Paradox Interactive announced that Crusader Kings III’s largest-ever expansion, “All Under Heaven,” will launch later this month, bringing the celebrated grand strategy RPG to the historic landscapes of East Asia. The “All Under Heaven” expansion is set to release on October 28, 2025.
This expansion introduces entirely new settings, mechanics, and a vastly expanded map featuring detailed representations of medieval China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Players will be able to navigate imperial ambition, dynastic change, and shadowy scheming from the Great Wall to the temples of Indochina.
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What does the “All Under Heaven” expansion add to Crusader Kings III?
The scope of All Under Heaven is unprecedented for the Crusader Kings series. According to Crusader Kings III Game Director Alexander Oltner, the expansion fulfills a long-standing vision to tell the story of the entire medieval world, which is incomplete without East Asia.
In a press release, this ambitious project is described as the largest expansion in Crusader Kings’ history. The focus is to offer players a wealth of new content and challenges. The expansion will also expand its international reach by introducing Japanese as a supported language for the game.
The new expansion is broken down into three major regional content packs, each offering unique governmental systems, cultural traditions, and political pathways for players to explore for China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Beyond the regional content, “All Under Heaven” introduces several features that tie the new content into the existing Crusader Kings III world:
- Silk Road Expansion: Thrive along an expansive Silk Road by profiting from the wealth and innovations of China.
- New Bookmarks: New historical starting bookmarks offer fresh perspectives and challenges, allowing players to start as iconic characters or forge unique paths.
- Expanded Immersive Flavor: New throne rooms, events, and traditions immerse players in Asia’s cultural, artistic, and historical nuances.
For a deeper dive into each of the Empires added in “All Under Heaven,” see below.
The Mandate of Heaven in China
- Hegemony Title: Ascend to the highest tier of power by reigning supreme over all regional empires with the new Hegemony title.
- Dynastic Cycle: Exploit or manage the new living system of stability and chaos, allowing players to rise to power during periods of political instability.
- Celestial Government: Unique to China, this system allows players to earn Merit through deeds or the Imperial Examinations to gain favor and influence.
- Imperial Treasury: Manage state funds to finance Great Projects, defend against disasters, or exert influence through statecraft and military might.
Japan’s Rise of the Shogunate
- Intricate Court System: Take control of a Japanese house and rise through the court to become a mighty Shogun or Kampaku regent.
- Samurai and Intrigue: Strengthen your house through alliances, intrigue, ritual, or unite the disparate houses through the strength of your samurai armies.
- Imperial Restoration: Lead the Imperial Yamato house to restore power to the Emperor, ushering in a new age of imperial grandeur.
- Cultural Depth: Experience the rich cultural traditions of Japan, where honor and scandal intertwine to shape the lives of lords and vassals.
God-Kings and Temple Empires in Southeast Asia
- Mandala Government: Rule as a Devaraja, using the unique Mandala Government to unite tributaries into vast, temple-centered empires.
- Tributary Missions: As a Tributary ruler, perform Tributary Missions to pay tribute to the God King and increase favor with your subjects.
Crusader Kings III: All Under Heaven expansion will release on October 28, 2025.
