The Best Crusader Kings 3 DLCs

Summary

• Paradox Interactive’s Crusader Kings 3 offers a continuous stream of DLCs to keep players engaged and fresh with new content every few months.
• Players may find it challenging to determine which DLCs are worth the price, as some may offer little more than cosmetic updates.
• Chapter 3 of DLC content for Crusader Kings 3 includes new content packs like Couture of the Capets and Legends of the Dead, with more upcoming.

Paradox Interactive’s Crusader Kings 3 is a deeply engaging management simulator that sees players take control of entire families across multiple generations as they seek to manage and possibly expand their medieval kingdom. Like many games from Paradox, a lengthy list of DLCs is gradually released in the years following the game’s release. Players will always have new content to keep the game fresh, as well as an opportunity to re-market the game every few months.

Some players like this business model and feel it keeps them engaged with the titles; meanwhile, others have criticized the developers for “cash-grabbing,” feeling that the DLCs do not always justify their price points. With that in mind, it can be difficult for newer players to determine which DLCs are worth downloading and which might be considered a rip-off, offering little more than cosmetic updates. Here is the full, ranked list of Crusader Kings 3 DLCs so far, though there are further DLCs scheduled in the future as well.

Updated on January 10, 2025, by Andrew McLarney: Since its release, Crusader Kings 3 has received numerous content updates and expansion packs, ranging from simple aesthetic additions to full-blown game-changers. With three chapters of DLC now fully released, it remains to be seen whether further content will be added in the future, or whether or not the game adopts a Stellaris-style subscription service to receive all the DLC at once.

15

Fashion of the Abbasid Court

An Overpriced Fashion Pack For One Single Culture

• Released: September 1, 2020

A slightly bizarre DLC, the Fashion of the Abbasid Court focuses on middle eastern attire and provides a few additional clothing items to differentiate certain cultures in the region. However, the DLC is priced at over $50 which is not justifiable in any way.

Whether an error or a marketing funnel tactic, the pricing of the DLC means that it is simply not worth considering at all, even for the most hardcore of Islamic Imperialists. If possible, try to acquire this pack as part of a larger bundle, which will likely be cheaper than just buying the DLC on its own.

14

Elegance of the Empire

A Cosmetic Pack With A Higher Price Than The Base Game

Much like the Fashion of the Abbasid Cout DLC, Elegance of the Empire is similarly sold for a staggeringly high price, considerably higher than the base game itself or any other genuine content-rich DLC. The reason can only be assumed that this is in order to encourage players to buy certain bundles, but not many will have this item available.

For some players who previously acquired the DLC, it does not show up as active and generally does not feature much in the way of new garments anyway. The base game already has many outfits to choose from, with mods adding even further variety.

13

Couture Of The Capets

A Cosmetic Pack That Adds Clothing Inspired By The Royalty of France

• Released: February 6, 2024

Couture of the Capets is a cosmetic pack that adds several new clothing items to the game that characters can equip via the Barbershop icon. This free DLC adds several new garments and crowns inspired by French culture, which is one of the key superpowers when playing around Central Europe.

As well as a variety of new robes and clothes, Couture of the Capets also introduces new hairstyles and new texture materials to decorate clothing with. The Fur Hat is a particularly outstanding item and is one of the most unique-looking crowns in the game.

12

Garments Of The Holy Roman Empire

A Cosmetic Pack That Adds Clothing Inspired By The Holy Roman Empire

• Released: September 1, 2020

Garments of the Holy Roman Empire is a free cosmetic pack adding several new clothing items inspired by the fashion of the Holy Roman Empire. This European superpower, well-known for its grandeur and opulence, is one of the central factions in the game, especially for players based anywhere in Europe or Western Asia.

The pack includes several new crowns, robes, and helmets, as well as a variety of clothing types for lesser nobles. Considering this is a free pack, players will automatically receive this content when they install the game for the first time.

11

Content Creator Pack: North African Attire

A Cosmetic Pack That Adds Fashion Inspired By North African Cultures

• Released: January 23, 2024

The North African Attire Content Creator Pack is the first to be labeled as such and introduces several new outfits and clothing items inspired by the cultures of North Africa. Since these factions do not feature especially distinguishing features in the base game, this can really add to the immersion for players based around North Africa and Iberia.

Unlike the other two cosmetic packs so far, the North African Attire Content Creator Pack is a paid DLC, which may put some players off due to the fact it adds nothing to gameplay. As a result, it may be best to pick this item up as part of a “Chapter” bundle or during a sale.

10

Wandering Nobles

Adds New Lifestyle Options for Increased Character Depth

• Released: November 4, 2024

Wandering Nobles is a character-focused DLC that adds new independent lifestyle options. While some players have complained that there is not enough additional content added here, it can be great for players who prefer to take more of a role-playing approach than a grand strategy one.

New events and activities are added, with the opportunity to react and develop your main character in different ways. While it does not add a huge amount in terms of mechanics and content, it can add a lot more variability to each playthrough.

9

Friends And Foes

A Pack With Minor Interactions And Series Of Events

• Released: September 8, 2022

The Friends and Foes DLC is perhaps the least well-received content pack so far in Crusader Kings 3. Designed to add new dynamics to character interaction and relationships between families, many players have reported bugs and problems with the DLC, as well as some game-breaking mechanics still waiting to be addressed by the developers.

Others have stated that the DLC is almost unnoticeable and does not offer enough additional content even to justify its low price point. As a result, Friends and Foes can be considered non-essential for now, at least until some updates are made to address these issues.

8

Wards & Wardens

Adds More Depth Into The Development Of A Successor But Lacks Content

• Released: August 22, 2023

The Wards & Wardens event pack adds new dynamic story events, particularly centered around childhood and education. The addition of new education events enables players to have greater control over the development of their successors.

