Crusader Kings III: Silk & Silver expansion adds merchant republics November 17
Paradox's Crusader Kings III expansion Silk & Silver launches November 17, 2026 with Linux and Steam Deck support, adding landless merchant families and playable republics.
Summary
Silk & Silver, a new expansion for Crusader Kings III, releases November 17, 2026 for $29.99 USD. It introduces a landless merchant family playstyle with over 40 trade goods and three firm specializations: caravaneers, creditors, and artisans. Players can also rule as patrician houses in republics with elections, trade leagues, and new 1066 and 1178 start dates focused on Italian trade politics. Linux and Steam Deck are confirmed launch platforms.
What's new in Silk & Silver
- Landless merchant families: Play without holding territory, building trade firms from small starts to dominant networks
- 40+ trade goods: Buy low, sell high across regional markets; repeated trading improves skill with specific goods
- Three firm paths: Caravaneers (bulk transport), Creditors (lending to rulers), Artisans (crafting artifact-quality items)
- Republic rule: Patrician houses compete for doge position through laws, bribes, and assembly votes; customizable state policies
- Trade posts and leagues: Extend commercial reach beyond borders; ally with other republics for trade bonuses and military aid
- New start dates: 1066 (established traders) and 1178 (Guelph-Ghibelline conflict in northern Italy)
Why it matters
Linux and Steam Deck day-one support continues Paradox's pattern of treating the platform as a first-class citizen for its grand strategy titles, though the source notes no specific performance data for handheld play.
Original reference: linuxgameconsortium.com →