The 30 Best Mods for Crusader Kings II

Crusader Kings II has earned its place as one of the most beloved grand strategy games, thanks to its deep political systems, dynamic storytelling, and endless alternate histories. But whether you’ve conquered half of Europe or just survived your first Viking raid, there’s always room to shake things up.

Mods can breathe new life into the game — smoothing out the rough edges, adding historical flavor, or turning medieval Europe into something completely unexpected. We’ve gathered the 30 best mods that enhance Crusader Kings II in every direction — from immersive roleplay overhauls to total conversions that’ll make you forget what vanilla even looked like.

15 Crusader Kings II Mods That Take You Somewhere Completely Different

Crusader Kings II is famous for its deep dynastic strategy and historical detail — but what if you’re tired of medieval Europe and want to try something… different? Thanks to the modding community, CK2 isn’t just about kings and popes anymore.

Here are 15 ambitious and beloved total conversion mods that transport you to entirely new worlds — from Westeros to Tamriel, from post-apocalyptic America to Middle-earth.

A Game of Thrones (AGOT)

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If you’ve ever wanted to rewrite the story of Westeros, this mod gives you the perfect chance. You can lead legendary houses like the honorable Starks, the ruthless Lannisters, or the dragon-blooded Targaryens. The map spans the entire continent — and even stretches as far as Qarth — letting you dive into the brutal politics, betrayals, and wars that define A Song of Ice and Fire.

This total conversion mod offers a meticulously crafted map of Westeros, complete with unique mechanics that reflect the series' themes, including intricate plots, character-driven events, and the looming threat of winter. Players can engage in iconic scenarios such as Robert's Rebellion or the War of the Five Kings, each filled with opportunities for strategic alliances and betrayals. 

The Elder Kings II

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Venture into the expansive realm of Tamriel, the setting of Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls series, with the Elder Kings mod. You can choose to lead various races: resilient Nords, the mystical Dunmer, or the agile Khajiit, each governing their respective provinces like Skyrim, Morrowind, or Elsweyr. Set during the turbulent Interregnum of the Second Era, the mod allows you to navigate a world rife with political upheaval and arcane mysteries.

Elder Kings transforms the Crusader Kings II experience by integrating rich lore elements from The Elder Scrolls. Engage in spellcasting, interact with Daedric Princes, and explore a world filled with unique events and challenges. The mod features a detailed map of Tamriel, complete with custom models and textures that bring the world to life. Whether seeking to unify the Empire or delve into the secrets of the Dwemer, Elder Kings is a must-play for TES fans.

The Witcher Kings

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If you were into The Witcher long before the games — reading Sapkowski’s books, arguing about Nilfgaard in forums, and quoting Geralt before he had a voice actor — this mod will feel like coming home. It brings the Witcher world into Crusader Kings II, letting you lead powerful factions like Redania, Nilfgaard, Skellige, or the Northern Kingdoms. The setting is full of political tension, racial strife, brutal wars, and, of course, monsters lurking in the dark corners of the map.

Witcher Kings is built with deep respect for the books. It features witcher schools, magical societies, alchemical mutations, and custom events inspired by key moments from the lore — like Falka’s rebellion or the wars between North and South. Elves, dwarves, humans, and other races all come with their own traits and challenges, and magic plays a real role in the gameplay. If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the world of The Witcher not as Geralt, but as a ruler shaping the fate of kingdoms — this is the mod you’re looking for.

After the End Fan Fork

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Imagine a post-apocalyptic North America in the year 2666: familiar nations have crumbled, giving rise to new cultures, religions, and kingdoms. In the After the End Fan Fork mod, players can lead diverse factions such as the Rust Cultists of the Great Lakes, the Americanists who revere the Founding Fathers, or the Voodoo practitioners of the Caribbean. The mod's expansive map covers regions from Canada to Central America, each filled with unique challenges and opportunities.

