{{Short description|2020 video game}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}} {{Infobox video game | title = Crusader Kings III | image = Crusader Kings III.jpg | developer = Paradox Development Studio{{efn|Console versions developed in partnership with Lab42 Games}} | publisher = Paradox Interactive | platforms = {{ubl|Microsoft Windows|macOS|Linux|Xbox Series X/S|PlayStation 5}} | released = '''{{ubl|Windows, macOS, Linux}}'''{{video game release|WW|1 September 2020|AUS|7 September 2020<ref name="Australian release date">{{cite web|first=Leah|last=Williams|date=7 September 2020|title=Crusader Kings 3 Officially Gets MA15+ Rating And Can Be Sold In Australia|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/09/crusader-kings-3-australia-release/|website=Kotaku|access-date=5 October 2020|archive-date=9 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009073049/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/09/crusader-kings-3-australia-release/|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}'''{{ubl|PS5, Xbox Series X/S}}'''{{video game release|WW|29 March 2022}} | genre = Grand strategy, role-playing | modes = Single-player, multiplayer | director = Henrik Fåhraeus <br /> Alexander "Rageair" Oltner (Post-release, current) | engine = | producer = | designer = | programmer = | artist = | composer = {{ubl|Andreas Waldetoft|Philip Wareborn}} | series = }}
'''''Crusader Kings III''''' is a grand strategy role-playing video game set in the Middle Ages, developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive as a sequel to ''Crusader Kings'' (2004) and ''Crusader Kings II'' (2012), featuring similar gameplay, centred around historical bloodlines and dynasties. The game was released on PC on 1 September 2020 and on the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 on 29 March 2022 in most regions. The game received favourable critical attention, and has sold over 3 million copies as of September 2023.<ref name=":2" />
==Gameplay== {{multiple image | total_width = 250px | perrow = 2 | align = left | image1 = SanchoIICastile.jpg | image2 = Hasting 859 in Luna.jpg | image3 = Prince Rastislav.JPG | image4 = Mathilde von Canossa auf Thron (cropped).png | footer = Players can select a variety of historical characters from either the 867, 1066 or 1178 start date. Interesting characters, noted by gaming media, include (clockwise from top left), King Sancho II of Castile, Count Hastein of Montaigu, Duchess Matilda of Tuscany and Duke Rastislav of Moravia.<ref>{{cite news |last=Law |first=James |title=Best starting characters in Crusader Kings 3: Which ruler should you pick? |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-starting-characters-in-crusader-kings-3-which-rulers-to-pick |access-date=26 August 2023 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |date=14 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mitra |first1=Ritwik |title=Crusader Kings 3: The 20 Best Starting Rulers For Beginners |url=https://gamerant.com/crusader-kings-3-best-starting-rulers-for-beginners/#jarl-dyre-quot-the-stranger-quot-of-konugardr |access-date=26 August 2023 |work=Game Rant |date=11 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Borsilli |first1=Timothy |title=CK3 starting characters: the best Crusader Kings 3 starts |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/crusader-kings-3/best-ck3-start-characters |access-date=26 August 2023 |work=PCGamesN |date=6 December 2021}}</ref> }} Like its predecessors ''Crusader Kings'' and ''Crusader Kings II'', ''Crusader Kings III'' is a grand strategy game and dynasty simulator set in the Middle Ages. Players begin as a character in either 867, 1066, or 1178, playing as a ruler of certain lands, or a landless character of a certain dynasty or family.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/crusader-kings-3-release-date-trailer-changes/|title=Crusader Kings 3: Everything we know|last=Brown|first=Fraser|date=28 October 2019|website=PC Gamer|language=en-US|access-date=31 October 2019|archive-date=31 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031130907/https://www.pcgamer.com/crusader-kings-3-release-date-trailer-changes/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Borsilli |first=Timothy |date=20 December 2021 |title=Best CK3 3 start guide: the top characters for interesting starts |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/crusader-kings-3/best-ck3-start-characters |access-date=13 November 2020 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113161931/https://www.pcgamesn.com/crusader-kings-3/best-ck3-start-characters |url-status=live }}</ref> The game map is significantly more detailed than in ''Crusader Kings II'', incorporating Europe, parts of Africa, as well as new areas like China, Japan, Indonesia and various neighbouring areas.<ref>{{Citation |title=10 Major Changes Coming With Crusader Kings 3 (PDXCON 2019) |date=23 October 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_XscMy0Lqg |access-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224102440/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_XscMy0Lqg |archive-date=24 February 2020 |url-status=live |publisher=PartyElite |language=en}}</ref> Each region is separated into many titles of different status, presented in rank descending order: '''Hegemonies''', '''Empires''', '''Kingdoms''', '''Duchies''', '''Counties''' and '''Baronies'''. Baronies - the lowest rank of the title - are bounded to a certain settlement like cities or tribes; the amount of maximum counties the character should hold is defined by a certain number of "domain", exceeding which is fraught with negative effects for the character's entire country. In order to prevent, exceeding the domain number, the player can give any of their held titles to other characters.
