Kingdoms and Castles

Tracked sources for Kingdoms and Castles were limited between 2025-07-20 and 2026-07-20, with only 2 verified changes captured in this window. The recorded activity centers on Extra Large Map Size Introduced and Optimizations from Nova Roma and sits between Fix for dragon eviction issue on 2025-05-22 (bug_fix) and no later tracked updates in the current dataset, making this a light but still readable period in the game's history.

• Verified activity: 2026-04-21 - Extra Large Map Size Introduced: Players can now explore 'Extra Large' map sizes in the beta version.; 2026-04-21 - Optimizations from Nova Roma: Many optimizations have been implemented, improving performance on large maps..
• What stands out: The period is defined more by a small number of isolated updates than by a large roadmap beat or expansion-sized release.
• Before this window: The closest earlier tracked activity was Fix for dragon eviction issue on 2025-05-22 (bug_fix).
• After this window: No later tracked activity is present in the current dataset.

The Dragon Taming Update launched on May 11, 2025, introducing a wealth of new content focused on dragons, including the ability to tame, raise, and care for them. This update also featured new buildings such as the Dragon Nest, Dragon Bath, and Dragon Doctor, expanding gameplay options significantly. Additionally, players could engage in new bonding mechanics to keep their dragons happy.

• Major Content Drop: Dragon Taming Update included features like:
  • Dragon Taming Feature: Players could tame and care for dragons.
  • Dragon Nest Building: A home for dragons that collects food.
  • Dragon Doctor Building: A facility for dragon health checkups.
• New Buildings:
  • Dragon Roost: A building to attract and house dragons.
  • Flight Training Course: Designed for keeping dragons healthy.
  • Dragon Bath: A private pool for dragons.
• Gameplay Mechanics:
  • Dragon Bonding Mechanic: New interactions to enhance player-dragon relationships.
  • Tweaks to Dragon Mechanics: Adjustments to upkeep, diet, and integration.
  • New Research in the Great Library: Related to dragon taming.
• Balance Changes:
  • Increased Dragon Damage vs NPC Kingdoms: Enhanced dragon damage capabilities.
  • Vikings Can Steal from Dragon Nests: Added a new challenge for players.
  • Troop Pathing Over Rubble: Improved troop movement.
• User Interface Improvements:
  • New NPC Conversations: Added discussions about dragons.
  • Gamepad Controls for Dragon Buildings: Enhanced accessibility for Steam Deck users.

Kingdoms and Castles launched on Xbox Series S/X/One and became verified for Steam Deck on December 1, 2023, marking significant accessibility milestones for players. This update also included numerous balance adjustments, quality of life improvements, and bug fixes to enhance gameplay.

• Major Content Drops: Kingdoms and Castles became available on Xbox Series S/X/One, and received Steam Deck verification on December 1, 2023.
• Balance Changes:
  • The cost of the Well and Transport Ship was reduced.
  • The radius of the Large Fountain was increased.
• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • Carts and ships can now deposit resources at stockpiles and docks even when their desired amounts are set to zero.
  • Carts gained the ability to interact with swineherds and fishing huts.
  • Gamepad controls were improved to prevent selecting empty tiles when units are selected.
  • The camera zoom range during map selection was increased.
  • Favor gained from humorous interactions with AI during joke conversations was increased.
• Performance Optimizations: The target finding for catapults was optimized to improve gameplay efficiency.

VR Support launched on November 3, 2022, allowing players to experience Kingdoms and Castles in virtual reality with SteamVR. This update included a VR Mode Beta for testing, making the game mostly playable in VR. The AI Kingdoms - Diplomacy+ Update introduced new interactions with AI, including the ability to demand tribute.

• New Content:

  • Large Quarry and Large Charcoal Maker were added on November 24, 2022, enhancing resource production capabilities.
  • Restored spawning of small dragons on November 26, 2022.
  • Mixed Reality Motion controller bindings and Vive Cosmos controller bindings were added on November 14, 2022.

• Gameplay Changes:

  • On November 14, 2022, the behavior of carts and transport ships was adjusted so that resources do not drop on the ground when storage is full.

• Balance Adjustments:

  • The cost of the archer school and barracks was reduced on July 4, 2023.
  • Dragon difficulty was tweaked on December 9, 2022.

• AI Improvements:

  • The doctor healing algorithm was improved for better performance in larger cities on December 9, 2022.
  • Siege dragon behavior was adjusted to prevent clumping on November 26, 2022.

• User Interface Enhancements:

  • A hover info update added building name and size on July 4, 2023.
  • Improved text readability on Steam Deck and added wage information to building info highlights on December 9, 2022.

AI Kingdoms Update launched on May 23, 2022, introducing significant new gameplay features and mechanics to Kingdoms and Castles. This update added AI Kingdoms that players can interact with, along with a visibility system and a siege workshop for creating catapults to engage in warfare.

• New Gameplay Mechanics: Players could now explore new islands with exploration ships and settlers, and a building integrity mechanic was introduced, requiring repairs for degrading structures. A survival mode provided a harder difficulty setting, enhancing the game’s challenge.

  • New Features: The update also included a minimap, transport carts for resource movement, and happiness buildings like a jousting arena and theater to improve peasant morale.

• Balance Changes: The update adjusted combat mechanics, allowing units to auto-target enemies and introducing a new viking infantry unit. Ogres were reworked to attack units, enhancing overall gameplay dynamics.

• Quality of Life Improvements: The world size increased by approximately 15-20%, and players could now customize their kingdom colors. Additional improvements included enhanced resource gathering capabilities for blacksmiths and options for better map generation.

