r/ElderKings May 12 '26

Support PSA: Mod Installation & Official Download Sources for EK2

71 Upvotes

Hello Elder Kings!

We have had an influx of reports about Elder Kings 2 not launching or crashing the game at start-up despite having the correct version of Crusader Kings 3 installed (in this case, 1.18.x), so I wanted to post a brief PSA about how to install the mod & where you can get your hands on official uploads!

The team has noticed that some of these reports indicated that users are downloading Elder Kings 2 through the Paradox Launcher, which searches for files hosted on the Paradox Plaza. Elder Kings 2 has no official upload on the Paradox Plaza, so please avoid these unauthorized uploads - they could be out of date or contain compromised files.

You may download the latest version of Elder Kings 2 through the Steam Workshop (automatic installation for Steam users) or browse all versions of Elder Kings 2 on Nexus Mods (manual installation for all users). I have included some installation instructions and troubleshooting tips below!

Installing Elder Kings 2:

  1. Ensure that Crusader Kings 3 has been launched at least once and the correct game version has been selected.
  2. Download your desired mod(s) - in this case, Elder Kings 2 - using your desired installation method.
    1. If installing through the Steam Workshop, verify that the mod's listed compatible gam version matches your installed version of Crusader Kings 3. Mods installed through the Workshop update automatically, so you may want to install manually if you are using an older version or playing cross-platform multiplayer.
    2. If installing through Nexus Mods, you will have to unpack your download (which can be done using WinRAR, 7-Zip, or software installed with your OS) and place the folder containing the mod's files in your mods folder. For most game users, this is located in Documents\Paradox Interactive\Crusader Kings III\mod.
    3. For all installs, ensure that your mod's ".mod" file is placed alongside the mod in the mods folder.
  3. Launch the Paradox Launcher and create a new Playset.
  4. Add your installed mods to your Playset and activate them.
  5. Launch the game! You have (hopefully) successfully installed Elder Kings 2!

First launches of Elder Kings 2 or any total conversion submod may have longer load times as the game loads new shaders and textures for the first time. Subsequent sessions should have shortened load times!

Troubleshooting Installation Problems:

  1. Verify that you are using the correct Crusader Kings 3 game version for your installed version of Elder Kings 2. If you aren't sure, check the mod page and/or the changelogs.
  2. Disable all other mods and try launching the game again.
  3. Remove save games for other game versions/playsets and try again.
  4. Reinstall Elder Kings 2 and verify your game file integrity (Steam instructions).
  5. Reach out for assistance if the previous steps have not resolved the issue!

r/ElderKings Feb 25 '26

Official Announcement EK2 update v0.18.0.1 "Walkabout" for CK3 1.18.3.1

203 Upvotes

HOTFIX

0.18.0.1 "Walkabout"

Checksum: 8949

Game Version: 1.18.3.1 (latest as of writing)

UPDATED TO GAME VERSION 1.18.3

SAVE GAME COMPATIBLE WITH PREVIOUS VERSION

KNOWN ISSUES: Overbright snow and some areas of the map look washed out

Steam: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2887120253

Nexus mods: https://www.nexusmods.com/crusaderkings3/mods/32?tab=files

PATCH NOTES: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16DcJTMzAiwVrRH34EPaex7uWZ1C3Skyzg8k4gL4N9QQ/edit?pli=1&tab=t.m3f56ks56wl2


r/ElderKings 1d ago

Which name is best for my Bretonnic Empire?

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373 Upvotes

I want a more inclusive name since the Empire also has many more races than just Bretons, Beaufort is the dynasty name btw!


r/ElderKings 2d ago

Submod Submod that adds new magical interactions (specifically restoration)

12 Upvotes

Mainly, I want the ability to prolong other people's lives. It looks like the only way to do this is with vampirism or using necromancy extended or whatever it's called to turn people into liches. I would prefer to have the option of doing this using the master restoration perk as it would make sense for my current character.

Are there any submods that do this?


r/ElderKings 4d ago

Support I keep crashing at launch

1 Upvotes

I used to play ek2 via the steam workshop, but there doesn't seems to be a way to rollback the mod's version, which annoys me. So i decided to directly install the v0.18.0.2 of elder kings 2 from nexus to play on the v1.18.3.1 of the game (since according to nexus, this is the corresponding version of the game). I dutifully followed the instructions given and it looked like it should work since the launcher correctly identify the mod but every time i try to launch the game, it crashes before i can see the loading screen.

Did i do something wrong ? Any advice ?


r/ElderKings 6d ago

I formed the cyrodil empire, how do I manage it?

