Crusader Kings III

 PC
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 712 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 586 out of 712
  2. Mixed: 71 out of 712
  3. Negative: 55 out of 712

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. eywee
    Sep 15, 2020
    10
    the 2... just better nonsens XD
    everybody should try this game once i think
  2. Ananisapta
    Sep 14, 2020
    4
    I have generally enjoyed strategy games and RPGs. This was billed as both but I was neither entertained nor educated. Some of the historical references were absurd, such as an outbreak of Lollardy in the 11th century, 300 years before it existed in our history. I didn't find the combat very strategic; you need to manage your army so you can be ready for conflict, and you need to beI have generally enjoyed strategy games and RPGs. This was billed as both but I was neither entertained nor educated. Some of the historical references were absurd, such as an outbreak of Lollardy in the 11th century, 300 years before it existed in our history. I didn't find the combat very strategic; you need to manage your army so you can be ready for conflict, and you need to be aggressive to have any fun at all, but when it comes down to it you have no serious strategic or tactical role to play. I managed to preserve my dynasty through a couple of generations but then a bizarre artifact of Irish politics left me with no attractive character to play. Shortly after that, the person I had nominated as my heir in the previous incarnation led an uprising against the character I was stuck with; when I ceded my title, I was told that the game was over. If I wanted to play the character I'd ceded to, I found he had become the liege of some foreigner I'd never heard of and the kingdom I worked so hard to build was fragmented and impoverished. It's a little too much gloom and doom for this season of plague and tribal politics; I'm going to find something that's more fun!… Expand
  3. Adast_Adamov
    Sep 13, 2020
    0
    I can't condone Russian revisionism of history in any form. Kievan Rus and Russia are not the same thing.
  4. jaco111
    Sep 12, 2020
    4
    I fully understand that it cannot have the huge amount of features part 2 has with all dlc but they could have added a little bit more. At the moment it's simply not fun to play for me and the reason are a lot of different issues. While revolts were annoying in ck2 they made the game more interesting. I see some factions forming in ck3 but never had a revolt of my lords in about 40 hoursI fully understand that it cannot have the huge amount of features part 2 has with all dlc but they could have added a little bit more. At the moment it's simply not fun to play for me and the reason are a lot of different issues. While revolts were annoying in ck2 they made the game more interesting. I see some factions forming in ck3 but never had a revolt of my lords in about 40 hours game time. Filter options are missing for example for vassals having a different religion. You can scroll through the whole list checking manually and that's abetter UI? Talking about the UI do you remember the option on the character screens to disallow taking part in battles? After loosing 3 sons i found the option in army management-> knights. Several clicks and you have to remember checking it every time a son reaches adulthood, well at least you have to remember if you prefer to keep them alive. And i could continue my rant for a long time. I guess they will fix many of those problems and once there are some DLC's the game will probably also get more interesting. Hmm wanted to stop the rant but talking about DLC the first dlc package sold for 30 bucks without any information about the content , let's say i'm not impressed.… Expand
  5. mishamavashi
    Sep 12, 2020
    9
    5gb game = a lot of fun and variable gameplay.
    worth its money and time. buy in steam
  6. ArdanSortek
    Sep 12, 2020
    8
    I'm having fun so far! Improved graphics, new features, and so far I'm having fun with the "RPG" side of character focused game play. I expect Paradox to nickel and dime many of the missing features (from the previous game) by the way of DLC in the future, but I'm not even mad. As long as they deliver quality content, this is going to be worth hundreds of hours of play for me. Thumbs up!
  7. RetartedPersoN
    Sep 10, 2020
    0
    Unnecessary money-grab re-skinned sequel of Crusader Kings II, created by team of greedy Swedish cuck developers. Right on time to cash-in after the previous game surpassed its usefulness as a money cow to be milked with DLCs. Shameless, greedy Swedish CUCK developers announce plans to release paid DLCs months before the game is even released. Game is based on vanilla Crusader Kings IIUnnecessary money-grab re-skinned sequel of Crusader Kings II, created by team of greedy Swedish cuck developers. Right on time to cash-in after the previous game surpassed its usefulness as a money cow to be milked with DLCs. Shameless, greedy Swedish CUCK developers announce plans to release paid DLCs months before the game is even released. Game is based on vanilla Crusader Kings II without DLCs, designed to milk as much money as possible in the next years. New features include worse UI, cosmetic graphical reskin, and Seduction Focus from CKII Way of Life DLC turned up to 11 so that all kids in your dynasty are the result of adultery. Also features like gender reversal mode so that women rule in Medieval times and other ahistorical nonsense by this Swedish cucked developer.… Expand
  8. Karas
    Sep 10, 2020
    10
    Absolute masterpiece.
    Great tutorial, great music and interface. Fun, rewarding ... Game of the year
  9. Aorta668
    Sep 10, 2020
    10
    Great game, nice more intuitive interface. More improved gameplay compared to the second part
  10. Thilus
    Sep 10, 2020
    9
    Simply said: even with no DLCs Crusader Kings III plays like a finished product right from the start, which -- in terms of games developed by Paradox Interactive -- means that this might be the best grand strategy created by them to date.
  11. g014n
    Sep 10, 2020
    7
    It's a mediocre game and if you don't have a lot of spare time for gaming you should at least wait for the first 3 major and actual expansions before jumping in (as usual with Paradox games). But you wouldn't get that from the actual reviews. The higher scoring ones don't provide much justification, they even list problems that should prevent the reviews from giving near flawless or evenIt's a mediocre game and if you don't have a lot of spare time for gaming you should at least wait for the first 3 major and actual expansions before jumping in (as usual with Paradox games). But you wouldn't get that from the actual reviews. The higher scoring ones don't provide much justification, they even list problems that should prevent the reviews from giving near flawless or even flawless marks. In response, there are many 0-3 reviews which are just as low effort.
    ----

    There are two angles we could consider to justify a score in the middle: 1) what they achieved relative to what they attempted and 2) how this actually plays relative to the expectations that people might have about titles in this series and genre.

