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Crusader Kings III Gameplay Video
Crusader Kings III Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Clausewitz Engine (Jomini Toolset) |
| Developer | Paradox Development Studio |
| Publisher | Paradox Interactive |
| Release Date | 2020-09-01 |
| Platforms | PC (Steam, Windows Store, GOG, macOS, Linux), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S |
| Price | $49.99 USD |
Crusader Kings III System Requirements
1080p
tune Minimum – Low/Medium Preset, 1080p (30-45 FPS Target at Speed 3-4)
tune Recommended – High Preset, 1080p (60+ FPS Target at Speed 5)
1440p
tune Enthusiast – Ultra Preset, 1440p (90-120+ FPS Target)
2160p
tune Ultra – Max Ultra Preset, 4K (120+ FPS Target)
Hardware Below These Requirements?
Play Crusader Kings III on Boosteroid Cloud Gaming in 1080p or 4K 60FPS on any PC, Mac, or phone with zero hardware upgrades.
Crusader Kings III Laptop Recommendations
cloud 1080p / 4K 60FPS
flash_on Zero Install / Storage
devices Any Laptop or Phone
Instant Access
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1699
Model: MSI Creator M16 HX with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1615
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G16 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).
memory Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 45W
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
US $1300
Model: MSI Cyborg 15 (RTX 5050 & Intel 7)
memory CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (Score: 1286)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (Score: 9000) @ 45W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $1689
Model: HP Omen 16 (RTX 5060 & Ryzen 9 8940HX)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor (Score: 2225)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (Score: 9000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA / FHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 140W
storage 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $799
Model: HP Victus 15 (RTX 4050 & Ryzen 7)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 105W
storage 16GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $1699
Model: ASUS TUF Gaming A16 with RTX 4050
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 105W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU
storage 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $2699
Model: HP OMEN 16 with RTX 4080 and intel i9 14th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU (Score: 10500)
storage RAM: 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).
memory Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX (Series 2)
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $2299
Model: GIGABYTE AORUS Elite 16 (RTX 5070 & Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)
memory CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX (Series 2) (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU (Score: 12000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).
-
Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 Home 64-bit / Windows 11 (64-bit)
Requires a 64-bit operating system to address extensive system memory needed for global character rosters and map entity buffers.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX Version 11
Utilizes DirectX 11 for broad hardware compatibility, compute shader processing, and animated 3D portrait rendering.
- save_altStorage Note: 20 GB available space (Solid State Drive Recommended)
An SSD drastically reduces save file writing pauses in Ironman mode and shortens initial world load times.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: Native resolution scaling and MSAA anti-aliasing.
Key Settings: 3D Character Portrait Quality, Animated Water, Shadow Resolution, and Map Texture Detail have the largest impact on GPU framerates.
Crusader Kings III: Map Size and Regions
Crusader Kings III: Post-Launch Content / DLC
Crusader Kings III: Skills & Upgrades Overview
Crusader Kings III: Game Editions
Crusader Kings III: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Crusader Kings III: Top 5 Weapons (Subjective/Iconic)
Rank #1
Joyeuse (Charlemagne's Legendary Sword), a masterwork heirloom blade granting immense personal Prowess and vassal opinion.
Rank #2
Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, a magnificent gold and jewel-encrusted regalia artifact conferring massive monthly Prestige and legitimacy.
Rank #3
Spear of Destiny (Holy Lance), a revered biblical relic that dramatically elevates realm Piety and holy war fervor.
Rank #4
Concealed Assassin's Stiletto, the iconic weapon used to execute lethal intrigue Murder schemes against rival kings.
Rank #5
Reichsschwert (Imperial Sword of State), wielded by supreme commanders to inspire knights and boost army combat effectiveness.
Crusader Kings III: Specific Game Elements
Explore in-depth equipment, cast, combat mechanics, and world collectibles documented for Crusader Kings III:
Crusader Kings III Weapons
A slender steel dagger kept hidden beneath royal robes, utilized in high-percentage murder schemes to silently dispatch rival claimants.
The legendary personal arming sword of Charlemagne, bestowing massive martial prowess, knight effectiveness, and prestigious standing upon its bearer.
