Stronghold Crusader HD (2012) news & patch notes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZanPPwupPz4 The time is NOW, Sire! The long march is finally over and your forces have finally arrived at our divine destination - Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is out now with a 10% launch discount! https://clan.fastly.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/78768ab274c6e0caa0b059e9287f9ed8fbd0f1a4.jpg The fan reception to Stronghold: Definitive Edition in 2023 showed us the hunger in the community for more games that take the cult classic games of the past, leaving the gold while elevating the old. The tremendous outpouring of love has pushed us to make this definitive edition of the fan-favourite Crusader the best it possible can be, adding more features, fixes and content than anyone could have expected. We can't wait to see how fans take this reimagined classic and make it their own. Every bit of feedback across our demos has helped to inform the final game, allowing us to craft this expanded remaster hand-in-hand with the community. This player-first development focus has helped to shape this into a love letter to the golden age of isometric strategy games, one that will continue after launch with a robust roadmap of updates and DLC. https://clan.fastly.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/9ab26dce854ef8398e3416cbf0c264f3769047c8.png The fundamental game will feel like an elevated version of the classic experience for returning fans and new players alike. With improvements and expansions to practically every core feature and beyond: reworked visuals, higher fidelity audio, new units, new AI Lords, new modes, 10k units cap, co-op, new missions, larger-than-ever maps, 8-player Steam multiplayer, Steam Workshop support, QoL improvements and more! Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is the culmination of almost a quarter century of development experience, fan support and technological advancements. Better-looking, smoother-running and bigger in all ways possible, Stronghold Crusader: DE is the ultimate way to take a trip down memory lane. https://store.steampowered.com/app/3024040/Stronghold_Crusader_Definitive_Edition/ Seen a bug? Got feedback? Please submit issues both large and small through the Firefly Studios support site. Between this and our planned post-launch roadmap we are dedicated to fixing any significant issues players are having and the more reports we get the faster and more effectively we can do that :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71UzpnLOH7U

Updates and DLC To Add New Lords, Customisation and More!

