Do you need the same DLC to play multiplayer?

[The man with a plan]

My friend and I want to try some multiplayer. Problem is that I have all the 'expansion' DLC ( Legacy of Rome, Sword of Islam, etc.. ) but he only has has the base game. Is it possible to play together then? Or do I need to disable all my DLC to be able to play with my friend?

[Koyaa]

I think you have to disable the expansions yes, cosmetic stuff is fine.
But you can just try anyway, won't take more than a minute, and if it doesn't work just disable the expansions.

[TurksTeeTime]

Originally posted by Koyaa:

I think you have to disable the expansions yes, cosmetic stuff is fine.
But you can just try anyway, won't take more than a minute, and if it doesn't work just disable the expansions.

Wrong.
Vanilla can play with someone who has every expansion

[Dudedafool]

You play the expansions of DLC of whoever is hosting the game on the metaserver.

You could go play with no DLC and play with your friend who owns everything and enjoy all the content.

[The man with a plan]

Thanks guys for the responses. I tried it and had loads of fun. :)

[Snootch]

So what happens with the different start dates available, different maps available, and all of that? Do they just default to the vanilla; or has Paradox worked something out in that regard?

[Red Dragon]

@Snootch Whoever hosts the game determines what is available, it doesn't matter at all what the people who join own, they get access to everything. I am not 100% sure about cosmetics and music but they definitely get access to anything functional so you could only own vanilla but play a pagan or horse lord or republic as long as the host has the expansion.

[Snootch]

Does this include mods?

[Glokenpop]

I'm pretty sure that both parties need to have the same mods downloaded and enabled.

For dlc it's always the host that overrides everything. So if you want to play with all the dlc let the guy who has them host the game.