Crusader Kings III Expands with ‘Roads to Power’—Buckle Up for Schemes, Intrigue, and Trade Routes!

Crusader Kings III fans, grab your crowns and double down on your political plotting because Paradox Interactive is dropping a brand-new expansion that’s bound to shake things up in a big way. Roads to Power launches on September 24, 2024, and it brings a massive dose of new content to the table. This one’s all about domination through influence, trade, and some very, very sneaky backroom deals.

The latest expansion takes the already loved medieval strategy game and deepens the layers of intrigue. You’ll now be setting up trade routes and negotiating alliances like never before, all while keeping an eye on your court’s loyalty, because who really trusts anyone in these times? If you thought backstabbing was bad before, wait until you throw rich merchants and powerful guilds into the mix. It’s going to be chaos—delicious, calculated chaos.

One of the most intriguing additions in Roads to Power is the revamped trade system. It’s not just about being good at war anymore. Now, economies will shift based on who controls the key roads that link distant regions of the medieval world. You’ll need to be savvy, strategically aligning yourself with citizens and rulers who can help your family dynasty grow—not to mention, be mindful of who’ll just as easily disrupt your shiny new silk road route for their gain.

In true Crusader Kings fashion, though, it’s not just about accumulating wealth. No, this game loves its court drama, and Roads to Power is doubling down on the social and political intrigue, too. Expect new rivalries and alliances to form as power brokers (yes, there are actual guilds and a network of merchants now!) start making moves of their own. The expansion’s new power dynamics mean you’ll have even more reasons to scheme your way to the top but in ways that’ll have ripple effects across the entire game world.

And did we mention the new infrastructure management? Yeah, roads are more than just a way to move between places quickly. The way you improve and manage this infrastructure will have long-term consequences for both trade and military. In other words, owning a road isn’t just about collecting taxes. It’s about controlling the flow of goods, armies, and influence between kingdoms. The ripple effects of these updates could make or break entire playthroughs.

With all these new features, the community is buzzing, and it’s easy to see why. Paradox has been stellar at balancing depth with accessibility in Crusader Kings III, and Roads to Power looks like it’ll hit that sweet spot again, offering layers of strategy for seasoned players while keeping things clear enough that newer players won’t feel lost in a sea of spreadsheets.

You can dive into Roads to Power when it releases on September 24, and if you haven’t yet dipped your toes into this dynasty-building epic, now’s the perfect time. Trust us, the stories you’ll come away with will be worth every treacherous decision you make.

Get more details on Roads to Power and pre-order here: Crusader Kings III: Roads to Power.

Tips for Newbies Navigating the ‘Roads to Power’ Expansion

1. Don’t Ignore Trade Routes: The temptation might be to play your typical game and focus purely on military dominance, but trade routes are going to play an important role in this expansion. Keep your eyes on the roads, and make sure you’re using them to grow your wealth.
2. Courtly Intrigue is Key: Now that merchants and guilds have even more power, your court isn’t just about nobles anymore. Work to ally yourself with these new influencers—and take them down when necessary.
3. Infrastructure Management Matters: Roads aren’t just transportation. The state of your infrastructure influences not only your economy but also how fast your armies can move in times of war. So, don’t ignore those “boring” construction projects—they can be your kingdom’s backbone.
4. Watch Out for Rivals: The addition of power brokers makes the court dynamics even more volatile. Keep a close watch on your rivals; they might undermine you when you least expect it. Sometimes striking a deal with the “enemy” might be your best option for survival!

Crusader Kings III has never been a game about playing nice, and Roads to Power takes that philosophy to the next level. So, are you ready to navigate the exploding web of trade, power, and betrayal?