Crusader Kings III: Silk & Silver

Silk & Silver is a major PC expansion for Crusader Kings III in which trade and political power are closely linked. Instead of a classic ruling dynasty, you can lead a merchant family, build trade routes and use your accumulated wealth to gain influence over nobles and cities.

The expansion introduces trading companies and playable republics. In cities such as Venice or Genoa, rule is decided not only by a hereditary throne but also by competition between wealthy patrician families.

Crusader Kings III: Silk & Silver releases on Nov 17, 2026 for PC. Paradox Interactive announced the date on Oct 19, 2026. The expansion is available on its own and as part of Crusader Kings III: Chapter V.

Silk & Silver requires the base game Crusader Kings III. It is not a standalone playable strategy game.

Silk & Silver is coming to the PC version of Crusader Kings III. The Steam version supports Windows, macOS and Linux. The add-on requires the relevant base game.

The console version of Crusader Kings III is a separate release track. The PC announcement for Silk & Silver does not confirm a simultaneous launch on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S.

Silk & Silver lets you use trade profits to raise a medieval family socially and politically. As a merchant, you build contacts with rulers, finance new ventures and push rival families out of lucrative markets.

Money gets you more than just better deals. It can also secure political support and prepare the way for rising to power in a republic. In this way, the add-on expands the familiar paths to power from war, marriage and inheritance with a career in trade.

Silk & Silver requires Crusader Kings III on Windows, macOS or Linux. For the Windows version, Steam lists at least 8 GB RAM, a Core i5-750 or FX 4300, and a GeForce GTX 660 or Radeon HD 7870. 16 GB RAM and a GeForce GTX 970, Radeon RX 480 or Intel Arc A580 are recommended.

The store listing's 20 GB storage figure refers to the installation with the base game, not a separate size for Silk & Silver alone. German is available as a text language.

In Silk & Silver, you trade more than 40 types of goods and open up new trade routes. Your business grows when you find profitable markets, transport goods and maintain business contacts.

With the support of influential rulers, you can secure special trading rights. Trading posts in foreign counties let you build economic power beyond your own territories.

Merchant families can develop into caravan traders, moneylenders or craftsmen. Depending on their focus, you transport goods, lend money to rulers or produce artefacts.

With experience and good business, your family's reputation grows. Its estate can be expanded and serves as a base for additional trade and trade routes.

Silk & Silver makes merchant republics and their patrician families playable. In cities such as Venice and Genoa, wealthy houses compete for political office and influence.

The constitution determines how long the Doge rules and how the state treasury is handled. Through an assembly, you can influence laws and change how your republic is governed.

Republics can form trade alliances to gain economic and military advantages. Trading posts in other counties extend the reach of your business, even without ruling those territories.

A well-built trade network gives you influence in distant markets. With diplomatic support, you can secure new alliances and economic privileges.

Silk & Silver offers two new historical starts: 1066 and 1178. The 1066 start focuses on building trade networks across the Mediterranean and other regions.

The 1178 start focuses on the conflict between the Guelphs and Ghibellines in northern Italy. Merchants, church leaders and secular rulers are drawn into a power struggle.