Good Day, Sire! Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is now less than two weeks from launch, so what better time than now to share all there is to know about the game's post-release plans! Following the positive reception of the two public demos and in keeping with Stronghold: DE’s post-launch, we're announcing two major post-launch content updates for Crusader: DE. These will take the form of an Autumn and a Winter Update, both releasing this year alongside two paid DLCs. https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/8f40990ce7a71421b643639197584c99a4027f26.png The free initial Autumn Update will feature a series-first economic campaign as well as a brand new CPU commander. Five missions will challenge players to complete a series of economic objectives, leaning heavily into our city builder gameplay mechanics. The new computer-controlled character can meanwhile also be played as friend or foe, selectable in the game’s offline skirmish and online multiplayer modes. Last but not least, three new maps will also be added, one for skirmish, another in Free Build mode and a balanced multiplayer battlefield. Following this content drop, the game’s free Winter Update will add perhaps the greatest player request so far... The ability to customise CPU opponents, castles and campaigns! Players will be able to create the rivals or allies of their dreams (or nightmares), design their defences and then place all of this into custom mission scenarios created by the community. https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/5313cab036a111f6c5b495987e9b8564aad4fdd7.png If that wasn’t enough, the Winter Update continues this community-first trend with the addition of a second co-op trail of missions. The 10 missions found in the first co-op trail not enough for you? Well, dare to brave the challenges of this new trail and you just might come out victorious. Once again a new map pack of three maps will be added to the overall pool, keeping things fresh for players after launch. Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition launches soon on July 15th. Wishlist now to be the first to know when it goes live! https://store.steampowered.com/app/3024040/Stronghold_Crusader_Definitive_Edition/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXejCnia8tc Good tidings, Sire! Steam Next Fest is now live and with it our second public demo for Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition. Showcasing the latest fixes, a full Sands of Time mission, Historical Campaign challenge and allowing you to freely try out Custom Skirmish mode before the game’s July 15th launch, this is our most content rich demo yet! So if you haven’t yet given it a try or think you can rise even higher on the leaderboards, now is the chance to prove your mettle… https://clan.fastly.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/f31175fe2a59eb5b38fcfa0887614d2337a31aee.jpg Crusader: DE was designed with your feedback in mind and at the very top of that list were features like a proper coop mode. In past games we have offered coop in the form of team-based skirmish play and - In the case of Stronghold Crusader 2 - The ability for two players to control the same castle. In Crusader: DE we have gone a step further and designed a full 10 mission skirmish trail, allowing two players to cooperate and defeat the AI across a selection of new maps… With one or two classic battlefields thrown in there for good measure! https://clan.fastly.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/5122089a08847a6e822d67e5ef76f327250b69d3.jpg Featuring the game’s new AI opponents, units and more, this mode takes full advantage of everything Crusader: DE has to offer. In addition to all of this, we are pleased to announce that - Even though it's called a ‘Coop Trail’ - Solo players won’t be left out in the cold. If for whatever reason you are unable to buddy up with another human player online, the trail is fully playable with the help of one of our 20 AI characters! Battle alongside everyone from The Snake to The Sentinel, as you conquer this fresh take on classic skirmish trail gameplay. https://clan.fastly.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/09b0b6d9de45258482f62b6afdf7adeafc40898b.jpg Nothing forges stronger bonds than conquering challenges together. Whether it’s reuniting with distant pals, bonding with a new crusading comrade or finally teaming up with the Lord of Rats himself, the series-first coop mode for Stronghold Crusader: DE will be your chance to create new memories across fresh battlefields! https://store.steampowered.com/app/3024040/Stronghold_Crusader_Definitive_Edition/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js6TBaUA8QQ Good morrow, my liege! After 150,000 demo downloads, three times as many as Stronghold: Definitive Edition... We have channelled thousands of your Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition feedback forms into new player-requested enhancements! Ahead of the game's July 15th launch, today we dive into some of these community-requested features, confirming key information on maximum unit counts and more in our final ‘Feature Spotlight’ development diary. https://clan.fastly.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/aec37b428c9d5d6fbc474ee8e12bf8beff52dbf5.jpg As some of Crusader’s most knowledgeable and experienced players, your feedback on our upcoming Definitive Edition has been invaluable. So naturally suggestions and ideas discussed online were studied in close detail, ahead of the game’s reveal earlier this year. Your Crusader: DE feedback was then further examined after January 20th, using the demo’s feedback form. https://clan.fastly.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/107cdacbe8c55c27bde088845cf0faedefbdf0d7.jpg Many features have been requested by players since January. These include raising the overall troop count to a whopping 10,000 soldiers in a single game, to match that of Stronghold Crusader Extreme, which we can confirm today. We have also made the addition of a few Islamic buildings and related workers for the game’s Arabic and Bedouin Lords, as well as many vital bug fixes. The latter addresses specific exploits and issues discovered by the game’s most dedicated players across more than 20 years of play. https://clan.fastly.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/3f8c87f54432ea3613e3890146d4c970d5533921.jpg From map sizes up to four times the size of those available in the original, through to custom toggles for skirmish mode and online leader boards, we are striving to tick every possible box for fans of the original game. A Definitive Edition should include absolutely everything possible that players want out of Crusader and that’s what this final version intends to deliver! https://store.steampowered.com/app/3024040/Stronghold_Crusader_Definitive_Edition/

