Expansion - Crusader Kings II: Conclave DLC

Reviewing (mostly) every game (or DLC) in my library, part 158: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (9/10) [i]Crusader Kings II: Conclave[/i] is one of the most game-changing DLCs for CK2, turning the fantasy of medieval rulership into something far more realistic and far more political. It introduces a detailed Council system where your power is checked by a group of ambitious nobles who vote on everything from wars to new laws. You’re no longer just playing a king or queen—you’re a politician in a pit of wolves. This DLC adds a layer of negotiation, compromise, and scheming that transforms CK2 from a map-painter into a court drama simulator. For players who enjoy roleplaying, character dynamics, and soft power over brute force, [i]Conclave[/i] is essential. ⚖️ [b]Pros:[/b] [list] [*] Council voting is a masterstroke. It makes your vassals feel like real political actors instead of faceless opinion numbers. Every major decision can be blocked or passed depending on council votes. Powerful vassals expect to sit on the council, and ignoring them risks revolt. This creates organic drama every reign. [*] Manipulating the council becomes its own strategy layer. Winning over your Spymaster with a title, calling in favors, or bribing a holdout to push through your law—it’s all incredibly satisfying. The game becomes less about brute strength and more about subtle influence and timing. [*] Education system overhaul gives you real influence over heirs. Children now go through a multi-stage development system where your choices, guardian traits, and events shape their personality. It feels more immersive, and less random, than the old “choose a focus and pray” model. [*] Realm management is more nuanced. [i]Conclave [/i]encourages players to think more about long-term stability than rapid expansion. You can’t just revoke titles without a fight, and centralizing authority takes finesse. This makes small realms more viable and large empires more fragile—historically accurate and mechanically rewarding. [*] The roleplay potential is immense. Playing a weak king beholden to a fractious council, or a master manipulator working behind the scenes, offers dynamic stories that wouldn’t emerge in vanilla. The interpersonal drama is the game now, and it’s fantastic. [/list] 👑[b] Cons:[/b] [list[ [*] Council politics can feel overwhelming. If you’re not in the mood to roleplay or scheme, having to check vote counts and juggle favors constantly can feel like a chore. It’s not ideal for players who prefer straightforward conquest. [*] AI votes can be erratic. Sometimes councilors block your actions for seemingly arbitrary reasons, even with high opinion. It adds realism, but occasionally feels frustrating or gamey. [*] Slower early-game progression. Because of council limitations, small rulers may find themselves hamstrung for decades, especially if they don’t have the leverage to sway votes. This makes aggressive strategies harder to pull off until the late game. [/list[

Excellent additions such as the education system that really flushes out alot of opportunities to manage heirs. Law can become annoying but at least they work as intended. Plus regents are less annoying with added mechanics. You really should buy if you plan on enjoying the game to it's fullest.