Crusader Kings 3 wastes no time improving its new DLC, and I can't wait to force my medieval kids to go to school

Crusader Kings 3's major expansion All Under Heaven released last week. It was generally well-received, adding China, Japan, and Southeast Asian cultures to the hit medieval sim. Launching with 'mostly positive' Steam reviews, however, pits it a little below the score achieved by the base game. I get it, it's difficult to live up to the standards set by one of the best strategy games ever made, which has received five years of incremental updates and DLC. However, developer Paradox isn't resting on its laurels, and has already detailed numerous changes it's making to the game in the form of hotfixes, balance patches, and a forthcoming major update.

First things first, let's talk family. Those rotten scoundrels you had the misfortune of being born alongside, or the problem children spawning from your loins, are an ever-present source of trouble, and it's no different in All Under Heaven. However, Paradox is adding a decision where you can "Command Family to take Exams," so that they're forced to get the qualifications you need them to.

Also arriving in Crusader Kings 3 minor update 1.18.0.2 are improvements to the Celestial Government in China. Paradox has removed the maintenance penalties affecting MaA and army to increase bankruptcy resistance during revolts. The Chinese Emperor can more freely use the Consolidation casus belli on the Zhongyuan, Jingyang, Lingnan, Liangyi, and Yongliang de jure empires, regardless of era. You can also now reject tributary missions in case you'd prefer to wage war against them instead.

The minor update will also improve databases, localization, and other bugs. However, there's plenty more coming in the future. Update 1.18.1 offers comprehensive visual improvements to Southeast Asia, and it should arrive "sometime next week." Update 1.18.2 should follow towards the end of November.

There are plenty of bugfixes and tweaks detailed in the full dev diary, so I'd take a look for yourself if you want to really get into the nitty gritty of the new patches.

If you aren't sure whether All Under Heaven is for you, our Crusader Kings 3 DLC guide will help point you in the right direction. Alternatively, if you like the DIY approach, our list of the best Crusader Kings 3 mods offers plenty of fun (and a few fixes for some of our biggest gripes).