Each character has a combination of 6 Skills: Diplomacy, Martial, Stewardship, Intrigue, Learning and Prowess, all defining how good this character is in a corresponding field. Skills can be affected by various traits, like aspects of personality (laziness, greed, arrogance, calmness, etc), education (in certain skill like learning or intrigue, automatically given to all characters when they reach adulthood) and genetically inherited traits (like gigantism, natural poor or strong health, albinism).<ref name="RPStenthings">{{cite news |date=19 October 2019 |title=Crusader Kings 3 is happening: here's ten things we know so far |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/10/19/crusader-kings-3-is-happening-heres-ten-things-we-know-so-far/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019110731/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/10/19/crusader-kings-3-is-happening-heres-ten-things-we-know-so-far/ |archive-date=19 October 2019 |access-date=19 October 2019 |website=Rock Paper Shotgun}}</ref> Each trait might also provide serious changes to the game, affecting many different factors aside from character's skills; making choices that go against a character's traits will increase the character's stress, reaching a certain level of which might result in negative and even lethal outcomes.<ref name="usg">{{cite web |last1=Hafer |first1=T.J. |date=23 October 2019 |title=Paradox Answers 12 Major Questions About Crusader Kings 3 |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/paradox-answers-12-major-questions-about-crusader-kings-3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023203011/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/paradox-answers-12-major-questions-about-crusader-kings-3 |archive-date=23 October 2019 |access-date=23 October 2019 |website=USGamer}}</ref> Characters are also able to select one of six lifestyles to follow, with each lifestyle having three skill trees that allow characters to enhance skills related to that lifestyle.
All counties in the game have their own type of government that can be changed under certain conditions: feudal, tribal, wanua, nomadic, clan, mandala, meritocratic, celestial, ritsuryō, sōryō or administrative, that affect the gameplay of their holder in different ways.<ref name=":0">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqUZoO8WwK8&list=WL&index=15 |title=Crusader Kings 3 - PDXCON Berlin keynote |date=20 October 2019 |language=en |publisher=Paradox Interactive |access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref> Republics, herder and theocracies government types exist as well, but are unplayable and can be used only by NPC. Every county and character also has a culture or religion bound to them that can be changed; each of these concepts is grouped by historical origin and provides certain bonuses for its lands and people, for culture it is defined by Traditions (single bonuses, like specialisation on a certain terrain or unique society structure) and Ethos (one, total way of life of the culture like 'stoic' or 'communal'), while for religion it is defined by Tenets (practices like megalithic building or asceticism) and Doctrines (stances towards issues like homosexuality and female clergy).<ref name="usg" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mateș |first=Bogdan Robert |title=Crusader Kings 3: Royal Court Lets You Reform Existing {{!}} GameWatcher |url=https://www.gamewatcher.com/crusader-kings-3-dev-diary-79 |access-date=2026-06-01 |website=www.gamewatcher.com |language=en}}</ref>
Characters always control at least three types of resources: '''Prestige''', '''Gold''' and '''Piety''', with some regional resources like Influence and Treasure being specific for certain government types. Gold is used to build new buildings, buy mercenaries and personal items for the character, hire servants that provide useful bonuses, or host events like hunts or feasts. Prestige is used for various social interactions, sometimes together with gold, as well as for declaring war on other rulers to conquer a certain title. Piety is used for different interactions with religion, including changing and creating new ones.