Crusader Kings 2

How to Resist Quitting at the Main Menu. A fanatical king has kidnapped your beloved heir and offered him as a dark sacrifice to his malevolent gods. A significant part of British territory has suddenly transformed into a version of Jerusalem after the Crusades. Someone has now poisoned your wine for the third time, creating an atmosphere of distrust. You know exactly who the culprit is, but they harbor a strong dislike for you, leaving you with no choice but to plot and attempt to poison their wine in retaliation. The Crusader Kings series is truly remarkable, standing out as the most extensive and nonlinear segment of the global strategy games developed by Paradox Entertainment, offering a rich tapestry of political intrigue and personal drama.

The game feels visually stunning to the eye as the “little brother” of Europa Universalis; everything feels a bit unfinished and rough around the edges, lacking the polish expected from its predecessor. The combat mechanics are more basic than many mobile free-to-play strategy games, making battles feel less interesting. Furthermore, proper localization has not been done for this version, forcing players to implement various fixes and workarounds to make the gameplay more enjoyable. Unlike other games in the series where you manage a united nation, here you take on the role of a ruler with specific titles and responsibilities. If you lose all your territories, you can’t just take on the role of a peasant or landless noble like in Kingdom Come; you either lead your people or deal with the consequences of failure and leave the scene.

Also, what makes the game stand out is the complete lack of pressure to conquer the entire world. Every piece of land is earned through effort and struggle, making the loss of provinces incredibly depressing. The stakes seem high, as managing a state with only twenty provinces can be quite challenging. Being the Holy Roman Emperor or the King of France becomes a real burden, full of political intrigue and constant threats, giving the game a complexity and intensity.

Crusader Kings 2 Free Steam Account

I wonder where this game can lead? The game map is huge, dotted with many powers and rulers – who should a beginner choose who wants to write his name in the annals of history? Experienced fans of the game often advise paying attention to one of the small kingdoms of Ireland: this is an excellent start for those who want to ambitiously unite the entire island under their crown. It is especially reasonable to start in the late medieval era, when the opportunity arises to rule the county of Munster (the name, by the way, can be changed to your own). As a local lord, you will find that you have only one vassal – and you can easily get rid of him in order to concentrate all influence in your own hands. Just keep in mind that at the start, your kingdom includes only two provinces. From the very beginning, the game throws you warnings: if you do not acquire a wife and heir, the dynasty will be in danger of extinction. Of course, if you start at a different historical date, you can get into a situation where the character already has a family, but this is rather an exception. One of the first and most important decisions will be the choice of a life path for your hero. It not only affects his personal qualities, but also opens access to unique mechanics – for example, secret espionage, the art of seduction or challenges to duels. In addition, the life path forms a whole branch of events that can either simplify or complicate your campaign depending on the chosen play style.

For example, if a character decides to pursue a career in trade, they might encounter various challenges that could lead to a nervous breakdown, heightened stress, or even depression as they grapple with citizens’ grievances. This emotional turmoil can significantly affect their abilities and attributes. However, such a situation can also be cleverly turned to their advantage; if your nation has split into two rival factions, during a moment of deep despair, you could, ahem, have your character take drastic actions against themselves and transfer their portion of the state to a more promising heir who can better handle the situation. Ambitions play a crucial role in shaping a character’s journey, steering them rather than dictating their fate. These goals can offer enticing rewards for achieving specific milestones. For instance, a character might aspire to secure a prestigious position in the council, earn a noble title, amass significant prestige, aim to have an heir, or simply seek out true love.

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Character and interface

Meet our character. The system generates a random appearance, and certain traits can significantly change that appearance. For example, losing an eye results in a creepy empty socket, adding a dramatic twist to your character’s backstory. Traits play a crucial role in shaping who you are; they improve abilities, help you gather resources, and greatly affect how others perceive you.

