CKII DLC timeline

DLCs are paid expansions that unlock new characters to play or enable new game mechanics.
They are normally released alongside major patches that give players most of the new content for free.
Most DLCs are seen as optional content (music, graphical or customization features that do not impact gameplay) for players who wish to enhance their Crusader Kings II gaming experience.

14 Feb, 2012: Crusader Kings II

14 Feb, 2012


The Dynasty Shields pack contains 51 unique dynastic shields for the 51 most famous families of Medieval Europe:



- af Bjälbo, d'Anjou, Árpád, Asen, Askanien, von Babenberg, Bagrationi, de Barcelona, Billung, de Blois, de Bourgogne, Reginar, de Brienne, de Brus, Capet, Doukas, Dunkeld, d'Este, van Vlaanderen, de Foix, von Habsburg, de Hauteville, von Hohenstaufen, von Hohenzollern, Gediminaitis, Jimena, Komnenos, Chatenois, de Luxembourg, de Montfort, de Bigod, de Normandie, Palaiologos, Piast, Plantagenet, de Poitou, Premyslid, Bosonid, von Rheinfelden, Rurikid, de Savoie, Stewart, de Toulouse, de Trastámara, Welf, of Godwin, Wettin, Wittelsbach, Estrid, Yngling, von Zähringen.

14 Feb, 2012
The Mongols DLC adds thousands of unique face combinations for male and female characters of the Mongol cultures. It also contains 7 new unit sprites for:
- Archers, Horse Archers, Heavy Infantry, Pikemen, Light Infantry, Light Cavalry, Heavy Cavalry

18 Apr, 2012

The Ruler Designer (disables Ironman mode) lets the player create his own character when starting a new game. It allows to create a ruler with customized:
- coat of arms, dynasty name, attributes and traits, marital status, appearance, religion and culture

18 Apr, 2012

Songs of the Holy Land contains 2 new songs, totaling more than 10 minutes, composed by the talented Andreas Waldetoft. These songs give more flavor to the player as he or she plays characters from the middle east.


18 Apr, 2012

Songs of Faith contains two new songs, totalling 10 minutes, composed by the talented Andreas Waldetoft. These songs give more flavor to the player as you play characters that are devout and religious.


18 Apr, 2012

Songs of Albion contains four new songs, totaling 10 minutes, composed by the talented Andreas Waldetoft. These songs give more flavor to the player as you play characters in the Kingdom of England.

26 Jun, 2012: Sword of Islam

26 Jun, 2012

Sword of Islam is the first major expansion that focuses on the Muslim nations:
- Play as a Muslim character
- Unlocks more than 20 features in the game
- New counties and titles
- Muslim Dynasty Decadence System
- Polygamy. Allow up to four wives for Muslim rulers.
- New Muslim skin for the interface
- More than a 100 Muslim specific events
- Combat Revisions with new Commander traits




26 Jun, 2012


The African Unit Pack adds unique unit graphics for the African states south of the Sahara:
- Nubia, Abyssinia, Mali, Songhay, Ghana



26 Jun, 2012

Songs of the Caliph contains two new songs, totaling 11 minutes. Composed by the talented Andreas Waldetoft, these songs are used while playing as Muslim rulers in the Sword of Islam expansion.

16 Oct, 2012: Legacy of Rome

16 Oct, 2012


Legacy of Rome is the second major expansion that focuses on the Byzantine Empire:
- Byzantine events and decisions
- faction system
- revolts
- standing armies
- military traits
- orthodox patriarchs
- streamlined mobilization
- character ambitions




16 Oct, 2012


The Dynasty Shields II pack adds 50 unique dynastic shields for the 50 most famous families of Medieval Europe:



- Orsini, Kotromanic, de la Tour du Pin, d'Entença, de Dreux, de Lusignan, Skаncke, Gryfita, Nemanjic, Angelos, Visconti, de Namur, de Bourbon, Erik, Salian, Gerulfing, Hvide, Sverker, Skleros, Argyros, Lekapenos, d'Ivrea, Galen, Basarab, d'Avesnes, de Villehardouin, de Beaujeu, de Saint-Omer, de Bures, de Bazoches, Zorzi, Pallavicini, Subic, de Milly, Karling, de Genève, Batatzes, Branas, Bryennios, Dalassenos, Kontostephanos, Tornikes, Melissenos, Taronites, di Canossa, Sanudo, de Champlitte, de Balben, de Comps.

