Crusader Kings II: Horse Lords expansion marches to Eurasia

The ninth expansion for Crusader Kings II is available right now, and it allows you to take on the role of a nomadic society in the Eurasian steppes. The Horse Lords expansion adds the Tarim Basin and "large parts" of Mongolia to the game map, as well as nomadic governments. According to the write-up provided by Paradox, these nomadic governments are fairly different to sedentary ones. "You manage populations instead of holdings," reads the description, "and armies are raised based on population size."

Tarim Basin and large parts of Mongolia added to map.
Nomadic government available for steppe cultures. These function in a radically different way from sedentary societies - you manage populations instead of holdings, and armies are raised based on population size. Also, the ruler’s power must be balanced against the interests of the various Clans within the realm (Clans are not normal vassals, but rather distinct families and factions within the nomad group).
Over a hundred new events add extra color and flair to the Steppes and Central Asia.
Non-nomadic rulers will have special options for combating nomads, such as constructing forts in wild enemy lands.
The Silk Road, with corresponding dynamic trade mechanics and conflicts.
Mongol invasions reworked.
New nomad mercenaries. Send your unruly sons or brothers away as soldiers of fortune.
Landless raiding adventurers may appear and harass a region for a time or try to conquer land and settle.
New diplomacy option: Tributary States.
New Central Asian cultures.

Shaun Prescott is the Australian editor of PC Gamer. With over ten years experience covering the games industry, his work has appeared on GamesRadar+, TechRadar, The Guardian, PLAY Magazine, the Sydney Morning Herald, and more. Specific interests include indie games, obscure Metroidvanias, speedrunning, experimental games and FPSs. He thinks Lulu by Metallica and Lou Reed is an all-time classic that will receive its due critical reappraisal one day.