Rarely has a game expansion been met with such widespread disdain as the ‘Coronations’ DLC for Crusader Kings 3. Intended to bring grand ceremonies and impactful fealty oaths, its launch was instead a notorious mess, with many comparing its buggy state to the initial release of Cyberpunk 2077. Fans were quick to lambast the content, leaving ‘overwhelmingly negative’ reviews on Steam and achieving a dismal 17% positive rating. In response to this backlash, developer Paradox has rolled out a major patch, hoping to quell the anger of players who felt their money was wasted.
The ‘Coronations’ DLC debacle was so significant that Paradox felt compelled to issue a public apology. A developer was tasked with explaining that the studio’s focus on the upcoming ‘All Under Heaven’ expansion had unfortunately led to a severe lack of quality assurance for ‘Coronations’.
An image typically accompanying news of this nature would show a video player, likely detailing the apology or patch notes.
Many questioned whether ‘Coronations’ underwent any testing at all. Fundamental features, such as oaths, were broken from the start, often failing regardless of whether a player met the requirements. This was a particularly embarrassing moment for a title widely considered one of the best strategy games available.
Player frustration boiled over in Steam reviews, with one memorable comment labeling the DLC ‘baked slop’ and demanding a refund. While Paradox isn’t offering refunds, they are making a concerted effort to restore player confidence by promptly addressing the core issues.
An image here would typically display a screenshot of negative Steam reviews for the ‘Coronations’ DLC, showcasing player sentiment.
The new update, version 1.17.1, includes a substantial 51 bug fixes. While an exhaustive list isn’t necessary, key improvements include alterations to at least four different oath mechanics and adjustments to ensure AI handles oaths more competently, along with edits for historical accuracy. It’s a significant effort, but the true test of whether ‘Coronations’ is now genuinely playable will come from players experiencing the update firsthand.
The Crusader Kings 3 update 1.17.1 is set to release on Steam on Wednesday, September 17. Comprehensive patch notes are available for those who wish to delve into the specifics.
If the rocky launch of ‘Coronations’ has made you hesitant to dive back into the game, there are plenty of other excellent grand strategy games that haven’t faced similar issues. And for those looking to enhance their gaming experience, exploring the best gaming monitors is always a worthwhile endeavor.
Are you willing to give the ‘Coronations’ DLC another chance now that these fixes are in place? Share your thoughts with the gaming community.