16 Oct, 2012

The African Portraits contain thousands of unique face combinations for male and female characters in the African states south of the Sahara:
- Nubia, Abyssinia, Mali, Songhay, Ghana.



16 Oct, 2012


The Byzantine Unit Pack adds unique unit graphics in the Byzantine Empire and other Greek, Armenian or Georgian states.



16 Oct, 2012

Songs of Byzantium contains three new songs, totaling more than 10 minutes, composed by the talented Andreas Waldetoft. These songs give more depth to your game playing experience as you play characters in the Byzantine Empire and other Greek, Armenian or Georgian states.

15 Nov, 2012



Sunset Invasion is a non-historical "minor" DLC that focuses on the Aztec Civilization:
- Aztec invading force arrive at a random point in the mid to late game
- Aztec portraits, on-map shields, events, units, culture and religion






13 Dec, 2012


The Russian Portraits adds new clothing and thousands of unique face combinations for both male and female characters while playing Russian and Alan characters.


13 Dec, 2012


The Russian Unit Pack adds unique unit graphics for the Russian and Alan cultures.




13 Dec, 2012


Songs of the Rus contains three new songs, totaling almost 10 minutes, composed by the talented Andreas Waldetoft. These songs run while playing a Russian, Bulgarian or Alan ruler.

15 Jan, 2013: The Republic

15 Jan, 2013
The Republic is the third major expansion that focuses on the Patrician families in one of the great medieval Merchant Republics:
- Playing as one of the great Merchant Republics:
Venice, Genoa, Pisa, the Hanseatic League or Gotland
- Build Trade Posts and expand your Mercantile empire by controlling the sea lanes
- Dozens of unique new buildings
- Doge elections
- New Plot and many special events for characters in the Republics
- New Republican skin for the interface
- Unique Clothes and ship models for Republics

15 Jan, 2013


Mediterranean Portraits adds new clothing and thousands of unique face combinations for both male and female characters while playing as Mediterranean Nations.


15 Jan, 2013


Songs of Prosperity contains 3 new songs, totaling almost 10 minutes, composed by the talented Andreas Waldetoft. Listen to these songs while playing as a Republic.

28 May, 2013: The Old Gods

28 May, 2013
The Old Gods is the fourth major expansion that focuses on the Vikings:
- Earliest start date is set to 867 AD
- Pagans and Zoroastrians become playable
- Sacrifices to Odin at the great Blot
- Landless characters can become adventurers
- Prepared Invasions
- Revolts now have leaders and are more dangerous
- Looting and pillaging
- Christians and Muslims can dispatch missions to convert heathens
- New Pagan skin for the interface
- New events and decisions


28 May, 2013


The Norse Portraits pack adds thousands of unique face combinations for northern Europe including Sweden, Denmark and Norway.



28 May, 2013


The Norse Unit Pack Pack adds unique unit graphics for countries in northern Europe including Sweden, Denmark and Norway.



28 May, 2013


Hymns to the Old Gods contains four new songs, totaling almost 12 minutes, created by the talented composer Andreas Waldetoft. These songs run while playing a Norse ruler.


25 Jun, 2013


The Dynasty Shield III pack contains 51 unique dynastic shields for the 51 most famous families (mostly for Pagans) of Medieval Europe:



of Wessex, Stenkiling, Babenberger, Ivaring, Mac Ailpin, Crovan, av Vedrafjord, af Munsö, Knytling, Konradiner, Guideschi, Trpimirovic, de Cantabria, Makedon, Amorios, af Orkneyjar,
Phokas, Dulo, Balgarsko, de Rennes, de Vannes, Wigeriche, de Vexin-Amiens, Taillefer, de León, Ulfing, Gautske, Íñiga, Bulanid, Karen, Mojmírid, Hvitserk, de Valois, of Hwicce, of Mercia, of Bamburgh, de Asturias, de Navarra, d'Evreux, Ludolfinger, d'Anjou, Terter, Shishman, Aleramicci, de Boulogne, de Courtenay, Rubenid, Hetoumi, Dunbar, di Salerno, Solomonid.

