Crusader Kings 2 but better

Crusader Kings 3 is basically a “clone” of Crusader Kings 2 but more polished in every way, it looks better, plays better, feels better and as one of the most important things for new/beginner players: you can actually learn it by playing, unlike CK2.

It has some bugs (especially when a new DLC is released), but this is expected, with so many moving parts, it will have bugs. The multiplayer is sometimes fiddly and sometimes has de-syncs bugs after hours of play time requiring you to “reload” your save to continue.

About the DLCs

One of the best things about CK3 is that, unlike CK2 which was “locking” mechanics and civilizations (cultures/religions) behind DLC (in the base game you had Western Europe and that was kind of it), in CK3 nothing is locked it’s all “there” in the base game.

It’s a great thing for customers, don’t get me wrong, but I almost do see this as a “problem” for Paradox, because effectively, none of the CK3 DLC are worth buying and if they are, they are FAR too expensive for what they add. I genuinely can’t really think of stuff they could be adding… other than more “events” (which they do add in the so-called “flavor packs” - the 10-20€ DLCs).

For reference, the current “main”/“big” DLCs are:

  • Royal Court: it adds “fluff” (that distracts so much from the game that most people just disable this DLC if they have it), basically a small minigame that constantly wants you to interact with it
  • Tours & Tournaments: it adds literally 2 (good) minor fully optional mechanics, nothing more, that’s expensive for 30€
  • Roads to Power: it might be the most “worth it” DLC if you want “adventurer mode”, it adds “adventurer mode” (CK3 except you don’t own “land”, you’re a nomad), and it expands the Byzantine Empire
  • Legends of the Dead: it adds a “legend” system (passive bonus) and enhances the plagues
  • Khans of the Steppe: it expands the eastern “nomad” tribes

Conclusion

All in all, it might be the best Paradox game ever, and might be the first Paradox game where you don’t feel like they’re “milking” the players.

Rating and Recommendation

9/10 - Recommended