Crusader Kings II

Source: Blue’s News

Steam offers free weekend for another game, as Crusader Kings II can be played gratis for the next free days. Here’s a refresher on this Windows, macOS, and Linux grand strategy game:

The Dark Ages might be drawing to a close, but Europe is still in turmoil. Petty lords vie against beleaguered kings who struggle to assert control over their fragmented realms. The Pope calls for a Crusade to protect the Christians in the Holy Land even as he refuses to relinquish control over the investiture of bishops – and their riches. Now is the time for greatness. Expand your demesne and secure the future of your dynasty. Fill your coffers, appoint vassals, root out traitors and heretics, introduce laws and interact with hundreds of nobles, each with their own agenda.

A good lord will always need friends to support him. But beware, as loyal vassals can quickly turn to bitter rivals, and some might not be as reliable as they seem… Stand ready, and increase your prestige until the world whispers your name in awe. Do you have what it takes to become a Crusader King?

Crusader Kings II explores one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy. Medieval Europe is brought to life in this epic game of knights, schemes, and thrones…

Today, Crusader Kings II Gets Its Biggest Expansion Yet

The medieval battle for the soul of Europe takes center stage in Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury, the newest expansion to Paradox Development Studio’s beloved grand strategy role-playing game. The almost infinite playground of dynastic politics in the Middle Ages takes on new drama with the addition of pagan warrior lodges, where you must constantly prove your mettle, and heroic bloodlines that add glamor and prestige to the descendants of history making characters.

Holy Fury is available now for $19.99 at the Paradox Store and major online retailers.

Holy Fury adds special new challenges for experience players by adding Shattered and Random World starts for the game. Begin playing in Shattered world where no one controls more than one county and prove how clever you are on an even playing field. Or start in a Random World that includes ahistoric kingdoms, empires and religions – a world that resembles our own, but is entirely fictional.

Other features in Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury include:

• Warrior Lodges: Join a Pagan warrior lodge and raid your way up the ranks, unlocking access to powerful allies and greater military skill.
• Dynamic Pagan Reformations: Choose the tenets and organizing principles of your new religion.
• Legendary Bloodlines: Descendants of great warrior heroes will have bonuses that match the accomplishments of their forefathers, including historical bloodlines of Charlemagne, Genghis Khan and others..
• Sway or Antagonize Your Neighbors: Try to win a reluctant vassal through charm and persuasion, or provoke someone you want to push into conflict.
• Sainthood: Pious Catholics can become canonized, passing on their glory to their descendants and making their resting place a site of great value
• Mass Baptism: Emulate Vladimir the Great and convert your pagan nation to Christianity or Islam, dragging your citizens and vassals to the altar with you.
• Coronations: Feudal kings and emperors must find clergy to crown them, since all power descends from the heavens.
• New Crusade Events: Deeper gameplay for the religious wars of the era.
• New Succession Laws: A Pagan Elder Council may have the final word in how a realm is divided among heirs, or a ruler may challenge his brother to combat to unify a realm.
• And much more: Changes to religion, custom names for people or objects, lists of people you’ve killed, and other small changes for flavor and variety.

As usual, Holy Fury is accompanied by a major update FREE to everyone who owns Crusader Kings II. This patch is especially significant since it includes an entirely new Crusade system, breathing new life into one of the game’s major themes.

Watch the official Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury Release Trailer HERE.

Baptism or War! Force the Choice in Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury

Huge New Expansion Highlights Religious War

“One heart and one soul against the Christian name.” So went the message from Estonia after the routing of the Teuton invaders at Umera. The fires of faith burn hot, as local gods come under attack from a universal church that offers a stark choice – God or the Sword?

Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury is the newest and one of the most wide-ranging expansions to Paradox Development Studio’s beloved medieval grand strategy role-playing game. Take charge of a body of righteous warriors in Holy Fury, leading your army on a Crusade for the faith, or defending against attackers. Holy Fury takes its inspiration from the Northern Crusaders of Catholic Europe against its Pagan neighbors. Play either side in a new holy war.