Building upon the original After the End mod, this fan-maintained fork introduces enriched content, including new events, decisions, and flavor specific to various cultures and religions. Players can navigate the complexities of a world where technology is scarce, and ancient traditions have resurfaced in new forms. The mod's dynamic storytelling and attention to detail provide a fresh and immersive experience, making each playthrough distinct and engaging.

Middle Earth Project

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If you’ve ever dreamed of ruling a kingdom in Middle-earth — not just reading about it or watching the films, but actually stepping into the world — this mod makes that fantasy real. You can play as the Elves of Rivendell, the Dwarves of Erebor, the men of Gondor and Rohan, or even the dark armies of Mordor. The map covers everything you’d expect: the Shire, Isengard, Mirkwood, and beyond. For me, as someone who grew up reading Tolkien and quoting the movies way too often, it felt almost surreal to see it all reimagined in Crusader Kings II.

What makes the mod stand out isn’t just the setting, but how well it captures the spirit of Tolkien’s world. There are custom events like the Council of Elrond, unique systems tied to each culture, and yes — the One Ring is in play. You can go full Sauron and try to dominate Middle-earth, or walk the nobler path of uniting the Free Peoples. It's surprisingly deep, incredibly faithful to the lore, and one of the most immersive mods out there.

When the World Stopped Making Sense (WTWSMS)

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Set in 476 AD, immediately following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the When the World Stopped Making Sense mod plunges players into the chaos of the early Dark Ages. Players can lead remnants of the Roman Empire, emerging barbarian kingdoms, or nascent Christian realms as they navigate a fractured Europe. The mod's timeline offers a special starting point, allowing for the exploration of historical what-ifs during a period of significant transformation.

The mod introduces mechanics that reflect the era's complexities, including the spread of Christianity, the rise of Islam, and the migration of various tribes. Players can engage in the formation of new kingdoms, manage religious schisms, and confront the challenges of a world in flux. The mod's attention to historical detail and dynamic events provide a rich and challenging experience for those interested in reshaping the early medieval world.

Lux Invicta

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Lux Invicta is an alternate history mod that reimagines timelines, allowing players to explore a world where ancient religions and empires persist. The mod's name, meaning "Invincible Light," reflects its original focus on two rival "Realms of Light": the Roman Empire, devoted to Sol Invictus, and the Sassanid Empire, honoring Ahura Mazda. In this universe, the classical antiquity's light endures, challenging players to dispel the encroaching Dark Ages.

Under the custodianship of a dedicated team, including richvh, Numahr, Darkgamma, futuregary, DarkReborn, and Riknap, Lux Invicta has evolved into a community-driven project. The mod offers a rich tapestry of new mechanics, an extensive religion system, and a complex alternate history that blends various historical and fictional elements.

The Winter King

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Set in the fractured world of post-Roman Western Europe, The Winter King focuses on the British Isles, Gaul, and surrounding regions between 410 and 962 AD. The primary scenario begins in 479 AD: Sub-Roman warlords struggle against barbarian invasions, and the old pagan gods clash with the rising power of Nicene Christianity. You can take the role of historical or legendary rulers such as King Arthur, Clovis I, Syagrius of Soissons, or even Beowulf. With a map zoomed in for greater detail and dozens of custom cultures, kingdoms, and characters, the mod captures the uncertain and mythic atmosphere of the early Dark Ages.

The mod features a complete overhaul of CK2’s systems — from a reworked casus belli system and culture-based de jure titles to an original climate model and dynamic event chains. Hundreds of new mechanics include custom ambitions, seasonal effects, the high kingship system, and the ability to restore Rome or search for the legendary Treasures of Britain. The Winter King blends historical authenticity with Arthurian legend, offering one of the most immersive and thematically rich total conversion experiences available in Crusader Kings II.

Avatar: Four Nations Restored

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If you, like me, grew up watching Avatar: The Last Airbender on Nickelodeon, this mod will hit you right in the childhood. It brings back the world of Aang and Korra, letting you take control of the Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom, Water Tribes, or Air Nomads — each with their own beliefs, traditions, and bending powers. The mod covers over 600 years of in-universe history, so you can jump into key moments or shape your own version of the story.