<ref name="pcg">{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Fraser |date=23 October 2019 |title=Crusader Kings 3 will let you become the pope of your own cannibal cult |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/crusader-kings-3-will-let-you-become-the-pope-of-your-own-cannibal-cult/ |access-date=23 October 2019 |website=PC Gamer |archive-date=24 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024004717/https://www.pcgamer.com/crusader-kings-3-will-let-you-become-the-pope-of-your-own-cannibal-cult/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Upon the death or deposition of a player's character they continue to play as that character's heir unless that character lacks any viable heir in which case the game will end. Overall, players develop a dynasty over the centuries, with the game ending in 1453, though the time limit can be turned off in the settings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Faulkner |first=Jason |date=8 September 2020 |title=Crusader Kings 3 End Year {{!}} What date is the game over? |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/658795-crusader-kings-3-end-year-date-game-over |access-date=13 November 2020 |website=GameRevolution |archive-date=3 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203073909/https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/658795-crusader-kings-3-end-year-date-game-over |url-status=live }}</ref> The heads of dynasties are able to use a new resource known as '''Renown''' to assert their control over their house, as well as unlocking special bonuses that are applied on all members of the dynasty.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Scott-Jones |first1=Richard |title=Here's how cadet houses will work in Crusader Kings 3 |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/crusader-kings-3/cadet-houses |website=PCGamesN |access-date=23 October 2019 |date=23 October 2019 |archive-date=24 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024033116/https://www.pcgamesn.com/crusader-kings-3/cadet-houses |url-status=live }}</ref>
Levies are represented primarily by low-quality infantry composed of peasants. Characters will need to hire men-at-arms in order to field higher-quality soldiers, such as crossbowmen, heavy infantry and cavalry. Characters can make other characters from their court or realm with high combat skills (prowess) into powerful knights.<ref name="usg" />
Unlike preceding games in the series, characters have full-body, 3D-rendered models.<ref name="pcg" /> These character models can be customised with clothes and headwear by clicking the Barbershop button in the character menu. The characters' models change slightly to represent their age, status, health and traits.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Scott-Jones |first1=Richard |date=23 October 2019 |title=Crusader Kings 3 adds 'dread' to let you role-play as King Joffrey |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/crusader-kings-3/dread |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024033116/https://www.pcgamesn.com/crusader-kings-3/dread |archive-date=24 October 2019 |access-date=23 October 2019 |website=PCGamesN}}</ref>
==Development== thumb|Full map of the game available as of May 2026, showing playable areas of Europe, Asia and Africa with political borders, set in 1066 AD. Game director Henrik Fåhraeus commented that development of the game commenced "about 1 year before ''Imperator''", indicating a starting time of 2015. Describing the game engine of ''Crusader Kings II'' as cobbled and "held together with tape", he explained that the new game features an updated engine (i.e. Clausewitz Engine and Jomini toolset) with more power to run new features.<ref name=":0" />
As is the case with many of Paradox's unreleased and currently supported works, the developers publish a weekly developer diary. Each post focuses on a single aspect of the game, such as government types, user interface, governments, war, etc., how this aspect of the game will be handled in ''Crusader Kings III'', and how it is different from ''Crusader Kings II''. A monthly update video is also published on the Paradox Interactive YouTube channel, summarizing all of the changes which have been made in that month's developer diaries.