Good day, my liege! After a few eagle-eyed players infiltrated the help files, Assassin style, in our Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition reveal demo, we thought it was time to pull back the curtain on our 8 new units. Today’s Feature Spotlight video brings with it new footage and juicy gameplay details for our Bedouin soldiers, expanding the original roster with fresh tactical options at launch on July 15th. https://clan.fastly.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/e977b71cd58d0734edfb52ccba5408cdeea998df.jpg Inspired by the roaming Bedouin tribes of the Middle Eastern deserts, these eight new troops open up a whole new world of siege tactics (and hurt!) on your rival lords. Be they friends you played the OG Crusader with way back in the day or new Stronghold allies found in our official Discord server, enemy Lords and Ladies won’t know what hit them. From camel-riding lancers and bowmen, to sneaking fire-starters and demolition specialists, our expanded remaster adds plenty of new options for commanders in the art of medieval warfare. https://clan.fastly.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/ae7332bc0c83db082881d07aa04b1256aa5ecfc0.jpg In our latest Feature Spotlight we reveal exactly what these new units are capable of and how you might use them to your advantage in your next medieval conquest. So please check out the video, learn their strengths, weaknesses and let us know what you think in the comments below! Player feedback has been a huge part of the success of our Definitive Editions, so as always we’d love to hear your thoughts for this upcoming game and of course future titles. Stay tuned for future videos to hear more about the updates and improvements coming to Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition and wishlist the game to be notified of the game's release at launch. https://store.steampowered.com/app/3024040/Stronghold_Crusader_Definitive_Edition/

Dive into the devious Kahin, Sentinel, Nomad and Jewel!

Greetings My Liege! As the warmth and green of spring finally begins to break through (At least... Here in the UK!) we are marching ever closer to our July 15th release date for this long awaited expanded remaster of your favourite Stronghold. We know July feels like a million miles away right now, but rest assured we are working hard to implement your feedback and suggestions before launch. This is thanks in no small part to the more than 6,000 of you who filled out our demo feedback form and the 150,000 potential future players who have wishlisted Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition! {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45452156/5ea71e0403406fec4c6247075fb51e20f9616601.jpg With today's new video we thought... What better way to toast this new season and alleviate some of that wait than with a sneak peek at our deadly new AI opponents, awaiting you this summer! From the wily and dastardly to the blunt and brutish, each of these new characters embody different cultures, employing unique units, castles and battle tactics, resulting in a completely fresh challenge for new players as well as returning series veterans. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45452156/78699ca3522606703952523deec945a18c8f1095.jpg In today's Feature Spotlight we also touch on a few changes coming to the game's original 16 enemy Lords, inspired by your suggestions and feedback in the whopping 20+ years since the game's initial release in 2002. This is just a taste of things to come, so please look forward to future videos spotlighting other tweaks that bring Crusader up to date in 2025. Let us know which of these opponents you’re looking forward to fighting first and be sure to stay tuned here on Steam for the latest news on Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition! 👇 Add to Wishlist 👇 https://store.steampowered.com/app/3024040/Stronghold_Crusader_Definitive_Edition/

ICYMI

Since revealing Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition in January's Real-Time Strategy Fest, you have responded to our rally war cry in full force! With over 150,000 wishlists, 130,000 demo downloads and more than 6,000 helpful responses to our in-game player survey... Let's just say the granary is full, my Lord. While you wait for our July 15th release, we hope this collection of updates from the team here at Firefly helps bring you up to speed about what you can expect from the final game, before we march back to the desert fortresses and arid plains of the past. Please enjoy these updates and subscribe to Firefly Studios on YouTube for more reveals! 🎨 Artists Niall, Darrin, Jorge and Tom dive into the recreation of Crusader: DE's new visuals! Discover the extra animals and features coming to Crusader from our talented art team. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTLaSzli2aQ 🏰 Studio Head Nick provides a general breakdown of our new expanded remaster of the classic Stronghold title. What is it exactly?! What's changed? Find out all this and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGQWSeQ4KqA 💬 Scouring the web for your most pressing questions, we present the Crusader: DE Community Q&A! From Discord to Reddit, Sak covers as many topics as he can. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbz4Psdk3r4 👾 Aaron and Josh play through our Ascalon scenario, as featured in the first Crusader: DE playable demo. Enjoy this dev commentary and give us tips in the comments! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA__DBPWTQw 🎵 Masterfully composed by the legendary bard of Stronghold himself, we are proud to present ‘Caravan 2025’. Produced exclusively for Crusader: DE by Robert L. Euvino! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usMbeJ2-hMQ Like what you see? Then wishlist Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition now ahead of the game’s July 15th 2025 release! https://store.steampowered.com/app/3024040/Stronghold_Crusader_Definitive_Edition/

Greetings Sire!

