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

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  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. Sminky
    Oct 2, 2020
    10
    An incredible achievement, finally a Crusader Kings game that is understandable, at least for me. The narratives this game seems to organicly weave are so compelling that it's truly an impressive feat. If you ever bounced of the previous games in the series then give this one a try, I truly finally (for the most part), I understand what's going on. One of the best games I've ever played.An incredible achievement, finally a Crusader Kings game that is understandable, at least for me. The narratives this game seems to organicly weave are so compelling that it's truly an impressive feat. If you ever bounced of the previous games in the series then give this one a try, I truly finally (for the most part), I understand what's going on. One of the best games I've ever played. It still takes some learning and reading up though,… Expand
  4. faonik
    Sep 7, 2020
    10
    The best sequel to Crusader Kings II, we are waiting for DLC with china and japan.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Boilesen
    Sep 15, 2020
    10
    After Imperator I was expecting a half baked experience but how did CK3 exceed my expectiations! Great game and how fast it is (amazing!!!!) Looking foward to the expansions!
  9. Karas
    Sep 10, 2020
    10
    Absolute masterpiece.
    Great tutorial, great music and interface. Fun, rewarding ... Game of the year
  10. 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.
  11. Willemrt
    Oct 7, 2020
    10
    I tried to play CK2 many times but never really got it.
    CK3 however has an excellent tutorial and is overall much more streamlined and easier to understand.
    CK3 is an amazing game and it might even be the best game i did ever and I've been gaming for over 3 decades. I put in 230h at this moment but i'm so hooked and i know much much more hours will follow. It's a must have game and for    I tried to play CK2 many times but never really got it.
    CK3 however has an excellent tutorial and is overall much more streamlined and easier to understand.
    CK3 is an amazing game and it might even be the best game i did ever and I've been gaming for over 3 decades.
    I put in 230h at this moment but i'm so hooked and i know much much more hours will follow.
    It's a must have game and for me it's game of the year !    … Expand
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. ALHart88
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    The game is very good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5/7 would play the game forever if on an island with electricity
  17. eva3si0n
    Jan 5, 2021
    10
    Just the best part of the series and the best strategy of 2020. The best product from Paradox in 5 years. And most importantly CK3 she came out not circumcised and empty as they like to do Paradox, but a full-fledged game. Yes, there are roughnesses, few differences between cultures and peoples. But in 1-2 years, this will all correct the DLC. The main thing is that the base of the game isJust the best part of the series and the best strategy of 2020. The best product from Paradox in 5 years. And most importantly CK3 she came out not circumcised and empty as they like to do Paradox, but a full-fledged game. Yes, there are roughnesses, few differences between cultures and peoples. But in 1-2 years, this will all correct the DLC. The main thing is that the base of the game is and is made at a very worthy level. The last time such feelings of strategy did not give me from the release of Europa Universalis 4. CK3 have an unattainable level of playability, such games are very rare.… Expand
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. MatikTheSeventh
    Oct 10, 2020
    10
    Perfect sequel for Crusader Kings II, which has always been the best medieval strategy/life simulator for me. Crusader Kings III is everything its prequel was and more, with expansion packs still yet to come.
  21. 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!
  22. 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.
  23. ourgekj
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    masterpiece game, probably best 2020 game. few bug very fun to play. Can't wait for extensions
  24. Souls2
    Nov 16, 2022
    10
    The one who had to be the true strategy Goty of 2020, the best Paradox game so far, a very deep but friendly game for learning and newcomers to this type of title.
  25. Klaher
    Oct 13, 2020
    10
    This year's best strategy RPG and one of the best in the last 20 years. The game makes you think and enjoy the fact that you personally write history.
  26. eywee
    Sep 15, 2020
    10
    the 2... just better nonsens XD
    everybody should try this game once i think
  27. 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
  28. DanielGames
    Jan 10, 2021
    10
    Paradox Interactive are probably the best when it comes to taking my time,
    Crusader Kings III is my Game of the Year.
  29. 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. >:(
  30. Game_Critical
    Nov 24, 2020
    10
    A wonderful game with near infinite re-playability. It's much easier to get into than CK2 and it has powerful mod tools.
    This is my game of the year 2020!!
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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]
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