Crusader Kings 3 expands the medieval strategy game’s map across East Asia and introduces more types of government

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Less than a month has elapsed since the debut of the Khans of the Steppe expansion for Crusader Kings III, and now another DLC titled All Under Heaven is approaching rapidly. Through a developer’s journal, we have gleaned numerous insights about this upcoming DLC.

In the upcoming updates for “All Under Heaven,” players will find themselves exploring expanded maps, with a focus on East Asia, highlighting China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The developers assure us that these new regions won’t be mere afterthoughts; instead, they will breathe life into the world of “CK3,” becoming an essential part of its rich tapestry.

China

In the upcoming regions, each will feature distinct gameplay elements. Initially, China will represent a dominating power, termed as a hegemony. Furthermore, it will introduce a celestial administration model, an evolution of the Byzantine administrative system from the “Roads of Power” expansion. This model operates on the concept of merit, a value not influenced by external factors, which characters accumulate throughout their lives through service and decision-making.

In a changed economic landscape, Chinese governors will no longer manage their own resources independently. Instead, they will forward the accumulated funds to the emperor, who will allocate these funds for various purposes throughout the empire. Additionally, it is plausible that the emperor could establish trade relationships or tributes with other autonomous rulers.

Japan

In Japan, governors can be categorized into two groups: Ritsuryo governors, who predominantly wield influence rather than military might, and Soryo vassals, who possess hereditary succession, larger armies, and the capacity to conquer and control other counties.

In Japan, an individual referred to as the Kampaku will initially be selected from the Ritsuryo and will represent the emperor. Meanwhile, the most powerful Soryo may attempt to gain control by assuming the role of Shogun. To help us understand these complex connections, the historical text All Under Heaven provides a useful tool for mapping out the relationships between different clans or houses.

Southeast Asia

In contrast, Southeast Asia encompasses areas that are less subject to Chinese influence compared to Japan and Korea. Here, you’ll discover a vibrant mix of tribal chieftains, indigenous faiths, and states adhering to Hinduism or Buddhism. The kingdoms in this region are typically less stable, leading to frequent shifts in geopolitical dynamics.

In a mandala model, Hindu and Buddhist states are governed by their respective governments, with a minimal number of subordinate rulers and a strong emphasis on tributary relationships. The sovereign in this setup may earn the title of Devraj, or divine king, and his power primarily derives from religious affiliation. This allows him to tap into deeper levels of devotion and strive to extend his influence into adjacent regions.

As a gamer, I’m excited to dive into this new DLC where I can team up with fellow regional leaders to tackle grand endeavors, just like the construction of the Great Wall. Moreover, instead of being a setback, natural disasters in this game offer a thrilling chance for me to put my gaming skills on display.

Unfortunately, we still don’t know when Crusader Kings III: All Under Heaven will be released.

  1. Crusader Kings III: All Under Heaven on Steam

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2025-05-30 13:32