    And the game is mediocre, at the moment, in most regards. Every aspect of the game that I could think of has both obvious pros and cons. I would have scored it a 6 had it not been the kind of game that I was looking forward, but also I rated higher because ultimately, they haven't botched my experience at launch as they did with other recent releases. Examples now.

    Value at release is obviously a con from the perspective of expectations. CK2 had more content at release (more history and starting options) than CK3 while it has different but relatively more gameplay features. CK3 also has more optional features that enhance things like modding. It's also more stable in terms of bugs (I've been looking through negative reviews at examples of bugs and they don't make a lot of sense, my personal playthroughs were quite clean even though I played in debug_mode which is inherently less stable). People also suggest a lack of diversity of events at release - it's to be expected, but it impacts those that play it as role playing experience. From my perspective, seeking a more strategy oriented experience - the game is good enough for a casual experience, but it's also kind of repetitive. Just because they intended this and achieved it, do I rate it high? No!! I have no idea if and how many expansions will it take to fix these. HoI4 and Stellaris are still not fixed many years after release, while games like EU4 have been polished sufficiently but also ask way too much money for what it offers. Gameplay, from the perspective of content available at the moment, has big cons as well as some nice pros.

    Other misc examples to emphasize this. The UI is both a hit and a miss. Looks good, love the idea. But in CK2 (which wasn't user friendly to new players) I could accomplish what I needed easier in respect to the stuff that is also present in CK3. If newbies found that difficult, in CK3, they might not even realize that the game has more strategic depth than it really has. There are big cons even though the pros are things I emphatically approve of and would keep even with the cons. But I can't rate it high because of these facts.

    They've changed how you raise armies in the game to simplify it. For newbies, this would seem like a good idea, but it means that they might raise stacks that incur high attrition rates. For every other player, this means that the micromanagement has been changed from raising the armies to splitting the unmanageable stacks. Also, it's a strategy game, but the current system can be exploited to teleport troops between wars. There are other factors that would make sense in a strategy game but weren't considered. Hit and miss at the same time.

    The list could go on and on (and on and on and on....)

    I utterly reject the notion that we should expect less of it because it hasn't had time to develop all the content like CK2 did. We've already paid for the development of said content (history hasn't changed and that game offered a great starting point in terms of content). We're paying for a technical refresh of the series and the notion that they can piecemeal the game is something that I tax on purpose.
    -----

    It's not a compelling strategy game, it's a better casual game. It's the one aspect where it is too similar to CK2. That game could have used a more complex combat system (in the sense of involving the player more).

    The roleplaying elements are not that great at this point. It's the one aspect that I could see making this game shine in the future, but they need a lot more content and context. The UI is also getting a little in the way of this.

    *edit reason: grammar/typos.    … Expand
  12. zytros
    Sep 9, 2020
    10
    I made an account just to say how incredible this game is coming from just Standalone compared to CK2 the difference is just- its the same game but I can't even imagine going back to CK2. CK2 is dialup and you never knew you needed modern internet. My favorite parts are the random events and the ability to uncover secrets, Characters are really fleshed out in part because of this. TheresI made an account just to say how incredible this game is coming from just Standalone compared to CK2 the difference is just- its the same game but I can't even imagine going back to CK2. CK2 is dialup and you never knew you needed modern internet. My favorite parts are the random events and the ability to uncover secrets, Characters are really fleshed out in part because of this. Theres also so many interwoven options that change the game. Such as choosing traits at the cost of stress which can lower your lifespan and have you commit ''outburts'' once you obtain a 100%. Some of the most hilarious secrets I've uncovered have been made by my Albino spymaster; the King of England is having incestuous relations with his son the bishop! Then choosing to publicly announce the sins OR blackmail them for cash or actions! They can give up territory with a strong hook lol OR be hated on by there Church affiliation and there people. It's pretty great. I expected a CK2 resale which rarely had interesting random event moments and a by comparison boring intrigue system. They did there work and its breathed in new life to a great game.… Expand
  13. BlackWidow
    Sep 9, 2020
    10
    Paradox delivered and then some. I loved CK2, and this follow up did not disappoint. It has already reached critical acclaim by many critics, and it deserves every ounce of that praise.

    A lot of things in CK3 have been improved; graphics, interface, maps, choices, music, combat, and wow, I love the new 3D character models. Awesome! The characters look almost real! Ok, BUT... the game    Paradox delivered and then some. I loved CK2, and this follow up did not disappoint. It has already reached critical acclaim by many critics, and it deserves every ounce of that praise.

    A lot of things in CK3 have been improved; graphics, interface, maps, choices, music, combat, and wow, I love the new 3D character models. Awesome! The characters look almost real!