Gird your loins and sharpen your steel because 23 years after it first launched, we’re incredibly excited to announce Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition!

Travel back in time to the legendary crusades for the holy land in this new expanded definitive edition, releasing this year on July 15th 2025 with brand new content, elevated graphics and extensive player-requested features all rebuilt by game’s original developers! This title is many people’s favourite old-school 2D RTS, so taking this cult favourite and elevating it for the modern player has been an endeavour of passion for us – one that is only possible because of the community’s clear desire for this kind of classic strategy experience. The best way we could think of thanking you for your support has been to go above and beyond, with new AIs, missions, modes and maps, as well as the Steam multiplayer and workshop integrations that the original could never have had. What better way to kick off the Steam RTS Fest than a demo of this reinvented gem, heralded with a shiny new reveal trailer, masterfully scored by the legendary bard of Stronghold himself, Robert L. Euvino! This trailer showcases the depth of work and love poured into the remaster. We really hope you enjoy it! Flex your might against 20 challenging AI lords, charge through the new co-op trail with a friend or dive into skirmish mode featuring larger maps, custom options and quality of life fixes – Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition allows you to revisit a reimagined strategy classic and play exactly the way you want to!

Wishlist Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition now on Steam ahead of the game’s full release on July 15th 2025 and play the demo right now!

Snarls Soon you will see what it means to wage real warfare! That is... In our final instalment of the Stronghold: Definitive Edition 'Jewel' campaign! Valley of the Wolf extends the base game with seven new missions and extra achievements. Under the tutelage of the wise Sergeant, finish the fight by rescuing Sir Longarm's captured kin once and for all, when this new DLC releases for $2.99, €2.99 and £2.49 on April 30th. This final chapter of 'The Jewel' campaign pits players against the greatest rogue of them all... The vicious Wolf! To safely retrieve the Jewel of the North and put an end to The Wolf's insidious scourge, players must plunge directly into the belly of the beast and bring the fight to his borders. Against great odds in unfamiliar territory, survival alone demands that nothing is held back. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44366650/2b9963782dc67c026c2acefb080542035cb6a9eb.jpg Also arriving on April 30th as part of our 'Spring Update' is a second castle trail of 10 siege scenarios. This new 'Noble Trail' will arrive alongside additional maps for Multiplayer, Free Build and Siege modes, with the exciting (and long overdue!) introduction of our first ever Polish castles to be featured in a Stronghold game. Malbork, the fortress erected by the Teutonic Order to signify their Prussian conquest, Biskupin, an ancient stronghold built at the dawn of Rome, and Niedzica, a daunting gothic castle that Dracula himself would be proud of, will all be found in the new castle trail, while another castle, Ogrodzieniec, will be playable as a standalone map through Siege mode. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44366650/4c4b82cdb725233e21086e10e8780ad4a5da0f9e.jpg We would like to thank our Polish fans who suggested these epic citadels online and in person last year, at events like Gamescom and EGX. Your support for Stronghold: Definitive Edition has been incredible and we hope to bring demos of future Stronghold games to events in Poland. So please keep an eye on our socials for the latest news! Be sure to return on April 30th and check out our full patch notes at release. These will include a run down of other minor features, fixes and improvements coming to the game as part of the Spring Update in version 1.3. Thanks for playing! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2728000/Stronghold_Definitive_Edition__Valley_of_the_Wolf_Campaign/