This pack also enables adult characters to continue their education and attend universities. While this can be a helpful addition, the pack in general does not add a massive amount of content on its own. For more experienced players in a late-game campaign or starting another playthrough, Wards & Wardens can add some refreshing new events that can help improve replayability.

7

Legacy of Persia

An Immersive Content Pack For Persian Cultures

• Released: November 9, 2023

The Legacy of Persia expansion adds new events and options related to Iranian culture and development. For players who like to focus on Islamic factions, this DLC will greatly enhance the depth of the game and bring a degree of authenticity to the Middle Eastern regions.

It can also be more interesting to play as a neighboring faction when the Persians have a more noticeably distinct culture. On-map buildings will even change into the Abbasid architectural style, which adds a nice visual variation too.

6

Northern Lords

A Highly Immersive And In-Depth Flavor Pack That Brings Norse Culture To Life

• Released: September 1, 2020

The Northern Lords DLC is another flavor pack, this time centering around the Northern kingdoms, and will not affect gameplay much for players who prefer Southern and Eastern factions. However, for those playing as a Norse lord or any kingdom close to the Norse, this will add a great deal more depth and immersion to the character models, with a range of new clothing and crowns being added for both lowborn and nobility characters.

In addition, there are also new music and scripted events to better immerse players in Norse cultures, differentiating these factions from other European factions in the game. A new “Varangian Adventure” mechanic will also enable players in Norse factions to relocate their realm and conquer new territories in a homage to the pioneering and exploring spirit of the Norse. Several new fighting units can also be recruited from Norse territories, including Jomsvikings and Shield Maidens.

5

Legends Of The Dead

A Content Pack Introducing Two New Game Mechanics

The Legends of the Dead DLC introduces two new mechanics: Legends and Plagues. While there were already diseases in the base game, this DLC caused them to influence gameplay a lot more. From measles to The Black Death, this additional layer of jeopardy can add a great challenge for more experienced players, though it can be equally frustrating to manage.

The Legends mechanics allow players to improve their reputation through a variety of means. From the crafting of new, unique artifacts to building Legendary buildings and hosting Legendary feasts, it is possible to elevate houses to a status higher than previously attainable.

4

Fate Of Iberia

A Good Flavor Pack That Brings To Life The Holy War In Iberia Between Christianity And Islam

• Released: September 1, 2020

The Fate of Iberia “Flavor Pack,” perhaps unsurprisingly, focuses primarily on the struggle between Christianity and Islam, specifically in the Iberian region. This will primarily affect factions in or around the area and won’t be of much significance to factions at a far distance. The update adds new clothing and items for the area, primarily those of Islamic origin, and really helps bring to life the cultural struggle between the two religions that can still be seen today in the ruins and monuments of Andalusia.

In addition to these cosmetic changes, there is also a new “Struggle” mechanic that will keep players on edge as they ensure their particular religion maintains control of the area. Unfortunately, some players have reported issues with this mechanic, saying that it is impossible to end the struggle even if the entirety of Hispania has been conquered and controlled. Overall, this pack adds a lot of life to the region and will be particularly interesting for fans of the crusader period. The added dynamic of religious tension also helps to immerse players more fully in the region if they are choosing to play there.

3

Roads To Power

Become Caesar and Reinstate The Roman Empire

• Released: September 24, 2024

Roads To Power is a Byzantine-themed expansion that enables players to attempt a restoration of the Roman Empire. The DLC introduces several new mechanics such as administrative governments, the ability for characters to free roam, and also the ability to become a Caesar.

The expansion introduces new content and mechanics regardless of geographic location, enabling a far greater variety of governments and cultures to emerge. There are also several new cosmetic additions to make the Byzantine factions feel more authentic.

2

Tours And Tournaments

An Expansion That Significantly Increases The Number Of In-Game Activities

The Tours and Tournaments expansion features multiple activities and events to further broaden the different things players can do within the game. For a start, Tournaments, Tours, and Weddings have been added alongside Feasts, Hunts, and Pilgrimages. Each of these activities will lead to further events and interactions, adding more of a story to each character’s life, as well as tricky decisions along with new perks and traits.

Tournaments are particularly engaging and can be customized in a number of ways. Different competitions, from singing to jousting, will pit characters’ skills against one another. An all-new 3D town view has been added to these events, giving players even greater immersion and a sense of connection with their kingdom. Overall, the Tours and Tournaments DLC has been one of the best received by fans since it adds genuinely substantial content that helps to deepen the overall player experience. While presenting players with a great bit of competitive, sporting fun, it can also add an element of danger and jeopardy to important characters.

1

Royal Court

An Incredible Expansion That Greatly Changes The Game, Featuring The Most Content Out Of All

• Released: September 1, 2020

The Royal Court DLC adds perhaps the most substantial content of any available DLC, and it is hard to imagine the game without it once it is installed. Adding the Court mechanics and animations, as well as a variety of new dilemmas and events, this expansion pack is by far the best first choice for any newer players who are unsure of which DLC to buy first. Royal Court also represents an expansion by Paradox Games towards more 3D scenes and interactions, which is certainly a welcome addition to the game and makes players feel even closer to their dynasty and their subjects.

Along with the ability to “Hold Court,” which will present players with a string of dilemmas to pass through, players can also fund “Inspirations” and have courtiers go out to create or search for new artifacts, a number of which can be displayed in the Royal Court. As a result, players can feel that they are creating more of a unique culture and history for their particular faction, which really helps to improve immersion in such a vast and large-scale strategy game. This, along with Northern Lords and Fate of Iberia, can be purchased collectively in the Crusader Kings 3: Royal Edition.