    Ok, BUT... the game does have a few glitches here and there. Patches will fix this though. I'm also looking forward to the future DLC. Can't be released fast enough for me. lol. Any ways... Thank You Paradox for a truly EPIC game. 10/10.    … Expand
  14. SaintTodd
    Sep 8, 2020
    6
    I'm not writing this review to tell anyone that all the people who love this game are wrong, only that it isn't great at everything it tries to do. What Crusader Kings 3 does well, it does VERY well. It's great at weaving emergent narrative, and that's not easy, because I can't think of another game that does it as well. But Crusader Kings is not meant to be Sims Medieval alone, it'sI'm not writing this review to tell anyone that all the people who love this game are wrong, only that it isn't great at everything it tries to do. What Crusader Kings 3 does well, it does VERY well. It's great at weaving emergent narrative, and that's not easy, because I can't think of another game that does it as well. But Crusader Kings is not meant to be Sims Medieval alone, it's supposed to be a Grand Strategy game, and it's mediocre as such, at best.
    Even the game's strength isn't perfect. In a game that focuses so heavily on intrigue, it's odd that I can see exactly what every other character in the world thinks of me.
    But the main issue is the interface, which is antiquated and awkward. It's arguably no worse that the average PC Strategy game, but that isn't saying much. A few notable issues:
    You can't move the map by left click grab and drag.
    Armies often get obscured by the info window of other armies.
    The game autopauses when you have an important decisions to make, but doesn't autopause when your castle is being seiged (which is oddly easy to not notice).

    A bit more polish and this could have been the 10/10 many others have awarded it. For me, it's a fun little diversion, but not a serious strategy game.    … Expand
  15. Fana-du-jeu
    Sep 8, 2020
    5
    Le jeu est sympa , mais les combats c'est une blague on dirais une partie de loup ( tu bat un adversaire , il s'enfui , il reviens tu t'enfui etc etc ) , niveau graphismes c'est pas mal , pour l'intrigue et les histoires racontés c'est plutôt moyen , après avoir fait plusieurs parties je tombe très souvent sur les mêmes lignes de dialogue avec les mêmes choix a faire ( il y a desLe jeu est sympa , mais les combats c'est une blague on dirais une partie de loup ( tu bat un adversaire , il s'enfui , il reviens tu t'enfui etc etc ) , niveau graphismes c'est pas mal , pour l'intrigue et les histoires racontés c'est plutôt moyen , après avoir fait plusieurs parties je tombe très souvent sur les mêmes lignes de dialogue avec les mêmes choix a faire ( il y a des différence en fonctions des traits de personnalité mais quand même ) , j'aime beaucoup les jeux de stratégie et je ne vois pas ce que ce jeu a d’exceptionnelle… Expand
  16. Eorliga
    Sep 7, 2020
    10
    Just a perfect game. CK2 was my favorite game, maybe CK3 is my future favorite game.
  17. BOJIOTOBA
    Sep 7, 2020
    10
    Хорошая игра на старте во всех смыслах. Была проделана большая работа по адаптированию интерфейса, он стал более удобным и отражает дух времени.
  18. faonik
    Sep 7, 2020
    10
    The best sequel to Crusader Kings II, we are waiting for DLC with china and japan.
  19. PluToxin
    Sep 6, 2020
    0
    I don't understand how this game is good. I have been playing the tutorial for 3 days and never left Ireland. This game is basically a marriage simulator with no win condition. I arranged more marriages than I did anything else (fight battles, own holdings, expand territory). Also, the Holy Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire just tap dance all across the map and conquer everything. I'dI don't understand how this game is good. I have been playing the tutorial for 3 days and never left Ireland. This game is basically a marriage simulator with no win condition. I arranged more marriages than I did anything else (fight battles, own holdings, expand territory). Also, the Holy Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire just tap dance all across the map and conquer everything. I'd rather play Stellaris where I can actually do something. Civ is more fun than this game. 0/10 would not play again.… Expand
  20. RustyJames
    Sep 6, 2020
    5
    Not the game we all expected! Lots of cons, but the worst part is UI. Maybe it will be different game after some years and tons of DLC (for $$$). CK2 is way better now.
    5/10
  21. Aitorsito_Trump
    Sep 6, 2020
    8
    La gama cromática cuenta con un amplio abánico de colores pastel además de suaves y sensuales tonalidades, apela mucho a la convicción que un servidor posee de el periodo medievo europeico. Viva el betis
  22. Diethart
    Sep 6, 2020
    10
    Amazing game with tons of potential. I've spent all my vacation on this masterpiece and I have no regrets. Much love to Paradoxes.
  23. jbrock11
    Sep 6, 2020
    9
    I'll give it a 9 but it's probably more like a 7 or 8 compared to CK2. Love the graphics upgrades and it's cool to see 3D characters now but man, pretty much everything else is downgraded. Options are way more limited than what they were in CK2. I'm thinking they'll be able to fix these kinds of things in future patches and DLC that's why I give it 9 but if you're looking for a similarI'll give it a 9 but it's probably more like a 7 or 8 compared to CK2. Love the graphics upgrades and it's cool to see 3D characters now but man, pretty much everything else is downgraded. Options are way more limited than what they were in CK2. I'm thinking they'll be able to fix these kinds of things in future patches and DLC that's why I give it 9 but if you're looking for a similar experience to what you'd get out of CK2, you won't find it in CK3 ( at least not right now ).… Expand
  24. sanyaverni100
    Sep 6, 2020
    0
    Are you seriously? I understand that money doesn't smell, and the russian market is big, but why rewrite history for this? Kievan Rus is NOT russia, it appeared long before the russian empire
  25. Socratides
    Sep 6, 2020
    10
    Crusader Kings III is much more beginner-friendly than its predecessor games. Information about anything is accessible within the game.
  26. Strategydrocher
    Sep 6, 2020
    0
    Игра класс но в ней не хватает пока длс и как во 2 части общества (войны маги монахи и учёные)
  27. HugeyBear
    Sep 5, 2020
    9
    My first experience of Crusader Kings and after getting over the extreme learning curve, it has been a really enjoyable experience.