1. A character’s attributes are almost as important as their traits. Development occurs in five key areas:
2. Diplomacy increases your reputation with other characters, making it easier to form alliances and resolve conflicts.
3. Warfare increases the effectiveness of your troops and develops tactics.
4. Governance increases your financial income, allowing you to invest in resources or improve your facilities.
5. Intrigue determines your success in plots, giving you an edge in political maneuvering and covert operations.
6. Education provides a greater boost to technology points, giving achievements that can turn the tide in your favor.

Each attribute has a variety of interesting uses. For example, a highly educated character can excel as a skilled healer at court, effectively treating various ailments and gaining respect. Moreover, strong attributes open the door to superior choices in larger scenarios, allowing for unique and rewarding experiences. Additionally, there exist two hidden traits that significantly impact gameplay: health and fertility. Health can gradually decline due to various factors such as injuries, the natural aging process, and severe illnesses. However, it can also improve through adopting a healthy lifestyle, receiving effective medical treatment, and achieving a successful military career as a respected commander. If health reaches zero, the monarch’s life will tragically come to an end. On the other hand, fertility is influenced by emotional factors; it can deteriorate due to stress, depression, and various irritants in life. Yet, it can be enhanced through engaging life paths like “Family” and “Seduction,” as well as through specific traits that promote well-being. Fertility plays a crucial role in increasing the likelihood of producing an heir and is especially vital during tumultuous times of power struggles.

Titles

Unlike Europa Universalis and similar titles in the series, CK2 organizes all lands into distinct titles, which means you must possess the rights to a title in order to effectively manage a province. Some titles are granted to the monarch at the start of the game, while others can be acquired during their reign by strategically seizing them from neighboring rulers. In certain situations, titles may leave a realm entirely, particularly if a foreign ruler or their vassal becomes the sole heir to that title.

Additionally, a character’s brother can transfer several titles to another state if the equal partition inheritance method is selected. Naturally, you also run the risk of losing titles through warfare, as rivals may seek to claim what you own. Furthermore, characters have the unique ability to create titles that are of a higher rank than the ones they start with; all they need is to control specific territories and pay a fee to formalize their newly established titles. This adds a layer of strategy and depth to the gameplay, allowing for dynamic shifts in power and influence.

There’s another subtle aspect that often sparks a lot of questions and confusion among newcomers to this system. If you engage in battles over someone else’s claims, the rightful claimant may ultimately establish a separate nation as a direct consequence of the conflict. If this individual happens to be your vassal, their own vassal territories will also become incorporated into this new nation. This situation arises because they now share your rank and are no longer obligated to remain your vassal. Occasionally, these individuals might even be willing to agree to return to vassalage, but more often than not, it will require additional fighting and negotiation to settle the matter satisfactorily. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating the complexities of power and allegiance in this context.

Combat system

When it comes to the combat system, we can trace the journey of warfare from local militias to private armies, which eventually evolve into well-organized professional forces. Militias can emerge from any province that remains intact and is under your control, providing a crucial resource for your military endeavors. Additionally, vassals might contribute their own small troops, if they are willing to cooperate. Nurturing friendships with them is essential, as alliances can greatly enhance your strength, but we’ll delve into that topic later. Wars generally unfold in a predictable manner: nations gather their troops in a single location and clash with all their might, resulting in intense confrontations. Typically, just a few battles suffice to determine the victor, as the tide of war can turn swiftly. Enemy forces have the capability to rapidly alter their movements, making it challenging to corner the AI into a disadvantageous position.

If your forces are smaller, the enemy will likely overpower you, whether they choose to attack across a river or in rugged mountainous terrain. The quality of your troops is far more critical than sheer numbers. For instance, two thousand light infantry will be easily defeated by just a thousand cavalry units. If you want to witness this firsthand, consider playing as a Russian principality located near the Mongol forces.

As you gradually enhance your troop management abilities, construct sturdy fortifications, and focus on self-improvement, you’ll eventually gain access to an elite guard unit. This force will always stand by your side; there is no need to disband them, and their loyalty to you will be unwavering through every challenge. Over time, the guard will replace the militia as the primary military strength of your state—if you can survive long enough to see that transformation. Keep in mind, many unforeseen challenges can threaten your reign, even in the absence of wars, such as political intrigue or economic turmoil.