===Downloadable content=== {| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;" ! style="width: 15%;height:50px;" |Name !Accompanying Patch !Type ! style="width: 15%;" |Release date !Description |- ! colspan="5" |Chapter I |- |'''''Northern Lords''''' |1.3 "Corvus" |Flavor Pack |16 March 2021 |''Northern Lords'' contains additional content pertaining to Viking Age Scandinavia including the ability to form adventurer realms, access to holy warriors and shield-maidens, unique dynastic legacies, and culture-specific events and decisions.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Fraser |date=14 March 2021 |title=Crusader Kings 3 is heading north for its first DLC, coming next week |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/crusader-kings-3-is-heading-north-for-its-first-dlc-coming-next-week/ |access-date=14 March 2021 |work=PC Gamer |archive-date=23 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123101754/https://www.pcgamer.com/crusader-kings-3-is-heading-north-for-its-first-dlc-coming-next-week/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |'''''Royal Court''''' |1.5 "Fleur-de-Lis" |Major Expansion |8 February 2022 |''Royal Court'' gives players a customizable throne room in which to welcome people to court. It also allows players to decorate the room in order to gain more Grandeur, a feature introduced in the expansion, which, when increased, will give access to higher quality guests. Additional features around artifacts, culture, and liege interactions were also included.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Acebedo|first=Bayani|date=25 May 2021|title=Crusader Kings III Announces Upcoming Expansion: Royal Court|work=whatoplay|url=https://whatoplay.com/post/ck3-royal-court|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=23 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123101745/https://whatoplay.com/post/ck3-royal-court|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''''Fate of Iberia''''' |1.6 "Castle" |Flavor Pack |31 May 2022 |''Fate of Iberia'' contains additional content focusing on the Iberian Peninsula during the Reconquista. Features include new cultural traditions and culture-specific events and decisions, along with universal mechanics around friend interactions and chess duels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Julia |date=19 April 2022 |title=Crusader Kings III: Fate of Iberia Brings Medieval Spain and Portugal To Life |url=https://www.cbr.com/crusader-kings-iii-fate-of-iberia-explansion-announcement/ |access-date=19 April 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US |archive-date=19 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419185720/https://www.cbr.com/crusader-kings-iii-fate-of-iberia-explansion-announcement/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |'''''Friends and Foes''''' |1.7 "Bastion" |Event Pack |8 September 2022 |''Friends and Foes'' contains over 100 additional events surrounding a character's relationships with their friends and rivals. Also includes memories that a character will reminisce over throughout their life.<ref>{{Cite news |author1=Wolens |first=Joshua |date=31 August 2022 |title=Paradox is changing how it releases Crusader Kings 3 DLC, and the monarchs have some concerns |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/paradox-is-changing-how-it-releases-crusader-kings-3-dlc-and-the-monarchs-have-some-concerns/ |access-date=31 August 2022 |archive-date=31 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831235609/https://www.pcgamer.com/paradox-is-changing-how-it-releases-crusader-kings-3-dlc-and-the-monarchs-have-some-concerns/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! colspan="5" |Chapter II<ref name=":1" /> |- |'''''Tours and Tournaments''''' |1.9 "Lance" |Major Expansion |11 May 2023 |''Tours and Tournaments'' introduces the travel and grand activities systems as well as allowing rulers to bestow accolades to their knights.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Wutz |first=Marco |date=5 April 2023 |title=Crusader Kings 3 Tours & Tournaments DLC release date, 2023 roadmap announced |url=https://videogames.si.com/news/crusader-kings-3-tours-and-tournaments-release-date |access-date=5 April 2023 |website=Video Games on Sports Illustrated |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405194135/https://videogames.si.com/news/crusader-kings-3-tours-and-tournaments-release-date |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |'''''Wards and Wardens''''' |1.10 "Quill" |Event Pack |22 August 2023 |''Wards and Wardens'' adds events surrounding a character's childhood, parenting, and education. Also included are expanded mechanics around eccentric characters, midwifery, and exchanging hostages and wards.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-15 |title=Crusader Kings 3 DLC turns your heirs from rebels into rulers |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/crusader-kings-3/wards-and-wardens |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |'''''Legacy of Persia''''' |1.11 "Peacock" |Flavor Pack |9 November 2023 |''Legacy of Persia'' expands gameplay in the Persia region, and introduces the Iranian Intermezzo as a featured start date.