In Holy Fury, Pagan rulers who reform their religion instead of converting will have a chance to design that new Reformed Paganism. A religion of peace or one of war? Will you be guided by the stars or bow to the whims of bloodthirsty gods? Who will lead this new church? Build a new creed on the ashes of the old ways.

Other features in Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury include:

• Shattered and Random Worlds: Start your game on a fictional map of Europe as a small realm fighting for space, or on a random map with historical analogues for the great kingdoms of yore.
• Warrior Lodges: Join a Pagan warrior lodge and raid your way up the ranks, unlocking access to powerful allies and greater military skill.
• Legendary Bloodlines: Descendants of great warrior heroes will have bonuses that match the accomplishments of their forefathers, including historical bloodlines of Charlemagne, Genghis Khan and others..
• Sway or Antagonize Your Neighbors: Try to win a reluctant vassal through charm and persuasion, or provoke someone you want to push into conflict.
• Sainthood: Pious Catholics can become canonized, passing on their glory to their descendants and making their resting place a site of great value.
• Coronations: Feudal kings and emperors must find clergy to crown them, since all power descends from the heavens.
• New Crusade Events: Deeper gameplay for the religious wars of the era.
• New Succession Laws: A Pagan Elder Council may have the final word in how a realm is divided among heirs, or a ruler may challenge his brother to combat to unify a realm.
• And much more: Changes to religion, custom names for people or objects, deeper baptismal mechanics, lists of people you’ve killed, and other small changes for flavor and variety.

Like all Crusader Kings II expansions, Holy Fury will be accompanied by a major free update for all Crusader Kings players, including changes to how Crusades work.

Holy Fury is coming in 2018 for the suggested retail price of $19.99. Click here to view the Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury announcement trailer.

Crack the Chinese Puzzle in Crusader Kings II: Jade Dragon

Caravans have roamed the Silk Road for centuries, bringing wealth and knowledge from far away. Even the richest rajas of India are humbled by the stories of the mighty Chinese Emperor. Can you navigate the fickle desires of this distant ruler? Choose a life of subservience, in the hope of future rewards, or bide your time until your dynasty is strong enough to invade the Empire itself. Dare to take on new political challenges in Crusader Kings II: Jade Dragon.

Jade Dragon is the newest expansion to Crusader Kings II, the beloved medieval strategy role-playing experience from Paradox Development Studios. In Jade Dragon, the riches and overwhelming power of China sits off map, but makes its presence known through tributaries, armies and demands.

For more information about Crusader Kings II: Jade Dragon, visit the games official website.

In less than a month, desktop royalty will have the chance to test their resilience against the most majestic empire of the Middle Ages. On November 16, 2017, Paradox Development Studio will release Crusader Kings II: Jade Dragon, the latest expansion to the best-selling medieval grand strategy role-playing experience.

The Emperor of China is powerful, but not invulnerable. Clever rulers can exploit the Emperor’s occasional generosity to build their own empire, carefully watching the news reports and changes in the Middle Kingdom so that they can best ride out the tides of history. Then, when the moment is right and you are confident in your strength, strike out and seize the Dragon Throne for yourself.

Jade Dragon features include:

• The Further East: A new “China Screen” lays out the status and desires of the Emperor of China, letting you keep tabs on what he wants and how to earn his grace
• An Eventful History: Random events tip you off to major happenings in distant Cathay, letting you know when the Middle Kingdom might be shifting its center of gravity
• Taoism: A Chinese religion that gives bonuses to stewardship, but spreads very slowly.
• New Asian Tributary System: Submit to the Empire as a tributary, always keeping an eye on the waning power of the Emperor, so you can time your escape to freedom
• Ambitious Adventurers: Disgruntled princes or curious adventurers may leave China to seek their own fortune to the west.
• Amazing Riches: Collect wondrous new Chinese artifacts for your characters, and a new Silk Road system that adjusts returns based on China’s stability.
• Chinese Characters: New Chinese and Tibetan portraits and Chinese units bring the empire to life
• Eight New Casus Bellis: Fight!