Intrigues

Intrigue is a subtle art that requires finesse. Typically, conspiracies are crafted to eliminate a specific individual, though they can also target the usurpation of a title or inciting a rebellion. The complexity of such a scheme largely depends on the societal status of the individual in question, the number of mutual acquaintances you share, and your own level of cunning and strategic thinking.

Engaging those mutual contacts is crucial; some might be drawn in through thoughtful gifts, others through influential positions in the state, or even those who willingly align themselves with your objectives. Each participant contributes a unique percentage to the overall success of the plot. If the combined total reaches 100%, or even better, 200% of the conspiracy’s strength, an assassination attempt will likely be executed.

Afterward, there are four potential outcomes to consider: failure without any exposure, failure accompanied by the unveiling of the conspiracy, quiet success, and success where the identity of the killer becomes public. Exposure is always catastrophic, leading to a significant downfall in reputation, and the result is entirely unpredictable, improved only through your skills and cunning. If you find yourself exposed, public opinion about you will sharply decline, the victim’s family will harbor deep resentment towards you, and if you tragically took the life of a family member, you’ll carry an unpleasant burden that will haunt you until your death or until you seek genuine redemption and atonement for your actions. Thus, if your levels of intrigue and cunning are low, it is foolish to recklessly dive into the dangerous world of conspiracies and machinations; you may find greater success and stability at the negotiation table, where dialogue and diplomacy reign. The overall prosperity of your state largely hinges on the alliances you forge and the relationships you build, rather than on the trail of bodies and chaos you leave behind in your quest for power. In the end, it’s the connections you cultivate that will define your legacy, not the destruction you may cause.

Diplomacy

Arguably, the most intricately developed and one of the most significant elements of the game is the notion of humanity. Anyone with a rank above that of a cook in your realm will form a distinct opinion about you, and that opinion carries substantial weight. Characters who feel slighted or wronged will conspire against you, work to undermine your authority, ally with hostile factions, and spread damaging rumors that can tarnish your reputation. If these individuals happen to be vassals, they might refuse to support your choice of heir, withdraw their military assistance in times of conflict, or even go so far as to instigate a full-scale revolt against your rule. Thus, a high degree of diplomacy is vital for your heir’s future success and stability. You can elevate your standing briefly with a well-timed monetary gift, or you might consider sending your chancellor to engage in delicate negotiations with a rebellious vassal, striving to convince them of your rightful authority and secure their loyalty once more.

To some extent, the traits you exhibit can significantly influence how other characters perceive you. For instance, few are likely to develop affection for a cynical, greedy misanthrope. Your actions also carry substantial weight—dismissals, insults, and quarrels can heavily impact how others view you, along with lingering sentiments about a former monarch. However, the primary source of dissatisfaction often stems from unrealized ambitions and unfulfilled desires. Take, for example, a healer who yearns to rule but finds himself denied a coveted title; he feels slighted and sulks in frustration. Then there’s a vassal who already holds a title yet remains discontented, yearning for a place on the council to exert more influence. Despite his dissatisfaction, he possesses the intelligence and skills necessary for effective leadership. By carefully distributing titles and positions, one can maintain a court that is not only well-fed but also satisfied and loyal—at least until a new heir arrives, potentially throwing the entire established system into chaos and upheaval.

However, since we are on the subject, I would like to take a look at another key element in the governance system – the government council. This body is formed from successful individuals with expertise in various fields. As a rule, the council consists of five members, and each represents a certain virtue or skill corresponding to his professional specialization. However, in practice, it is not always possible to select only competent candidates. Sometimes you have to put up with mediocre advisers – not out of personal desire, but for the sake of maintaining the loyalty of the feudal lords or to neutralize active rebellious groups that can shake the foundations of power. In addition, one cannot discount the eternal companion of the feudal era – corruption. In reality, it happens that an adviser secretly gives up his position to another person in exchange for gifts or services, and without the knowledge of the ruler. This is especially dangerous, because the role of the council is constantly increasing: without its consent, you will not be able to start a war, approve a new law or deprive a negligent vassal of his title. However, if you can master the art of managing this complex mechanism and learn to anticipate the moods within the council, you will understand the false power of the saying: “A wise king takes advice, but a fool is led by the nose by his advisers.”