Happy New Year! After a launch that quite frankly exceeded all our expectations... We are pleased to announce that the first substantial gameplay update for Stronghold: Definitive Edition releases on Steam on February 13th! A simultaneous launch of free content and paid DLC, the Winter Update will be available to all players, while the Swine's Bay Campaign DLC will retail for $2.99, £2.49 or €2.99. Feeling lucky? You could even win this DLC through a giveaway being run in the above development diary! Check it out to learn more and get the inside track on what to expect of Firefly in 2024 and beyond. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44366650/4d8dda87abf2aeff2e162483401ef6a1aa1101e2.jpg As announced before launch, we intend to support Stronghold: Definitive Edition with both free and paid post-launch content, releasing as two major updates. The aim of each DLC is to offer fresh missions, created by veteran developers for players who want to challenge their two decades of castle sim experience. While the free updates will bring a host of fixes and improvements, alongside extra missions designed to compliment the main story. Releasing on February 13th, the Swine's Bay Campaign DLC follows the events of the main game and is narrated by returning series actor Christopher Kent. Players will be met with seven ruthless military combat scenarios across original maps, as they seek to retrieve the Jewel of the North from the clutches of the infamous slaver Captain Hogsfoot. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44366650/f992b7e75fc60c200103baeeca6b478c3228afe6.jpg Releasing alongside this DLC, our free Winter Update will add a second economic campaign, voiced by another returning Stronghold actor in Jay Simon! These missions are designed to test players’ strategic skills beyond the warfront, with a series of resource production and management challenges. Kingdoms may be crushed by warriors, but they can only be raised by those with the vision to build. Looking forward to the future we are actively engaged in a number of projects, the most prominent of which is the as of yet untitled ‘Stronghold Unreal’ project, built using Unreal Engine 5. Needless to say, witnessing the love for mechanically deep, passionately made strategy games like Stronghold: Definitive Edition has lit a fire under our little studio and the team can’t wait to share more! In the meantime our Swine's Bay Campaign is available to Wishlist, ahead of its release on February 13th: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2727990/Stronghold_Definitive_Edition__Swines_Bay_Campaign/

Greetings sire! Your stronghold awaits you. The ultimate version of our first ‘castle sim’ is now available on Steam with upgraded visuals, new missions, Steam multiplayer support and more. We are incredibly excited to be launching our first 2D Stronghold game with new content for over 20 years and even more thrilled by your warm response to the game over the past few months. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44366650/8e7571a04a7dae7c85d0f778d50230d9f0a975d8.jpg When we were in the planning stages for Stronghold: Definitive Edition we had faith in the demand for new 2D isometric strategy games, but could never be 100% sure. Your overwhelming support, feedback and love for our series’ 2D roots made this project possible and we cannot wait to hear what you think of it. This game has been a labour of love for the team, both for Stronghold 1 itself and also a bygone golden era of isometric 2D strategy. We hope that shines through, as we continue to improve it with updates and new content into early 2024. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44366650/36fc1016a6dec4e5816267be59251658594dda89.jpg As a way of saying ‘Thank you!’ on the community side, please enjoy our launch trailer scored by series maestro Robert L. Euvino with a brand new Castle Jam inspired composition. The man himself was kind enough to compose this new piece for today's trailer, a roaring tribute to your favourite Stronghold song, celebrating the launch of a project that is dear to us. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44366650/231b97f5afc27a9b757e0b754c5a04c705a85f4b.jpg Stronghold: Definitive Edition comes packed with updated graphics made using the original source art, a new 14 mission single player campaign, 10 mission historical castle trail, remastered audio, returning voice actors, community requested features, gameplay modernisations, Steam multiplayer, Workshop support and more. It is out now on Steam with a 10% launch week discount! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2140020/Stronghold_Definitive_Edition/

