Frequently asked questions

What is Crown & Plough?

A free browser game that mixes life simulation with grand strategy. Pick one of five eras, from the Roman Empire (117 AD) to the Victorian age (1850), and you are born at random somewhere on a real map of Europe and live year by year. Choose what to focus on each year, make decisions when events happen, run diplomacy, war and government once you hold land, and when you die, pick an heir to carry on your house.

Is it free? Do I need an account or a download?

It is completely free, with no account and nothing to install. It starts right in your browser; the site is supported by ads.

Can I play on my phone?

Yes. The mobile layout puts speed and next-year controls in a bar at the bottom, and event windows open from the bottom where your thumb is.

How long is a playthrough?

One lifetime takes roughly 10 to 30 minutes depending on speed. When you die you can continue as your heir, so a house can run for as many generations as you like.

Can I leave it running like an idle game?

With the default "Match speed" setting, at 2× and above the game only stops for big events such as wars, revolts and Crossroads of Fate; everything else is decided automatically according to your character’s disposition. Speeds go up to 8×, and after an event the game waits a few seconds before resuming so you can change speed.

How does saving work?

Progress is saved automatically in your browser and is never sent to a server. It does not yet carry over to other devices or browsers, and clearing browser data deletes it.

Is it historically accurate?

The starting map, realms, real rulers and major historical events of each era are based on actual history. Once the game starts, history diverges according to your choices and those of the AI rulers.

What games is it similar to?

Living one person’s life is inspired by life simulators such as “1 in 8 Billion”, and dynasties, diplomacy and war by grand strategy games like Crusader Kings and Europa Universalis. It is far lighter than those and starts in a browser in seconds.

Which languages are supported?

Korean, English, Japanese and Simplified Chinese. The game opens in your browser’s language and you can switch at any time in the settings or at the top of any page.

Can a peasant become a king?

Yes. Raise your Might or Wit, build renown to be knighted, or win land through Crossroads of Fate or a liege’s secret mission; then absorb your neighbours one by one. Three holdings make a duchy, eight a kingdom and sixteen an empire. See the guide for details.