While it’s been possible via mods, developer Paradox Interactive confirmed Crusader Kings III adds same-sex marriage, via the next big update for the game.
The news that Crusader Kings III adds same-sex marriage was officially confirmed over on the game’s development forums, where the big 1.5 update was detailed.
Paradox noted that update 1.5 adds same-sex marriage “not only just in mods either but as a new game rule alongside the same-sex relations game rule” so you can use this in un-modded games too. Furthermore, Paradox said they’ve updated a “variety of AI logic and interactions and content” that take this new ruleset into account when playing.
“This is something that we’re very happy to be able to put into the game and have support in the game rules for unmodded games too, it is something that a lot of the team and community wanted and we are glad it is finally going to be shipped in 1.5,” the developer said.
Up until now, same-sex marriage in Crusader Kings has only been possible with mods, due to the series being historically focused on monarchs predominantly married between a man and a woman. As such, most of the in-game mechanics are focused on this dynamic with feudal marriage, offspring, and eventual succession of your children.
The new 1.5 update is coming to the game alongside the new Royal Court DLC on February 8th.
Lastly, in related news Crusader Kings III is coming to consoles on March 29th, 2022 on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Crusader Kings III has been available since September 1st, 2020 for Windows PC, Linux, and Mac (all via Steam).