Heirs and their upbringing

It is never too early to think about the legacy of your family. Even if your hero is only twenty years old, a sudden illness or injury in battle can put an end to all hopes and lead to a fatal outcome. To avoid tragedy and protect the line of succession, the first and most important step is marriage. For descendants of noble blood, marriage is not just a union of two hearts, but a carefully considered political decision. That is why it is extremely important to choose a spouse who will not only be worthy of your origin, but also strengthen the position of your family without damaging the honor of your ancestors.

When choosing a bride, you should carefully analyze her personal qualities, pedigree, titles, as well as her place in the social hierarchy. For example, an alliance with a woman at court can not only increase prestige, but also open up access to new spheres of influence. If you manage to conclude an alliance with a representative of an influential family, this will strengthen the dynasty and provide support in future political conflicts. Once a suitable match has been found, a formal proposal of marriage is made. We eagerly await the answer, because the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our house depends on its positive outcome. As soon as consent is received, the wedding can be organized without delay and new twists of fate can be prepared.

If the dynamics among the characters are encouraging, a much-anticipated event will soon take place: the joyful announcement of our heir’s arrival. We will thoughtfully select a beautiful name for the child and eagerly await the news. As the child grows day by day, we’ll carefully consider the best upbringing methods based on the young heir’s natural tendencies and inclinations. Additionally, it’s essential to choose a nurturing caregiver for the child, which will not only enhance your relationship with that caregiver but also significantly increase the likelihood of the child becoming a brilliant individual with admirable traits. A similar strategy should be employed at age 12, focusing on refining and developing the traits acquired earlier. By the time the heir reaches the age of 18, we will have a vibrant young successor prepared and eager to assume the throne if needed, ready to lead with wisdom and strength.

A short afterword

You might have noticed that I missed sharing something essential or didn’t touch on specific topics. However, with the insights and knowledge I’ve provided, you can confidently start your journey and later discover your own unique strategies and techniques. If you’re eager for more helpful tips and advice, I highly recommend visiting the Strategium forum in the CKII section or exploring the Crusader Kings wiki. This can be especially beneficial if your English skills are decent. I genuinely hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding time playing Crusader Kings II, and I sincerely thank you for your attention and interest!

Crusader Kings II System Requirements

To run Crusader Kings II, your computer will need at least 4 GB of RAM and 2 GB of free hard drive space. The graphics card should be at least a GeForce 8800 GT, and the processor should be at least a Pentium 4 with a clock speed of 2.4 GHz.

How to play Crusader Kings 2 for free on Steam via VpeSports

Want to build a dynasty, survive the intrigues of a medieval court, poison a couple of cousins, declare a holy war and marry the heir to a princess for a new title – and all this absolutely for free? Great news: now you can play Crusader Kings II without spending money, without piracy and without dubious sites. Just you, your vassals and decades of political machinations.

A Free Steam account with Crusader Kings II is available on the VpeSports website, and it really works. You just need to go through a simple registration, go to a special section with free Steam accounts and find the game in the list. Then – a “download” button and step-by-step instructions. In just a couple of minutes, you are appointing a regent, sending out assassins, cursing the Pope and trying to prevent your son from organizing a coup.

If the game has captured you (and it happens – it is a life simulator, not just a strategy), do not forget to leave a review. This will help others figure out whether it’s worth trying (spoiler: it is), and you’ll get a nice bonus – after moderating the comment, you’ll receive your login and password by e-mail. Didn’t work the first time? No problem – make a couple of edits as per the hint and try again.

To stay up to date with new free giveaways and not lose access to games, subscribe to our Telegram channel and visit the chat. There, players like you share political strategies, the best marriage combinations, and the secrets of a successful dynasty. And a detailed guide to the system is already on the website. So don’t delay – the throne won’t hold itself!