It’s been a challenging period for Paradox, but the new Crusader Kings 3 expansion, “All Under Heaven,” appears to be the breakthrough it desperately needed. Recent months saw the latest Stellaris expansion struggle with performance issues on Steam, the development of the Civilization-like game Millenia conclude prematurely, and Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 receive a lukewarm reception. Even the previous CK3 add-on fell short of player expectations. However, this vast, Asia-themed expansion, arguably the most ambitious for the grand strategy game to date, has just arrived, and initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive.
In an earlier statement regarding the quality of the Coronations DLC, Paradox clarified that its Crusader Kings 3 QA team had been primarily focused on “All Under Heaven.” While this doesn’t excuse past shortcomings, it highlights the significance of this new release. The expansion stands as one of Paradox’s most ambitious additions in a long time, increasing the strategy game’s playable land and character count by an impressive 30 to 40%.
“All Under Heaven” allows players to immerse themselves in diverse historical settings: take control of Japan during the rise of the Shogunate, manage the intricate ministries of China’s Celestial Government, or lead various nations across Southeast Asia. The expansion introduces a new system of governance, the ‘mandala government,’ which emphasizes tributary relationships over traditional vassalage and territorial conquest. Players can also appoint a ‘god-king,’ a powerful figure capable of exerting significant religious influence over neighboring lands.
Early player feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 85% of initial reviews praising the expansion. Importantly, there are almost no reports of major bugs or broken features. Performance, a key area Paradox emphasized, is largely reported as either improved or only slightly diminished, a remarkable feat given the substantial increase in the game’s landmass. However, Linux players should be aware of some reported performance issues when zooming in, especially for those not on a Windows operating system.
Players are particularly commending the new systems for their unique feel, distinguishing them significantly from previous content. One user enthusiastically stated, “This sets the benchmark for all future Paradox DLCs. We want comprehensive platforms that truly transform and restructure the game, not just minor additions.” Another echoed this sentiment, adding, “This is exactly what the community has long desired from Paradox DLCs—an addition that fundamentally alters and enriches the core gameplay experience.”
Even for those who haven’t purchased the DLC, the free Crusader Kings 3 patch 1.18, dubbed the “Crane update,” introduces a wealth of new features. This update allows for the formation of Hegemonies in specific scenarios, particularly when playing as powers like India or Rome. Global regions can now experience natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, adding another layer of challenge. Furthermore, a new ‘religious exiles’ system helps smaller faiths persist longer, offering players the option to invite them into their empires.
The introduction of ‘Great Projects’ enables multiple factions to collaborate on monumental undertakings, like the construction of the Great Wall of China, with all contributors receiving substantial rewards. A new ‘lenient gender equality’ setting offers flexibility in succession laws, allowing traditionally male-only roles to express a preference for men, primarily to facilitate women becoming governors in China. Beyond these, the map has been significantly expanded, featuring 2,721 new baronies, 41 distinct cultures, 30 new faiths, and over 20,000 additional historical figures enriching the game’s database.
The Crusader Kings 3 “All Under Heaven” expansion and the free 1.18 “Crane update” are now available. The DLC is priced at $29.99 / £24.99 if purchased separately, or can be acquired as part of the $43.99 / £37.15 chapter four expansion bundle. For new players, the base edition of CK3 is currently available at a 70% discount until November 6, bringing its price down to $14.99 / £12.59. Full patch notes are available from Paradox Interactive.
For those looking to further enhance their Crusader Kings 3 experience, there are many excellent community-made mods available to add even more variety to your campaigns. Additionally, consider upgrading your display to a high-quality gaming monitor to fully appreciate the newly expanded maps and intricate details.
What are your thoughts on this latest addition to Crusader Kings 3? Does it meet your expectations, or are your impressions different from the widespread positive reception? We invite you to share your perspectives and discuss “All Under Heaven” with fellow players and our team.