Crusader Kings II

Paradox Development Studio · Paradox Interactive

Released: Feb 14, 2012
Platforms: WindowsmacOSLinux
Last updated: 05 Sep 2026, 03:31 GMT

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20 posts

10 Apr 2025PCGamesN
Crusader Kings 2 Game of Thrones mod out of beta, even has spoiler free version
The Game of Thrones mod for Crusader Kings 2 has been around for a few years, gently teasing at the minds of everyone who loves massively complicated strategising and overly violent fantasy worlds and wishes to mix the two. It's been definitely playable but equally in development
20 Mar 2024PC Gamer
Crusader Kings 2 modding peaks with 'Leper Roulette,' which gives members of your dynasty a chance of winning red, black and green all at once
Even in the wake of its sequel, Crusader Kings 2 remains my most-played game on Steam, having swallowed a full 585 hours of my life since it released all the way back in 2012. To be honest? It's a bit of a cakewalk these days. I'm so familiar with the game and all its systems tha
14 Jun 2023PCGamesN
One of Steam's best strategy games is free right now
Crusader Kings 2 is regarded by many players as one of the best grand strategy games released to date. Developed and published by Paradox Interactive, this medieval-themed game is one that you can certainly pour hundreds or thousands of hours into. If this sounds like something y
28 Sep 2021Developer post
Hotfix Patch 3.3.5.1
Hi all! We received reports that our recent patch caused problems with the Crusader Kings II: Europa Universalis IV Converter DLC, and may have affected several mods as well. Thanks for letting us know! We've launched hotfix patch 3.3.5.1 to address the issue. Link to the forum t
16 Sep 2021Developer post
CKII Subscription Service Update
Hi all! We have a small update we’d like to share with you about the subscription service for Crusader Kings II. There are many players out there who are only discovering CKII now, through our subscription service, and we wanted to give you something extra as a thank you. CKII su
Hi all!
We have a small update we’d like to share with you about the subscription service for Crusader Kings II.
There are many players out there who are only discovering CKII now, through our subscription service, and we wanted to give you something extra as a thank you. CKII subscribers can now unlock:

A set of never before released key art and made these available as wallpapers. Available after having been subscribed 45 days. The link to these wallpapers can be shared with anyone.
A customised Spotify list with tracks from the various Crusader Kings II soundtracks. Available after having been subscribed 75 days. The link to this playlist can be shared with anyone.
A 24 % discount on Age of Wonders III, which can be used at any time while the subscription is active.
As you can see, these rewards do not affect gameplay in any way, and are a small token of gratitude to those who have been active subscribers for a period of time. Two out of three rewards are not exclusive to the subscription, and are meant to be shared with anyone including non-subscribers.
Additionally, we have added a pop up to highlight content of the various DLC packages included in the subscription, which provides a suggestion of an interesting ruler to consider trying out.
Regardless of whether you are a long time Crusader Kings fan or a recent subscriber, we are grateful for your continued support!
To view or discuss on our forums check out the thread here.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1538960/Crusader_Kings_II__Expansion_Subscription/
Original post
19 Feb 2021GamingOnLinux
Crusader Kings II gets a monthly subscription for all the DLC
Paradox Interactive are branching out with revenue models and they're now doing a subscription for Crusader Kings II, which itself is free to play. Read the full article here:
18 Feb 2021Eurogamer
Crusader Kings 2 gets monthly subscription offering all-access to its mountain of DLC
Crusader Kings 2, Paradox's mammoth grand strategy game, is a beast, totalling more than 13 major expansions and other assorted DLC after six years in development. The complete experience is also prohibitively expensive too, weighing in at over £200, and that's an issue Paradox i
18 Feb 2021PCGamesN
Crusader Kings II's $300 of DLC is now available as a subscription
The trouble with getting into Crusader Kings II was knowing which bits of it you needed. Even after going free to play , Paradox's big medieval grand strategy game offered more than $300 USD worth of DLC - expansions, flavour packs, and unit packs making up a daunting list of pot
18 Feb 2021Developer post
CKII Subscription Service
Howdy all, Sorry for the surprise information after not hearing from us for a while, but we have some super cool stuff to tell you. We are glad to bring you the launch of a new subscription service to the Crusader Kings 2 Game experience! Crusader Kings II is now available via su
Howdy all,
Sorry for the surprise information after not hearing from us for a while, but we have some super cool stuff to tell you. We are glad to bring you the launch of a new subscription service to the Crusader Kings 2 Game experience!
Crusader Kings II is now available via subscription, giving users a convenient way to enjoy all of the medieval plotting and politicking that has made Crusader Kings a beloved game for strategists and role players alike. Subscribers will have automatic access to every piece of Crusader Kings II content with no other purchases necessary.
Things to look forward to in this Subscription Service:

