and exciting world, full of big and exciting events. Great tournaments. Royal weddings. Grand tours through the countryside. There is too much to see out there to spend your life hidden behind castle walls. So saddle up and ride forth in Tours & Tournaments, a new expansion for Crusader Kings III.

    Paradox Interactive’s award-winning medieval history game expands its unique blend of strategy and role-playing with a host of new events that make the map more than a list of places to conquer. In Tours & Tournaments, you can travel through your realm to check on your vassals. Attend royal weddings to demonstrate your loyalty to a distant lord. Or, if you are brave enough, enter competitions of body or mind in tournaments. Each activity opens new scope for intrigue, while also allowing new strategic paths with a chance of improving characters’ skills or traits.There are no guarantees, and danger still lurks around every corner. But with great risk, comes great renown.

    Watch the Crusader Kings III: Tours & Tournaments Release Trailer HERE.

    Crusader Kings III: Tours & Tournaments is available for the suggested retail price of $29.99/£24.99/€29.99 and launches with a major free update to Crusader Kings III for all players.

    More information is available on the official Crusader Kings III website.

    crusader-kings-3Pack the royal baggage, get the carriage sorted and don’t forget to gather your entourage, because royalty travels in style. Visit your vassals, travel to a grand foreign wedding or take your turn at the jousting lists – all potential occasions for intrigue or advancement. And now the date of departure is set – you can enjoy the luxury (and peril) of medieval travel in Crusader Kings III: Tours and Tournaments on 11 May 2023.

    Watch the Crusader Kings III: Tours & Tournaments Pre-Order Trailer HERE.

    In Tours and Tournaments, your character will be able to change the course of history through grand activities. Whether it is becoming master of the arena at a tournament, impressing your vassals with an extravagant royal wedding, or personally touring your realm on a grand tour, all of these activities could have world-changing consequences. Not to mention the perils of leaving an ambitious regent at home to rule in your stead while you see the world.

    Crusader Kings III: Tours and Tournaments will be available on 11 May 2023 for the suggested retail price of $29.99/£24.99/€29.99 and will launch with a major free update to Crusader Kings III for all players.

    Players can pre-order Tours and Tournaments now, or, if they like, purchase Chapter II for Crusader Kings III, a bundle of upcoming content for the game with an unbeatable price.

    The Chapter II pack can be ordered now, for a suggested retail price of $34.99/£29.50/€34.99.

    More game information is available on the official Crusader Kings III website.

    crusader-kings-3The land is divided by language, religion and culture, but those with the vision to understand it see a land rich in opportunity. What if the energy devoted to squabbling over towns and titles could be focused on unity or coexistence? But vision is not enough. A strong hand, a taste for intrigue and a deft touch with diplomacy are all required. This is a question for generations, a problem to be solved over time. Only the patient and prudent can settle the Fate of Iberia.

    Watch the Crusader Kings III: Fate of Iberia Release Trailer HERE.

    Fate of Iberia is the latest flavor pack for Crusader Kings III. Available today, this addition to Paradox Interactive’s award winning medieval grand strategy role-playing game gives you a new way to live out the history of Spain and Portugal through the middle ages. A centuries long Struggle will force you to rethink how to achieve your goals, as a variety of interested and competing parties fight to impose their will on the Iberian Peninsula.

    Features of Crusader Kings III: Fate of Iberia include:

    • Struggle system: Entirely new system for historic conflict, available to modders and other content creators.
    • Decide the Fate of Iberia: Choose the path of conciliation or the path of conquest as you unite Spain or, alternately, agree to a peaceful division of spoils.
    • New content: Two new Legacy tracks (Metropolitan and Coterie), new cultural traits emphasizing special historical characteristics of the Iberian peninsula, new friendship interactions and duels over the chessboard.
    • New Events: Dynamic historical events related to the struggle for Iberia.
    • New Art: New character art reflecting Iberian cultures of the medieval era, new unit designs, new 3D models of holdings and artifacts and a host of new art for backgrounds, events and loading.
    • New Music: Additions to the Crusader Kings III soundtrack.

    Fate of Iberia includes an update free for all Crusader Kings III owners that adds new options and features for all players. This update will add a new faction type to challenge your ruler, Heads of Faith that can be shared by different religions, vassal contracts for clans, and, of course, a new starting bookmark that highlights interesting Iberian characters for the 867 start date.

    Crusader Kings III: Fate of Iberia can be purchased for a suggested retail price of $6.99/£5.19/€6.99. It is included with the Crusader Kings III expansion pass and Crusader Kings III: Royal Edition.

    For more information about Crusader Kings III: Fate of Iberia, visit the flavor packs website.