Today Paradox Interactive revealed the DLC and expansions coming with Chapter IV of Crusader Kings 3, which is basically the next season pass.
According to the announcement, the first core expansion is Khans of the Steppe, which was already previewed a while ago. Its key features are the Nomadic type of government, the herd system that basically works like a currency, the Dominance mechanic that lets you grow in power among the lords of the Steppe, and the seasons that alternate periods of abundance to periods of poverty, pushing nomads to migrate in search of greener pastures (literally).
We also have a release game for the expansion, and it’s April 28.
You can check out a trailer below and an official description of the features.
- Nomadic Government: Embrace a new way to rule. Nomadic Governments revolve around the lifeblood of your people; your Herd. Govern your realm through migration, keeping your population mobile and resilient. Increase your Dominance and bind your subjects to your will by ensuring their Obedience.
- The Steppe Region: Experience the challenges of life on the Great Steppe. The Steppe Season system changes the fertility of its lands over time, forcing you to adapt and migrate. Seek greener pastures, claim new territories, and dominate this vast and untamed region.
- Tributaries System: Forge alliances and secure resources with a new type of subject relationship. Tributaries offer a more flexible alternative to vassalage, granting unique benefits for overlords and subjects while allowing for independence and adaptability.
- Become the Scourge of God: Take on the mantle of the Great Khan and unite the Steppe under your iron rule. Lead devastating conquests across the known world, crushing empires beneath your banner as you fulfill the prophecy of the “Scourge of God.”
- Mongolian Flavor: Dive deep into the traditions and culture of the Mongols. Begin your journey with a new Bookmark as Temüjin, the young and ambitious Genghis Khan, poised to change history forever. Experience the Kurultai council and a new Mongolian succession type. Engage in immersive new activities and traditions such as new year’s celebrations with Tsagaan Sar.
The second DLC will be an event pack, Coronations, and it’s pretty self-explanatory, making coronations a full-fledged activity with plenty of gameplay consequences.
The third DLC is another core expansion, All Under Heaven. As the name implies, it expands the map Eastwards all the way to Japan, including China and Korea.
We don’t have a release date just yet, but we do have a detailed list of featires.
- China: The Mandate of Heaven
- Ascend to the highest tier of power with the new Hegemony title, reigning supreme over all empires in the Chinese region.
- Navigate the Dynastic Cycle, a living system of stability and chaos. Exploit periods of instability to rise to power and reshape the political landscape.
- Utilize Meritocracy, a unique Chinese government system. Earn Merit through deeds or the Imperial Examinations, gaining favor and influence.
- Manage the Imperial Treasury to fund Great Projects, defend against disasters, or expand your influence with statecraft and might.
- Japan: Rise of the Shogunate
- Take control of a Japanese clan and forge your destiny. Rise through the intricate courtly system to become a mighty Shogun or Kampaku regent.
- Strengthen your position through alliances, intrigue, and ritual, or unite the clans through the strength of your samurai armies; which path you take is for you to decide.
- Lead the Imperial Yamato clan to restore power to the Emperor, ushering in an age of imperial grandeur.
- Experience the rich cultural traditions of Japan, where honor and scandal intertwine, shaping the lives of lords and vassals alike.
- Southeast Asia: God-Kings and Temple Empires
- Rule as a Devaraja with the Mandala Government, uniting tributaries into vast, temple-centered empires.
- Pay tribute to the God King by performing Tributary Missions as a Tributary ruler, increasing favor with your subjects.
- Explore the Silk Road, new Bookmarks and Flavor
- Thrive along the expansive Silk Road by profiting from the wealth and innovations of China, even if you are far beyond its borders.
- New historical starting bookmarks bring fresh perspectives and historical challenges. Play as iconic characters from the past or forge your unique path.
- Immerse yourself in East Asia’s cultural, artistic, and historical nuances with new throne rooms, events, and traditions.
Below you can also check out a video explaining everything we just mentioned.
You can already purchase Chapter 4 (basically pre-ordering the DLC), and as a bonus, you’re getting the “Crowns of the World” package, including 6 crowns, 4 hairstyles, and 2 beard styles.
Incidentally, today we also got the new update, numbered “1.15” and dubbed the “Crown” update.
If you’re unfamiliar with Crusader Kings 3, it’s a grand-strategy game with extremely compelling RPG elements, available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
That being said, expansion and updates usually come to consoles much later, as happened with previous DLC.