What is the best game similar to Crusader Kings II?

The closest game to Crusader Kings II is Crusader Kings III, scoring 97/100 on our similarity scale. They share 10 gameplay attributes, including deep simulation, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like Crusader Kings II?

The three closest games to Crusader Kings II are: 1. Crusader Kings III (97/100, 10 shared attributes) 2. Sid Meier's Civilization® V (95/100, 8 shared attributes) 3. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI (96/100, 7 shared attributes). All share Crusader Kings II's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 12 dimensions.

Is Sid Meier's Civilization® V similar to Crusader Kings II?

Yes, very much so — Sid Meier's Civilization® V scores 95/100 similarity to Crusader Kings II. They share 8 attributes, including turn-based strategy and deep simulation. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What Turn-Based Strategy games are similar to Crusader Kings II?

The best Turn-Based Strategy games similar to Crusader Kings II are Crusader Kings III, Sid Meier's Civilization® V, Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI and Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution. All share the Turn-Based Strategy genre alongside other key Crusader Kings II attributes like deep simulation, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy.

How is similarity to Crusader Kings II calculated?

We compare Crusader Kings II against every game in our catalog using 12 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Crusader Kings II experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

50 Games like Crusader Kings II that you should try

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Looking for games like Crusader Kings II? We analyzed its gameplay DNA — turn-based strategy, sandbox world and historical setting — against over 6,700 titles. These 50 alternatives are ranked by real similarity, not marketing tags. Crusader Kings III leads with 97/100, followed by the rest of the list.

iRank82/ 100

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GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

Top games similar to Crusader Kings II

50 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Crusader Kings II. Each one has been evaluated across 12 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Crusader Kings III

iRank89

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerSandbox WorldMedievalHistoricalIsometric

Steam👍 90%· 140KRAWG👍 89%· 465MC86IGDB91· 3OC90· 94

Year 2020Dev Paradox Developement Studios · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~12hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ If you enjoyed Crusader Kings II, expect deep simulation, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings real-time strategy, cozy, relaxing feel and strong narrative focus, while skipping fantasy world

Details →

Steam

#2Sid Meier's Civilization® V

iRank92

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerHistoricalFantasyMedievalIsometric

Steam👍 96%· 209KRAWG👍 91%· 2.0KMC90IGDB87· 5

Year 2010Dev Aspyr Media · 2K GamesPlaytime ~27hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ If you enjoyed Crusader Kings II, expect turn-based strategy, deep simulation and historical setting

≠ Its own twist: combat tactical, ranged combat and setting scifi, while skipping deep RPG systems

Details →

Steam

#3Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI

iRank88

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerHistoricalFantasyIsometric

Steam👍 86%· 374KRAWG👍 88%· 1.4KMC88IGDB87· 20OC89· 95

Year 2016Dev Aspyr Media · 2K GamesPlaytime ~15hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Like Crusader Kings II, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and historical setting

≠ Its own twist: combat tactical, base building and resource management, while skipping deep RPG systems

Details →

Steam Epic Xbox

#4Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution

iRank81

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerFantasyHistoricalIsometric

IGDB81· 8

Year 2008Dev Firaxis Games · 2K GamesOn PlayStation 3

✓ If you enjoyed Crusader Kings II, expect deep simulation, turn-based strategy and fantasy world

≠ Stands apart with combat tactical, while skipping deep RPG systems

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerIsometricTacticalSci-Fi

IGDB100· 1

Year 2001Dev Intelligent Systems · Nintendo

✓ Shared with Crusader Kings II: deep simulation, turn-based strategy and single-player focus

≠ Its own twist: combat tactical, setting scifi and visual 2d, while skipping deep RPG systems

Details →

Nintendo

#6Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

iRank80

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerHistoricalFantasyIsometric

Steam👍 87%· 1.5KRAWG👍 69%· 163MC83IGDB77· 3

Year 2008Dev Aspyr Media · 2K GamesPlaytime ~1hOn PC · iOS · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed Crusader Kings II, expect turn-based strategy, deep simulation and historical setting

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling and base building, while skipping deep RPG systems

Details →

Steam

#7Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri

iRank91

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerIsometricSpaceSci-Fi

Steam👍 91%· 581IGDB91· 1

Year 1999Dev Firaxis Games · Electronic ArtsOn Linux · PC · Mac

✓ Like Crusader Kings II, it's known for turn-based strategy, deep simulation and single-player focus

≠ Its own twist: setting space, setting scifi and post-apocalyptic world, while skipping deep RPG systems

Details →

Steam GOG

#8Advance Wars: Dual Strike

iRank91

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerIsometricTacticalSci-Fi

IGDB91· 3

Year 2005Dev Intelligent Systems · Nintendo

✓ Like Crusader Kings II, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and single-player focus

≠ Stands apart with combat tactical, setting scifi and visual 2d, while skipping deep RPG systems

Details →

Nintendo

#9Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic)

iRank96

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloHistoricalFantasyIsometricBase Building

Steam👍 96%· 1.1K

Year 2014Dev MicroProse Software · Nightdive StudiosPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Crusader Kings II, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and historical setting

