Best Games Like CK3

Crusader Kings 3 is one of the best grand strategy games of all time and allows players to experience the complete life of medieval rulers. After sinking hundreds of hours into the title, however, some players may wish to play something else, and thankfully, there are plenty of options out there for those looking for something similar.

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If players love Crusader Kings 3, then this means that they would probably like other grand strategy and simulation games. Alternatively, it may be the Middle Ages that Crusader Kings 3 has made them fall in love with, and in this case, there are several great medieval games across multiple different genres to delve into.

Updated August 3, 2024, by Joe Grantham: There are many games like Crusader Kings 3, especially considering its developers, Paradox, have grand strategy games set in almost all eras. The settings of their titles range from the times of Ancient Rome to more recent conflicts, such as World War II, and there is even one set in a futuristic sci-fi galaxy. On the other hand, there are other games vastly different from CK3 that might still appeal to its player base, either due to one similar feature or the fact that they are set in the medieval world. With how popular games set in the Middle Ages are, there will never be a shortage of experiences for CK3 fans to enjoy.

Furthermore, with 2024 already shaping up to be a monumental year for medieval games, fans of Crusader Kings 3 have some fantastic new releases to play, such as Manor Lords, and can also look forward to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 later this year.

15 Norland

A Medieval Colony Sim With Familiar Features For CK3 Fans

If players are looking for games like Crusader Kings 3, then look no further than Norland, which is an intentional mix of CK3 and the colony sim Rim World. As a chaotic and often hilarious medieval colony sim, Norland sees players control an entire family of nobles, all of whom have their own personalities, skills, and desires. Players will instruct them what to do, but depending on their mood, lords won't always obey.

On the smallest scale, building up a small village into a thriving city is a marked difference for CK3 players, but there is also the larger map to think about, with players able to interact and go to war with neighboring rulers. Similarities with Crusader Kings include character opinions, subterfuge, and dark deeds. The best similarity, however, is the ability for twisting stories to unfold in a simulated medieval world full of surprises.

14 Ken Follett's The Pillars Of The Earth

A Medieval Visual Novel Based On A Best-Selling Book That Aligns With CK3's Setting

• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, MacOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch
• Released: August 15, 2017
• Developer: Daedalic Entertainment
• Genres: Visual Novel, RPG

If CK3 fans have never heard of The Pillars of the Earth, a book by Ken Follett, then they are in for a treat whether they want to read the book or play the visual novel game titled Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth. Both are set in England during the 12th century, which is especially interesting with CK3's new start date of 1178.

In the visual novel, players will make choices that matter, deviating from the story of the best-selling book in unexpected ways. The 2D art style is simply beautiful, and the visuals are complemented by wonderful voice acting and an orchestral soundtrack that hits in all the right places. The gameplay elements are well integrated into the story and help players feel like a part of the world.

13 Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord

A Medieval Sandbox Game For Those Who Want To Experience Battles

Some have said that the Venn diagram between Crusader Kings 3 players and Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord players is pretty much a circle, and it's easy to see why. This medieval sandbox game practically has it all, from RPG elements and story to vast medieval battles which can be fought between scores of players online.

Shared elements with the grand strategy title include diplomacy, trade, and the conquering of new land, but in a much more hands on way. The large battles, sieges, and hand-to-hand combat are certainly highlights of the game, and perfect for those looking for a break from staring at a map. The only downside for CK3 fans is that the game doesn't use real historical realms, and instead takes place in an authentic but alternative medieval world.

12 Manor Lords

A Medieval Strategy & City Building Game That Offers A More Zoomed-In Experience Than CK3

If players enjoy the strategy and medieval setting of Crusader Kings 3, then it is highly likely that they will also fall in love with Manor Lords. While it has only just been released in the Early Access stages of development, this mostly solo project is already considered one of the best historical city builders. Yet, it also manages to branch out into other genres that CK3 players will enjoy. For example, when bandits attack or if players want to expand their sphere of influence, they will lead their villagers to war, with real-time battles happening on the same map.

