Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury

Release Date: November 13, 2018

Strategy, economic, the middle ages, historical, grand strategy, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet

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Holy Fury is an expansion for the strategy game Crusader Kings II. The expansion focuses on the Northern Crusades, also known as the Baltic Crusades. Most of all, the DLC enhances gameplay elements concerning religions, both Catholic and Pagan.

Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury is an expansion for Crusader Kings II (originally released in 2012). This is not a stand-alone expansion, thus, it requires the base game to be installed first. Both of the mentioned titles were developed by Paradox Development Studio, also known for creating games like Hearts of Iron IV, Stellaris, and Europa Universalis IV.

Mechanics

Holy Fury does not introduce any radical changes to the original formula of Crusader Kings II. Instead, the authors decided to focus on adding new content and further developing particular aspects of the game. The expansion focuses on the so-called Northern Crusades (also referred to as the Baltic Crusades), which were wars waged by Christian countries against their Pagan neighbors in the north of Europe. Players can choose either side of the conflict.

In Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury, rulers of Pagan countries are given the option to reform their original religious beliefs and introduce new ones with different principles and rules. The gameplay is also enhanced by the inclusion of so-called Legendary Bloodlines, thanks to which the heirs of great lords will receive special bonuses. The game also includes many new events associated with the Crusades.

The DLC introduces Pagan warrior lodges, in which characters can climb in ranks, learn new skills, and gain new allies. Coronations also play an important role in the game; they force rulers to find clergymen, who are willing to confirm that their (the rulers) authority comes from the God himself. The game also offers an interesting opportunity to play on a fictional map of Europe, which in this case is composed of many small countries fighting for domination, what’s more, there’s also an option to play the campaign on a random map.

Moreover, in Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury, it is possible for devoted Catholics to attain the rank of saint; this brings glory to their heirs and significantly increases the importance of the land which has become their burial place. On the other hand, Pagan countries now have new laws governing succession. Elder Councils can influence the way territory is divided among heirs. Brothers were given the option to partake in duels in order to decide who should get the inheritance; this makes it easier to unify partitioned territories.

Last updated on June 30, 2018

Videos and Screens

[5:45] Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury Feature breakdown