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, base building and resource management, while skipping deep RPG systems

Details →

Steam

#10Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth

iRank71

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerIsometricTacticalNarrative

Steam👍 60%· 23KIGDB83· 11OC81· 67

Year 2014Dev Firaxis Games · 2K GamesOn Linux · PC · Mac

✓ Shared with Crusader Kings II: turn-based strategy, deep simulation and single-player focus

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and combat tactical, while skipping deep RPG systems

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloSandbox WorldFantasyMedievalIsometric

Steam👍 95%· 8.2K

Year 2020Dev Jake the Dev · Jakob de LavalPlaytime ~6hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Crusader Kings II, it's known for deep simulation, sandbox freedom and turn-based strategy

≠ Stands apart with survival mechanics, vibe casual and open world exploration, while skipping deep RPG systems

Details →

Steam GOG itch.io

#12Turmoil

iRank86

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerHistoricalCo-opPvP

Steam👍 93%· 16KOC72· 11

Year 2016Dev Gamious · PlaydigiousOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Like Crusader Kings II, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and historical setting

≠ Where it differs: brings vibe relaxing, combat tactical and co op, while skipping deep RPG systems

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerSci-FiThird Person

IGDB60· 1

Year 2000Dev HAL Laboratory · Gradiente

✓ Like Crusader Kings II, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and single-player focus

≠ Where it differs: brings setting scifi and visual third person, while skipping deep RPG systems

Details →

#14Dwarf Fortress

iRank91

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloSandbox WorldFantasyIsometricFree to Play

Steam👍 95%· 31KIGDB84OC90· 13

Dev Bay 12 GamesOn Linux · PC · Mac

✓ If you enjoyed Crusader Kings II, expect deep simulation, sandbox freedom and deep RPG systems

≠ Where it differs: brings survival mechanics, roguelike runs and open world exploration, while skipping historical setting

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloFantasyHistoricalMedievalTactical

Steam👍 72%· 1.9KRAWG👍 36%· 131MC73IGDB70· 3OC74· 32

Year 2015Dev Double Fine ProductionsPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Xbox · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed Crusader Kings II, expect deep simulation, turn-based strategy and deep RPG systems

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, roguelike runs and combat tactical, while skipping sandbox freedom

Details →

Steam GOG Xbox

Complete list of Crusader Kings II alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Crusader Kings II, ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.

Your Only Move Is HUSTLE

Simulation · Turn-Based Strat

Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville

Simulation · Survival

Gnomoria

Simulation · Sandbox

Ultimate Arena

Turn-Based Strat · Simulation

Travellin Cats in China

Simulation · RPG

Shelter

Simulation · Survival

Stronghold Crusader

Simulation · Sandbox

Stronghold

Simulation · RTS

Rise of Nations

RTS

Medieval II: Total War

RTS · Simulation

Stronghold HD (2012)

Simulation · RTS

Victoria II

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

Napoleon: Total War

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

Planet Coaster

Simulation · Sandbox

Stronghold 2

RTS · Simulation

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2

RTS

Stronghold 2: Steam Edition

RTS · Simulation

Prison Architect

Simulation · Sandbox

RollerCoaster Tycoon 2

RTS · Simulation

Planet Zoo

Simulation · Sandbox

Majesty Gold HD

RTS · Simulation

Battle Chess

Turn-Based Strat · Deck Builder

Europa Universalis III

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

Medieval: Total War

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings

RTS

Impossible Creatures Steam Edition

RTS · Simulation

The Guild II

RTS · Simulation

Cossacks: European Wars

RTS

The Guild II Renaissance

RTS · Simulation

Age of Mythology

RTS

Grand Ages: Rome

RTS · Simulation

Dawn of Discovery

RTS · Simulation

Majesty 2

RTS · Simulation

SimCity

Simulation · Sandbox

East India Company

RTS · Simulation

Explore games similar to Crusader Kings II by category

Rankings in the same genre

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Crusader Kings II?: The closest game to Crusader Kings II is Crusader Kings III, scoring 97/100 on our similarity scale. They share 10 gameplay attributes, including deep simulation, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Crusader Kings II?: The three closest games to Crusader Kings II are: 1. Crusader Kings III (97/100, 10 shared attributes) 2. Sid Meier's Civilization® V (95/100, 8 shared attributes) 3. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI (96/100, 7 shared attributes). All share Crusader Kings II's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 12 dimensions.
Is Sid Meier's Civilization® V similar to Crusader Kings II?: Yes, very much so — Sid Meier's Civilization® V scores 95/100 similarity to Crusader Kings II. They share 8 attributes, including turn-based strategy and deep simulation. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What Turn-Based Strategy games are similar to Crusader Kings II?: The best Turn-Based Strategy games similar to Crusader Kings II are Crusader Kings III, Sid Meier's Civilization® V, Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI and Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution. All share the Turn-Based Strategy genre alongside other key Crusader Kings II attributes like deep simulation, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy.
How is similarity to Crusader Kings II calculated?: We compare Crusader Kings II against every game in our catalog using 12 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Crusader Kings II experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.