Crusader Kings III
RPG
Simulation
Strategy
Single-player
Multi-player
PvP
Online PvP
Steam Achievements
Steam Trading Cards
Steam Workshop
Steam Cloud
Remote Play on Tablet
Family Sharing

Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.

Developers: Paradox Development Studio
Publishers: Paradox Interactive
Release Date: Sep 1, 2020
Price (USD): $49.99
Current Players: 21k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(90%)
replayability
modding community
character-driven
emergent storytelling
DLC necessary
steep learning curve
narrative potential
crashes
DLC pricing
poor optimization
CK2 better
The general sentiment around Crusader Kings III is a mix of appreciation for its depth and narrative potential and criticism over its frequent crashes and optimization issues. Many players are enthusiastic about the game's character-driven storytelling and replayability, yet express frustration with the DLC pricing model and the game's technical performance. The modding community is widely appreciated for enriching the game, though the necessity for mods to fix or enhance aspects of the game reveals gaps in the base content and frequent issues with compatibility after updates.

Positive Points

  • The game offers a high level of replayability with emergent storytelling, allowing players to shape unique narratives with each playthrough.
  • Crusader Kings III provides an intricate blend of strategy and role-playing that appeals to fans of historical settings.
  • The game's modding community is active and enhances the base game significantly, adding more depth and customization options.
  • CK3's character-driven mechanics allow for deep personal and political interactions, making each decision impactful.
  • Negative Points

  • The game suffers from frequent crashes and poor optimization, particularly on certain systems and operating systems like Windows 11.
  • Paradox's DLC pricing model is viewed as predatory, with many players feeling that essential game features are locked behind expensive expansions.
  • Players have criticized the game's lack of depth in certain areas, preferring the complexity offered in CK2.
  • Issues with game performance and crashes have persisted despite multiple updates, detracting from the overall experience.
  • Mixed Points

  • While the game is praised for its depth and narrative potential, some players find the DLCs overpriced and not worth the investment.
  • The base game itself is considered enjoyable, but players have mixed feelings about the necessity of DLCs to fully experience the game's potential.
  • The learning curve is steep, with some players appreciating the challenge, while others find it intimidating.
  • Common Themes

  • The role-playing elements and emergent gameplay keep players engaged and lead to memorable narratives.
  • Frequent patches and updates often break mods and saved games, causing frustration among the player base.
  • The game has a strong focus on dynasty and character management rather than traditional grand strategy.
  • Updated 9/15/2025, 12:01:21 AM UTC