Crusader Kings II
CK2, Crusader Kings 2
Release Date: February 14, 2012
Strategy, economic, RTS, free-to-play, the middle ages, war strategy, grand strategy, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
Steam
A sequel to the expansive strategy game Crusader Kings, which came to existence in 2004 as a medieval-themed spin-off to the popular Europa Universalis franchise that has been developed for over a decade by Paradox Studios. The game is set in the 11th century, and you play as a prominent Christian noble, who aims to secure a successful future for his house.
Last Update: April 4, 2012
Crusader Kings 2 Game Guide
Crusader Kings II: Dark Ages is one of the most curious and developed strategies of our times. As it often happens with such productions variety of possibilities is very large.
Videos and Screens
The main pros of the game
- Deep, Character-Driven Gameplay: The game emphasizes managing a noble dynasty, allowing for intricate political intrigue and emergent storytelling.
- Rich Political and Dynastic Management Mechanics: Players engage in complex relationships, alliances, and family dynamics that affect gameplay.
- High Replayability: With countless scenarios and starting points, no two playthroughs are the same, providing a unique experience each time.
- Strong Modding Community: The game supports extensive modding, enhancing the experience with popular mods like *Game of Thrones* and various gameplay improvements.
The main cons of the game
- Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the complexity overwhelming, requiring a significant time investment to understand the mechanics fully.
- Extensive and Costly DLC Model: Many players feel that a complete experience requires multiple DLCs, which can be expensive and daunting for newcomers.
- Functional but Outdated Graphics: The visuals are described as functional but lacking in modern polish, which may not appeal to all players.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Improved AI: Users have pointed out that the AI can be poor, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences, especially in battle scenarios.
- Better Tutorial and Guidance: Many reviews mention that the tutorial is insufficient for understanding the game’s complexities, leaving players feeling lost.
- More Balanced Mechanics: Some players have expressed a desire for more realistic and balanced mechanics, particularly regarding levy management and battle outcomes.
Summary
- Overall, while Crusader Kings II is celebrated for its depth and replayability, it also faces criticism for its complexity, reliance on DLC, and some gameplay mechanics that could be improved.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 1205 votes. 236 players anticipated the game.
Crusader Kings II Description
Crusader Kings II for PC is a sequel to the popular grand strategy game by Paradox Interactive. Just like its predecessor, this title also adapts the Europa Universalis gameplay mechanics, although adjusted to the medieval reality.
Story
The action of the game starts in 1066 and allows the players to assume the role of a Christian noble (duke, prince, emperor or king) whose task is to lead his dynasty through the chaotic times of the European middle ages.
Gameplay
Compared to the first Crusader Kings, there are lots of novelties that significantly improve the overall game experience. In provinces, there are barons (or a few, if the province is rich enough), each having his own personality and ambitions. The enhancement of the psychological aspect of characters is an important part of the game, and as a result, even a family member may stab us in the back. The role of women is also greatly extended. It may happen that a subject who’s been loyal so far, betrays us because his wife persuaded him to do that. Thus, as a ruler, we cannot really trust anyone.
In these hard times, a court spymaster proves to be of great importance. He tries to dismantle schemes against his liege, report about the circling rumors and find the ones who spread them. In such a case, we may summon the person in question, and tell him or her to mind their tongue. If we are in a bad mood, though, we may even lock up such trouble makers in a prison, or even call for their execution, regardless of whether they were actually guilty or not. In fact, the gameplay is based on the relations between the people of the game world. It is visible even in the military aspect of the game, because an extended system of casus belli was introduced. If we declare war without a proper reason, it may turn out to be the end of us. A game with such a title cannot have a shortage of crusades. The relations with Church were also greatly enhanced, and so now we may even create an anti-pope.
Game modes
Apart from the single player campaign, Crusader Kings II for PC also offers multiplayer mode for up to 32 players.
Last updated on August 14, 2015
4
GAMES
in Crusader Kings Game Series
Game Series
Crusader Kings Series
A series of complex strategy games in which we direct the actions of a selected European family in the medieval era and, over the course of several generations, gain increasing influence. For the creation of the series, which is a kind of spin-off of the series Europa Universalis, is the responsibility of Paradox Development Studio. The publisher of the first installment was Strategy First, and each subsequent installment was published by Paradox Interactive.
4 video games
Crusader Kings II Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Crusader Kings II System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz / AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 2.4 GHz, 2 GB RAM, graphic card 512 MB GeForce 8800 GT / Radeon X1900 or better, Windows 7
Paradox Launches Subscription for Crusader Kings 2
Paradox has just announced that they are introducing a subscription option to Crusader Kings II, offering all existing content. The decision has divided the fans.
video games
Tom Borys
February 18, 2021
Crusader Kings 2: Horse Lords for Free
We can now get the Horse Lords expansion for Crusader Kings II for free on Steam. The promotion is limited in time.
video games
Damian Gacek
May 15, 2020
Crusader Kings 2: The Reaper's Due Available for Free
Paradox Interactive once again gives away games for free. Until 9AM PT you can pick up the DLC to Crusader Kings 2, titled The Reaper's Due. The add-on introduces epidemic mechanics to the game, as well as many other new features.
video games
Damian Gacek
March 9, 2020
Crusader Kings 2 The Old Gods Available For Free
Paradox Interactive continues to spoil its fans. After Crusader Kings II, the Swedish company once again decided to distribute one of its games for free. Anyone who subscribes to Crusader Kings newsletter will receive The Old Gods DLC, an expansion for the second installment of the series, for free.
video games
Agnes Adamus
October 21, 2019
Crusader Kings 2 (Kinda) Goes Free-to-play, Now Available on Steam
Paradox Interactive has released Crusader Kings II for free on Steam. It is not clear how long this offer will last, but for its duration you can download the base version of this medieval strategy free of charge.
video games
Jacob Blazewicz
October 18, 2019
Crusader Kings 2 With All Major DLCs in New Humble Bundle
A new Humble Bundle promotion has been launched. This time the discount package includes Crusader Kings II with all its major DLCs released so far.
special offers
Adrian Werner
July 31, 2019
Excellent Results of Paradox Entertainment
Paradox Interactive has summarized the year 2018. The Q4 turned out to be the best quarter in the publisher's history, despite the fact that the company published only game expansions during the period.
video games
Adrian Werner
February 20, 2019
Crusader Kings II: The Reaper’s Due is coming. And it’s absolutely sick
The Black Death itself, as well as other morbid diseases, found their way to the spotlight now that the newest Crusader Kings II expansion – The Reaper’s Due – has been announced. It will be heading to PC later this year.
video games
Mathias Zulpo
July 22, 2016
Crusader Kings II A Game of Thrones mod got a 1.0 update
Game of Thrones fans keen on strategy games may be interested in this Crusader Kings II modification. A Game of Thrones mod is finally available in a 1.0 version, featuring the brutal universe of A Song of Ice and Fire saga.
video games
November 4, 2015