Typically, the battles in Crusader Kings 3 are a numbers game, not really connected to action. Modders have now taken this on – and bring the fights to life.
Which game are we talking about? Crusader Kings 3 is the third installment of a strategy RPG series where you manage the fate of a medieval dynasty.
You take on the role of the head of a noble family at the start of Crusader Kings 3 and begin to expand your realm and solve various problems at court. Additionally, the family tree plays an important role – Crusader Kings 3 can turn into a real genetics project.
Of course, wars and battles also play a role. In Crusader Kings 3, you primarily observe these from afar. While you see various combat advantages, influences, and statistics, in the end it is just a simulation that you watch.
Apparently, that wasn’t enough for some players. Because now there’s a mod that equips the strategy epic with genuine 3D action battles.
New mod sends you from Crusader Kings 3 to Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord and back
This is the mod: The mod is called “Crusader Blade” and combines Crusader Kings 3 with Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord. Developer “George” describes himself on Patreon as a long-time fan of the mechanics of both games – he loves the management elements from Crusader Kings and the combat system from Mount & Blade: “I thought, why not combine both and take the best of both worlds” (via patreon).
You need both games. The following changes will be made to Crusader Kings 3: Once a battle starts as usual, the game sends the parameters of your troops and circumstances like the terrain to Mount & Blade 2. A corresponding map will then be created there, on which you will control the battle live.
On Discord, it is described how the troops are translated: Among other things, there are graphical variations to represent different cultures and plenty of different equipment. It may not always be a “perfect translation” because the games are sometimes too visually different – but they are working on it.
Once the battle is over, the result is sent back to Crusader Kings 3. Currently, warriors can only be “wounded,” which can lead to capture – “deaths” will be added later. But even now, the result of the mod is generating discussion among Crusader Kings fans.
A small trailer shows what it all looks like:
This is what the community says: In the subreddit for Crusader Kings, the mod is well received. Many players apparently didn’t believe the mod when they first heard about it – and are now even more excited to be able to play their battles live:
- “This is really amazing. Great work, everyone who has proven all those who ever doubted this project wrong,” says a user (via reddit).
- “This is the first time I’ve heard of this, but this is incredible. I could never get into the Bannerlord campaign, but I loved the battles. This is the best of both worlds,” comments another (via reddit).
- “I have always dreamed of a mix between Crusader Kings and Mount and Blade, and until now I had never heard of this project. You are incredible. Thank you so much,” comments user “vonbalt” (via reddit).
- “Do you know what that means?! I will never lose a battle again! omg! yes! I will be able to single-handedly stop the Crusades! Hahaha! This is awesome! Great concept! I can’t wait to try it out,” is user “iiaboatbi” motivated (via reddit).
According to the developers of the mod, initial tests seem to be working and appropriate units are being sent into battle. Important: The maximum number of troops is 1,000. In Crusader Kings, there can be larger battles. These will then be transferred to combat in the corresponding ratio.
Is this combination interesting for you? Have you ever thought: “This feature of a particular game would perfectly complement another?” Tell us in the comments!
In general, battles are a crucial factor in many games. Even in the new MMO New World, wars are an important feature. Here you can find out more about it.