An exquisite folded-steel blade forged by an inspired court blacksmith, granting substantial combat prowess in battlefield duels.
The official coronation sword of the Holy Roman Empire, conferring supreme legitimacy and commanding respect from unruly feudal vassals.
A holy weapon believed to have pierced Christ's side, generating immense monthly Piety and boosting army morale during crusades.
Crusader Kings III Vehicles
An escorted traveling wagon convoy utilized by rulers embarking on grand pilgrimages to Rome, Jerusalem, or Mecca.
Shallow-draft clinker-built wooden vessels capable of navigating open seas and sailing up shallow river networks to sack inland monasteries.
Crusader Kings III Animals / Creatures
Role: Loyal guard dog that sleeps beside the ruler's bed, providing protection against assassination attempts and offering comfort.
Role: Armored warhorse ridden into battle and tournaments, providing high prowess buffs and injury protection.
Role: Court pet that patrols palace pantries, catching plague-carrying rats and providing gentle stress relief.
Role: Trained royal raptor taken on court hunts to reduce stress and unlock prestigious social events.
Crusader Kings III Characters
Emperor of the Byzantine Empire
A shrewd military strategist and administrative reformer who ascends the imperial throne in Constantinople to rebuild the Roman legacy.
Margravine of Tuscany
A brilliant and devout Italian ruler renowned for her diplomacy, scholarship, and alliance with the Papacy against the Holy Roman Emperor.
Player Created Dynast
A bespoke nobleman or woman created via the Ruler Designer, customized with unique traits, culture, and heraldry to forge a new dynasty.
Duke of Normandy / King of England
The formidable Norman military commander who launches a historic cross-channel invasion in 1066 to seize the English crown.
workspace_premium Top 3 Characters
Rank #1
William the Conqueror (Duke of Normandy / King of England), the ambitious historical figure positioned to seize the English throne in
Rank #2
Empress Matilda of Tuscany (Canossa), an influential, highly educated Italian ruler capable of forging a sovereign kingdom amidst the power struggles of the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor.
Rank #3
lexios I Komnenos, the charismatic Byzantine emperor tasked with saving the Eastern Roman Empire from financial ruin and Seljuk conquest.
Crusader Kings III Missions / Objectives
Objective: Accumulate massive piety, control three holy sites, and establish a new theological doctrine granting custom tenets, sins, and virtues.
Objective: Reconquer the historical core provinces of the Roman Empire across the Mediterranean to unify East and West and declare imperial restoration.
Objective: Invade and secure the Kingdom of England as William of Normandy or Harald Hardrada against King Harold Godwinson.
workspace_premium Top 3 Missions/Objectives
'Restoring the Roman Empire,' a monumental multi
generational campaign decision requiring the reconquest of ancient imperial borders in Italy, Greece, Anatolia, and the Levant to mend the Great Schism and resurrect imperial glory.
Rank #2
'Creating a Custom Reformed Faith,' accumulating massive piety to overhaul religious doctrines, legalizing witchcraft, granting temporal pontiff authority, and declaring great holy wars.
Rank #3
'The 1066 Norman Conquest,' leading Duke William of Normandy across the English Channel to conquer the Anglo-Saxon throne.
Crusader Kings III Companions / Summons
Ability: Diagnoses illnesses, performs experimental surgeries, and brews herbal remedies to save dynastic members from death.
Ability: Oversees the royal stables and organizes expeditions, boosting court grandeur and hunting success rates.
Crusader Kings III Collectibles
Location/Use: Commissioned from court chroniclers and poets; immortalizes the heroic deeds of ancestors and reinforces family legitimacy.
Location/Use: Crafted by inspired artisans or looted from conquered enemy capitals; displayed in the 3D throne room to boost prestige and grandeur.
Location/Use: Discovered on pilgrimages or awarded by religious heads; preserved in the dynasty treasury to generate piety and clerical favor.
workspace_premium Top 3 Collectibles
Rank #1
are Royal Court Pedestal Artifacts (magnificent thrones, woven tapestries, historical books, and jeweled goblets displayed in your 3D court to impress visiting dignitaries).
Rank #2
are Sacred Religious Relics (such as the Bones of Saint Peter or fragments of the True Cross, generating substantial monthly Piety and clergy endorsement).
