Crusades: Book I

Crusades: Book I

March east into one of history’s most consequential medieval conflicts in Crusades: Book I, a detailed tactical wargame covering the battles and campaigns of the First and Second Crusades and the battles fought between them.

Beginning with Pope Urban II’s call to arms in 1095, Crusades: Book I follows the rise of the crusading movement from its explosive beginning through the capture of Jerusalem, the creation of the Latin states, and the growing pressure of increasingly organized resistance that culminated in the failed siege of Damascus in 1148.

Take command in Crusades: Book I, where 40-meter hexes and 10-minute turns place you in control of medieval armies fighting for cities, fortresses, roads, and passes. Every battle is shaped by the realities of the age: detailed siege warfare, difficult terrain, fragile supply, and the constant struggle to hold a frontier with limited manpower. Bring medieval sieges to life with Mangonels, Onagers, Ballistae, Trebuchets, Siege Towers, Battering Rams, and ladders.

Command the Armies of the Crusading Era

Recreate the major campaigns of the 1st and 2nd Crusades and the battles between from either side of the conflict.

Lead the forces of the Crusader states and western armies, including:

• Knights

• Men-at-arms

• Spearmen

• Crossbowmen

• Archers

• Pilgrims and levy forces

Or take command of the Islamic alliances and regional powers, including:

• Turkish cavalry

• Infantry armed with spears and swords

• Archers

• Garrison troops

• Regional field armies

The historically accurate Order of Battle includes the major forces that fought across the era, allowing you to experience the strengths and weaknesses of both sides — from heavily armed western knights and determined infantry to fast-moving eastern cavalry and defenders fighting for cities and fortresses.

Siege Warfare and Frontier Conflict

The Crusades were not decided by open battle alone. Crusades: Book I captures the full nature of medieval warfare in the Levant and Anatolia, where strongholds, roads, and relief operations often mattered more than simple battlefield victory. Conduct detailed siege operations using Mangonels, Onagers, Ballistae, Trebuchets, Siege Towers, Battering Rams, and ladders to break fortified positions or defend them against assault.

Fight across a harsh and contested landscape where:

Cities and fortresses dominate operations

Roads, passes, bridges, and ridgelines shape every maneuver

Supplies and frontage can decide the fate of an advance

A delayed relief force can doom a city, while ample supply can save defenders

From the sieges of Nicaea, Antioch, Jerusalem, Tyre, Edessa, and Damascus to smaller clashes, marches, ambushes, and defensive stands, Crusades: Book I recreates the military realities of an era where every victory had to be held against inevitable counterattack.

74 Detailed Scenarios

Crusades: Book I includes 74 scenarios covering a wide range of actions and engagements, including:

• A solo tutorial scenario

• Five training scenarios

• Historical battles

• Variant scenarios

• What-if scenarios

• Specialized versions for both head-to-head play and play against the AI

The game covers major and lesser-known actions from across the 1st and 2nd Crusades and between, including battles such as:

• Nicaea

• Dorylaeum

• Antioch

• Ma'arat al-Numan

• Jerusalem

• Ascalon

• Heraclea

• Ramla

• Acre

• Harran

• Tripoli

• Tyre

• Aleppo

• Edessa

• Ephesus

• Damascus

Two Branching Campaigns

Two dedicated campaigns containing 23 scenarios allow you to follow the major events of the era through a connected series of battles and strategic decisions.

Play through the First Crusade or the Second Crusade, from either the Crusader perspective or the Islamic alliance perspective. These branching campaigns allow player choices to shape the path forward, with strategic decisions influencing which scenarios follow and how the campaign unfolds.

Extensive Maps and Medieval Visual Detail

A range of historically accurate maps are included covering the major locations fought over during the 1st and 2nd Crusades, as well as lesser-known battlefields.

The game also includes extensive 3D unit graphics representing the major armies of the era, bringing the crusading world to life on the battlefield.

Powerful Editing Tools

Customize and expand your experience with a full suite of editors, including:

Campaign editor

Scenario editor

Sub-map editor

Use these tools to modify existing content or create new medieval engagements of your own.

Multiple Ways to Play

Multiple play options include:

Play against the computer AI

Play-By-Email (PBEM)

LAN and live Internet play

Two-player Hot Seat mode