    The stories that are created are sublime. It’s arguably the best storytelling game out there. I just got myself in a war to secure land for my son and heir only for my husband to die mid war, derail the whole thing by pushing my stress over the edge and    My first experience of Crusader Kings and after getting over the extreme learning curve, it has been a really enjoyable experience.

    The stories that are created are sublime. It’s arguably the best storytelling game out there. I just got myself in a war to secure land for my son and heir only for my husband to die mid war, derail the whole thing by pushing my stress over the edge and giving me a mental breakdown whilst through all of this securing 1st in line succession for my son and heir by murdering the son of duchy of Lombardi and having to imprison my strongest vassals daughter for having a sexual affair with her father.

    That’s just one of so many examples of the stories that unfold. It’s a fantastic world of medieval intrigue.

    There are some quality of life improvements that I would like that would make it more accessible.

    With a few quality of life improvements this game will be and masterpiece and I’m sure it will get there with content updates. It’s very close to perfect.    … Expand
  28. Pucks
    Sep 5, 2020
    9
    After I was completely overwhelmed by the second part of the series, I really have to say that it is one of the best strategy games I have ever played. Only the business part is missing a little bit.
  29. rapha92santos
    Sep 5, 2020
    5
    let your enemy arrange a marriage with a super power kingdom, and thats it, game over. I always trIed to like the paradox games, but never really master them and not for lack of trying, they are just broken, not truly giving the gameplay a sense of improving in campaign, its always do cearting thing over and over reaching barely results that you in the end reach no where.
  30. Keskin
    Sep 5, 2020
    7
    it is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is good
  31. Sir_Michael
    Sep 5, 2020
    6
    Awful interface! UI elements are scattered around the corners of the screen.
    Also looks like world map was painted with watercolors. Waiting for DLC, while playing is very uncomfortable.
    BTW, bad Russian localization!
  32. Dmor
    Sep 5, 2020
    10
    masterpiece of a game, as a fan of the CK series and all strategy sim games I can say this one is the one that makes me stick. Definitely a 10K+ hour game for me! Which I was a couple K off from the previous game. >:(
  33. Senjil
    Sep 5, 2020
    9
    Классная стратегия,затягивает на долгие часы за свою нелинейность и спасибо за русскую локализацию.
    9/10
  34. ideos
    Sep 4, 2020
    10
    The best Paradox game. Much better than the CK2. Plus this optimization ... the game runs very smoothly. For me, a great game for years.
  35. TreborYelam
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Turn on debug mode. You aren't actually playing as your own children. They took the seduction problems of CK2, ramped them up to x10, and removed the option to disable AI seduction. If you want your immersion wrecked, literally just turn on debug mode and check. No one in your family tree is actually yours, literally almost every single character and AI is getting cucked.

    Ruined the fun for me. I'm spoiler tagging this so that innocents don't have to see it and get their immersion broken.    … Expand
  36. Fireantus
    Sep 4, 2020
    10
    It doesn't deserve a 10 but need to put it to counterbalance some salty fools giving it way too low. It feels like the best, richest base game Paradox released as of late - plenty of events, stories, traits, combos, skills and features to fiddle with. Each culture brings unique flavours and minor system, each character can spec into one of 5 grand skills that chance the gameplay focusIt doesn't deserve a 10 but need to put it to counterbalance some salty fools giving it way too low. It feels like the best, richest base game Paradox released as of late - plenty of events, stories, traits, combos, skills and features to fiddle with. Each culture brings unique flavours and minor system, each character can spec into one of 5 grand skills that chance the gameplay focus quite a lot and then each of that can specialize further into three branches, each offering unique events, challenges and outcomes. It is not endless by any means, but the depth offered as a start of a surely huge base of DLCs to come it is pretty rich and extensive, so kudos for that - it is, indeed, a time sink you can dig into pretty hard.

    The accessibility of it piss of some old grumps, because they feel they are loosing their 'Elite' feel with more casual players being able to pick it up, but as a big UX/UI lover, I am delighted to see how they streamlined SO MANY processes, options and info-dumps. Getting all the information you need to make any decision is much easier, the combat is informative, fluid and easy to grasp while still offering quite a bit to fiddle with (Prowess, Knights efficiency, Rock-Paper-Scissor of Men-At-Arms and their terrains bonuses, buildings that improve them in some ways, personal skills of the commanders). Despite that, the game even give you a banal tooltip before moving into combat straightforwardly telling you the chances of losing or winning. It's elegant. It's quick. And easy to step into.

    Easy to step into should be a tagline for this game. Despite it having layers of stuff to learn and explore (Faith rules and actions, realms laws and management, county upgrades, decisions, court management, vassals management, to name the key ones!) all is laid out as clean as possible, neatly ordered, put together with clever simplicity, almost guiding you to always be able to see what you need to see to play without frustration.