• Steam Deck Support: The game added support for the Steam Deck, making it more accessible to players using that platform.

• Visual and User Interface Updates: A revamped UI made the game clearer and easier to navigate, alongside fixes for various bugs and performance enhancements, particularly for older maps.

The introduction of the Diplomacy System on April 4, 2021, marked a significant addition to Kingdoms and Castles, allowing players to engage with AI kingdom rulers for alliances and trade. The Transport Carts Feature also launched on the same day, enhancing resource management and city layouts.

• New Systems:

  • Diplomacy System: Players can now converse with AI rulers, make requests, and establish trade relations.
  • Transport Carts Feature: Introduced transport carts for moving resources over land.
  • Draggable Waypoints for Carts: Players can set routes for transport carts using draggable waypoints.

• Public Alpha Access:

  • Public Alpha Access (December 26, 2020): Players gained access to the public alpha branch to experience new features and updates.
  • Public Alpha Branch Access (September 6, 2020): An earlier version of the public alpha branch was made available for testing.

• Minimap Implementation:

  • Minimap (December 26, 2020): A new minimap feature helps track military units, ships, and envoys.
  • Minimap (September 6, 2020): An initial version of the minimap was introduced to assist players.

• Color Selection for Kingdoms:

  • Players gained the ability to select and change the color of their kingdom at any time from their keep.

Kingdoms and Castles introduced significant updates in Year 3, highlighted by the launch of the Siege Workshop and Catapults on June 27, 2020, which allowed players to build catapults for attacking enemy walls. This update also featured the Theater Building, enhancing peasant happiness, and the Introduction of Sea Gates, enabling ships to pass freely while blocking hostile vessels.

• New Buildings:

  • Siege Workshop and Catapults: Added a new workshop for constructing catapults.
  • Theater Building: Introduced a building to improve peasant happiness.
  • Sea Gates: New building that allows for free passage of ships while blocking enemies.

• Gameplay Mechanics:

  • Player Controlled Merchant Ships: Players gained the ability to build and control merchant ships for trading resources.

• AI Improvements:

  • Improved City Building AI: Enhanced AI can now achieve a population of 1,000 peasants with high happiness more efficiently.
  • Improved AI Defense Mechanism: The AI now reinforces walls and places towers in response to attacks more effectively.

• Modding Support:

  • Official Mod Support via Steam Workshop: Players can now access and use community-created mods and banners.

• Performance Enhancements:

  • Improved Performance on Fish-Dense Maps: Optimizations were made for maps with many fish.
  • Improved Performance During Map Editing: Enhanced performance while editing maps.

• UI/UX Updates:

  • Revamped Shipping Route UI: The UI was made more intuitive for visualizing and setting up shipping routes.

The major highlight of this year was the introduction of a reworked map generation algorithm on January 23, 2019, which created distinct landmasses and improved the overall gameplay experience. Additionally, the expansion of the military system revamped unit production and allowed for more strategic gameplay with the introduction of new units like archers and Viking thieves.

• New Mechanics:
  • Witch Hut Mechanics: Players could now interact with witches for spells or curses as of October 28, 2018.
  • Cemeteries and Grave Keepers: Added on October 28, 2018, players could manage cemeteries and employ grave keepers.
  • Fire Brigade Feature: This feature launched on January 23, 2019, allowing the addition of professional firefighters to extinguish fires.
• Gameplay Changes:
  • Military System Revamp: Implemented on June 11, 2019, this overhaul allowed barracks to produce full units without a cap.
  • Fishing and Health Mechanics: Introduced on April 27, 2019, fishing became a food source linked to a new health mechanic for villagers.
  • Castle Stairs: Units could now walk on walls using stairs, enhancing tactical options as of June 11, 2019.
• AI Improvements:
  • Viking Raid AI Improvements: Enhanced Viking raids to operate on multiple fronts, improving gameplay dynamics on June 11, 2019.
  • City Building AI Enhancements: As of April 27, 2019, AI rivals could now build and sustain large cities, adding depth to gameplay.
• Balance Changes:
  • Dragon Damage Reduction: Implemented on January 23, 2019, this adjustment made dragons less lethal to the populace.
  • Tax Rate Tweaks: Players could set tax rates in half increments and view them as percentages starting January 23, 2019.

Creative Mode launched on April 19, 2018, allowing players to choose between standard and creative gameplay, significantly expanding customization options. Cathedrals and Great Libraries were added on June 19, 2018, enhancing happiness and kingdom development.

• New Content:

  • Cathedrals: Provide happiness and convert invading vikings into peasants.
  • Great Libraries: Allow research for kingdom upgrades and happiness boosts.
  • Bigger Maps: Players can now select from small, medium, or large maps, featuring deep water that can only be crossed by boat.
  • New Buildings: Outposts, docks, and draw bridges were introduced, enhancing resource management and settlement options.
  • Transport and Merchant Ships: New ships enable trade and resource transportation between docks.

• Gameplay Enhancements:

  • Gameplay tweaks in Creative Mode allowed for map editing and entity spawning.
  • A job priority system was implemented, enabling better resource management.
  • Stockpile management and happiness radius adjustments improved overall gameplay experience.

• Balance Changes:

  • Dragons became more threatening, increasing their damage output.
  • Viking invasion progression was retuned to appear earlier, adding challenge.
  • Army targeting adjustments allowed for double damage to ogres, enhancing combat strategy.

• UI/UX Improvements:

  • The happiness overlay was revamped to show proximity effects.
  • Building information UI was overhauled, providing clearer insights into building risks and resident lists.

• Localization Updates:

  • New languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch, were added to broaden accessibility.