Crusader Kings III Deemed Unplayable in 2023 on Console by Fans

Constant crashes have riddled the game since the Royal Court Update and the public outcry has been real on Twitter/X, Reddit, and the XBOX store review page.

BW Harris
SLAY THE META
4 min readJul 22, 2023

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UPDATE ON THE STATE OF THE GAME: 2/7/2024

The issues, such as the privacy policy and audio problems, have been resolved. However, the auto-save issue has still been affecting me as of Fall 2023. Although the July 31st update last year resolved the issue for the privacy policy, the option resets each login, and the audio issues — my old game files are still crashing on auto-saves.

I have attempted to play the game in Ironman mode, the only way to get achievements in its natural form, going into 2024. Unfortunately, playing the game takes a lot of time, and I haven’t had much time lately.

If you’re interested in playing the game, it’s recommended that you check the latest reviews on the XBOX store or look on Twitter for any general outcry from console players. Lab42 and Paradox, the developers of the game, have received a lot of criticism for the issues faced by the players.

Although many negative reviews still exist, left deservedly unchanged, the game has been fixed for the most part. I say deservedly because Paradox and Lab42 let this go far too long. The constant promotion of the game on Twitter/X while console players could not play for four months was not and will not be forgotten by the console player base anytime soon. Once someone leaves a review on the XBOX store they are unlikely to go back to change it later.

However, it’s difficult to say how the game will perform in the late-game play, especially after 200–300 years. The game generally takes 20 hours to play, if not more. Finishing the game is genuinely a skill-and-luck triumph due to technical issues on the console versions.

Changes were made to the UI that sacrificed the portrait system on the dynasty tree. The system will still fail to record your first few character players, but it seems to hold up once it starts recording. It’s frustrating not being able to see faces on your family or “dynasty” tree, but it’s better than losing it completely mid-game.

I will post an update when I have played this game further. For now, I am taking a break from XBOX.

This is howI feel when I play CK3 on XBOX Series S/X — All screencaps by author.

THE ORIGINAL STORY: 7/21/2023

(The game was patched on July 31st. Shortly after this, everything was fixed, but the most important thing was the save and auto-save issue.)

Have you heard of Crusader Kings III, which has taken the gaming world by storm? Well, Xbox Series S/X players have been facing a tough challenge lately in the form of persistent technical glitches. It’s a bit unusual for a Paradox Interactive Studios game. Players have been experiencing frequent crashes, especially since the release of the Royal Court Update.

Lab42 staff responsible for porting the game from PC to Xbox Series S/X and PlayStation 5 have been in the hot seat due to these performance issues. And it’s not just Xbox players who are feeling the heat, as the glitches have been reported across all platforms.

Usually buzzing with stories of medieval conquest and strategies, the gaming community has now become a forum where players air their grievances and seek solutions. So, if you’re a Crusader Kings III player, you’re not alone in this struggle.

The Royal Court DLC was supposed to improve the experience of playing Crusader Kings III by introducing new interactive features and a visually appealing court management system. Unfortunately, the game’s declining stability has hindered the enjoyment of the new DLC. This has resulted in a significant shift in the player’s sentiment, as seen in the numerous calls for action on social media.

Many players have expressed frustration with crashes occurring during autosaves — a crucial moment in any strategy game. Losing progress during this time means losing hours of careful planning and execution. The community’s frustration is evident, with players sharing stories of lost progress and waning enthusiasm. As a result, the Xbox store rating has dropped significantly.

The dreaded privacy policy shows up every time XBOX users start the game.

Many players of Crusader Kings III on consoles are experiencing several issues affecting their gameplay experience. These issues include unexpected crashes and instability. Several standard troubleshooting tips have been suggested, such as regular updates, clearing the console’s cache, and reinstalling the game, but these measures have only provided temporary relief, if any.

Players eagerly await a permanent solution from the developers, Paradox Interactive, to restore stability to their beloved game. They wish to return to shaping their medieval narratives without fearing encountering unexpected crashes. Despite the challenges, players continue to appreciate the game’s strategic depth.

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BW Harris
SLAY THE META

Dynamic writer exploring the intersection of technology, gaming, and life's nuances. Passionate about unearthing insights with wit and depth in every story.