    It is, by far, the best of their Grand Strategies to begin the adventure with the genre right now. I am tempted to say it is also most forgiving due to the Dyunasty system (you don't lose the game as long as you have a heir to jump onto, so even dramatic loses to the realm ain't a Game Over), but that would be a bit much - the game still offers a steep learning curve that will require your attention, focus and constant rerolling ;)    … Expand
  37. hknyrbkn
    Sep 4, 2020
    10
    Last year I tried Crusader Kings II with all the existing DLCs. The game did not let me in. I just could not find my way in this ocean of a game. It took way too long to discover the mechanics. Crusader Kings III is the perfect sequel for the newbies to the series, like me. While it definitely is a complex Crusader Kings game, it is more welcomingly so.
  38. cruccolo
    Sep 4, 2020
    7
    I have played 1500+ hours of its predecessor, Crusader Kings 2. After roughly 50 hours of CK3 I believe there is potential here. Apart from the graphical improvements, I appreciate some design choices, like the different zoom levels showing geographical/political/parchment map modes, or the autoselection of children education focus (which can be manually changed, of course). However thereI have played 1500+ hours of its predecessor, Crusader Kings 2. After roughly 50 hours of CK3 I believe there is potential here. Apart from the graphical improvements, I appreciate some design choices, like the different zoom levels showing geographical/political/parchment map modes, or the autoselection of children education focus (which can be manually changed, of course). However there are a few really annoying elements:
    - nested menus, which require unnecessary extra clicks to do everything, e.g. 6 clicks to nominate a court physician
    - popup messages, impossible to turn off, telling you every single pointless event in the game. Constant distraction.
    - insufficient character finding interface: e.g. there is no option to filter for characters that would join court    … Expand
  39. duduoliveira
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    recomendo todo mundo jogar o jogo esta muito mais simples que o CK2 e muito mais bonito
  40. Kotovsky
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    This is the smoothest PDS release in ages. Resuming a game from the launcher takes around 15 seconds and it's with an old-ass HDD!
    Sharp and stylish graphics, great soundtrack.
    Many were wary that it's going to be a skeleton ala CK2 vanilla but there is already lots of features from CK2's DLCs. However i am not particularly happy with the lifestyle mechanics that give access to    This is the smoothest PDS release in ages. Resuming a game from the launcher takes around 15 seconds and it's with an old-ass HDD!
    Sharp and stylish graphics, great soundtrack.

    Many were wary that it's going to be a skeleton ala CK2 vanilla but there is already lots of features from CK2's DLCs. However i am not particularly happy with the lifestyle mechanics that give access to straight up minmaxing which goes against the chaotic nature of CK2. Relations are still the end of all means throwing everything else under the bus and courtiers are happy to sit blowing raspberries until you find them a spouse yourself - i always wanted for them to figure it on their own and then ask for a blessing.
    Warfare is both simpler and deeper, yet army management is a massive **** - if i want to split the levies off my men at arms i have to halve them down do individual units and then navigate through dozens of them without the shift+ selection. No bueno.

    There is a long and nuanced road ahead but for now i couldn't be happier.    … Expand
  41. DavianQ
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    As a starting point for what will undoubtedly grow into another Paradox behemoth like its predecessor, it's shaping up to be the best thing they've ever created. Accessible but with plenty of depth so less likely to scare off those who felt overwhelmed by CK2 or EU4 and visually engaging especially when it comes to the character models. The very few negative reviews seem to revolve aroundAs a starting point for what will undoubtedly grow into another Paradox behemoth like its predecessor, it's shaping up to be the best thing they've ever created. Accessible but with plenty of depth so less likely to scare off those who felt overwhelmed by CK2 or EU4 and visually engaging especially when it comes to the character models. The very few negative reviews seem to revolve around CK3 vanilla not including every feature found in CK2 with over 6 years worth of DLC installed. Either that or completely polarised nonsense like "Its just a reskin of CK2" followed by "They've removed everything that made CK2 good". The detractors can't seem to make their minds up.The game will expand as the community engages with the developers, the same as before and I for one will be looking forward to how it expands.… Expand
  42. Birleone
    Sep 3, 2020
    9
    This game is masterfully designed! everything is crafted in such a manner, where every action has consequences, just like in real life! the from the character models to map size and everything in between theres nothing that one could consider to be a filler. the tutorial is amazing. im new to the CK series but the tutorial for this game just eases me into the experience. this game is worthThis game is masterfully designed! everything is crafted in such a manner, where every action has consequences, just like in real life! the from the character models to map size and everything in between theres nothing that one could consider to be a filler. the tutorial is amazing. im new to the CK series but the tutorial for this game just eases me into the experience. this game is worth playing. Definitely my Game of the Year!… Expand
  43. roycc
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This game is basically a reskin of CK2. The only notable part about this game, compared to its predecessor, was the newly animated characters. But, since this game is lacking a ruler designer, that’s not all that much to bring home. Keep in mind this game launched with 4 DLCs, no telling how many more are to come. Typical paradox money grabbing copy & paste coding work.
  44. chewyshoot
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    Giant fan of CK2, and CK3 takes CK2 WITH ALL THE DLC and builds upon that. Of course, theres some depth to increase, but that's to be expected with the business model of PDX.
    Can 100% recommend, LOVE LOVE LOVE! Well done, dev team!
  45. CurlyBilly
    Sep 3, 2020
    9
    Great game! New to CK so cannot compare this to CK2, but it is not as hard to get into as I thought it would be thanks to a good tutorial, but leaving lots left to learn and discover while playing. Love the intrigues and scheming, but the battles could have been more interactive though.
  46. DahCars
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    It's an amazing game with some really in-depth mechanics and It totally wrecked my sleep schedule. Imagine a mix of grand strategy, rpg and Game of Thrones. Paradox delivered!
  47. Cold_IcedCoffee
    Sep 3, 2020
    9
    This game is everything I wanted it to be. There are a few things that can be fixed or added. Retracting a vassal cannot be done with a hook, so that's broken. Raiding is so damn fast, overpowered. The AI is better.... buy not that better. I'm 80 years into my game and the map looks bad already lol
  48. achmedino
    Sep 3, 2020
    3
    You will basically be paying more money for a game with less content than Ck2. There are currently only two gameplay styles - feudal and tribal - and these play the same all over the map with only slight differences in religion. You're better off spending your money on DLC for ck2, and play that for 1000 hours than buying this and playing it for 50 hours, just to enjoy the new UI and theYou will basically be paying more money for a game with less content than Ck2. There are currently only two gameplay styles - feudal and tribal - and these play the same all over the map with only slight differences in religion. You're better off spending your money on DLC for ck2, and play that for 1000 hours than buying this and playing it for 50 hours, just to enjoy the new UI and the couple of added features that ck2 doesn't have.… Expand
  49. ALHart88
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    The game is very good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5/7 would play the game forever if on an island with electricity
  50. frste26
    Sep 3, 2020
    9
    It's great so far, really a worthy successor to CK2 can't wait to see how the game will grow in the future.

