Crusader Kings 3 (Crusader Kings III) is the third installment in the Crusader Kings Trilogy. This role-playing grand strategy game was released in 2020 and was developed by Paradox Development Studio. A Middle Ages dynasty simulator, CK3 takes place between 867 or 1066 and ends in 1453. In this article, we discuss some of the game’s key features, as well as some additional information.

Key features

Gameplay: In this installment, players can create cadet branches from parent dynasties - this is possible, for example, by using the Renown feature that allows players to legitimize children born outside of marriage. Characters can choose between five lifestyles, each of which evolves through three skill trees. Another gameplay feature is the genetic system that makes passing characteristics to descendants possible.
Government: Being a great leader is at the heart of the game and different government types are available. Players can choose between feudal, tribal, or clan government type.
Character Models: In CK3, 3D-rendered character models come to replace the 2D portraits. Personal traits influence characters’ behavior and it’s up to the player to adapt to those traits or to go against them - and this is not without consequence.
Modes: In addition to the single-player campaign, players can enjoy all the battles for power with their friends thanks to the multiplayer mode.

Crusader Kings 3 release date

The exact CK3 release date was September 1st, 2020.

Crusader Kings 3 map

The CK3 map is considered to have four times more details than the one of the previous opus of the series, and is also bigger. Most locations are playable, although merchant republics and theocracies were not available at first .

Crusader Kings 3 DLC

If you are wondering if there is already a CK3 DLC, we have some good news: there is more than one DLCs. They are the following:

Crusader Kings III: Fashion of the Abbasid Court - cosmetic pack (September 1st, 2020).
Crusader Kings 3: Northern Lords flavour pack (March 16th, 2021).
Crusader Kings 3: Royal Court (to be announced)
Crusader Kings 3 flavour pack #2 (to be announced)

Crusader Kings 3 cheats

It is possible to gain riches and power thanks to cheat codes - you can find all of them in our dedicated article.

What does the critic say?

The game had a very positive reception and a must-play score of 91 points on Metacritic:

Crusader Kings 3 is a superb strategy game, a great RPG, and a master class in how to take the best parts of existing systems and make them deeper and better. I have thousands of hours in the previous game, and I expect to spend at least that many in this third installment. All of the engrossingly flawed characters and stories of love, war, triumph, and loss that have already dynamically emerged from my playthroughs feel like just the beginning of something legendary. In fact, if I had to pick only one game to play for the rest of my life, the decision wouldn’t be that difficult. A new king of historical strategy has been crowned. Long live the king.(IGN)

Is Crusader Kings 3 free?

No, the game is not free. The CK3 price is set at $49.99.

Crusader Kings 3 system requirements

Here are the minimum system requirements:

Operating System: Windows 8 and later.
Processor: Intel® Core™ i3-2120 / AMD® FX 6350.
Memory: 6GB RAM.
Graphic Card: Nvidia® GeForce™ GTX 460 (1GB) / AMD® Radeon™ HD 7870 (2GB) / Intel® Iris Pro™ 580 / Intel® Iris® Plus G7 / AMD® Radeon™ Vega 11.
Disk Space: 8 GB available space.