This is a fan-made revival of the old Four Nations project, fully updated and packed with new features. There's a big custom map, a proper bending system built into the game, and lots of story events based on what we saw in the series. You can follow the Avatar Cycle, join the White Lotus, or meet familiar characters in new ways. It’s a real treat for fans — and way deeper than it has any right to be.

Warcraft: Guardians of Azeroth

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This mod takes you straight into the world of Azeroth, where you can play as the Alliance, Horde, Night Elves, or other iconic factions. The map includes all four continents, and you’ll get to deal with big events from the Warcraft universe — like the orcish invasion, the rise of the Scourge, or the Scarlet Crusade. You can stick to the original story or completely rewrite the history of the world.

There’s a class system based on the Warcraft MMO — your character can bless provinces, go mad, or use magic depending on who they are. Each culture and religion has been reworked to match the setting, and you can even serve the Burning Legion or the Old Gods. The mod adds a ton of new mechanics, traits, and decisions, making it feel like a proper Warcraft strategy game inside CK2.

The Seven Kingdoms: An Age of Petty Kings

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This mod takes you back to a time before Aegon’s Conquest — when Westeros was a patchwork of rival kingdoms, each with its own kings, gods, and grudges. You can lead ancient houses like Durrandon, Hoare, Gardener, or Stark, long before the Iron Throne existed. The map is massive and detailed, with over 1,500 provinces covering all of Westeros and even a portion of Essos.

Unlike the more event-heavy AGOT mod, this one is lighter on scripted storytelling and better suited for smooth long-term or multiplayer games. There’s a huge focus on worldbuilding: tons of custom religions, cultures, and building mechanics, plus unique flavor for wildlings, Valyrian factions, and more. If you’ve ever wanted to shape Westerosi history from its earliest days, this is the perfect place to start.

Faerûn - Forgotten Realms

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This total conversion brings the world of Dungeons & Dragons straight into Crusader Kings II, dropping you into the heart of Faerûn — the central continent of the Forgotten Realms. You can rule over human kingdoms or take control of the drow of Menzoberranzan, the dwarves of Mithral Hall, or even the serpent-like yuan-ti. The map is huge and detailed, covering more than 1,500 provinces, with cultures, religions, and realms drawn directly from D&D lore.

What sets this mod apart is how well it blends CK2's dynasty mechanics with classic RPG elements. Characters can become wizards, rogues, clerics, and more — each class comes with its own abilities and progression. There's a working magic system, gods and divine favors, adventuring parties, and major factions like the Harpers or Zhentarim. You can send courtiers on quests, deal with divine intervention, or use spells to tip the balance in your favor. For anyone who loves Forgotten Realms, this is a deep, living adaptation that goes far beyond a simple fantasy reskin.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms

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This total conversion transports Crusader Kings II to ancient China during the legendary Three Kingdoms period. You’ll get to play as iconic warlords like Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Sun Quan, or dozens of other historical figures — all competing for dominance as the Han dynasty crumbles. The map covers over 500 provinces, with more than 5,000 characters, 14 religions, and 16 distinct cultures, all rooted in Chinese history and myth. 

The mod includes several major bookmarks, such as the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the rise of Dong Zhuo, the Battle of Red Cliffs, and the formation of the Three Kingdoms. It also features unique mechanics: detailed dueling, imperial court systems, noble hierarchies, and dynastic politics true to the era.

Thedas Kings

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Dragon Age was one of the first games that really pulled me into fantasy — well, after The Elder Scrolls and The Lord of the Rings, of course. If you feel the same way, this mod is going to hit all the right notes. It brings the entire world of Thedas into Crusader Kings II, letting you lead familiar powers like Ferelden, Orlais, or the Tevinter Imperium. The map is full-scale and beautifully adapted, from the frost-covered Anderfels to the mage towers of the Free Marches.

