Summary
Crusader Kings 3is one of thebest grand strategy gamesof all time and allows players to experience the complete life of medieval rulers. After sinking hundreds of hours into the title, however, some players may wish to play something else, and thankfully, there are plenty of options out there for those looking for something similar.
If players loveCrusader Kings 3, then this means that they would probably like other grand strategy and simulation games. Alternatively, it may be the Middle Ages thatCrusader Kings 3has made them fall in love with, and in this case, there are several great medieval games across multiple different genres to delve into.
Updated May 22, 2025, by Joe Grantham:There are manygames like Crusader Kings 3, especially considering its developers, Paradox, have grand strategy games set in almost all eras. The settings of their titles range from the times of Ancient Rome to more recent conflicts, such as World War II, and there is even one set in a futuristic sci-fi galaxy. On the other hand, there are other games vastly different from CK3 that might still appeal to its player base, either due to one similar feature or the fact that they are set in the medieval world. With how popular games set in the Middle Ages are, there will never be a shortage of experiences for CK3 fans to enjoy.
Furthermore, with 2024 already shaping up to be a monumental yearfor medieval games, fans of Crusader Kings 3 have some fantastic new releases to play, such as Manor Lords, and can also look forward to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 later this year.
If players are looking for games likeCrusader Kings 3, then look no further thanNorland, which is an intentional mix ofCK3and the colony simRim World. As a chaotic and often hilarious medievalcolony sim,Norlandsees players control an entire family of nobles, all of whom have their own personalities, skills, and desires. Players will instruct them what to do, but depending on their mood, lords won’t always obey.
On the smallest scale, building up a small village into a thriving city is a marked difference forCK3players, but there is also the larger map to think about, with players able to interact and go to war with neighboring rulers. Similarities withCrusader Kingsinclude character opinions, subterfuge, and dark deeds. The best similarity, however, is the ability for twisting stories to unfold in a simulated medieval world full of surprises.
14Ken Follett’s The Pillars Of The Earth
A Medieval Visual Novel Based On A Best-Selling Book That Aligns With CK3’s Setting
IfCK3fans have never heard ofThe Pillars of the Earth, a book by Ken Follett, then they are in for a treat whether they want to read the book or play the visual novel game titledKen Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth. Both are set in England during the 12th century, which is especially interesting withCK3’s new start date of 1178.
In the visual novel, players will make choices that matter, deviating from the story of the best-selling book in unexpected ways. The 2D art style is simply beautiful, and the visuals are complemented by wonderful voice acting and an orchestral soundtrack that hits in all the right places. The gameplay elements are well integrated into the story and help players feel like a part of the world.
Some have said that the Venn diagram betweenCrusader Kings 3players andMount & Blade 2: Bannerlordplayers is pretty much a circle, and it’s easy to see why. Thismedieval sandbox gamepractically has it all, from RPG elements and story to vast medieval battles which can be fought between scores of players online.
Shared elements with the grand strategy title include diplomacy, trade, and the conquering of new land, but in a much more hands on way. The large battles, sieges, and hand-to-hand combat are certainly highlights of the game, and perfect for those looking for a break from staring at a map. The only downside forCK3fans is that the game doesn’t use real historical realms, and instead takes place in an authentic but alternative medieval world.
If players enjoy the strategy and medieval setting ofCrusader Kings 3, then it is highly likely that they will also fall in love withManor Lords. While it has only just been released in the Early Access stages of development, this mostly solo project is already considered one ofthe best historical city builders. Yet, it also manages to branch out into other genres thatCK3players will enjoy. For example, when bandits attack or if players want to expand their sphere of influence, they will lead their villagers to war, with real-time battles happening on the same map.
The game is also absolutely stunning with realistic and immersive graphics that no other city builder can compete with. While players won’t be able to conquer the whole of Europe as they can inCrusader Kings, the game instead offers a more zoomed-in experience where players can take over new lands through war or diplomacy on a smaller scale. Furthermore, if grand strategy players are unsure how they will fare with the building aspect of the game, they can be put at ease by an incredibly organic and natural building system. There is no grid system, and players will rarely feel frustrated.
11Imperator: Rome
A Grand Strategy Game Set In Antiquity Before The Start Of CK3
Imperator: Romeis another grand strategy game from Paradox, but unlikeCrusader Kings 3, this standalone title did not get off to the best of starts, and players quickly lost interest. However, five years after its release and thanks to the developers listening to fans,Imperator: Romeis now in a great position. In fact, the latest update was even made in collaboration with the game’s most dedicated fans, incorporating a few popular mods.
In terms of gameplay, players can expect a mix of features from other Paradox titles, with some RPG and character-focused elements fromCK3as well as population management from theVictoriaseries. The empire management system is also much more complex and engaging than what players will find inCK3, with lots of fun micro-management aspects for those who feel the urge to take things further. Naturally, there is also a ton of flavor forfans of the Roman era, especially with all the DLC and mods available.
In most games, players take on the role of one character, and if they die, it’s game over, or they will revert to the most recent save. InMedieval Dynasty, however, just like inCK3, players carry on as the heir, continuing the dynasty and hopefully adding to its legacy.
Although the game is technically a survival and city-building game, beyond the early stages, survival isn’t too hard at all, and instead, players can focus on fostering a new settlement all from a first or third-person perspective. Players will need to find NPCs to inhabit their village and can set them to work to create a thriving community.
If players enjoyCK3and other grand strategy games but are a bit bored with historical settings, thenStellarisis a great alternative option. Set in a sci-fi world, players must compete to control and expand their galactic empire, with the game also having RTS elements.
By sending out science ships into the unknown, players will discover new species, planets, and galactic wonders that will change the way the game is played. Just like inCK3, stories unfold asplayers progress through the ages, and after years of free updates, the game is in great shape.
For fans ofCrusader Kings 3,Inkulinatiticks two important boxes, being a strategy game with a medieval theme. However, the gameplay is nothing likeCK3and has been put together in a truly unique way.Inkulinatitakes the wacky marginalia of medieval manuscripts and creates a turn-based strategy game where scribes use ink to draw bizarre beasts.
These units range from spear-wielding rabbits to OP snails that can devour any foe.Battlefield elements and actions, which include swatting and crushing these drawings, add to the fun and strategy, with the aim being to kill the opposition’s Tiny Inkulinati. Sometimes, this is as simple as pushing them off the edge of the page.
While many ofthe bestTotal Wargames would likely be great options for fans ofCrusader Kings 3, arguably the best fit would beTotal War: Medieval 2given its setting. Despite being released in 2006, the gameplay still holds up to this day, with players able to send ranks of knights, archers, and men-at-arms into massive real-time battles.
Players who enjoyed the strategic aspect ofCK3will be glad to know thatTotal War: Medieval 2also features a turn-based campaign with another great medieval map to stare at. One of the best things about the game is playing out real historical battles, such as the Battle of Agincourt between the English and French.
6Reigns
A Game About The Success Of A Dynasty & Making Tough Choices
Crusader Kings 3is one of many games that allow players tocreate their own dynastyof rulers, going from insignificant to legendary over the course of centuries.Reignsallows players to focus on this aspect of the game, and similar to a certain dating app, they will swipe left or right on important decisions about the realm.
By balancing the interests of the church, the army, the treasury, and, of course, the people, players will extend their reigns and, over time, develop a long-lasting and successful dynasty.