Rank #3
are Illustrious Dynastic Heirlooms (ancestral armors, crowns, and masterwork swords passed down across generations from founder to heir).
Crusader Kings III Armor
Focus/Stats: Monthly Prestige +2.0, Vassal Opinion +10, Legitimacy Gain +15%; magnificent jewel-encrusted headwear worn during solemn court audiences.
Focus/Stats: Prowess +6, Combat Injury Chance -40%; custom articulated steel armor forged by an inspired master armorer.
Focus/Stats: Prowess +4, Monthly Piety +1.0; mail shirt blessed with sewn-in sacred relics that protect the wearer in holy wars.
Crusader Kings III Clothing / Appearance
Options: Ornate purple silk tunics lavishly embroidered with gold thread and pearls, denoting supreme Roman authority.
Options: Sturdy woolen garments lined with wolf pelt and secured with silver Norse brooches.
Options: Heavy velvet mantle trimmed with winter ermine fur and fastened with a gold heraldic clasp.
Crusader Kings III: Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer ModesThe game features seamless online multiplayer supporting up to 32 players in a shared persistent campaign.Players can choose to cooperate as loyal vassals under an overarching emperor, marry into each other's dynasties to merge lineages, or wage covert cutthroat wars of espionage, assassination, and conquest against fellow human monarchs with drop-in/drop-out functionality.
- labelUser InterfaceThe interface is celebrated for its revolutionary 'Nested Tooltips' system, allowing players to hover over any highlighted keyword, mechanic, or character name to open an interconnected chain of explanatory windows without leaving the screen.Beautiful 3D animated character models reflect age, stress, physical injuries, illnesses, and clothing styles directly in dialogue menus, accompanied by an intuitive realm overview and color-coded map modes.
- labelSound and MusicThe musical score, composed by Andreas Waldetoft and Philip Wareborn, blends authentic medieval instrumentation—including hurdy-gurdies, lutes, psalters, and Gregorian choir chants—that seamlessly transitions into intense martial percussion during declarations of war.Sound effects include atmospheric parchment turning, seal-wax stamping, tavern clatter, and the somber tolling of cathedral bells upon a ruler's death.
- labelGraphics and VisualsBuilt on the Clausewitz Engine with Jomini toolsets, the visual presentation combines a rich parchment map style when zoomed out with detailed 3D topographical terrain (rivers, snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and fortified settlements) when zoomed in.The fully animated 3D character models feature nuanced facial expressions and an advanced genetic inheritance algorithm that realistically blends parental facial structures, skin tones, and hair textures across generations.
- labelAccessibility FeaturesExtensive accessibility options include: comprehensive nested tooltips, scalable UI scaling up to 150%, adjustable text contrast, colorblind-friendly political and diplomatic map modes, customizable game speed controls (from Speed 1 to Speed 5 with pause-at-will), configurable message notification popups, and full controller remapping on consoles.
- labelStory and SettingCrusader Kings III is an expansive medieval sandbox set across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and India, offering historical start dates in 867 AD and 1066 AD running through to the fall of Constantinople in 1453 AD.Rather than controlling an abstract nation-state, players embody the living patriarch or matriarch of a noble dynasty.The emergent narrative is driven by character personalities, secret affairs, familial rivalries, religious schisms, and political power struggles.You must manage feudal vassal contracts, arrange strategic marriages, rear promising heirs, fend off peasant rebellions, and balance piety against worldly ambition to ensure your dynasty's survival across centuries.
- labelTop 3 Mounts/CompanionsIn a dynastic medieval grand strategy RPG, animal companions and personal mounts serve this role:looks_one Rank #1
Rank #1
Royal Warhorse (Destrier), a trusted battle mount that significantly boosts personal Prowess in duels and tournaments while reducing battlefield injury risk.
looks_two Rank #2Rank #2
Royal Hunting Falcon, an avian hunting companion used in royal hunts that provides monthly stress relief and unlocks prestige event choices.
looks_3 Rank #3Rank #3
Palace Pet Dog / Cat, a court animal that provides stress reduction, boosts health, and catches castle rodents to mitigate plague transmission.