<ref name=":1" /> |- ! colspan="5" |Chapter III<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNally |first=Paul |date=2024-02-07 |title=Crusader Kings III Chapter 3 is bringing the Black Death to gaming |url=https://readwrite.com/crusader-kings-iii-chapter-3-is-bringing-the-black-death-to-gaming/ |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=ReadWrite |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=November 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |- |'''''Legends of the Dead''''' |1.12 "Scythe" |Core Expansion |4 March 2024 |''Legends of the Dead'' introduces the Black Death and other diseases which spread across the map along with the legend system, allowing characters to build their dynasty's legitimacy by promoting tales about the actions of their ancestors.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-06 |title=Crusader Kings 3 is about to make you compete with the Black Death |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/crusader-kings-3/chapter-3 |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |'''''Roads to Power''''' |1.13 "Basileus" |Major Expansion |24 September 2024 |''Roads to Power'' introduces the ability to play as a landless character, traveling across the map and taking on contracts as an adventurer. Additional mechanics include new administrative and imperial government mechanics, family estates, and content for the Byzantine Empire.<ref>{{Cite news |author1=Len Hafer |date=2024-02-06 |title=There's so much cool stuff coming to Crusader Kings 3 this year that I'm not sure what to be most excited for |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/crusader-kings-3-chapter-3-announcement/ |access-date=2024-02-08 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref> |- |'''''Wandering Nobles''''' |1.14 "Traverse" |Event Pack |4 November 2024 |''Wandering Nobles'' adds events and activities connected to the travel system.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-07 |title=New Crusader Kings 3 DLC brings Byzantines and Black Death |url=https://www.wargamer.com/crusader-kings-3/dlc-chapter-3-byzantine-empire-black-death |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=Wargamer |language=en-US}}</ref> |- ! colspan="5" |Chapter IV<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-17 |title=Paradox prepares for Crusader Kings 3's "biggest year yet" with Chapter 4 coming in 2025 |url=https://www.yardbarker.com/video_games/articles/paradox_prepares_for_crusader_kings_3s_biggest_year_yet_with_chapter_4_coming_in_2025/s1_17144_41422588 |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=Yardbarker |language=en}}</ref> |- |'''''Khans of the Steppe''''' |1.16 "Chamfron" |Core Expansion |28 April 2025 |''Khans of the Steppe'' introduces new nomadic government mechanics revolving around managing animal herds, establishing dominance among other nomads, and dealing with the changing climate of the Eurasian Steppe through migration. Additional mechanics include Confederations and Tributaries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-12 |title=Paradox's greatest grand strategy game reveals new DLC that will transform how you play |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/crusader-kings-3/chapter-four-khans-of-the-steppe |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |'''''Coronations''''' |1.17 "Ascendant" |Event Pack |9 September 2025 |''Coronations'' adds new events and the coronation activity. |- |'''''All Under Heaven''''' |1.18 "Crane" |Major Expansion |28 October 2025 |''All Under Heaven'' expands the scope of the game's map to include all of Asia, introducing new government types, faiths, and cultural mechanics for regions such as China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Other additions include hegemonies, dynastic cycles, great projects, and administrative treasuries. |- ! colspan="5" |Chapter V |- |'''''By God Alone''''' | |Core Expansion |Q3 2026 | |- |'''''Silk & Silver''''' | |Major Expansion |Q4 2026 | |- |}
===Mods=== ''Crusader Kings III'' is also known for its large number of third-party mods available on the Steam Workshop. These mods can add new game mechanics as well as make graphical improvements. Some popular mods include the total conversion mod ''A Game of Thrones'', which is set in the world of ''A Song of Ice and Fire'', ''The Fallen Eagle'', which changes the game's timeline to the fall of the Western Roman Empire, ''Warcraft: Guardians of Azeroth 2 (Reforged)'', which is set in the ''Warcraft'' series or ''Realms in Exile'', which is set in the world of ''The Lord of the Rings''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 June 2023 |title=The Best Crusader Kings 3 Mods {{!}} GameWatcher |url=https://www.gamewatcher.com/news/the-best-crusader-kings-3-mods |access-date=22 June 2023 |website=www.gamewatcher.com |language=en |archive-date=16 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616023016/https://www.gamewatcher.com/news/the-best-crusader-kings-3-mods |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Release== The game was released on 1 September 2020 and is available through Steam and Xbox Game Pass for PC.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Pereira |first1=Chris |last2=Harris |first2=Olivia |date=31 August 2020 |title=Crusader Kings 3 Finally Releases On Tuesday |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crusader-kings-3-finally-releases-on-tuesday/1100-6477308/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904024637/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crusader-kings-3-finally-releases-on-tuesday/1100-6477308/ |archive-date=4 September 2020 |access-date=1 September 2020 |work=GameSpot}}</ref> The game is available in two editions: the Base Game Edition, which includes the base game and a pre-order bonus, and the Royal Edition, which includes the base game and an expansion pass. The expansion pass contains a collection of additional content packs and the first expansion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Introduction: Your Legacy Awaits |url=https://www.crusaderkings.com/#preorder |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831201620/https://www.crusaderkings.com/#preorder |archive-date=31 August 2020 |access-date=20 July 2020 |website=Crusader Kings III |publisher=Paradox Interactive |language=en}}</ref>
