Crusader Kings 3 announced for Xbox Series X|S and PS5, launching in Xbox Game Pass

Crusader Kings 3 Console Keyart
Crusader Kings 3 Console Keyart (Image credit: Paradox Interactive)

What you need to know

  • Crusader Kings 3 is a strategy-simulation title that first launched for PC in 2020.
  • Paradox Interactive announced on Tuesday that Crusader Kings 3 is coming to Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PS5.
  • Crusader Kings 3 will take advantage of the newer consoles' hardware, with extremely fast loading times.
  • Crusader Kings 3 will also launch into Xbox Game Pass.

Paradox Interactive is bringing its strategy simulation title Crusader Kings 3 to new platforms. As revealed during the Xbox Gamescom 2021 showcase, Paradox Interactive is partnering with Lab42 to bring Crusader Kings 3 to Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PS5. It's also launching into Xbox Game Pass, fitting enough, considering the PC version launched into Xbox Game Pass for PC. You can check out the announcement trailer below.

Crusader Kings 3 is only coming to current-generation consoles and as such, is taking full advantage of the latest hardware these machines offer. Both the Xbox and PS5 versions offer super-fast loading times thanks to the internal SSDs, while the PS5 version utilizes the DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

Paradox Interactive notes the success of the console port of another strategy game, Stellaris, as a factor in bringing Crusader Kings 3 to console. No release window was revealed for the game however, meaning it likely won't be available on consoles in 2021.

In our review of Crusader Kings 3 on PC, staff writer Rich Edmonds said that "If you're new to the series, now's a great time to enter the franchise. Crusader Kings III is easily the most newcomer-friendly, offering a tutorial with plenty of pop-ups (ala Stellaris) that help you get accustomed to how everything works. It won't hold your hand throughout each game, but you won't feel cheated because your family rein ended due to not being sure what this specific mechanic did."

Samuel Tolbert
Freelance Writer

Samuel Tolbert is a freelance writer covering gaming news, previews, reviews, interviews and different aspects of the gaming industry, specifically focusing on Xbox and PC gaming on Windows Central. You can find him on Twitter @SamuelTolbert.