What’s really impressive is how naturally all the Dragon Age lore fits into CK2’s mechanics. Mages and templars have their own systems, elves and dwarves have unique struggles, and you can join the Grey Wardens to face down a Blight. The Chantry, the Qunari, the Circle of Magi — it’s all here, baked into the game in a way that makes every campaign feel like your own version of Origins or Inquisition. Whether you want to restore Tevinter’s power or break the world in two with magic and politics, this mod gives you the tools — and the drama — to make it epic.

Wizarding World

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At this point, it’s basically a rule: if a game supports modding, someone will make a Harry Potter version. And Crusader Kings II is no exception. Wizarding World takes you back to 990 AD, the founding era of Hogwarts, and lets you lead your own magical dynasty. You can start as a pure-blood supremacist or a half-blood reformer, create your own house sigil, and shape the magical world before Voldemort or even Dumbledore were born.

This mod  blends very well CK2’s dynastic gameplay with the familiar logic of the Potterverse. There’s a functioning magic system, magical creatures like house elves, custom wands and brooms, blood purity mechanics, and even wizarding schools. Hogsmeade, Azkaban, and Hogwarts are all on the map. There haven’t been any updates since 2022, but even in its current bets state, the mod is full of charm and creativity — easily worth launching at least once, if only to see what dynastic wizardry might look like.

15 Crusader Kings II Mods That Enhance the Game Without Changing Its World

Crusader Kings II has no shortage of total conversions — but sometimes, the best mods are the ones that work with the original setting, not against it. Whether you’re looking for deeper roleplay, smarter AI, more events, or just better-looking portraits, the modding community has built countless ways to fine-tune the vanilla experience.

CK2+

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This is one of the most well-known overhauls for vanilla Crusader Kings II. It doesn’t change the setting, but it expands everything — more traits, more events, more government types, and deeper mechanics across the board. If you’ve played base CK2 and want a richer, more challenging version of the same world, this is the go-to.

The mod reworks laws, adds new heresies and cultures, and makes war, diplomacy, and succession feel more dynamic and layered. While development has slowed and the last update dropped in 2019, the current version still holds up incredibly well — it’s one of the most polished and feature-complete CK2 experiences out there.

Historical Immersion Project (HIP)

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HIP makes CK2 more historically immersive without replacing the entire setting. It includes a more detailed map, overhauled cultures and religions, improved combat, and dynamic events. You can customize your experience by enabling only the modules you want. The focus here is on depth and historical plausibility. From internal politics to crusades, HIP adjusts balance and pacing to make long-term campaigns more engaging. 

VIET Events Reborn

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VIET Events Reborn adds hundreds of flavor and roleplay events to the game without changing core mechanics. These range from light-hearted moments at court to grim superstitions and mysterious encounters, all designed to breathe life into your characters and court. The events are dynamic, lore-friendly, and often humorous or thought-provoking. This is a perfect mod for players who want to feel game world more alive between wars and succession crises.

Your Personal Castle

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Your Personal Castle adds a new layer of strategy by giving your ruler a customizable stronghold. You can upgrade rooms, build new wings, and make decisions that directly impact your economy, security, and prestige. It also includes castle-related events and decisions that help personalize your gameplay. 

A Better Looking Garbs

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This is a cosmetic mod that improves character visuals across the board. It reworks clothing and headgear for different cultures and time periods, making your court and vassals look more historically appropriate and diverse. The changes aren’t just aesthetic — they add visual clarity to who’s who, especially when dealing with different cultures. A must-have if you care about immersion.

Patrum Scuta

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Patrum Scuta brings a huge set of historically accurate coat of arms into the game. It replaces many of the default dynasty shields with more authentic, high-quality versions. It’s a small detail, but it goes a long way in making noble families feel more distinct and meaningful. Great for roleplayers and history enthusiasts alike.

Extended Traits

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This mode adds dozens of new traits — including emotional quirks, social behaviors, and mental states — and rebalances existing ones to create more varied and believable characters. Traits are no longer just stat modifiers; they shape how your characters act, what events they trigger, and how others react to them. Your courtiers and rulers will feel more human, with distinct personalities that evolve over time. Whether you're raising a kind-hearted scholar or a dangerously paranoid tyrant, it brings a whole new layer of depth to the people behind the titles.

