Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia Review (Kate27)
Reviewing (mostly) every game (or DLC) in my library, part 127:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆☆ (7/10)
Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia is a focused flavor pack that zeroes in on the Iranian plateau, specifically during the Struggle for Persia, a time of religious fragmentation, declining caliphate control, and rising local dynasties. While it’s geographically narrow, it’s mechanically and thematically rich. And unlike Fate of Iberia, which often felt vague or gamey, the Struggle for Persia is clear, grounded, and more meaningfully integrated into how you actually play.
If you like CK3 for its historical texture, religious dynamics, and roleplay potential, this is a small but rewarding DLC—especially if you're tired of western Europe hogging all the spotlight. It’s not essential, but it’s worth playing if you want to try something a little different—and it’s a must for anyone curious about Persian history or Zoroastrian revivalism. Overall, I find this DLC a thoughtful, elegant expansion that quietly outperforms its more bloated cousin Fate of Iberia.
🌄 Pros:
The region finally feels alive. The eastern Islamic world has long felt like a map filler, but here it bursts with narrative and flavor. You’ll encounter culturally distinct courts, power-hungry dynasts, and a tug-of-war between the Abbasid legacy and local ambition. Persian dynasties like the Saffarids or Zaydis are now rich with context and challenge.
The Struggle for Persia is one of the best uses of the mechanic. Unlike Iberia's struggle—which often felt abstract or too sandboxy—Persia’s is tied to concrete goals, consistent incentives, and factional dynamics you can influence. It reflects actual historical tension between religious and political forces. The outcomes are impactful but not railroady.
Zoroastrian and Shia flavor. Zoroastrianism is no longer a meme religion for achievement hunters—it’s viable, flavorful, and mechanically supported. The same goes for early Shia characters, who finally get narrative depth and mechanical relevance.
Revamped Muslim governments. The new “Iqta” system replaces the default Clan government for Persian Muslims. It adds tension between centralized authority and regional governors, making the internal politics more engaging than in most Islamic realms.
Great cultural art, music, and immersion. The Persian assets are beautifully done. Courts feel distinct, music is period-appropriate, and events reflect actual theological and political debates from the era. It helps anchor you in a place that often feels left out of CK3’s Eurocentric loop.
📌 Cons:
Still a narrow DLC. Everything you just read only applies to a small part of the map. If you’re not playing in Persia, you won’t experience any of this content. Even within the region, most of the flavor is concentrated in the 867 start.
Frontloaded gameplay. The struggle mechanic is strongest in the early game. Once the struggle ends (which you can help accelerate or delay), most of the systems fall away, and you're back to vanilla CK3. It’s a great 100–150 years, but it doesn’t always carry into the long haul.
Lightweight on new mechanics. Outside of the struggle and new government tweaks, this is not a system-heavy DLC. Don’t expect new laws, estates, or military mechanics—it’s about historical immersion, not mechanical overhauls.