9 Narrative games like Crusader Kings III that you should try

The genre is the same as Crusader Kings III’s, and with it turn-based strategy, cozy, relaxing feel and a sandbox world. Both also lean on single-player focus and an isometric view. The distance is in setting and visuals — its own ground is procedural generation and horror setting.

On paper it is what Crusader Kings III is — deep simulation, strong narrative focus and a sandbox world — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. To that it adds tactical combat. They part company on setting and visuals: this one brings an anime aesthetic and 2D presentation.

The genre is the same as Crusader Kings III’s, and with it deep simulation, strong narrative focus and single-player focus. They part company on combat and setting: this one brings a casual, approachable feel and open world exploration.

It comes from the same genre as Crusader Kings III and shares deep simulation, strong narrative focus and a sandbox world. To that it adds single-player focus and resource management. They part company on setting and visuals: this one brings dark, oppressive atmosphere and post-apocalyptic world.

It shares the essentials of what Crusader Kings III does: turn-based strategy, strong narrative focus and tactical combat. The common ground extends to single-player focus and skill tree progression. Where the two diverge is setting and progression: exploration and discovery, and a sci-fi setting.

What carries over from Crusader Kings III is real-time strategy, strong narrative focus and a sandbox world. Both also lean on tactical combat and historical setting. The distance is in setting and tone — its own ground is exploration and discovery, and a space setting.

The genre is the same as Crusader Kings III’s, and with it deep simulation, strong narrative focus and tactical combat. To that it adds historical setting and single-player focus. They part company on world and visuals: this one brings open world exploration and 2D presentation.

The thread back to Crusader Kings III runs through deep simulation, strong narrative focus and a sandbox world. The common ground extends to single-player focus and resource management. Where the two diverge is progression and genre: tower defense planning and base building.

Held in common with Crusader Kings III: deep simulation, strong narrative focus and a sandbox world. To that it adds tactical combat and a medieval setting. They part company on progression and genre: this one brings tower defense planning and melee combat.