Improved Genetics 2.0 

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This mod completely reworks how congenital traits are inherited in Crusader Kings II, making the process far more realistic and predictable. Instead of relying on randomness, traits like Genius, Attractive, Strong, and others now pass down through bloodlines in a more consistent and logical way. It also adds several new genetic traits and balances existing ones to avoid overpowered dynasties. 

With enough patience and strategic matchmaking, you just might create the ultimate dynasty — brilliant, beautiful, and terrifyingly competent. Combine it with portrait mods or trait overhauls for a truly custom genetic dynasty builder experience.

Rich Childhood

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Rich Childhood enhances one of the most overlooked parts of CK2: growing up. It adds dozens of new events that shape a child's personality, relationships, and future path — from forming childhood rivalries and friendships to experiencing trauma, curiosity, or early glimpses of ambition. It gives your heirs actual backstories before they take the throne.

The mod doesn’t overwhelm or distract from the main game — it simply makes every childhood feel like a small story of its own. You’ll start to care more about your kids and how they’re raised, not just which traits they randomly end up with. 

No Hassles Vassals 2.0

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This mod is a simple but powerful fix for one of the most frustrating parts of realm management. Instead of manually granting dozens of titles after every conquest, this mod adds a decision to the Intrigue menu that lets you distribute all holdings below your top-tier titles — including baronies, cities, and bishoprics — to newly generated vassals with a single click.

You can also use the "Raise Your Banner" option to mark holdings you want to keep before triggering the mass delegation. It’s especially useful during large expansions, allowing you to clean up your domain instantly without micromanaging every castle and church. Simple, elegant, and ideal for players who prefer strategy over spreadsheets.

In Heaven's Cartographic Map

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This mod gives a gorgeous cartographic makeover, turning the world map into something that looks like it came straight out of an old historical atlas. It flattens terrain textures, softens water colors, and adds vintage-style borders for a cleaner, more parchment-like aesthetic. The fog of war is also significantly lightened, making the map easier to read without sacrificing atmosphere. 

The map’s design draws inspiration from previous mode of this author — Novus Graphicus but adds its own distinct flair, including a matching custom font that ties everything together visually. This mod is not for people who prefer function over fashion. Some might find diplomatic mapmode quite difficult to use. 

Anime Portraits

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Anime Portraits swaps Crusader Kings II’s medieval portraits for full-blown anime-style characters — and honestly, it works better than you’d expect. Lords, ladies, heirs, courtiers — everyone gets a slick anime look that turns your dynasty into something straight out of a fantasy series. Let’s be real: anime is just cool. If you’ve ever wanted your CK2 campaigns to feel more like a visual novel or an epic JRPG, this mod delivers.

Bigger Interface

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Bigger Interface is one of those subtle mods that instantly improves your quality of life in CK2, especially if you're playing on a modern monitor. It resizes UI elements like menus, icons, and text to make them more readable on high-resolution displays — a must if you’re on 1440p or 4K. It doesn’t change gameplay at all, but believe me, after a few hours with it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. 

Medieval Music Complete

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Music sets the tone for everything — from plotting in the shadows to marching into holy war. Medieval Music Complete replaces the default soundtrack with a curated library of historical pieces, creating a deeper and more authentic medieval atmosphere. The tracks range from solemn church chants to festive tavern melodies, and they make even the quietest moments on the map feel alive.

CPRplus – Cultures and Portraits Revamped

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CPRplus is a massive visual overhaul that completely reworks character portraits across nearly every culture in Crusader Kings II. It blends official DLC assets with high-quality custom art to make faces, clothing, and headgear more distinct, accurate, and varied. From Sub-Saharan kings to Byzantine princesses, everyone finally looks like they belong in their part of the world. It doesn’t change gameplay, but it massively boosts immersion — especially if you’re playing outside of Western Europe, where the base-game portraits often felt generic or outdated. 

With these mods, the boundless CKII grows even larger. Transform this grand strategy game into the game of your dreams and give it a new lease on life!

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