    Sure there are some smaller issues with UI and trimmed down filters and such but overall it's a great strategy game.
  51. prodeathPT
    Sep 3, 2020
    7
    Its good, its an upgrade from ck2 but dumbed down in difficuilty somethings simplified like combat,boat management,intrigue and the UI arent good changes ck2 is still better in these but the rest are good changes graphics,laws,vassals, construction these changes here were better in the end i feel like its better but not that much to justify buying it for 49 euros at this times since iIts good, its an upgrade from ck2 but dumbed down in difficuilty somethings simplified like combat,boat management,intrigue and the UI arent good changes ck2 is still better in these but the rest are good changes graphics,laws,vassals, construction these changes here were better in the end i feel like its better but not that much to justify buying it for 49 euros at this times since i still have ck2 with alot of dlcs i feel like its better in a good half of things ck3 does.im a bit disappointed of ck3 some changes to dumb down stuff to bring a wider audience that might not exist because paradox games are pretty much u like it and give it time to play and learn or u dont play any paradox game its a specific audience regardless playing it was an okay experince.… Expand
  52. ourgekj
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    masterpiece game, probably best 2020 game. few bug very fun to play. Can't wait for extensions
  53. halvor
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    Best strategy game in recent years (there aren't many to pick from anymore). Wonderful blend with some rpg element.
  54. 10dSmikle
    Sep 3, 2020
    9
    Probably the the best release that Paradox have ever done . Eventhough the game may have slightly less features than crusader kings 2 with all of the expansions, Crusader Kings 3's 5 year development time definitely shows as the ingame features effortlessly cooperates and complements each other.
  55. enki666
    Sep 3, 2020
    2
    Literally disappointed.
    I used to play CK2 earlier and it was my favourite paradox game because it’s an rpg with ruler role-pool. Now about this game. Tutorial was very exciting: new lifestyle system and traits, new intrigue mechanics, and new visuals of titles on map, like baronies areas on map, and ofc new confessional reforms and amount of religions and confessions... These things    Literally disappointed.
    I used to play CK2 earlier and it was my favourite paradox game because it’s an rpg with ruler role-pool. Now about this game. Tutorial was very exciting: new lifestyle system and traits, new intrigue mechanics, and new visuals of titles on map, like baronies areas on map, and ofc new confessional reforms and amount of religions and confessions... These things turned out to be unnecessary! You have no motivation for changing your confession, because it just became a modifier, not more. Everything you do is just fighting with neighbours with autofleet, stupid casual battles, etc. This game literally become a synthesis of sims (mobile sims with no gameplay that just posing on a named pc game moneysucker) and civilisation. It is not a crusader kings 3. It is a game, that looks like crusader kings, named “crusader kings” and trying to show us a lot of gameplay features, that literally made of cardboard. Very sad, that paradox became default publisher of casual games, pretending to be a heir of CK series. Very bad, dcl wont help.    … Expand
  56. Kelroar
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    Goty 2020, the best paradox work. I really like this series, better npc animations and events.
  57. AdMortem
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    Best Paradox game at launch!
    It is not CK2.. yet!
    But can not wait what Paradox will do with this game!
  58. MaXiMuS_54
    Sep 2, 2020
    8
    The game provides a lot more streamlined stable experience and the game runs very smooth, you can go very fast on 5 speed. Some mechanics were made a lot easier like transfering titles to characters, but it still needs a long way to go to fleshing out mechanics like CK2 has. The game can be quite a mess within a 100 years and the game certainly needs polish.
  59. hilonate
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    Really great game straight off the bat. Normally Paradox games take a year or two to get good and games like Imperitor are still waiting for that treatment. But this is Amazing thus far, yes things arnt as complex as CK2 but in a few years im sure it will become a 12/10.
  60. pguyton
    Sep 2, 2020
    9
    Fantastic Game, big graphical improvement of the the previous one, some of the mechanics were simplified but I think it makes for a better game much more fun. It already has a ton of cool mods thanks to paradoxes open attitude to modding. Most of the features they added over time in crusader kings 2 as dlc have been rolled into this one as part of the base game , I can't wait to seeFantastic Game, big graphical improvement of the the previous one, some of the mechanics were simplified but I think it makes for a better game much more fun. It already has a ton of cool mods thanks to paradoxes open attitude to modding. Most of the features they added over time in crusader kings 2 as dlc have been rolled into this one as part of the base game , I can't wait to see where they go next! great job devs!… Expand
  61. rista
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    完全超预期
    基础9分
    人物太丑-0.5
    废除祖制+0.5
    神奇乱码+0.5
    四舍五入=10
    请给我更多的DLC和MOD
  62. arkanine0
    Sep 2, 2020
    9
    Worthy successor. Much more intuitive and accessible to new players, it will not disappoint veterans who will find deeper and more organic mechanics than its predecessor, a masterpiece that will increase in quality and quantity of content for years.
  63. Gensako
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    One of the best paradox releases. It misses little features from Crusader Kings 2 and improves in many areas, including a lot of things that are available to Crusader Kings 2 by spending a lot of money for lower quality. A very good foundation for the developers to work and thrive.
    Even from a veteran's perspective there is no reason to return to an older installment.
    The Kings is    One of the best paradox releases. It misses little features from Crusader Kings 2 and improves in many areas, including a lot of things that are available to Crusader Kings 2 by spending a lot of money for lower quality. A very good foundation for the developers to work and thrive.
    Even from a veteran's perspective there is no reason to return to an older installment.

