Does the base game feel good to play without the DLCs?

[DiamondDuty]

I am thinking of getting it, but I want to know whether vanilla is fun, because all the DLC save 1 or 2, have very bad ratings and cost a lot. Do they add much? Am I better off with just vanilla?

[AC Denton]

Reviews exist for this reason. Read them and make a decision on what you want to buy.

[The Former]

It did to me, though I find the DLCs greatly enrich it. I wouldn't willingly choose to be without them now that I have them, but it's plenty of fun without.

[DiamondDuty]

Originally posted by AC Denton:

Reviews exist for this reason. Read them and make a decision on what you want to buy.

I know, I have already looked at them. That is why I am seeing how the community discusses about it, and if there is anything right at this moment that makes it more or less worth it.

[The Former]

Originally posted by DiamondDuty:

Originally posted by AC Denton:

Reviews exist for this reason. Read them and make a decision on what you want to buy.

I know, I have already looked at them. That is why I am seeing how the community discusses about it, and if there is anything right at this moment that makes it more or less worth it.

By and large, I'd say if you're a roleplayer, the DLC is worth it. If you're not, it can probably be skipped for now. Though I do find that even when I don't play tribal, having Northern Lords installed makes the game world more interesting, so I recommend it regardless.

[Theandal]

Check Xbox gamepass for pc. Maybe they still have the 1 dollar for first month and you can play other games too.
The base game is already great, you will get hundreds of hours of fun out of it IF you like the game.

[DiamondDuty]

Originally posted by Theandal:

Check Xbox gamepass. Maybe they still have the 1 dollar for first month and you can play other games too.
The base game is already great, you will get hundreds of hours of fun out of it IF you like the game.

Okay, I am going to give it a try.

I have hundreds of hours on CK2, and really wanna see how this holds up to it.

Cheers!

[Abacus]

They add new mechanics with each update, major and minor depending on the accompanying DLC.

Look at the DLC itself, I can tell you right now all those DLC have been review bombed.

It's almost half people who both say "DLC is taking to long....Oh this isn't the DLC I wanted."
and "you guy make way too much DLC, now where is the VERY SPECIFIC DLC I want."

Look and see if they work for you, do not read the reviews.

The Big DLC expand on the game as a whole with a large feature (having a Royal court, and Grand events when you travel in the newest DLC.)

Culture (we have Norse, Hispania, and will be getting Persia region.)

And events, these actually add a system to the events they are associated with
currently have a friend and foe system.
will be getting Teacher/student next, in the game every child should be raised by a warden to get a proper education.

We will also be getting two more event packs we know of. One about romancing/lust, and another that deals with criminal activities and thuggery.)

Not to mention ll the free stuff added, like complex Regencies, Jobs for advisors, Knight accolades, and equipment system, Items and artifacts, hybrid cultures and more.

[Armadylan]

I have none of the DLC and still enjoy the game a lot. With the exception of T&T, the game doesn't feel like it's missing anything* despite me not having the DLCs. I do think the earlier DLCs do their job of expanding the game, and not being 'essentially required' (me having not played them, haha.)

With T&T, it feels like the activity/pathing system is clearly a demo of a much more expanded-on feature. And it's a good demo, because I'm seriously considering dropping $30 on the damn thing, against all my better judgement. But it's the only feature that I feel like is obviously under-utilized in vanilla.

*besides playable republics, interesting diseases, the college of cardinals, secret societies...

[Abacus]

Originally posted by Armadylan:

I have none of the DLC and still enjoy the game a lot. With the exception of T&T, the game doesn't feel like it's missing anything* despite me not having the DLCs. I do think the earlier DLCs do their job of expanding the game, and not being 'essentially required' (me having not played them, haha.)

With T&T, it feels like the activity/pathing system is clearly a demo of a much more expanded-on feature. And it's a good demo, because I'm seriously considering dropping $30 on the damn thing, against all my better judgement. But it's the only feature that I feel like is obviously under-utilized in vanilla.

*besides playable republics, interesting diseases, the college of cardinals, secret societies...

Eh, I have not played too much since the newest DLC (stellaris), but I still haven't used a grand anything. While I have used the regular activities quite often (the free stuff.)

I would say if you didn't mind spending a coffee and biscotti, to get Friend and foes.
You actually notice the change in these complex strung together events. You definitely feel more like a rival to people.

[soul like that be capable of]

Originally posted by DiamondDuty:

I am thinking of getting it, but I want to know whether vanilla is fun, because all the DLC save 1 or 2, have very bad ratings and cost a lot. Do they add much? Am I better off with just vanilla?

I think DLC add but tbh there so much to do in this game that you might not even notice you are missing something. better wait for big sale on other DLC to get them . 1st try base game and see if you enjoy it

[Abacus]

Oh FYI OP.

When Friend and Foes came out. People (weirdos) went nuts, first because they wanted something bigger, then would go on to claim "it's just an event pack it should be free." It actually added more then just events too. It added a deeper system that strung events together.

So that should give you a little insight on these reviewers. The DLC was $5 when it was released.

[Denston]

The base game is great, I sunk 40 hours in before i bought a dlc, but the main DLC's that truly add to the game is the northern lords pack, The royal court and tours and tournaments. They all really add great content to the game that is lacking a bit in the base.

[GimmeSilkSong]

I'm 80 hours in and still haven't bought the dlc's.

[AmaWizzyHorray]

Never played CK, just enjoyed free weekend myself. I think watching some YT vids would give you a good understanding if you want more DLC, opposed to watching the reviews so much. Talking about possibly 1€ or 2€ / hour played, suggesting the amount of content is "not worth the price" is imo a hefty negative review lol. I think that is slightly toxic and / or "cheap" to state. Its not a new entire game, correct, but i think you can still get a lot of fun out of that DLC (amongst other things). So YT vids > reviews very much already, personal opinion.

This guy is having a blast with T&T! https://youtu.be/ojdsyYe_T0Y

Personally i've been speeding through speed 5 a lot during my last game, and i think a more engaging story with a tour would allow me to speed less through the game (waiting for gold, for example, lets just go on a tour or smth in peace time opposed to waiting for gold solely). Waiting for 150 gold to build smth, and just sit there for the next few minutes it being constructed is not very exciting. A taxation tour for gold on the other hand can be more of a journey in this case to get some story & money in while also getting your regular income! Albeit the base game already offers a lot of depth and things to learn... As i've been restarting left and right too often to learn the mechanics. You don't go on a war too much in the game (at least not primary focus), thus more events and things to do during peace time are always welcome so you're not just sitting around waiting for a resource, for example. &I think that perfectly sums up why you would want a DLC or not - a more enriched gameplay experience.