Jade Dragon will be available on 16 November 2017 for the suggested retail price of $14.99.

For more information about Crusader Kings II: Jade Dragon, visit the games official website.

Price of Crusader Kings II Expansion Set in Green Stone

His most grand and royal eminence, the Emperor of China, has sent an ambassador with intelligence on what to expect once you make his acquaintance in Crusader Kings II: Jade Dragon. In a new feature video from Paradox Development Studio, Henrik Fahraeus, the Game Director for Crusader Kings II goes through some of the changes and new systems coming in Jade Dragon, the newest update to Paradox’s best-selling medieval strategy game.

Jade Dragon expands on Crusader Kings II by introducing the power of a meddling foreign emperor, whose great energies cannot be contained in China alone. Can you channel this imperial ambition to bolster your own kingdom? Maybe you will become strong enough to claim the Middle Kingdom for your own dynasty.

Paradox has also announced that Jade Dragon will be sold for a suggested retail price of $14.99. The expansion will be available later this fall.

For more information about Crusader Kings II: Jade Dragon, visit the games official website.

“Jade Dragon” Pushes Borders Eastward with New Features Spanning India and Transoxiana

Paradox Interactive, a stately pleasure palace devoted to ambitious rulers from all corners of the globe, announces a new expansion coming soon to Crusader Kings II. In “Jade Dragon,” the richest empire on earth looks to the west, seeking subjects and adventure.

In Crusader Kings II: Jade Dragon, Paradox Development Studio introduces the Empire of China as an off-map influence that can give great rewards or great dangers to those whose realms lie in the shadow of the Dragon. Flatter the Emperor with gifts of gold or concubines. Ask favors from the mighty prince. Stay on the good side of his appointed marshals on your borders.

What’s the old saying about crisis being both “danger” and “opportunity”?

Paradox hopes you are not too Jaded to enjoy a new trailer.

Features coming in Crusader Kings II: Jade Dragon include:

• The Imperial Majesty Request: A new “China Screen” lays out the status and desires of the Emperor of China, letting you keep tabs on what he wants and how to earn his grace
• Kow-tow For Now: Submit to the Empire as a tributary, always keeping an eye on the waning power of the Emperor, so you can time your escape to freedom
• Adventure in the Great Wide Somewhere: Disgruntled princes or curious adventurers may leave China to seek their own fortune to the west.
• Booty and the East: Collect wondrous new Chinese artifacts for your characters, and explore a new Silk Road system that adjusts returns based on China’s stability.
• Rally Points: Instruct your levies to automatically gather up exactly where you want them.
• Dictionary of Chinese Characters: New Chinese and Tibetan portraits and Chinese units bring the empire to life
• Eight New Casus Bellis: You can never have enough

For more information about Crusader Kings II, visit the games official website.

Latest Expansion for Crusader Kings II Takes a Leap of Faith

In a world ruled by fear of the afterlife, the wise person takes good care of their soul. Do good works. Build new churches. Defend the faith against heretics, heathens and the corruption that lurks in the heart of all. But what if there were more to the spiritual world than charity and chants? What if you could unlock the secrets of the universe – or turn your back on God entirely? Are you ready to gamble your eternal soul in Crusader Kings II: Monks and Mystics?

Monks and Mystics is the newest expansion to Paradox Development Studio’s beloved classic Crusader Kings II. In this new add-on, your ruler has the chance to join religious societies to improve their standing with both humankind and God (or the gods). Join a monastic order and pursue traditional virtues and learning, or seek out the kind of knowledge only available to those skilled in alchemy and astrology. You can even join underground religious cults to weaken the church or pray to elemental forces of darkness to unlock new and terrible powers.

