Crusader Kings II
Released Feb 2012
Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.
85% positive · 74K reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to get it
Free on Steam
Evaluation
Crusader Kings II launched on February 14, 2012 and received a substantial run of paid expansions and DLC over the following years, with the final major paid expansion — Holy Fury — releasing on November 13, 2018. From 2019 onward, Paradox's communications on the CK2 Steam page shifted entirely toward promoting Crusader Kings III, its sequel. CK3 launched on September 1, 2020 and was announced directly on the CK2 store page, signaling the clear handoff of the franchise.
Post-CK3 launch, the only activity on the CK2 page was maintenance work: a Mac compatibility patch for macOS Big Sur on February 8, 2021, and a hotfix (patch 3.3.5.1) on September 28, 2021 to fix a compatibility issue with the EU4 Converter DLC and some mods. That September 2021 hotfix is the last developer communication of any kind. No new content has been announced or released since Holy Fury in 2018, and there are no unreleased DLC entries in the store listing. All 32 DLC items are marked as released.
The game is a complete, finished product. The developer's attention moved fully to Crusader Kings III, and the only post-2018 updates to CK2 were minor compatibility maintenance patches with no content additions. The last patch (September 28, 2021) is the most reasonable marker for when all development activity concluded.
Evidence
Paradox announced the launch of Crusader Kings III on the CK2 Steam page, effectively marking the franchise's continuation in a new title rather than further CK2 development.
Holy Fury, released November 13, 2018, is the last major paid expansion for Crusader Kings II. All 32 DLC items are marked as released with no unreleased content listed.
Content
32 of 32 released · no outstanding content
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Paradox Interactive
Achievements
161
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer
About this 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...
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...
Key features:
- Start a game at any point between 1066 and 1337 and play until 1453
- Pick a Christian lord and make sure his dynasty survives as you play a succession of his descendants through the ages
- Gain Prestige for every successive character you play, furthering the glory of your Dynasty
- Expand your feudal domain - and keep it from falling apart
- Unravel the plots of your courtiers and vassals, each with their own opinions and agendas
- Take up the Cross and fight the Moor, the Heathen and the Heretic.
- Defend against the onslaught of the Mongol Horde
- Struggle with the Pope for control of the bishops
- Relive the Middle Ages with up to 32 other players in a competitive multiplayer mode
Last evaluated Jun 28, 2026
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