What are DLCs?
If you don't already know, a DLC is an additional expansion for a game after its release. DLC stands for downloadable content and is usually something you have to pay for. Depending on the quality of the DLC, you will have access to significant additional content for your game.
How many DLCs are there?
CK3 has a total of 12 DLCs including everything, but excluding some useless ones like fashion packs, there are around 5 worth consideration. These five are the ones most CK3 players will recommend, as the other 7 are viewed very negatively as cash grabs by the community. These 5 will give you the most bang for your buck.
5. Fate of Iberia (Good)
Crusader Kings III: Fate of Iberia - Release Trailer
Have you ever desired to carry out the fate of Iberia? Or Perhaps alter it? With this DLC you will be able to take control of any ruler in Iberia during the critical years of the Reconquista. This DLC would be higher on the list if it was more than a flavor pack. This DLC is geared towards improving a specific region of the world instead of an overall gameplay addition.
Fate of Iberia Review
This DLC is good for the player who has a great interest in the history of Iberia, otherwise, the average player might want to overlook this one. The main selling factor of this expansion is the new mechanic, the Iberian struggle. This is a mechanic developed specifically for the situation in Iberia so do not expect it to affect your game when playing outside of Spain. Despite this, if you often enjoy playing in Iberia then this DLC will be a good expansion for you to build up your Iberian empire.
Fate of Iberia Key Features
- New events, decisions, and cultural traditions unique to Iberia
- New fashion for Muslim and Christian characters
- New 3D models
- New Iberian-inspired artifacts for Royal Court DLC holders
- New themed soundtrack
Fate of Iberia Rating
5/10
4. Legacy of Persia (Good)
Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia - Release Trailer
Have the less-played eastern realms of CK3 caught your attention? Most players will find that most of the new feature development goes towards the European part of the map but with this DLC you will be able to access unique features for the Persian lands. Like the previous DLC, Legacy of Persia is a flavor pack geared towards improving upon a specific region of the map. Persian characters and realms will now have access to some new unique events and decisions.
Legacy of Persia Review
Legacy of Persia, while promising and delivering new content for Persia, does feel like another sore spot for CK3 fans who would like to see more fleshed-out expansions released. However, for the Persian enthusiast this DLC is a must. You will have access to a new and unique Intermezzo conflict between the faltering Abbasids and the energized Persians. The new models, music, and customization options will immerse you in the region.
Legacy of Persia Key Features
- New Iranian cultures, traditions, and men at arms to bring a home advantage to your playthrough
- Redesigned models for characters and buildings to encourage your immersion into the region
- New events, decisions, and interactions unique to Persian characters
Legacy of Persia Rating
5/10
3. Northern Lords (Excellent)
CK3: Northern Lords Flavor Pack - Release Trailer
The open ocean calls to you and distant lands await your fateful arrival. With this DLC, your Norse characters will have more gameplay depth than ever before. Northern Lords is another flavor pack and not an entire DLC. However, out of the three flavor packs this one stands out as one of the more immersive ones.
Northern Lords Review
This DLC was one of the very first to come out and it was a godsend for those playing in Scandinavia. As someone who plays extensively in that region, this expansion elevated the experience. This pack adds some very exciting mechanics for Norse characters that make them some of the strongest in the game. Features like Varangian adventure and personal deity worship allow me to create a Ragnar Lothbrok vibe for the playthrough.
Northern Lords Key Features
- Unique Norse adventurer realms
- New customization options for your ruler
- New original art and music
- New cultural traditions, events, and decisions
Northern Lords Rating
7/10
2. Royal Court (Excellent)
CK3: Royal Court - Announcement Trailer
Ever aspired to truly feel your realm as existing in a tangible plane of existence? This DLC is for you then. With CK3’s first full-on DLC, we get many few features to flesh out the realism of our royal courts. New 3d models and gameplay features will drastically alter how you manage your realm.
Royal Court Review
Royal Court is a DLC that will add the jarring addition, for most paradox players, of a 3D space in the game. Your royal court will now have a fully modeled space with all your vassals and courtiers being present as 3D characters. This addition is very exciting for those who enjoy the roleplay aspect of the game, and even by going into the game debug mode you can adjust this 3D model to your liking. The expansion also adds a new mechanic called artifacts which will be in-game items you can equip on yourself or in your court. These new items will grant varying boosts depending on the rarity. Overall, this DLC is good for the player looking to breathe a little more life into his royal court.
Royal Court Key Features
- Commission, collect, and utilize new artifacts to enhance the capabilities of your ruler
- New cultural mechanics; Branch off, hybridize, or evolve your culture as you move through the ages
- A 3D-modeled court for you to keep an eye on all your wandering vassals and courtiers
Royal Court Review
7/10
1. Tours & Tournaments
Crusader Kings III: Tours and Tournaments - Announcement Trailer
In this expansion pack, you will be able to truly feel your ruler's presence in the vast expanses of the map. Whether they wander through the endless forests of Russia or the vast desert expanse of Arabia, you will be able to see the world of CK3 through the lens of your ruler. Tours & Tournaments is the latest DLC from CK3, as of the time of writing, and delivers on its promises in a wonderfully ambitious fashion. This expansion brings CK3 another step closer to the goal of being a true RPG strategy game.
Tours & Tournaments Review
Tours & Tournaments is a DLC that many players feel delivers a great deal of content. You will live grandly and worldly as you can organize grand weddings, tours, and tournaments. This pack adds a lot of the splendor present in the social gatherings of the period and will reward you greatly for accumulating the funds to organize them. This DLC adds a great way of making CK3 stand apart from being just another mappainting game.
Tours & Tournaments Key Features
- Enjoy a worldly adventure with the new traveling mechanics
- Immerse your ruler in the bloody medieval world with grand tournaments and combat competitions
- Create an entourage of travelers to protect your ruler during his journey
- New art, decisions, and artifacts
Tours & Tournaments Review
8/10
