Europe is in turmoil. The lands are fragmented into petty fiefs, the emperor struggles with the Pope, and the Holy Father declares that all those who go to liberate the Holy Land will be freed of their sins. Now is the time for greatness. Increase your lands and fill your coffers, appoint vassals, battle traitors, introduce laws while interacting with hundreds of nobles, and create the most powerful dynasty of medieval Europe.

A beleaguered king will always have friends to support him. But beware, as your rule and realm may find trouble when a loyal vassal becomes a bitter rival. Stand ready, increase your prestige, and listen to the world whisper your name in awe. Do you have what it takes to become a Crusader King?

Crusader Kings II explores one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy. Medieval Europe is brought to life in this epic title rife with rich strategic and tactical depth.

On Valentine’s Day 2012, Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Interactive released Crusader Kings II, a game about Medieval conquest, intrigue, diplomacy, and faith. Over the last five years, Paradox has updated, supported and expanded Crusader Kings II and it continues to challenge the development team’s imagination. Over the last five years, the game has sold over a million copies, not counting the many hundreds of thousands of sales for the many expansions and cosmetic DLC.

Crusader Kings II launched Paradox Development Studio into a new era of popular success, demonstrating that broad and complex games about serious subjects could find a large audience. For half a decade, the game’s community has shared stories of world conquest, daring Crusades, accidental empires and soul-compromising sins.

Let’s be honest; there has been a lot of murder.

To mark this milestone, Paradox will dedicate much of 2017 to celebrating Crusader Kings II and its community. The first step in this year of modern medieval pageantry is to give away a free portrait pack to everyone that owns Crusader Kings II. This South Indian portrait pack will add more color and personality for those who fight for control of the great subcontinent.

And then tomorrow the celebrations continue with a celebratory video from LongGameShort.  His humorous animated videos are firm favorites of the Dev team and the community, so it seemed only right to involve him in our celebrations!

Paradox is very grateful for everyone that has embraced Crusader Kings and hopes that you will join us  through the year as we pay homage to the lord and master of role-playing grand strategy games.

Those who have not delved into the plotting and intrigue of Crusader Kings II can even pick it up with up to a 75% discount at the Paradox store here!

Main Features:

• Start a game in 1066 and forge 400 years of European history
• Take on the role of a Christian noble and carry them through the ages from Count to Emperor via the line of succession
• Gather Prestige for every successive character you play, furthering the glory of your dynasty
• Expand your feudal domain at the expense of your rivals
• Unravel the plots of your courtiers and vassals, each armed with their own agendas
• Re-enact the Crusades, defend against the Mongol onslaught, and form feudal nation-states
• Struggle with the Pope for control of the bishops
• Relive the Middle Ages with up to 32 other players in a competitive multiplayer mode