With the official announcement for Chapter 4, players now know what to expect forCrusader Kings 3in 2025. In terms of both paid DLC expansions and free updates, there is a lot to get excited about, with 2025 set to be one of the most packed years for content.
The highlights of Chapter 4 are undoubtedly nomadic gameplay, as well as the major addition of the rest of Asia, including China. However, while these expansions are some way away, players have some well-rounded updates to check out right now. Paradox has also promised to listen more to community feedback as they craft these expansions over the course of the year.
5Free Quality Of Life Updates & Improvements
AI Armies, Improved Court Positions, Cohesive Holy Wars, & Much More
The first update forCrusader Kings 3in 2025 is a free patch titled ‘Crown,’ and it aims to provide a plethora of quality-of-life updates, introduce a few new mechanics, and fix a ton of bugs or balance issues. Among these changes, players uninterested inwar inCK3will be able to hand over control to the AI. Allied and enemy armies will also be much smarter now, especially in regard to sieges and working toward the war score.
Lastly, in terms of warfare, Great Holy Wars should be much more coherent now, as attacking armies will now gather in allied territory before marching or sailing as one. This patch also introduces vast improvements tocourt positions inCK3, with a UI overhaul, and all positions now having their own unique tasks. There are also some small additions for Administrative and Clan governments and improvements to the barbershop, among a slew of smaller updates. All in all, this patch looks excellent for the current and future state ofCK3.
4Crowns Of The World
6 Crowns, 4 Hairstyles, & 2 New Beards
As part of the Chapter 4 bundle forCrusader Kings 3, players will unlock a small cosmetic DLC calledCrowns of the World. This pack adds 6 new crowns, 4 new hairstyles, and 2 new beards,allowing for more customizationand immersion, especially when playing in regions represented by the new crowns.
3Khans Of The Steppe DLC
Nomadic Gameplay & Mongolian Flavor
One of the most exciting aspects ofCrusader Kings 3’sChapter 4 is the upcomingKhans of the SteppeDLC. This core expansion will most notably introduce the Nomadic government type, allowing players to experience ruling vast hordes without being tied down to specific locations. The Steppe region will be fully brought to life with seasons, both harsh and plentiful, as well as land that must be managed by herders.
While warfare, fueled by the new herd system, will likely form the key part of gameplay for many fans,peaceful approacheswill be available via the addition of tributaries. All of this will be capped off with a wealth of Mongolian flavor, delving into their culture, which will include new activities.
2Coronations Event Pack
A New Grand Activity For Coronations & Lots Of Events
Ever since the introduction of activities such as tournaments and grand tours, players have been clamoring for coronations inCK3. Thankfully, this is finally coming to fruition with theCoronationsEvent Pack. Rulers will be able to host lavish ceremonies toimpress their vassalsand hopefully improve relations with the church.
Legitimacy, introduced in 2024, will undoubtedly play a huge role in coronations, and the expansion also promises to give rulers the chance to make unique oaths, which may or may not be adhered to over the coming years. Expect lots of flavor and events, but nothing groundbreaking in the way of new mechanics, as this is a smaller DLC.
1All Under Heaven DLC
Adds The Whole Of Asia With New Government Types & Flavor
All Under Heavenis the biggest DLC for Chapter 4 ofCK3and easily the most ambitious addition since the game’s release, as it will seethe entirety of Asiaadded. This includes China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia, supposedly increasing the overall map size by about 30%. This is not only great for those wishing to start in these places but also for those looking to conquer different peoples, something that should line up well with theKhans of the SteppeDLC.
In each of these regions, players can expect to find new ways of ruling, and in China specifically, there is even a new title that exceeds that of Emperor. Beyond numerous new systems for these regions, such as Meritocracy and the imperial treasury, players can expect a myriad of flavor, including aesthetics, events, cultures, and, of course, music. There will be new bookmarks for historical characters, as well as the Silk Road through which wealth travels. As this major expansion is set to release toward the end of the year, not everything about it is known so far, but dev diaries will begin well in advance after the nomadic DLC.