Monks and Mystics features include:

• Monastic Orders: Special societies devoted to religious learning and pious behavior for most of the world’s faiths.
• Secret Societies: Assassins, underground religious orders, and devil worshipers operate in the shadows to undermine the established order.
• Relics and Treasures: Find religious relics, craft masterwork weapons, or commission spectacular jewelry to add to the glory and power of your realm.
• New Councilor Commands: No more idle advisers, as your councilors can put their skills to work while attending court.

Crusader Kings II: Monks and Mystics is available now on Steam and the official Paradox store for $14.99, and includes new units and portraits for the English and German cultures.

The bells of the abbey are calling you to serve. The chants of the witches summon you to the coven. Let these songs be the backdrop to your machinations. We are also pleased to release the new Hymns of Revelation Music Pack, just $1.99 on Steam or the official Paradox store. Watch the official Crusader Kings II: Monks and Mystics release trailer here.

Monks & Mystics Expansion to Crusader Kings II Sets Date and Price in New Video Developer Diary

Paradox Interactive and Paradox Development Studio have set a release date for the newest expansion to its celebrated medieval role-playing grand strategy game. Crusader Kings II: Monks & Mystics will be leaving the abbey on March 7, 2017 and will be found at Steam and the Paradox Store for $14.99/€14.99.

Monks & Mystics expands the religious side of Crusader Kings II, letting characters join monastic orders, forbidden death cults and even worship Satan in the search for greater power. Perform great charitable acts or feats of infamy as you climb the ranks of your chosen religious community.

Crusader Kings Game Director, Henrik Fåhraeus, talks us through some insights into this latest expansion via a brand new video Developer Diary.

Features of Monks & Mystics include:

• Monastic Orders: Join the Benedictines, Dominicans or other monastic society and increase your prestige while doing homage to God.
• Secret Religious Societies: Hold a secret faith in your heart and slowly increase your religion’s power, climbing from discouraged minority to official faith.
• Devil Worship and Alchemy: Join those who perform Black Masses and dark crimes, or use your intelligence to seek out the hidden mysteries of the universe
• Treasury and Relics: Collect religious relics of the saints to raise your status and increase your power, or craft masterworks of weapons or jewelry that increase your prestige and prowess
• New Councilor Actions: Even councilors that aren’t active in your realm will be using their skills to increase the wealth and stability of your kingdom
• And much more

Monks & Mystics is the first expansion to be released for Crusader Kings II since it celebrated its 5th anniversary this month.

Paradox’s Medieval Strategy Classic Still Going Strong Half a Decade Later

On Valentine’s Day 2012, Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Interactive released Crusader Kings II, a game about Medieval conquest, intrigue, diplomacy, and faith. Over the last five years, Paradox has updated, supported and expanded Crusader Kings II and it continues to challenge the development team’s imagination. Over the last five years, the game has sold over a million copies, not counting the many hundreds of thousands of sales for the many expansions and cosmetic DLC.

Crusader Kings II launched Paradox Development Studio into a new era of popular success, demonstrating that broad and complex games about serious subjects could find a large audience. For half a decade, the game’s community has shared stories of world conquest, daring Crusades, accidental empires and soul-compromising sins.

Let’s be honest; there has been a lot of murder.

To mark this milestone, Paradox will dedicate much of 2017 to celebrating Crusader Kings II and its community. The first step in this year of modern medieval pageantry is to give away a free portrait pack to everyone that owns Crusader Kings II. This South Indian portrait pack will add more color and personality for those who fight for control of the great subcontinent. The pack is available here.

And then tomorrow the celebrations continue with a celebratory video from LongGameShort. His humorous animated videos are firm favorites of the Dev team and the community, so it seemed only right to involve him in our celebrations!

LongGameShort will help in the celebrations with a video release on the 15th of February

Paradox is very grateful for everyone that has embraced Crusader Kings and hopes that you will join us through the year as we pay homage to the lord and master of role-playing grand strategy games.

Those who have not delved into the plotting and intrigue of Crusader Kings II can even pick it up with up to a 75% discount at the Paradox store here!