Our final pre-release update for Stronghold: Definitive Edition is a big one... As we reveal our post-release plans for the game! We can now commit to two major updates for the game, with a new economic campaign and second castle trail planned alongside new maps and the usual mix of smaller features and fixes. These two updates will release early next year and arrive at the same time as one of two paid DLC military campaigns, which will each cost $2.99, £2.49 or €2.99. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44366650/a77c65a6993ca409bf81ee3f0f5a1c792e8473b0.jpg It gives us great pleasure to confirm these today alongside a recap of community driven features added since our most recent public demo, which now include (optional) auto-trading and selectable team colours in all game modes! During our two public demos and player surveys thousands of you told us that post-launch support and paid DLC were both of interest, so we made plans to release these in early 2024. Featuring a new story designed by series creator Simon Bradbury, our second economic campaign will involve the work of rebuilding a kingdom nearly shattered by the warring exploits of The Rat, Snake, Pig and Wolf. Narrated by OG Stronghold voice actor Jay Simon, you will travel north to restore peace and order to homelands ravaged by the conflict of the military campaigns over the course of seven unique missions as part of our larger Winter Update. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44366650/c389b0c1f1d953fcb6d947907011bb753d3247cc.png Following on from this our Spring Update will include a second Castle Trail, which will feature a ‘greatest hits’ mix of old and new historical castles to besiege and defend. As with the base game trail we’re looking at including at least 10 historical castles, with Polish strongholds making their long overdue debut. Each of our two paid DLCs will release with these updates and come in the form of two new military campaigns, each offering 7 military missions. ‘Swine’s Bay’ and ‘Valley of the Wolf’ will feature the return of two popular series antagonists and lead directly on from the 14 missions included in the Stronghold: Definitive Edition base game. You can expect the difficulty to scale up, some formidable new win conditions and a true challenge for series veterans! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2140020/Stronghold_Definitive_Edition/

Increased Troop Limits, Rally Points and Free Build Improvements!

Developer Diary - Episode 2

In our second Stronghold: Definitive Edition dev diary we discuss the genesis of the game, while delving into changes made as part of this new edition. Join Stronghold series veterans Simon and Paul, as they provide insight into the creation of our latest game from their unique perspectives. We discuss the aims of Stronghold: DE and goals for everything from new single player content, all the way down to the smallest quality of life enhancements. Starting with the initial project pitch, then leading to questions of the scale of changes and finer elements like the actual difficulty of the new content, the road to release has been carefully considered. It also gives us great pleasure in this video to confirm some of these changes and a few entirely new ones! In response to player feedback we have increased troop and building limits across all game modes, allowing for up to 3000 units and 2000 buildings at a time. By doubling these limits from the original game, we hope to provide you with more epic Stronghold sieges than ever before.

Developer Diary - Episode 3

We then round off our trio of behind-the-scenes videos by adding production expert Dave to the mix! It's time to talk Steam multiplayer, Workshop and the other improvements coming to your favourite game modes. What to expect from Workshop support, more details on multiplayer in DE and planned improvements to Free Build mode are all touched on, with extra insight into the development process of this unique game. Making Stronghold more accessible has always been a key goal of the Definitive Edition and bringing our amazing multiplayer community - as well as the awesome maps they've created over the course of two decades - front and centre within Steam is how we're hoping to accomplish that. Thousands of fan creations can soon exist within Steam Workshop and be easily accessible for future generations of Stronghold players, with an improved set of multiplayer options to support years of continued play. Add to this a few choice improvements to Free Build - everyone's favourite cozy game mode - and you have plenty to look forward to come release. In the meantime please check out our recent Free Build Q&A and Campaign Gameplay videos, where we confirm new features like Rally Points and discuss the series' 20 year legacy:

Free Build Q&A

Campaign Gameplay

Stay tuned for more updates between now and release as we process all your valuable feedback and incorporate as many changes as we can before launch. Thank you once again for your continued support and we hope you join us on November 7th by wishlisting the game on Steam! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2140020/Stronghold_Definitive_Edition/

https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/7d03753b4080826dbf9bd5d6741b9a9269472e24.jpg Castle builders and fans of feudal taxation rejoice! As part of Steam Next Fest: October Edition and in celebration of almost 200,000 wishlists, we have just released a brand new Stronghold: Definitive Edition demo - Our final playable build before launch!

