Europe Universalis 4 and Crusader Kings 3 are the best 4x grand strategy games of all times. Both developed by Paradox and set in Middle Ages. That’s why it’s natural to compare them. So, which masterpiece is the winner of EU4 vs CK3?
I’ll say it now, Crusader Kings 3 is the winner in my book. Simply because it’s newer, improved, lively, and more fun. Although I may be choosing CK3 on this versus because I’ve played EU4 thousands of hours and now somewhat bored of it.
There are many parameters we need to address comparing the two. So, I made a chart showing the differences.
Bad news: Both games require DLCs to truly enjoy them. Without DLCs, both games are hollow and empty shells. Damned DLC policy of Paradox.
Differences between EU4 vs CK3:
| Differences | Europa Universalis 4 | Crusader Kings 3 |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2020 |
| Graphics | Mid | Very Good |
| Set in | Entire World | Europe, Part of Africa, Part of Asia, India |
| Game Date | 1444 – 1821 | 867 / 1066 – 1453 |
| Gameplay | Playing a Country | Playing as a Person |
| Difficulty | Harder, Micromanaging | Easier to Get Into |
| Interface | Basic, Slightly Complicated | More Recent, More Polished |
| Playstyle | Min/Maxing Playstyle | Leans More into Role Playing |
| DLC Policy | Many DLCs (Subscription) | Many DLCs (No Subscription) |
One may say both are winners. Some will choose EU4, some will choose CK3, and some will enjoy both equally.
Yet again, if I had to choose one winner, that would be the Crusader Kings 3.
Europa Universalis 4 or Crusader Kings 3?
If you’re in between, I would say you should buy Crusader Kings 3. Because it’s newer and much easier to get into. But I highly urge you to wait for a sale since it can be very costly if you buy all DLCs.
Europa Universalis 4 can be the cheaper option because it has a DLC subscription. Instead of buying 15+ DLCs of EU4, you can buy a monthly subscription and try the game for a month. Then you can cancel or extend the subscription.
So, for new players, I recommend CK3. For experienced players who played 4k grand strategy games before, I recommend both.
You can also start with Crusader Kings 3 (867) and export your save to Europa Universalis 4 (1453) once you hit the end-date. They’re both Paradox games and save compatible.
Other Paradox 4x strategy games:
- Stellaris (Sci-fi)
- Hearts of Iron (WW2)
- Victoria (1836 – 1936)
- Imperator: Rome (304 BC – 27 BC)
- March of the Eagles (1805 – 1820 Europe)
- Sengoku (16th Century Japan)
CK3 To EU4 Save Game Conversion
You can continue your CK3 mega campaign in EU4 with a simple save game conversion mod. Here is the CK3 to EU4 converser mega thread.
This converter has been done by the seam team who did Imperator>CK3, Imperator>CK2, CK3>EU4, CK2>EU4, EU4>VIC3, EU4>VIC2, VIC3>HoI4, VIC2>HoI4, and every other Paradox game converter. So, it’s not official but the next best thing.
Longest megacampaign would be Imperator Rome > Crusader Kings 3 > Europa Universalis 4 > Victoria 3 > Hearts of Iron 4.
Anyways, here is how to convert CK3 save to EU4:
- Download the converter from the megathead in paradox forum.
- Unzip archive, run ConverterFrontend.
- Direct the documents and install locations of both games, including CK3 savegame location.
- Edit the options. (Vassals, de jure lands, HRE, province developments, ideas, Aztecs, DLCs, etc.
- Press convert!
- Load converted file as a Europa Universalis IV mod. Enjoy the game.