The game is also absolutely stunning with realistic and immersive graphics that no other city builder can compete with. While players won't be able to conquer the whole of Europe as they can in Crusader Kings, the game instead offers a more zoomed-in experience where players can take over new lands through war or diplomacy on a smaller scale. Furthermore, if grand strategy players are unsure how they will fare with the building aspect of the game, they can be put at ease by an incredibly organic and natural building system. There is no grid system, and players will rarely feel frustrated.

11 Imperator: Rome

A Grand Strategy Game Set In Antiquity Before The Start Of CK3

Imperator: Rome is another grand strategy game from Paradox, but unlike Crusader Kings 3, this standalone title did not get off to the best of starts, and players quickly lost interest. However, five years after its release and thanks to the developers listening to fans, Imperator: Rome is now in a great position. In fact, the latest update was even made in collaboration with the game's most dedicated fans, incorporating a few popular mods.

In terms of gameplay, players can expect a mix of features from other Paradox titles, with some RPG and character-focused elements from CK3 as well as population management from the Victoria series. The empire management system is also much more complex and engaging than what players will find in CK3, with lots of fun micro-management aspects for those who feel the urge to take things further. Naturally, there is also a ton of flavor for fans of the Roman era, especially with all the DLC and mods available.

10 Medieval Dynasty

A Medieval Building Game Where Players Can Lead A Dynasty Just Like In CK3

In most games, players take on the role of one character, and if they die, it's game over, or they will revert to the most recent save. In Medieval Dynasty, however, just like in CK3, players carry on as the heir, continuing the dynasty and hopefully adding to its legacy.

Although the game is technically a survival and city-building game, beyond the early stages, survival isn't too hard at all, and instead, players can focus on fostering a new settlement all from a first or third-person perspective. Players will need to find NPCs to inhabit their village and can set them to work to create a thriving community.

9 Stellaris

A Sci-Fi Strategy Game For CK3 Players Who Want A Change

If players enjoy CK3 and other grand strategy games but are a bit bored with historical settings, then Stellaris is a great alternative option. Set in a sci-fi world, players must compete to control and expand their galactic empire, with the game also having RTS elements.

By sending out science ships into the unknown, players will discover new species, planets, and galactic wonders that will change the way the game is played. Just like in CK3, stories unfold as players progress through the ages, and after years of free updates, the game is in great shape.

8 Inkulinati

A Unique Medieval Strategy Game

For fans of Crusader Kings 3, Inkulinati ticks two important boxes, being a strategy game with a medieval theme. However, the gameplay is nothing like CK3 and has been put together in a truly unique way. Inkulinati takes the wacky marginalia of medieval manuscripts and creates a turn-based strategy game where scribes use ink to draw bizarre beasts.

These units range from spear-wielding rabbits to OP snails that can devour any foe. Battlefield elements and actions, which include swatting and crushing these drawings, add to the fun and strategy, with the aim being to kill the opposition's Tiny Inkulinati. Sometimes, this is as simple as pushing them off the edge of the page.

7 Total War: Medieval 2

A Medieval Battle Game For Those Who Want To Play Out The Conflicts In CK3

While many of the best Total War games would likely be great options for fans of Crusader Kings 3, arguably the best fit would be Total War: Medieval 2 given its setting. Despite being released in 2006, the gameplay still holds up to this day, with players able to send ranks of knights, archers, and men-at-arms into massive real-time battles.

Players who enjoyed the strategic aspect of CK3 will be glad to know that Total War: Medieval 2 also features a turn-based campaign with another great medieval map to stare at. One of the best things about the game is playing out real historical battles, such as the Battle of Agincourt between the English and French.

6 Reigns

A Game About The Success Of A Dynasty & Making Tough Choices

• Platforms: PC, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch
• Released: August 11, 2016
• Developer: Nerial
• Genres: RPG, Adventure, Strategy

Crusader Kings 3 is one of many games that allow players to create their own dynasty of rulers, going from insignificant to legendary over the course of centuries. Reigns allows players to focus on this aspect of the game, and similar to a certain dating app, they will swipe left or right on important decisions about the realm.

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By balancing the interests of the church, the army, the treasury, and, of course, the people, players will extend their reigns and, over time, develop a long-lasting and successful dynasty.