    The Kings is Dead. Long Live the King!    … Expand
  64. taurus4901
    Sep 2, 2020
    2
    One of the most disappointing games for me, after dumping in 1.6k hours in Ck2, 600 hours in EUIV and 300 hours in Vicky 2, this and imperator really left a bitter taste in my mouth. The game is dumbed down to an unbelievable extent. There are not enugh map modes, no economic mapmode or no direct vassals mapmode, what the hell were they thinking, character finder doesn't have a would joinOne of the most disappointing games for me, after dumping in 1.6k hours in Ck2, 600 hours in EUIV and 300 hours in Vicky 2, this and imperator really left a bitter taste in my mouth. The game is dumbed down to an unbelievable extent. There are not enugh map modes, no economic mapmode or no direct vassals mapmode, what the hell were they thinking, character finder doesn't have a would join court option, can't wait for these to be added in later as DLCs. Armies are a joke, they weren't that complex in ck2 either, but they did the trick, here they're a complete joke, no more left flank,center and right flank commander based on their traits as such you just put one dude with high martial and you're good to go, yet another proof of them dumbing down the game to make it more and more casual to try and appeal to the mythical wider audience. Navies are gone, that's right. We're back to the absolute whack system in CK1, where the army of a large landlocked empire can just pull a fleet out of their asses, sure the CK2 system had some flaws regarding fleets, but atleast there was some plannign around it in early game.This feels like a massive opportunity for them to throw in row men row dlc. Remember when paradox used to throw shade at civilization and Rome 2 total war for having soldiers that turn into ships, oh how the mighty have fallen. Actually speaking of which this feels like a really bad rip off of civilization merged with sims and a bit of previous titles from paradox, literally the worst of all them. I found the music extremly boring and generic and got tired of it really fast (2 hours of playtime to be more exact). The interface looks boring and bland and it's a complete pain in the ass to navigate through, with subemenus hidden inside submenus and such as opposed to CK2, where you just had all the menus displayed on the main screen. The keybindings for map modes, yet another thing that you can't change it's annoying as hell, in CK2 they were all keybound to q,w,e,r,t,y in the order they were displayed, now it's an absolute **** there, and you will have an easier time just clicking on them. All in all terrible experience for any veteran player of grand strategies around here. Avoid this all together, get the original CK2 for free and spend the rest of your money on dlcs, it's a much better deal.
    Also another, note: This piece of **** shouldn't have been made in the first place, when the original ck2 was still perfectly functional and up to date, how about that god damn victoria 3, paradox? But unfortunately, paradox seems to follow ea's bussiness model with sims. Milk the hell out of a game for years and years, then release a new game that's only a minor graphical upgrade while being barebones in any other category.
    Terrible experience once again, worse than march of the eagles or imperator. Everythign that made the predecessor fun has been sacrificed on the alter of accessibility for the casual player, who'll buy this, play for 6 or 8 hours or so and then quit never to touch it again    … Expand
  65. Shatamel
    Sep 2, 2020
    8
    Awesome sequel of the great game. The main issues of the game are an awful interface and few missed features from the previous game.
  66. SAD_CAT
    Sep 2, 2020
    9
    Crusader Kings 3 is a great continuation of Crusader Kings 2, it is almost have full contect from CK 2, but some features are missing, still this game is far much friendly to user from CK 2, and i can recommend this grand-strategy to everyone who love medieval strategies.
    This game have few bad moments, specially stupid AI that will always attemp attack your main castle, even if it is    Crusader Kings 3 is a great continuation of Crusader Kings 2, it is almost have full contect from CK 2, but some features are missing, still this game is far much friendly to user from CK 2, and i can recommend this grand-strategy to everyone who love medieval strategies.
    This game have few bad moments, specially stupid AI that will always attemp attack your main castle, even if it is fortified, but in other hand, the game is far far much stable from CK 2 or any paradox games, it loads faster and until 1345 i didint have any lags or glitches.

