Time periods frame the action in historical grand strategy games like Crusader Kings III, defining the characters, nations, and technologies you can interact with. Its start date alone makes the difference between facing already formed empires or having a shot at nipping them in the bud. CK3’s end date is also good to keep in mind, as it tells you how much time you have left to enact your grand plan.
Crusader Kings 3 launched with just two start dates, based on those the community picked the most in the previous title. A third is being introduced with the launch of the Roads to Power DLC, on September 24, 2024. In terms of end date, all games conclude in the same year. Read on below to learn exactly how much time you’ve got to spread the name of your dynasty as far as possible.
CK3 Start and End Dates
Crusader Kings III’s two original start dates are separated by a whole 199 years. If you begin your playthrough in 867 and find yourself craving control of European territory, you won’t have to deal with a formed Holy Roman Empire, provided you act quickly.
If, instead, you’re opting for the 1066 start date, you’d better go in prepared to battle (or submit to) the great white blob, unless the AI manages to make it implode rather quickly. Of course, similar changes take place all over the world, which is why you’ll want to play through the game at least once starting from each date. We also don’t have any Holy Roman Empire-related trauma from past playthroughs, it’s just your imagination.
Starting with September 24, 2024, when the Roads of Power DLC launches, we’ll also able able to choose the 1178 start date, which highlights characters such as Baudouin IV, Heinrich the Lion, Friedrich Barbarossa, and many others.
- Crusader Kings III start dates: 867, 1066, 1178 (once the Roads to Power DLC releases)
- Crusader Kings III end date: 1453
Crusader Kings III’s end date comes upon reaching the year 1453. Depending on how many plans you want to put in motion, this can either feel like forever or too short a while.
In our experience, it’s just enough to go through quite a few kings, have adulterous adventures all over the world, and live on pretending that the one child who had the potential of becoming a beacon of light for your realm didn’t die a couple of weeks into their rule because they liked alcohol a bit too much.
With Crusader Kings III’s start and end dates now covered, also check out our guides on knights and changing culture.
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