Knights of the Crusades, the hybrid of real-time tactics and grand strategy set during the medieval Crusades, will exit Early Access and launch in version 1.0 on September 6, 2025. Developer Reverie World Studios, in partnership with indie.io, confirmed the release date after months of community-driven development and updates.
Players begin as a minor knight with little more than a warband and ambition. From there, the goal is to rise through the chaos of the First Crusade, establish a military order, and potentially transform into a continental power capable of rewriting history.
Strategy in the Age of the Crusades
The game situates itself in one of history’s most turbulent eras, when Western European kingdoms, spurred by religious zeal, marched into the Holy Land and collided with Muslim rulers who had controlled the region since the 7th century. Campaigns span beyond Jerusalem, touching on Spain, North Africa, the Baltic, and conflicts against Slavic and pagan powers. Players can step into the shoes of the Templar Order, the Emirate of Tripoli, or one of 52 available kingdoms with over 100 lords to choose from. Sandbox mode further opens the map for alternate paths through history.
Hybrid Gameplay
Reverie’s signature design blends grand strategy systems with real-time combat. Battles play out with swords, spears, arrows, and medieval logistics as central mechanics. Armies must be supplied with food and materiel, or even the most ambitious plans can collapse. Success on the battlefield can evolve into footholds, kingdoms, and—if players can maintain momentum—empires.
Community Feedback and Cultural Depth
Early Access was used to refine balance, quality-of-life systems, and regional diversity. Pagan and Slavic factions were given distinct mechanics and units, ensuring they stand apart as more than just background powers. According to design director Konstantine Fomenko, the aim was to highlight the broader scope of the Crusades, not just the march on Jerusalem:
“Knights of the Crusades lets players not only march on Jerusalem, but also crusade into the Baltic or push into non-Catholic realms – or take the other side and resist converting to Christianity.”
Unique units, cultural art, and faction-specific mechanics aim to keep each perspective authentic.
Planned Features for Full Release
When 1.0 launches, players can expect:
- Expanded narrative campaigns.
- Cultural overhauls across Muslim, Orthodox, Pagan, and Christian realms.
- Revamped diplomacy and naval combat systems.
- Full customization for player-created Holy Orders, including heraldry, laws, and creeds.
- Sandbox additions like build timers and deeper economic layers.
Release Details
- Title: Knights of the Crusades
- Developer/Publisher: Reverie World Studios / indie.io
- Platform: PC (Steam)
- Status: Early Access now, full release on September 6, 2025
For players looking to raise banners and reimagine the medieval world, Knights of the Crusades leaves Early Access next month.
