Are you looking for games like Crusader Kings 3 to play on your PC?
Whether it’s due to the price tag or simply because you’re done with CK3 and need something new, finding great alternatives can be a challenge.
In this article, I’ll review some of the best available options that provide similar gaming experiences like Crusader Kings III. We’ll explore each game’s features, mechanics, backstory and more.
By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to choose a new game that meets all your expectations! So let’s dive right in and take an in-depth look at some of these fantastic titles!
1. Europa Universalis IV
Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy game created by Paradox Development Studio.
It focuses on the early modern period and allows players to control any nation in the world during this time. The game starts in 1444 and ends in 1821, covering over three centuries of history.
One of the key features of Europa Universalis IV is its depth and complexity.
Players must manage their economy, diplomacy, military, religion, and culture while navigating through historical events such as the Reformation or colonial expansion.
Each decision has consequences that can affect not only their own nation but also those around them.
Another aspect that sets Europa Universalis IV apart from other strategy games is its modding community.
There are countless mods available that add new mechanics, units, nations, or scenarios to the game. This adds even more replayability to an already vast experience.
Overall, Europa Universalis IV is a challenging but rewarding game for fans of grand strategy games or history buffs alike. Its attention to detail and expansive scope make it one of Paradox’s most popular titles today.
Some notable aspects include:
- Multiplicity: There are over 500 playable nations throughout Europe; Asia; Africa; North America; South America; Australia/Oceania.
- Historical accuracy: Many mechanics which were used in real life have been implemented into this game giving it feel like you’re actually living out your own alternate universe where everything happens due to player action rather than predetermined factors.
- Depth: The multiple layers upon layers may intimidate newer players at first glance but once they get deeper into each mechanic they will start understanding how each layer ties together adding another level of immersion whilst keeping it easy enough for newcomers to learn quickly – thanks in part because there’s a small tutorial mode at first launch which guides player actions step-by-step until they understand all basics required before playing solo without assistance!
2. Victoria II
Victoria II is a grand strategy game that takes place during the 19th century, where players take control of a country and navigate through political, economic and military challenges.
The game’s mechanics are complex but provide an immersive experience when fully understood.
As players progress through different eras in history, they have to manage their country’s internal affairs while competing with other nations for power.
One of the main features of Victoria II is its intricate economic system that forces players to make difficult decisions regarding trade policies and infrastructure development.
Players must balance their budgets by managing taxes, tariffs and subsidies.
This can be challenging as it requires careful planning and timing to ensure stability without sacrificing growth potential.
Another important aspect of Victoria II is diplomacy between nations.
Players have to engage in negotiations with other countries while keeping an eye on their own national interests such as alliances or territorial expansion opportunities.
War may become necessary at times, but peace treaties must also be well-crafted so as not to compromise future relations.
Overall, Victoria II is a game that demands patience and strategic thinking from its players.
It offers vast possibilities for those who are willing to invest time into understanding its mechanics.
With engaging gameplay accompanied by historically accurate events and figures from the era depicted in the game, this title sets itself apart from other grand strategy games available today.
Key Features:
- Intricate economic system requiring careful management
- Complex diplomatic interactions necessary for success
- Engaging gameplay featuring historically accurate events & figures.
3. Hearts of Iron IV
Hearts of Iron IV is a grand strategy game set in the tumultuous era of World War II.
Players can take on the role of any nation involved in this global conflict, from the major powers such as Germany and the United States to smaller nations like Yugoslavia or Ethiopia.
The game offers an unparalleled level of detail and complexity, allowing players to manage everything from diplomacy and economics to military tactics and technology research.
One key aspect of Hearts of Iron IV is its focus on historical accuracy.
The developers have gone to great lengths to ensure that every aspect of the game reflects real-world events as closely as possible.
This means that players can experience WWII not just through their own nation’s eyes, but also see how other nations are faring on both sides of the conflict.