25 Jun, 2013


Celtic Portraits adds thousands of unique face combinations for male and female characters of the Celtic cultures.



25 Jun, 2013


The Celtic Unit Pack adds unique unit graphics for the Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Breton armies.




13 Aug, 2013

The Europa Universalis IV Converter will bring the rulers, religions, cultures and nations of a Crusader Kings II save game to Europa Universalis IV, allowing for hundreds of years of additional gameplay.


14 Aug, 2013

The Customization Pack allows you to customize hair and beard, rename children born to all your descendants, name bastard dynasties, rename duchies (and above). It has no effect on gameplay, but perhaps on your peace of mind.

18 Nov, 2013: Sons of Abraham

18 Nov, 2013
Sons of Abraham is the fifth major expansion that focuses on the Abrahamic religions; Christianity, Islam and Judaism:
- College of Cardinals to elect the Pope
- Pope that you supported can give you money
- Request Crusades
- Retire troublesome courtiers to a monastery
- Interact with the Holy Orders
- More than 300 new events
- Play as a Jewish lord and restore the kingdom of Israel
- Pick sides in Islam as a rationalist Mutazili or an opposing Ashari
- Ironman mode

18 Nov, 2013


Military Orders Unit Pack adds unique unit graphics for the Military Orders of the Christian faith.



18 Nov, 2013


Warriors of Faith Unit Pack includes unique unit graphics for Holy Orders and Warriors of Faith for non-Christian religions such as Islam, Norse, Zoastrians and Azteks.


18 Nov, 2013

Hymns of Abraham contains two new songs, totaling almost 15 minutes, created by the talented composer Andreas Waldetoft. These songs run while playing as characters of the Abrahamic religions


20 Dec, 2013

Songs of Yuletide, composed by the talented Andreas Waldetoft, brings two famous songs, Deck the Halls and Joy to the World, together with influences from the music of both Crusader Kings II and Europa Universalis IV. Best played during the Christmas holiday season.

14 Feb, 2014


The Saxon Unit Pack adds unique unit graphics for Saxon rulers.




14 Feb, 2014


The Finno-Ugric Unit Pack adds unique unit graphics for Finnish, Lappish, Komi, Samoyed and Mordvin rulers.

25 Mar, 2014: Rajas of India

25 Mar, 2014

Rajas of India is the sixth major expansion that focuses on Eastern Persia and India:
- Rajas of India features twice the landmass (adding Central Asia and Siberia) of the base game
- Play as an Indian ruler
- Unique set of facial profiles and clothes for Indian characters
- Caste System
- New Indian skin for the interface
- New events and decisions




25 Mar, 2014



The Turkish Unit Pack adds unique unit graphics for Turkish rulers.



25 Mar, 2014


Turkish Portraits contains thousands of unique face combinations for male and female characters of the Turkish cultures.



25 Mar, 2014


Songs of India contains three new songs, totaling over 10 minutes, created by the talented composer Andreas Waldetoft.
These songs run while playing as an Indian ruler.


19 May, 2014


The Persian Unit Pack adds unique unit graphics for Persian rulers.




19 May, 2014


Persian Portraits contains thousands of unique face combinations for male and female characters of the Persian culture.

14 Oct, 2014: Charlemagne

14 Oct, 2014


Charlemagne is the seventh major expansion that focuses on the story of conquests of Charlemagne:
- Earliest starting date is set to 769 AD
- Special story event series for Charlemagne
- Chronicles of your dynasty
- Create custom kingdoms and empires
- Dozens of new cultures
- New system for climate and seasonal transitions
- Regency overhaul



14 Oct, 2014


Early Western Clothing Pack contains new, historically appropriate, clothing options for Anglo-Saxon and Frankish rulers in the 8th to 10th centuries.


14 Oct, 2014


Early Eastern Clothing Pack contains new, historically appropriate, clothing options for Muslim and Byzantine rulers in the 8th to 10th centuries.



