Paradox Interactive has confirmed the release dates for two large expansions coming to two of their flagship strategy games: Europa Universalis IV and Crusader Kings 2.
While the former is getting the “Cradle of Civilization” expansion, the latter is getting the “Jade Dragon” expansion – both of which are launching on November 16th.
Featured above, you can view a new developer video for the Cradle of Civilization with game director Jake Leiper-Ritchie talking up its new features.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s in both expansions:
Europa Universalis IV: Cradle of Civilization
The fertile valleys and trade routes of the Middle East have attracted ambitious conquerors since the beginning of recorded history. Now, Europa Universalis IV adds greater depth and more varied possibilities to this crossroads of empires in the new expansion Cradle of Civilization. With new decisions and opportunities tied to the historical development of the region in the early modern era, Cradle of Civilization further enhances the award-winning grand strategy of Europa Universalis IV.
Key Features:
- New Governments: Powerful decisions related to each of the special government types of the Middle East, including unique mechanics for the Egyptian Mamluks, Persia, and the heirs to Timur.
- Trade Policies: Activate your merchants in trade nodes for special missions beyond the collection of money – prepare the ground for a future military action or spread Islam to an eager audience.
- Islamic Schools: Study the doctrines and understandings of the one true faith for special bonuses and diplomatic advantage in a new adjustment to the last of the great Abrahamic religions.
- Army Professionalism: Drill and discipline your armies as you move from the age of mercenary captains to the mass levies of standing armies.
- Exploit Development: Reduce the strength of your provinces for a quick influx of cash or manpower, stripping your nation’s future for immediate gain.
Crusader Kings II: Jade Dragon
The Emperor of China is powerful, but not invulnerable. Clever rulers can exploit the Emperor’s occasional generosity to build their own empire, carefully watching the news reports and changes in the Middle Kingdom so that they can best ride out the tides of history. Then, when the moment is right and you are confident in your strength, strike out and seize the Dragon Throne for yourself.
Key Features:
- The Further East: A new “China Screen” lays out the status and desires of the Emperor of China, letting you keep tabs on what he wants and how to earn his grace
- An Eventful History: Random events tip you off to major happenings in distant Cathay, letting you know when the Middle Kingdom might be shifting its center of gravity
- Taoism: A Chinese religion that gives bonuses to stewardship, but spreads very slowly.
- New Asian Tributary System: Submit to the Empire as a tributary, always keeping an eye on the waning power of the Emperor, so you can time your escape to freedom
- Ambitious Adventurers: Disgruntled princes or curious adventurers may leave China to seek their own fortune to the west.
- Amazing Riches: Collect wondrous new Chinese artifacts for your characters, and a new Silk Road system that adjusts returns based on China’s stability.
- Chinese Characters: New Chinese and Tibetan portraits and Chinese units bring the empire to life
- Eight New Casus Bellis: Fight!
Finally, Europa Universalis IV: Cradle of Civilization (via Steam) will cost $19.99 while Crusader Kings II: Jade Dragon (via Steam) will cost $14.99. In case you missed it, you can find our review for Europa Universalis IV here (we highly recommend it!).
