The next Crusader Kings 3 DLC is set to significantly fill out missing parts of the CK3 map as developer Paradox targets a “full medieval world.” The Stellaris and Hearts of Iron 4 studio has plenty of incredible strategy games under its belt, and recently confirmed that Europa Universalis 5 is on the way, but it isn’t leaving its dynastical showpiece behind quite yet. Following a recent deep-dive into plans for previous expansion Khans of the Steppe, Paradox reveals what we can expect from the upcoming All Under Heaven.
Having outlined a repair plan to solve several key concerns in Khans of the Steppe, the Crusader Kings 3 developer turns its eye to the future. New CK3 DLC All Under Heaven is described as the fourth ‘major expansion’ for the epochal grand strategy game, and will extend the map out across East Asia, including a particular focus on China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. “We want to not just add the missing parts of the map but also fill it with the living world of the past,” Paradox says, explaining its desire to ensure the included areas “feel like an integral part of the game.”
The newcomers also bring some more substantial mechanical overhauls with them. China becomes the first empire to be classified as a hegemony, although others can be created if you make specific choices with the likes of India and Rome. It also includes the celestial government, an expansion on Roads of Power’s Byzantine administrative government. This system relies on ‘merit,’ a value separate from influence that’s built up by individuals through their lifetime based on their service and decisions.
Rather than supporting their own regions directly, China’s governors send the funds they collect up to the Imperial Treasury, which then assigns how it is spent across the realm. It can also establish tributaries among other independent rulers. The timeline of CK3 includes the breakup of the Tang Dynasty into the civil war known as the ‘Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era,’ with a continuing cycle that can fall into instability, or even slide into a ‘chaotic era,’ should the legitimacy of the Emperor be called too strongly into question.
Next on the list is Japan, which begins its journey in CK3 in a similar state of overarching leadership. Its governorships fall into two styles; Ritsuryo rulers are focused on influence rather than military might, while Soryo vassals have turned their region into a permanent fiefdom and have hereditary succession, stronger armies, and the capability to expand and take over other counties. The latter can be useful in times of trouble, but a Ritsuryo governor attempting to transition will not be looked upon favorably by the empire.
The overarching ruler, the Kampaku, is selected from the Ritsuryo initially and acts on behalf of the Emperor. With enough might at their back, however, a Soryo ruler could take charge and establish themselves in that seat, becoming a Shogun. To help monitor the conditions among your regions, All Under Heaven tracks the relationships between houses (and greater blocs, should several of them collate their efforts), reflecting their current standing and the alliances that will take effect should war break out.
Rounding out today’s deep dive is a look at Southeast Asia, which covers the regions more distanced from China’s influence than the likes of Japan and Korea. Across the mainland and islands, expect a diverse mix of tribal rulers, indigenous faiths, and states practicing Hinduism or Buddhism, with much more transitory realms that shift and cycle over time. The Hindu and Buddhist states in particular are represented by the new mandala government type, which features a lower vassal and domain limit in favor of a greater focus on tributaries.
An independent mandala ruler can take the title of Devaraja, or God King, with their authority stemming primarily from the influence of religion. They get access to new levels of devotion, and can “eventually end up quite powerful” should they spread that influence across their surrounding neighbors. Invest piety into aspects of your leadership to determine whether you showcase your faith through war or more peaceful means, as well as the benefits you’ll earn. Build a capital temple, and demonstrate your power for all to see.
The capital temple is part of a new feature in All Under Heaven – great projects. These allow multiple regional rulers to band together to create something bigger, such as the likes of the Great Wall. They can also be employed in response to another addition, natural disasters, each of which creates an opening for leaders to demonstrate their ability to respond to adversity. Paradox says it doesn’t want these to feel like “a random and extremely punishing blow,” but rather an opportunity to advance your goals in the long term.
To round out today’s blog, the developer teases the introduction of the Silk Road. This will be visible on the map in All Under Heaven, and controlling key points such as ports and cities will provide strong economic benefits to a stable China. It also enables Western rulers the chance to integrate Chinese innovations into their own realms. This is just the start of what’s on offer; Paradox teases more information on what to expect from regions such as Korea and the northern steppe in the coming weeks before we learn the release date.
For now, here are the best strategy games on PC to keep you plenty busy. If you’re eager to put your skills in conflict to the test, try one of the best war games instead.
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