14 Oct, 2014


The Dynasty Shields Charlemagne pack contains 50 unique dynastic shields for the 50 most famous families (mostly for dynasties of the Charlemagne era) of the early Medieval Europe:


Cerneu, Cerdicing, Iceling, Eadricing, Uib, Skjöldung, Agilolfing, Alachisling, Khunzakhal, Senulatovic, Gausian, Vlastimirovic, Isauros, Ashina, Theodericing, Louping, Circinn, Khazbek, Ukil, Morgannwg, Jute, Gellones, de Vasconia, Yantsukh, Walpertingi, Nibelunging, Wuffing, Neapolites, de Poher, Vimaranes, Radelchis, Unrouchinger, von Thüringen, Dukljanin, Diogenes, Botaneiates, Gideon, Ludowinger, Csák, Rallis-Raoul, de Azagra, Doukas Mourtzouphlos, Laskaris, Borjigin, Kantakouzenos, della Scala, de Dampierre, von Schauenburg, von Jülich, Balliol, Abbasid, Umayyad, Zunbil, Karkota, Kalinga Ganga, Taghlibid.

14 Oct, 2014

The Song of Roland is a story of heroism based on the Battle of Roncevaux in 778, in the reign of Charlemagne. Believed to be written in the 11th century, it is one of the oldest surviving major works in French literature.


16 Dec, 2014

Way of Life is the second "minor" expansion that focuses on improving the role-playing and immersion by letting the player influence more directly the type of events that may happen:
- Set a Focus for your character to give an immediate skill boost, develop abilities and determine the kind of events and decisions that will appear (Rulership, Business, Hunting, War, Family, Carousing, Seduction, Intrigue, Scholarship and Theology)
- New diplomatic interactions
- New events and decisions



16 Dec, 2014


Iberian Portraits contains thousands of unique face combinations for male and female characters of the Castillan, Catalan, Portuguese, Visigoth and Italian cultures.


16 Dec, 2014


The Iberian Unit Pack adds adds unique unit graphics for for Castillan, Catalan, Portuguese, Visigoth and Italian rulers.



16 Dec, 2014

Tales of Treachery
is the ultimate collection of short stories of medieval drama and intrigue. Tales of battles, banquets, betrayals and bedchambers. From crusaders to Cathars, from nobles to Norsemen.

14 Jul, 2015: Horse Lords

14 Jul, 2015
Horse Lords is the eighth major expansion that focuses on the nomadic cultures of the Eurasian steppes:

- Play as a Nomadic ruler
- Nomadic government
- Nomadic Clan politics
- Nomad succession
- Dynamic mercenaries
- Silk road
- Tributaries
- Larger map
- New events and decisions


14 Jul, 2015


Horse Lords Content Pack includes four unique unit packs, a portraits pack and a music pack for the Horse Lords expansion.



14 Jul, 2015


Orchestral House Lords is a crossover between electro orchestral and marching epic music. Based on some of the iconic Crusader Kings II tracks.

2 Feb, 2016: Conclave

2 Feb, 2016
Conclave is the ninth major expansion that increases the challenge mid to late game:

- Councils can now vote on changes to realm laws – or you can try to limit their power and influence
- Revised education system for royal children, with new traits and events designed for childhood
- New diplomatic system that prioritizes marital alliances and non-aggression pacts, as well as the possibility of coalitions
- Improved military combat model with a greater emphasis on morale, as well as new rules for mercenary companies


2 Feb, 2016
Conclave Content Pack includes:
- Various historical buildings appear on the map
- Finno-Ugric Portrait Pack, Indian and Arabic Boats Unit Pack
- Mongol/Steppe Male and Female Councilor Model Pack and Western/Christian Female Councilor Model Pack
- New Event Pictures and one new loading screen
2 Feb, 2016


Viking Metal is composed and designed from scratch specifically for Crusader Kings II, blending the intensity of Metal with themes and sounds from Nordic folk music.