13 major expansions, including the fierce Norse of The Old Gods, the eastern riches of Rajas of India and the scheming vassals of Conclave.
12 unit packs, including new army sprites for your medieval forces
14 music packs, including two heavy metal scores
10 portrait packs of clothing and faces for rulers around the world
The Game Converter which lets you export your saved game to Europa Universalis IV.
The Crusader Kings II Ruler Designer, so you can create your own starting monarch.
and many more improvements to the core game experience.
The Crusader Kings II base game is currently available for free on the Steam store.
What does the subscription include?
The subscription will allow you to play Crusader Kings II with all of the available content included - expansion packs, portraits, clothing and music packs.
Why is this a subscription?
With so much additional content available, the cost for new Crusader Kings II players can seem prohibitive or intimidating. This is an affordable way for players to experience the entire Crusader Kings II catalog without having to weigh which items they would prefer to purchase.
This does not mean it is the only way to get DLC moving forward. The Subscription service is entirely optional and purchasing a single or multiple DLC packs without the Subscription is still an option.
I already have every Crusader Kings II thing. Will this affect me?
No. Nothing will change for people who already own any or all Crusader Kings II content.
What happens if I stop subscribing?
If you stop subscribing, you will lose access to any content you have not separately purchased or downloaded. (The Crusader Kings II base game is free.)
Will you be bringing subscriptions to other games?
Subscription plans are an option we are exploring for other Paradox titles.
To view or discuss on our forums check out the thread here.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1538960/Crusader_Kings_II__Expansion_Subscription/
Original post
08 Feb 2021Developer post
Patch for MAC users: OSX Big Sur
Hello Kings & Queens! We have published a patch addressing the launch issues for MAC users, on OSX Big Sur. Crusader Kings II now handles Big Sur, so you can now dive again in-game with your preferred OS. Thanks for playing CK2!
29 Sep 2020PCGamesN
Crusader Kings 2 guide: tips & tricks for the budding ruler
Of Paradox's grand strategy titles, I dare to say that Crusader Kings II is the most unique. Essentially character based, it astoundingly simulates the interpersonal nature of politics in the Middle Ages before the advent of nation-states. The sweeping, human narratives and drama
29 Sep 2020PCGamesN
The best Crusader Kings 2 mods
With over two thousand CK2 mods on Steam Workshop alone, the Crusader Kings mod community has hit a pretty significant milestone in terms of user-generated content. This impressive feat is a blessing for players but also a cause for paralysis: Which of these mods should one choos
29 Sep 2020PCGamesN
The complete Crusader Kings 2 DLC guide
Crusader Kings II is the grand strategy game that launched a thousand DLCs, spawning an (at the time) unprecedented system of post-release support that could see expansions releasing nearly a decade after the original launch. So many packs have been released that we figured a CK2
04 Sep 2020Rock, Paper, Shotgun
The 10 worst kings and queens in PC games
One Off The List is our monthly list feature. Is there something you think doesn’t deserve to be on this list? Comment with your reasons why, and next week it may be struck off. Regicide is once again a topic at dinner, thanks to the release of Crusader Kings III . Your aunt pass
01 Sep 2020Developer post
Long Live the King!
The realm rejoices as Paradox Interactive announces the launch of Crusader Kings III , the latest entry in the publisher’s grand strategy role-playing game franchise. Advisors may now jockey for positions of influence and adversaries should save their schemes for another day, bec
The realm rejoices as Paradox Interactive announces the launch of Crusader Kings III, the latest entry in the publisher’s grand strategy role-playing game franchise. Advisors may now jockey for positions of influence and adversaries should save their schemes for another day, because on this day Crusader Kings III can be purchased for a suggested retail price of $49.99/ £41.99/ €49.99 on Steam!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1158310/Crusader_Kings_III/
Crusader Kings III is the newest entry in the fabled grand strategy franchise. Guide a royal house through history, governing land, culture, religion, military operations and more in this game of medieval empire and bloodline management. Scheme from the shadows or march your armies openly to expand your borders. Utilize diplomacy and family, leveraging relationships and influence, to protect your lineage. For if a suitable heir you do not produce, your line, and your playthrough, ends.
A new trailer, telling the fate of a would-be conqueror, can be viewed here:
Watch on YouTube
Crusader Kings III features:

A Tale of Lords and Lineage: Every character has their own unique history and personality traits which are reflected in their portraits and the decisions they make. Events and options in the game are largely determined by the type of lord you play as, and the personalities of others must be plied in the right ways to achieve your goals.
Wide and Varied Lands: With a map ranging from Europe to Africa, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, you can assume the role of a noble house from nearly any culture. From the Vikings of Scandinavia to the tribes of Africa and the hordes of the Asian Steppe, this is your medieval sandbox.
A Truly Noble Life: Enjoy a rich tapestry of courtly medieval life - court spouses, hire counselors, and raise armies. Entertain wandering guests, cultivate the ideal heir to cement your line, and send your more troublesome offspring off to foster elsewhere. Set spymasters to scheming and pit neighboring houses against one another.
Lineage Management: The spawn of your royal union are both the future of your house and a resource for cementing greater power. Use them to forge alliances in far off lands and press claims on sought-after realms, spreading your influence to the corners of the known world.
Disputes Solved by the Sword: When diplomacy has run its course take what should be yours by rallying your vassals calling your men-at-arms. Crushing rebellions and laying siege to enemy castles can prove a quick path to honor. But remember that true strategy requires cunning...
Statecraft From The Shadows: Sometimes a scheme, the most subtle of diplomacy, is the most effective - a knife in the dark, a secret to be leveraged, a spouse seduced...
Saints and Sinners: Set the religious course of your kingdom, whether that be keeping the faith or embracing a heresy to better align with your goals. If all else fails, start your own religion!
And More Medieval Menagerie: Holy Orders, crusades, peasant revolts, mercenaries for hire, northmen raiders, customizable rule sets and a beautiful new map to wage your campaign upon!
Original post
01 Sep 2020Developer post
🎉 CK3 OFFICIAL RELEASE STREAM - Join us at 17:30 CEST! 🎉
Join us today, 1st of September at 17:30 CEST , on Twitch for the Release Stream of Crusader Kings III ! ► Twitch - Paradox Interactive
28 Aug 2020Developer post
CK3 - August Update
Welcome to our August Update in which we discuss the development of Crusader Kings 3. In this last Monthly Update before release, we discuss Performance & AI, Modding, Legacies and Achievements! 🩸 Don't forget to join our Official Discord to discuss the game with fans and de
Welcome to our August Update in which we discuss the development of Crusader Kings 3.
In this last Monthly Update before release, we discuss Performance & AI, Modding, Legacies and Achievements! 🩸
Watch on YouTube
Don't forget to join our Official Discord to discuss the game with fans and devs.
Want to deep dive in our developer diaries from August?
Here are a few links!

Dev Diary #36: Performance & AI
Dev Diary #37: Modding
Dev Diary #38: Legacies
Dev Diary #39: Achievements
Original post
21 Aug 2020Developer post
Monarch's Journey - Stefan the First-Crowned - New Challenges!
An all new ruler joins the Monarch's Journey! Stefan the First-Crowned will be available to play in CK2 on Aug. 22 at 13:00 CEST ! Crusader Kings 2 - Free to Play As a reminder: the Monarch’s Journey is a new way of exploring the world of Crusader Kings and will help you earn cos
07 Aug 2020Developer post
Monarch's Journey - Grand Mayor Botstain of Gotland - New Challenges!
An all new ruler joins the Monarch's Journey! Grand Mayor Botstain of Gotland will be available to play in CK2 on Aug. 11 at 13:00 CEST ! Crusader Kings 2 - Free to Play As a reminder: the Monarch’s Journey is a new way of exploring the world of Crusader Kings and will help you e
27 Jul 2020Developer post
Crusader Kings II Stories - Winners (5/5)
Read the final winners of our Stories competition! Have a look at the first places! 👑 ► GamesOnHardMode (Most Comical) told the story of Duke Morcar of York! ► Bianka B. (Most Dramatic) wrote "Matilda of Tuscany", an excellent AAR story! 🎭 Feast your eyes, click here!