25 Upvotes

I'm used to autocratic governments, I've never managed an administrative government now I'm curious as to how I go about raking in funds being that it's a completely different government with an estate? There's also a government treasury and the regular funds you have at your disposal, also I'm of Reachman culture but I merged it with cyrodil culture so I can form the legion, ect. It isn't the same exactly and I'm debating destroying my high kingdom titles like the reach and the colovian high kingdom and simply ruling with the cyrodil empire. The heck do I do.


r/ElderKings 6d ago

Different administrative government types for cyrodil

7 Upvotes

Now I've noticed this sort of thing going on, if I change my main title into administrative before forming the empire of Cyrodil I get the equal dynastic acclamation succession law, if I just do the form cyrodil empire before forming my main into administrative my law is equal primogeniture. Which government type is better? Thanks


r/ElderKings 6d ago

Other New to EK2

5 Upvotes

Whats up lads. Im new to EK2 but played a fair bit of CK3 so Im not new to the systems itself. My question is if events like being converted to witchcraft or getting infected by vampires have special trigger conditions Im missing. I have a religion which has accepted Vampirism and Witch as virtous. I dont know if I have a witch in my court but I do have to secret vampires in my court for a while now. Do I need to discover their secret and expose it for them to openly start doing vampire stuff?


r/ElderKings 6d ago

Support Game crashes with only EK3 active

3 Upvotes

It's the only mod I have active.


r/ElderKings 7d ago

Support Any way to force a dynasty member to create a new house?

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5 Upvotes

r/ElderKings 8d ago

Best Starts for Fun/Interesting Playthrough?

21 Upvotes

I recently completed my first 867 to 1453 run in vanilla CK3 and wanted to take a break from the base game. I've played with EK2 before, but that way WAY back when Northern Lords was still somewhat new. What are some good starting locations for a returning player? I was considering doing a traveling mage knight of Meridian, spreading her faith while taking on contracts to destroy undead and other abominations (if that's even an option).


r/ElderKings 11d ago

Support How do I get raid for captives and stand with us quests?

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29 Upvotes

r/ElderKings 11d ago

Screenshot What did i do wrong for this to curse my eyes

27 Upvotes
what even happened why is it like this it haunts my eyes

r/ElderKings 12d ago

Does the Gray-Mane dynasty exist at either of the starting dates?

17 Upvotes

If so, do you know if they’re landed and where? I thought that might be a fun run.


r/ElderKings 14d ago

Screenshot From betrayed to Falmer

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278 Upvotes

was able to go from Betrayed to Falmer thought it looked cool so wanted to share.

Now i just have to kick the Nords out of Skyrim.


r/ElderKings 14d ago

Another bookmark date

20 Upvotes

Are there any plans to add more later date bookmarks? Is there any chance the dev-team need history writers, to expand the era and timelines the current EK2 mod encompasses? Any need for bookmarks update for the late 2nd era? For instance, a 2nd era date after the Three Banners War, and the Knahaten Flu in the 2E 603, seventh century could be incredible.


r/ElderKings 16d ago

Finalize Create Ruler Button Outside Screen?

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36 Upvotes

As stated in the title, my custom character finalize button is cropped out of my screen and I do not know how to fix that. Am I on a wrong version of the game or am I stupid?


r/ElderKings 16d ago

Man of kreath culture

9 Upvotes

Is it still possible to revive the man of kreath culture?

If so, what are the requirements for it?


r/ElderKings 17d ago

WTF, why post about Elder Kings Expanded was deleted?

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3 Upvotes

r/ElderKings 17d ago

Darns Gilvio

3 Upvotes

https://en.m.uesp.net/wiki/Online:Darns_Gilvio

Does this character and his family exist in the mod? I’ve found this among my drafts (from about a year ago!) so apparently I couldn’t find him then, and am not able to check whether he exists or not for the next few days so I’m posting before I forget again to suggest adding them if they don’t.


r/ElderKings 19d ago

Screenshot Betrayal Beyond Measure

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71 Upvotes

r/ElderKings 19d ago

Other UI in Family and Relationship isn't showing

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4 Upvotes

Does anyone know how to fix this?


r/ElderKings 19d ago

Other DLC question

7 Upvotes

So i just bought All under Heaven and was wondering what does it do in Elder Kings 2 exactly? the ingame description is the vanilla one....
Also while im at it is it possible to summon some kind of crisis?


r/ElderKings 20d ago

What are the benefits of being a champion of Molag Bal?

18 Upvotes

Hear me out, I had to kill my granddaughter and the mace I was given was badass. Now I killed her because the mace was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I mean c'mon. And I know my wife Serena was perhaps violated by the guy, but c'mon the power that comes with it? Like I'm not passing up on the opportunity, now what are the benefits? Does he give me missions later on for more artifacts?


r/ElderKings 20d ago

Deadric Curse

7 Upvotes

Out of curiosity can anyone tell me what command I would need to use to cause the event of Peryite getting interested in your character and either getting you to worship him or get cursed?

Otherwise the command to just give the character the curse peryite gives would also be useful. Thank you in advance