25 Aug, 2016: The Reaper's Due

25 Aug, 2016


The Reaper's Due is the tenth major expansion that highlights the historic importance of epidemics and disease in the Middle Ages:

- Epidemics
- Hospitals and Royal Physicians
- Prosperity and Royal Focus
- Seclusion
- New Event Chains




25 Aug, 2016

The Reaper's Due Content Pack includes:
- The Content Pack features:
- East African Portrait Pack
- Late Byzantine Clothing Pack
- Eastern Female Model Pack
- African Female and Male Model Packs

25 Aug, 2016


In Full Plate Metal five completely original compositions have been created to add intensity to your Crusader Kings experience.

7 March, 2017: Monks and Mystics

7 March, 2017
Monks and Mystics is the eleventh major expansion that allows your characters to follow new paths in their search for religious enlightenment and holy blessing, joining sacred societies or secret brotherhoods that open new opportunities for role-playing and story-telling.

- Societies
- Monastic Orders
- Devil Worship
- Assassins and Hermetics
- Relics and Special Items
- New Orders for Councilors


7 March, 2017


In Hymns of Revelation five new songs transport your soul to heavenly heights while you scheme and plot on earth.

16 Nov, 2017: Jade Dragon

16 Nov, 2017

Jade Dragon is the twelfth major expansion that allows you to interact with China for protection and technological marvels -- and possibly face their wrath in the form of rebels or full-scale invasions.

- Communicate with the Emperor Of China
- Collect Chinese artifacts for your characters
- Explore a new Silk Road system
- Chinese and Tibetan portraits
- Chinese unit pack
- Additional eight New Casus Bellis

14 Nov, 2018: Holy Fury

14 Nov, 2018

Holy Fury is the thirtieth major expansion that allows you to lean on your war lodge for support in your conquests, bow before the Pope to claim your divine throne or establish a legendary bloodline that will echo through the ages.

- Shattered worlds and random worlds
- Warrior Lodges
- Legendary bloodlines
- Sainthood
- Coronations
- Special crusades


14 Nov, 2018


In Pagan Fury four new songs of passion and loss, power and sacrifice, ambition and glory are performed by a neo-folk metal band fronted by the the charismatic Arven Latours.

Word from Author

THANK YOU for checking out my overview of all the DLC (as of March 2019) for Crusader Kings II. Please feel free to thumb it up and feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

Please also check out my other guides!

Have a great day!

[Oblivion]

A good piece of history, awarded.

[Burn]

Yes, my prediction was correct - after Holy Fury they will announce CK3 !
They just did it:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/203770/announcements/detail/1569993750894505582

[Killer29687]

tldr: thanks for the guide. i still feel mindfucked.

[Killer29687]

ngl moment i started the game up i {first time playing} see lots of factions or whatever... the order has the dlc factions first... yikes i thought and decided to check guides cause my god.... 300 dollars for everything wtf?

[Varainger]

@Burn
Late replies are fine too. :)
Seems i was wrong regarding the according patch info/numbers, sorry.
Didn't want to come across as demanding or pushy but maybe did accidently.
Nice page and cool that you keep it updated.
Cheers

[Burn]

@Varainger
Sorry for my delayed response, I was just about to update this guide with the newest upcoming DLC "Holy Fury" when I saw your message.

I don't have the patch numbers, and regarding the DLC's count, I made a mistake. I meant the CK2 wiki page, not on Paradox website. The Steam store page says that "Way of Life" is the 8th expansion, but it's actually not, it's just a minor expansion. Just like the "Sunset Invasion" DLC (which the store page also calls an expansion).

[Varainger]

@Burn
Sorry to jump in, but Steam told me that there's news here, so blame Steam.. :)

Where would that obscure list even be on the homepage ?
Besides i have to ask again, what about the patch numbers, didn't you have them before ?

I still wish you...
A happy new year ...in a few hours. ;)

[Burn]

@Arion it is mentioned, but if you mean why it's not mentioned in the guide index because it's under "Charlemagne" expansion, it's a minor expansion. If you go to Paradox website you will see that they list "Charlemagne" as their 7th expansion and "Horse Lords" as their 8th.

[Arion]

Is the "Way of Life" expansion not mentioned on purpose? Not considered an expansion? (I think it is, by the store)

[Varainger]

Didn't you originally mention the patch version the DLC was released on ?
That would be really handy, not for me but for newbies, and i somehow thought you had that info included.