''Crusader Kings III'' was initially rejected by the Australian Classification Board, reportedly over complications regarding the game's classification. However, the Australian Classification Board denied having contact with Paradox Interactive, who claimed they sought classification through the third party distributor Plaion, formerly Koch Media.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/08/crusader-kings-3-is-being-delayed-in-australia-and-its-not-clear-why/ |title=Kotaku | Gaming Reviews, News, Tips and More }}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> The game was eventually cleared and released in Australia six days after its initial release, on 7 September 2020. Because of its delayed release, the pre-order bonus window was extended to 21 September exclusively for Australian Steam users.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2020 |title=Crusader Kings III available today for Australian players! |url=https://store.steampowered.com/newshub/app/1158310/view/2877192714601209349 |access-date=7 September 2020 |website=Steam |publisher=Paradox Development Studio |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Leah J |date=7 September 2020 |title=Crusader Kings 3 Officially Gets MA15+ Rating And Can Be Sold In Australia |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/09/crusader-kings-3-australia-release/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907053955/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/09/crusader-kings-3-australia-release/ |archive-date=7 September 2020 |access-date=7 September 2020 |website=Kotaku |language=en}}</ref>
A console version of the game was released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S on 29 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nieva |first=Jason |date=28 January 2022 |title=Crusader Kings 3 Coming to Next-Gen Consoles March 29 |url=https://www.player.one/crusader-kings-3-consoles-march-29-145259 |access-date=30 March 2022 |website=Player.One |language=en |archive-date=11 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311194513/https://www.player.one/crusader-kings-3-consoles-march-29-145259 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kunzelman |first=Cameron |date=26 January 2022 |title=Crusader Kings 3, coming to PS5 and Xbox in March, plays surprisingly well on console |url=https://www.polygon.com/22901556/crusader-kings-3-console-release-date-ps5-xbox-series-x |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305194811/https://www.polygon.com/22901556/crusader-kings-3-console-release-date-ps5-xbox-series-x |archive-date=5 March 2022 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=Polygon}}</ref> The game was made available on Xbox Game Pass on the same day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Rebecca |date=15 March 2022 |title=Xbox Game Pass Adds Crusader Kings 3, F1 2021, Shredders and More This Month |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/703573-xbox-game-pass-adds-crusader-kings-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315200751/https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/703573-xbox-game-pass-adds-crusader-kings-3 |archive-date=15 March 2022 |access-date=30 March 2022 |website=GameRevolution}}</ref>
==Reception== {{Video game reviews <!-- Aggregators --> | MC = PC: 91/100<ref name="MCPC">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crusader-kings-iii/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Crusader Kings III for PC Reviews|website=Metacritic|access-date=6 April 2022|archive-date=13 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813090937/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/crusader-kings-iii|url-status=live}}</ref><br/>PS5: 85/100<ref name="MCPS5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crusader-kings-iii/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5|title=Crusader Kings III: Console Edition for PlayStation 5 Reviews|website=Metacritic|access-date=4 May 2022|archive-date=31 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331185227/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/crusader-kings-iii-console-edition|url-status=live}}</ref><br/>XSXS: 83/100<ref name="MCXSXS">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crusader-kings-iii/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x|title=Crusader Kings III: Console Edition for Xbox Series X/S Reviews|website=Metacritic|access-date=13 April 2022|archive-date=31 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331185235/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-series-x/crusader-kings-iii-console-edition|url-status=live}}</ref> <!-- Reviewers --> | GameRev = 9/10<ref name="GameRev">{{Cite web|last=Faulkner|first=Jason|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/657750-crusader-kings-3-review|title=Crusader Kings 3 Review {{!