SyncCrate
Crusader Kings II guide · Updated
Same CK2 mods for every dynasty.
A multiplayer campaign needs the same mods and the same save on every PC. SyncCrate copies the host's mod and save folders to the other players, and after the first time only what changed.
FreeOpen sourceNo cloudWin · macOS · Linux
// 01 Why
Why modded CK2 multiplayer goes out of sync
Crusader Kings II compares a checksum of the game and its mods. Total conversions like A Game of Thrones or Elder Kings are big, and one player on an older version is enough to block the session.
With SyncCrate one PC hosts and the others match it. Files are compared by content and only the differences are copied.
// 02 What syncs
What SyncCrate syncs for Crusader Kings II
| Folder | Path in the game folder | Files |
|---|---|---|
| Mods | mod/Local mods in mod, each with its .mod file. Steam Workshop descriptors (ugc_*.mod) are skipped. | All files |
| Save Files | save games/Campaign saves (.ck2), so anyone can host the next session. | .ck2 |
// Where it looks
- Documents folder
Paradox Interactive/Crusader Kings IIinside your Documents folder- macOS
~/Documents/Paradox Interactive/Crusader Kings II- Linux
~/.paradoxinteractive/Crusader Kings II- Anywhere else
- Point SyncCrate at the folder yourself, once
Built in for Crusader Kings II
- Turn mods on and off. Disabled mods move to a
_Disabledfolder the game doesn't load. - Game-running warning. SyncCrate warns you before syncing while Crusader Kings II is still open.
- Undo and history. Undo the last sync in one click, and put back any single file a sync replaced or deleted.
// 03 How it works
Sync Crusader Kings II in three steps
Install and add the game
Install SyncCrate on every PC and add Crusader Kings II in the Game Browser. Its folder is found automatically.
One PC hosts
The PC with the setup everyone should have clicks Start Hosting. The others pick it under Scan for Hosts on the same network, or paste its join code from anywhere.
Compare and sync
Check the list of new, changed and conflicting files, then Sync Now. Only the files that differ are copied, PC to PC.
TipClose the game before syncing, then tick the same mods in the launcher.
// 04 Common problems
When Crusader Kings II mods don't match
Different checksum
Players with different mods or versions can't join.
Everyone syncs the host's
modfolder first.A big total conversion
Mods like A Game of Thrones are hundreds of megabytes, and every update means sending them again.
Only the changed files are copied after the first sync.
Passing the save around
The campaign lives on whoever hosted last.
Saves sync, so the next host has the latest one.
// 05 Crusader Kings II
Good to know
- Steam Workshop mods are kept by Steam and aren't synced. Everyone subscribes to the same items.
- Windows, Mac and Linux are all supported.
// FAQ
Crusader Kings II questions
Where are CK2 local mods?
In Documents\Paradox Interactive\Crusader Kings II\mod on Windows and Mac, and ~/.paradoxinteractive/Crusader Kings II/mod on Linux.
Does it sync Workshop mods?
No. Steam keeps them in its own folder. Local mods and saves sync.
Does it enable the mods?
No. Tick them in the launcher after syncing.
Is Crusader Kings III supported?
Yes, as a separate game: see [Crusader Kings III](crusader-kings-3).
// Related game guides
All games · SyncCrate supports 123 games.
// Free · Open source · Windows, macOS, Linux
Same Crusader Kings II setup on every PC.
Install SyncCrate on each PC, one of you hosts, everyone else joins. No accounts, no cloud, nothing uploaded anywhere.