    9/10 because there is few OST tracks for now.    … Expand
  67. Mishadse
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    Игра великолепна, разработчики из paradox перепрыгнули сами себя. Отдельное спасибо за русскую локализацию, в предыдущих играх нужно было ставить локалитор. Стоит своих денег однозначно
  68. GraysonGoose
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    PDX delivered! CKIII improves upon its 8-year-old predecessor in almost every way. A beautifully crafted game that comes alive and where your choices matter. CKIII is the new standard for grand strategy and emergent story gameplay.
  69. AlexeyKaper
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    It's the best Paradox Game ever! After Eu4 and Hoi4 Ck3 it's like a a fresh sip of water after a long run
  70. Baroqua
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    I feel that some quality of life features are missing, though with a lot of new content it sure is hard to go back to it's predecessor. With how much I enjoyed CK2 that makes this a solid 10/10.
  71. nightcritic
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    This game is truly amazing and an absolute improvement over CK2 in almost every way.
    There are so many mechanics and fixes for the worst aspects of CK2 while improving on it in almost every way.
    I've thoroughly enjoyed every moment playing this gem.
  72. HairyFireBird
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    Fantastic game! While definitely not as expansive as it's predecessor (Due to it's numerable DLC) That will be fixed by , I imagine, tons of post launch love. For now, we have a game that runs smooth as butter, and is more of a Grand Strategy/Storytelling RPG than anything else. Been playing as a Count of East Francia starting in 867 and trying to rise to the rank of Holy Roman Empire, andFantastic game! While definitely not as expansive as it's predecessor (Due to it's numerable DLC) That will be fixed by , I imagine, tons of post launch love. For now, we have a game that runs smooth as butter, and is more of a Grand Strategy/Storytelling RPG than anything else. Been playing as a Count of East Francia starting in 867 and trying to rise to the rank of Holy Roman Empire, and while it hasn't been easy, the challenge it provides is exactly what I am looking for. Achievements are way better compared to CK2's achievements (Some of which are just plain annoying to try and get.) Overall, while I only have a few hours on the books, I am blown away by the step up this is, and look forward to the 30-40 DLC that will make this game amazing as it's predecessor.… Expand
  73. zugidor
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    A very polished medieval dynasty sim/grand strategy/rpg, probably the best base game by Paradox Interactive which will only grow with updates and DLC content. It leans into CK2's strengths by expanding on the role-playing aspects of this Grand Strategy game, which truly helps it stand out from other games in the genre. It is very open to modding too, so expect the community scene toA very polished medieval dynasty sim/grand strategy/rpg, probably the best base game by Paradox Interactive which will only grow with updates and DLC content. It leans into CK2's strengths by expanding on the role-playing aspects of this Grand Strategy game, which truly helps it stand out from other games in the genre. It is very open to modding too, so expect the community scene to flourish. Highly recommend even to people who have never played a grand strategy game before, as it really eases the player into the game's deep mechanics (wonderful tutorial and in-game encyclopedia). Audio and visuals are not flashy but subtly accentuate the experience. It is clear this is a labour of love.… Expand
  74. AlexBBerg
    Sep 2, 2020
    3
    If this was the console version of CK2 it would be pretty good. It's not, so it isn't. Cut content and bad UI. Might be good in 2-3 years, but they are gonna milk this for sooooo much DLC.
  75. shurick
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    Wonderfully crafted game that will only get better with age and DLC :) Some annoying things from CK2 are gone but they have managed to not dumb it down which is great! New Menu and tooltip layout will take some getting used to but overall its a huge step forward. Characters are wonderful and you definitely feel more involved controlling their destiny.
  76. Screammer
    Sep 2, 2020
    1
    This game cannot be called historical, the authors allow themselves to simply take and destroy one of the greatest countries of the Middle Ages, Kievan Rus and insert in its place a misunderstanding that Russia did not exist in 1066 AD, the Russian Empire appeared only in 1721 AD. The authors do not read history and do everything only with an eye to where there is more market for the saleThis game cannot be called historical, the authors allow themselves to simply take and destroy one of the greatest countries of the Middle Ages, Kievan Rus and insert in its place a misunderstanding that Russia did not exist in 1066 AD, the Russian Empire appeared only in 1721 AD. The authors do not read history and do everything only with an eye to where there is more market for the sale of this pseudo-historical game. It's a shame for such a big game.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kievan_Rus%27    … Expand
  77. Sheleshka
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    Paradox Interactive created a masterpiece. The game looks 10, and soon with new additions will be even better, this game is a worthy successor to the second part
  78. Drake696
    Sep 2, 2020
    9
    The game is unreal. I'm enjoying every hour I've spent. If you liked crusader kings, this one will please even more.
  79. Cronus865
    Sep 2, 2020
    8
    Probably the best "base" game Paradox has released. It's still not near CK2, but has a really solid foundation to build on.
next
Page:

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PC Game of 2020
28
#28 Most Discussed PC Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 61 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 61
  3. Negative: 0 out of 61
  1. Softpedia
    Feb 16, 2022
    90
    Crusader Kings III has good mechanics and production but what sets it apart is the way it connects to the era it depicts. The experience leans into role-playing and personalities in a way that feels true to the image that most players have about the period between 867 to 1453. Without striving to be educational, the Paradox title also manages to be an excellent jumping-off point to learn more about the period, its main characters, its social dynamics. The development studio has also done well when it comes to post-launch support. There’s downloadable content, of course, but free patches have also arrived regularly, improving systems and eliminating bugs. But more work is needed both in the balance and the immersion department. Crusader Kings III is an excellent way to tell and enjoy stories and I can’t wait to experience how Paradox will add depth to its various mechanics.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Nov 16, 2020
    90
    A worthy successor to Crusader Kings II. Right now, it is not as deep and demanding as its predecessor with all its expansions installed, but it still is an excellent strategy game. For newcomers it’s a great way to dive into the world of crowned tyrants, treacherous vassals, unfaithful wives, and inconvenient babies strangled in their cradles. [11/2020, p.56]
  3. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Oct 21, 2020
    92
    Crusader Kings III is definitely a success. The developers made a huge self-evolving world where the players can do as they please. It’s unrivaled both in scale and level of detail. [Issue#248, p.68]
See all critic reviews »