}} In the company of kings|website=GameRevolution|date=31 August 2020|access-date=6 April 2022|archive-date=22 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422033042/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/657750-crusader-kings-3-review|url-status=live}}</ref> | GSpot = 8/10<ref name="GameSpotreview"/> | IGN = 10/10<ref name="IGNreview"/> | PCGUS = 94/100<ref name="PCGamerreview">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/crusader-kings-3-review/|title=Crusader Kings 3 review|website=PC Gamer|first=Fraser|last=Brown|date=31 August 2020|access-date=6 April 2022|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831180734/https://www.pcgamer.com/crusader-kings-3-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> | PCGN = 9/10<ref name="PCGN">{{Cite web|last=Boudreau|first=Ian|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/crusader-kings-3/review-ck3|title=Crusader Kings 3 review – 'next gen' has arrived|website=PCGamesN|date=31 August 2020|access-date=6 April 2022|archive-date=31 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171908/https://www.pcgamesn.com/crusader-kings-3/review-ck3|url-status=live}}</ref> | PSQ = 8/10<ref name="PSQ">{{Cite web|last=Ramsey|first=Robert|url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/crusader-kings-iii-console-edition|title=Mini Review: Crusader Kings III: Console Edition (PS5) - Strategic Royalty Rewards Patient Players|website=Push Square|date=29 March 2022|access-date=6 April 2022|archive-date=31 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171937/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/crusader-kings-iii-console-edition|url-status=live}}</ref> | SN = 9/10<ref name="SN">{{Cite web|last=Denzer|first=TJ|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/120077/crusader-kings-3-review-your-noble-story-eternally-unfolding|title=Crusader Kings 3 review: Your noble story eternally unfolding|website=Shacknews|date=31 August 2020|access-date=6 April 2022|archive-date=14 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214094701/https://www.shacknews.com/article/120077/crusader-kings-3-review-your-noble-story-eternally-unfolding|url-status=live}}</ref> | VB = 5/5<ref name="VB">{{Cite web|last=Wilson|first=Jason|url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/08/31/crusader-kings-iii-review/|title=Crusader Kings III review -- King me|website=VentureBeat|date=31 August 2020|access-date=6 April 2022|archive-date=6 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406092013/https://venturebeat.com/2020/08/31/crusader-kings-iii-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> | VG247 = 5/5<ref name="VG247"/> }}
''Crusader Kings III'' received "generally favorable" reviews for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S according to review aggregator platform Metacritic;<ref name="MCPS5"/><ref name="MCXSXS"/> the PC version received "universal acclaim".<ref name="MCPC"/> Leana Hafer of ''IGN'' wrote that the game "is a superb strategy game, a great RPG, and a master class in how to take the best parts of existing systems and make them deeper and better"; scoring it 10/10 in her review.<ref name="IGNreview">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/crusader-kings-3-review|title=Crusader Kings 3 Review|website=IGN|first=Leana|last=Hafer|date=31 August 2020|access-date=6 April 2022|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901052857/https://www.ign.com/articles/crusader-kings-3-review|url-status=live}}</ref> Lauren Aitken from ''VG247'' also gave the game a perfect score, writing it is "just as bonkers, unpredictable and enthralling as its predecessor."<ref name="VG247">{{Cite web|last=Aitken|first=Lauren|date=31 August 2020|title=Crusader Kings 3 review: Spy, seduce and murder your way to victory in the best grand strategy game yet|url=https://www.vg247.com/crusader-kings-3-review|access-date=6 April 2022|website=VG247|archive-date=31 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171313/https://www.vg247.com/crusader-kings-3-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
David Wildgoose of ''GameSpot'' praised the procedural narratives of the game saying that they are rarely as affecting and poignant as they are here; on the other hand, as a negative point, he wrote that "when the story engine isn't firing, your actions can feel rote and uninspired".<ref name="GameSpotreview">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/crusader-kings-3-review-lifetime-achievement/1900-6417551/|title=Crusader Kings 3 Review – Pass the Duchy|website=GameSpot|first=David|last=Wildgoose|date=24 September 2020|access-date=6 April 2022|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901173628/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/crusader-kings-3-review-lifetime-achievement/1900-6417551/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The console port of the game has been criticized by players due to being "unplayable" during the late-game due to technological bottlenecks, frequent crashes, overheating, and other limitations to console capabilities. Paradox and Lab42 have been working to fix these issues by removing the 3D models in family trees and more frequent clearing of the game's cache.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Harris |first1=BW |title=Crusader Kings III Deemed Unplayable in 2023 on Console by Fans |url=https://medium.com/slay-the-meta/crusader-kings-iii-is-unplayable-on-xbox-series-s-x-in-2023-8ca20415d533 |website=Medium |date=17 February 2024 |access-date=8 September 2024}}</ref> Because of Lab42 struggling to develop the console version of the game, they were later replaced by Dragon lake.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davey |first=Jamie |title=Paradox teams up with Dragons Lake to help "develop and {{!}} GameWatcher |url=https://www.gamewatcher.com/news/paradox-crusader-kings-3-ps5-xbox-series-x#:~:text=Paradox%20Interactive%20has%20teamed%20up%20with%20a%20new,of%20the%20console%20versions%20of%20Crusader%20Kings%203. |access-date=2025-10-23 |website=www.gamewatcher.com |language=en}}</ref>