Another unique feature is the ability for players to create their own alternate histories by making different decisions than those that were made in reality during WWII.
This adds an extra layer of depth and replayability to the game, as each playthrough can result in vastly different outcomes depending on player choices.
Overall, Hearts of Iron IV offers an immersive experience unlike any other strategy game out there.
Its attention to historical detail combined with its robust gameplay mechanics make it a must-play for anyone interested in WWII or grand strategy games more generally.
4. Stellaris
Stellaris is an impressive and vast strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio.
It was released in 2016, and it quickly became a favorite among gamers who enjoy the genre.
The game allows players to explore space, build their own empire, interact with other species, and much more.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Stellaris is its depth. From the moment you start playing, there are countless options available to you.
You can choose your civilization’s traits and ethics; you can decide on your government type; you can research technologies that will give you an edge over enemies or help develop your economy further.
Moreover, as the game progresses, new challenges and opportunities arise.
Another fascinating aspect of Stellaris is its focus on exploration.
There are hundreds of star systems to discover, each with unique planets that might support life or valuable resources waiting to be exploited.
The game also features different anomalies that players can investigate; some might lead to exciting discoveries while others may put them in danger.
Finally, I must mention how immersive Stellaris is thanks to its storytelling elements.
As players progress through the game’s campaign mode or create their own storylines in sandbox mode they encounter many different alien races; each one has a distinctive culture and history that shapes how they interact with outsiders like yourself.
Players must navigate these complex relationships while balancing their own interests against those of others–all within a vast universe filled with danger at every turn.
In conclusion: Stellaris offers an unrivaled gaming experience for those who enjoy strategic thinking games set in outer space.
With endless possibilities combined with breathtaking visuals along incredible immersion from captivating stories make this title truly extraordinary.
5. Total War: Attila
Total War: Attila is a turn-based strategy game that was developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega in 2015.
It is the ninth installment in the Total War series and takes place during the decline of the Roman Empire in 395 AD.
Players can choose to lead one of several factions, including Rome, the Huns, or the Visigoths, as they try to expand their territory while fending off rival factions and barbarian invasions.
One of the features that sets Total War: Attila apart from other games in its genre is its attention to historical accuracy.
The developers worked closely with historians to ensure that everything from unit formations to battle tactics are realistic for this time period.
This creates a sense of immersion that allows players to really feel like they are leading ancient armies into battle.
Another standout feature of Total War: Attila is its emphasis on survival.
As players progress through campaigns, they must contend with limited resources and environmental factors such as droughts and plagues.
These challenges make it difficult for players to maintain their empires over time, adding an additional layer of complexity to gameplay.
Overall, Total War: Attila offers a deep and engaging strategy experience that will appeal both gamers who love history as well those who enjoy tactical games.
With its beautiful graphics, detailed maps, and complex gameplay mechanics there’s no doubt it will be enjoyed by fans all over.
6. Sid Meier’s Civilization Series
Sid Meier’s Civilization series is a popular series of turn-based strategy games where players aim to build an empire that will stand the test of time. Here’s an overview of the series:
Gameplay
- The core gameplay of the Civilization series involves guiding a civilization from ancient times into the future, often starting with a single settler to found a city and expanding from there.
- Players manage various aspects of their civilization including diplomacy, military, technology research, economic development, and cultural growth.
- The game is played on a grid-based map with different terrains, resources, and other strategic elements.
Victory Conditions
There are multiple ways to achieve victory in the Civilization games. Common victory conditions include military conquest, scientific discovery, cultural dominance, religious influence, and diplomatic victory.
Turn-Based Strategy
The gameplay is turn-based, meaning players take turns to make their moves, manage their cities, engage in combat, and interact with other civilizations.
Historical and Cultural Elements:
One of the defining features of the series is its incorporation of historical and cultural elements.
Players can lead famous civilizations, interact with historical leaders, and develop historically inspired technologies and cultural policies.
