Steam sale: This RPG and grand strategy hybrid has never been cheaper
Crusader Kings III is a deep grand strategy RPG set amid the power struggles of the medieval world. Players take control of a noble house, guiding their dynasty to prestige, wealth and lasting influence across generations. At its core is a pausable real-time map that spans Europe, North Africa, parts of Asia and India. Unlike traditional strategy games, you don't command a nation or army, but a family – where character-driven storytelling, personal relationships and long-term planning shape your path. Every decision, from succession and strategic marriages to handling heirs and scandals, echoes through the ages.
Every character in Crusader Kings III comes with their own traits, ambitions and flaws. You can rule with honor or embrace tyranny – as long as it serves your goals. Political alliances, religious strife, assassinations and blackmail are all part of the game. You might outmaneuver rivals through cunning plots, secure peace with strategic marriages or crush enemies in war, all while managing your standing at court and in the church. The medieval world evolves constantly: borders shift, faiths splinter and empires rise and fall. With dynamic AI behavior, no two campaigns play out the same. Ongoing support through mods and expansions like Royal Court, Tours and Tournaments and Legacy of Persia keeps the game fresh and ever-expanding.
Reviews: Strong RPG-strategy mix, but lacking major innovations over its predecessor
Crusader Kings III received a positive review from GameStar, a leading German gaming magazine, which praised its polished presentation and immersive medieval atmosphere. The editors highlighted the detailed 3D character models, epic soundtrack and overall visual design as standout improvements. GameStar described the game as a unique blend of RPG and strategy, notable for its deeply interwoven systems, high level of player freedom and dynamic character development. Talent trees and life paths add meaningful depth, while unpredictable events ensure every campaign feels fresh – a big plus for replay value. Technically, the game runs smoothly even on older PCs, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
Despite its many strengths, Crusader Kings III introduces only a few truly new gameplay mechanics compared to its predecessor. The presentation of battles remains fairly basic and some complex systems – like inheritance – can be hard to grasp. GameStar also noted that the quality of in-game events doesn't quite match the memorable or absurd moments found in Crusader Kings II. Nevertheless, the game earned a solid 83/100 from GameStar. On Steam, the game holds a strong 91% positive rating based on nearly 80,000 user reviews. It also performed well on Metacritic, with a Metascore of 91 and a User Score of 8.3.
70% discount on Steam
Crusader Kings III, developed by Paradox, launched in September 2020 and typically sells for around $50 on Steam. Currently, a 70% discount brings the price down to just $15 – its lowest yet, according to SteamDB. The offer runs until May 12, making now a good time to dive into this acclaimed RPG-strategy hybrid.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
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