VGSources / Games / Development Studio
historical video game
Crusader Kings
By Development Studio, released 1 Jan 2004
- Microsoft Windows
- macOS
- computer wargame
- real-time strategy
- grand strategy wargame
What it is
Crusader Kings is a real-time grand-strategy game set across 400 years of medieval Europe. You take control of a Christian dynasty, manage its lands and vassals, and work toward prestige and piety amid conflict between monarchs, the Emperor and the Pope. You can build castles and cathedrals, set laws and taxes, and deal with courtiers, nobles, robber bands and vassals who may defect. Historical multiple-choice events follow the actions of your monarch. Campaigns include the Hundred Years War, five Crusades and Mongol Wars, with options to play religious orders such as the Knights Templar, the Teutonic Order and the Order of Santiago. Multiplayer battles support up to eight players. The game was released in 2004 and is listed for Windows and macOS; its Steam listing specifies Windows and includes single-player, multiplayer and Family Sharing.
What players like, and what they don't
- 400 years of gameplay across several campaigns
- Manage laws, taxes, lands and vassals
- Play as several religious orders
- Multiplayer supports up to eight players
- Steam platform listing specifies Windows only
- No controller support is listed
Who it suits
It suits players interested in dynastic strategy, medieval conflicts and managing vassals, laws and taxes. Multiplayer is available for groups of up to eight.
Crusader Kings centers on building and managing a medieval dynasty through political choices, warfare and historical events. Its campaign span and multiplayer option offer different ways to play through the setting.