Multiplayer and Modding
Many of the games in the series feature robust multiplayer options and have active modding communities that create additional content and modifications to change or improve gameplay.
Development
The series was created by Sid Meier and Bruce Shelley through their then company MicroProse. The first game was released in 1991, and the series has seen many sequels and expansions since then, with Sid Meier’s Civilization VI being the latest installment.
Critical Reception
The Civilization series has been critically acclaimed for its deep, strategic gameplay and its ability to educate players about history and civilization building while providing an engaging game experience.
The Civilization series is often cited as a seminal work in the 4X genre of strategy games (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate), and it continues to have a significant influence on the strategy game genre.
7. Endless Legend
Endless Legend is a turn-based strategy game developed by Amplitude Studios and published by Sega.
Released in 2014, the game belongs to the genre of 4X strategy, which stands for explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate.
It’s set on a fantasy world called Auriga, with an emphasis on exploration and empire-building in a world filled with mythical lore and wondrous technologies.
The gameplay of Endless Legend revolves around leading a faction to dominance over the world of Auriga.
Players are required to manage various resources, research technologies, build cities, and raise armies to either defend their territories or conquer others.
Each faction in the game comes with unique gameplay mechanics, units, and story quests, which add a rich layer of variety and replayability to the game.
The game has a beautiful and artistically styled map divided into various regions, each of which can be controlled by different factions.
Combat in Endless Legend is a blend of traditional turn-based strategy with a tactical layer, where positioning and terrain play significant roles.
The game features a day and night cycle which influences gameplay mechanics, adding another layer of strategic depth.
Endless Legend also shines in its storytelling and the immersive lore of the world of Auriga.
The game’s narrative, intertwined with its quest system, unveils the rich backstory of the planet and the different factions vying for control, giving players a compelling reason to play through each faction’s unique storyline.
In terms of expansion and additional content, Endless Legend has received several expansion packs post-release, which have introduced new factions, gameplay mechanics, and additional story content, further enriching the game’s already complex and engaging narrative and gameplay structure.
8. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a medieval action role-playing game developed and published by TaleWorlds Entertainment.
It serves as a prequel to Mount & Blade: Warband and was released in Early Access on March 30, 2020.
The game is set in a fictional medieval continent and is known for its realistic combat system and open-world sandbox environment.
In the world of Bannerlord, players can roam the vast continent, visiting different towns, villages, and castles, each with their unique characters and economic systems.
The open-world nature of the game allows players to choose their path, whether that be a noble knight, a cunning trader, or a fierce warrior.
The choices that players make throughout the game have significant impacts on the game world and their progress.
One of the most notable features of Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is its combat system.
Players can participate in large-scale battles, employing various types of medieval weaponry and tactics. The combat is known for its realism and requires a degree of skill and strategy.
Players can also command their troops in battles, employing different formations and strategies to overcome their enemies.
The economy and politics in Bannerlord are dynamic and player-driven.
Players can trade goods between towns, establish their own workshops, and even create their own faction to vie for control of the continent.
The game also has a diplomacy system, where players can form alliances, negotiate treaties, and engage in political intrigue.
One of the key elements of Bannerlord is its ability to allow players to rise through the ranks of society.
Starting as a lone adventurer, players can amass wealth, acquire land, and raise armies to become a powerful lord.
The sandbox nature of the game allows for a high degree of replayability as each playthrough can result in a completely different experience based on the choices made by the player.
The game also supports modding which allows the community to create and share custom content, further expanding the gameplay possibilities.
This has led to a vibrant modding community that continues to enhance the game long after its release.
The early access release of Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord received generally positive reviews from players and critics alike, who praised the game’s complex mechanics, realistic combat, and the freedom it offers to players in choosing their path in its medieval world.
Despite some criticism for bugs and the unfinished state of some features, the game’s potential and the improvements over its predecessor were widely acknowledged.