===Sales=== The game sold more than 1 million copies within 1 month of release.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/paradox-reports-record-quarterly-revenues-as-i-crusader-kings-iii-i-sales-top-1-million|title=Paradox reports record quarterly revenues as ''Crusader Kings III'' sales top 1 million|first=Chris|last=Kerr|website=Gamasutra|date=17 November 2020|access-date=6 April 2022|archive-date=17 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117151524/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/373819/Paradox_reports_record_quarterly_revenues_as_Crusader_Kings_III_sales_top_1_million.php|url-status=live}}</ref> It was the seventh best-selling game in September 2020 in the US, and had the highest launch month sales for any Paradox Interactive title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/10/16/npd-september-2020-crusader-kings-iii/|title=September 2020 NPD: Crusader Kings III has the best showing in franchise history|first=Jason|last=Wilson|website=VentureBeat|date=16 October 2020|access-date=15 September 2021|archive-date=15 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915030554/https://venturebeat.com/2020/10/16/npd-september-2020-crusader-kings-iii/|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2022, Paradox Interactive announced that ''Crusader Kings III'' had sold over 2 million units worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kerr|first=Chris|date=17 March 2022|title=''Crusader Kings III'' has sold over 2 million copies worldwide|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/crusader-kings-iii-has-sold-over-2-million-copies-worldwide|access-date=6 April 2022|website=Game Developer|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317120014/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/crusader-kings-iii-has-sold-over-2-million-copies-worldwide|archive-date=17 March 2022}}</ref> In September 2023, Paradox Interactive announced that ''Crusader Kings III'' had sold over 3 million units worldwide.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Jarvis |first=Matt |date=2023-09-01 |title=Crusader Kings 3 has sold 3 million copies and ruined a lot of weddings in the three years since it released |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/crusader-kings-3-has-sold-3-million-copies-and-ruined-a-lot-of-weddings-in-the-three-years-since-it-released |access-date=2024-11-14 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |language=en}}</ref> As of April 2025, ''Crusader Kings III'' has sold over 4 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{Cite news |author1=Fraser Brown |date=2025-04-23 |title=Crusader Kings 3 has hit 4 million sales, but all that tells me is that not enough of you have played the best game |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/strategy/crusader-kings-3-has-hit-4-million-sales-but-all-that-tells-me-is-that-not-enough-of-you-have-played-the-best-game/ |access-date=2025-04-23 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref>
===Accolades=== In December 2020, ''Crusader Kings III'' was nominated in the Best Sims/Strategy category at The Game Awards, but lost to ''Microsoft Flight Simulator''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tassi |first=Paul |date=11 December 2020 |title=Here's The Game Awards 2020 Winners List With A Near-Total 'Last Of Us' Sweep |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2020/12/11/heres-the-game-awards-2020-winner-list-with-a-near-total-last-of-us-sweep/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211123633/https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2020/12/11/heres-the-game-awards-2020-winner-list-with-a-near-total-last-of-us-sweep/ |archive-date=11 December 2020 |access-date=6 April 2022 |website=Forbes}}</ref> In April 2021, ''Crusader Kings III'' also received a nomination for Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year at the 24th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, again losing out to ''Microsoft Flight Simulator''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2021&idGameAwardType=129 |title=2021 Awards Category Details Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |website=interactive.org |access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref>
==Notes== {{Notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== * [https://www.crusaderkings.com/ Official Crusader Kings website] * [https://ck3.paradoxwikis.com/Developer_diaries Crusader Kings III Developer Diaries] * [https://ck3.paradoxwikis.com/Crusader_Kings_III_Wiki Wiki for Crusader Kings III]
{{Paradox development studio games}} {{Portal bar|Video games}}
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