👇 Play Now 👇

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2140020/Stronghold_Definitive_Edition/ Available exclusively on Steam as part of Next Fest, this demo features never-before-seen-missions - including your first look at our brand new single player campaign. This includes Missions 3 and 8 from the original 2001 Stronghold military campaign, as well as a challenging mission from the exclusive new Definitive Edition campaign. Need a refresher? Then dive into the demo's full tutorial to warm up first. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44366650/cd4f39dac44de6f57729e1f817d89f88cc542d2a.jpg In addition to both of the original military and economic campaigns, the ‘Jewel of the North’ DE campaign will feature returning fan favourite antagonists The Rat and The Snake. Created by Firefly co-founders Simon Bradbury and Eric Ouellette, these new missions will remain true to the spirit of the first game, while introducing new twists on familiar Stronghold gameplay. To accompany the release of our final demo, we have also released an in-depth developer diary featuring interviews with veteran series artists. Watch as Darrin and Niall examine the artistic challenges inherent in a project like Stronghold: Definitive Edition: “Being able to go back to and updating it in some ways but still keeping the original feel in other ways. That I think is what we really all were shooting for,” explains Senior Graphic Designer Darrin Horbal. Reflecting on the game’s summer reveal, Lead Artist Niall Benzie goes on to explain, “When we first released the trailer and the public demo, I was quite apprehensive on how people might receive the changes, but I do believe we have gone a long way in trying to respect the original art”. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44366650/dd56683ef75c4d84d96748fac732218faa12d59b.jpg Our new Definitive Edition demo will remain available for one week, until the end of Steam Next Fest on October 16 at 10:00 AM PDT / 17:00 GMT. We encourage you to download the demo and leave us feedback! As with our previous demo there is a feedback form embedded in the game's main menu. So please build, besiege and let us know what you think. We can't wait to share more DE news as we approach launch on November 7th - So stay tuned for more Stronghold goodness in the coming weeks!

Our Gamescom Stronghold: Definitive Edition campaign reveal provides an exciting first look at parts one and two of The Jewel Campaign, in which players march across the devastated English hinterland in search of Sir Longarm's captured kin. A side story running in parallel to the military campaign released in 2001, The Jewel Campaign is designed to challenge veteran players of the 20 year old series with new twists on familiar Stronghold gameplay, while also extend the story of the original castle sim. Crafted by Firefly co-founders Simon Bradbury and Eric Ouellette, these new missions will be playable at launch, alongside both the original military and economic campaigns. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44366650/f06557b51b14e9fc20c9457fec120c4f9966f39a.png The 14 missions of this new campaign will feature series antagonists The Rat and The Snake. As part of the larger overarching game narrative, players will be tasked with thwarting these nefarious lords from their pursuit of The Boy and the ruin of medieval England. Just as important will be their own hunt for the kin to another series favourite, the mighty Sir Longarm! With the campaign narrated in English by a new character, voiced by Stronghold series veteran actor Christopher Kent, players will be challenged like never before as they tackle brutal old foes and formidable new challenges. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44366650/694d36aa3c09a1e0b31dd2970e0aa00c7a669122.png We can't wait for you to experience this new set of missions, but also to experience the original two campaigns in all their definitive edition glory! In case you missed it we have a demo available on Steam right now. So if you haven't already done so, please join the 50,000 others who have downloaded our DE demo and give us your thoughts using the in-game feedback form. We will be removing this demo from Steam in one week, so play while you still can and get ready for more updates from us on Stronghold: Definitive Edition! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2140020/Stronghold_Definitive_Edition/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqV6DYBgFzI Here it is... Every burning question we've seen online that we can answer at this point in development for Stronghold: Definitive Edition! We have been absolutely overwhelmed by thousands of responses to our demo player survey, 35,000 demo downloads and 150,000 wishlists (It's gone up since we recorded this video!). It means a huge deal to us that you are so excited for and invested in our very first Definitive Edition, which we want to make as fun, polished and true to the original game as possible. https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/5230ebbbb77438c6e6b4f7b48b572916e3bf1882.png So while you can expect more updates and developer diaries in the future, digging into our process behind this new version of Stronghold, we decided to answer everything we can at this moment in time. Sourcing questions here on YouTube, but also from the official Stronghold Discord, TikTok, subreddit, Firefly Twitter and beyond, we have compiled a list of 27 frequently asked questions which we're comfortable answering just under three months from launch. https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32942208/b73b6d2acf8835c405b8c51470114482a64c3464.png Please note that anything not covered today can be taken as something we're exploring, but cannot commit to either way at this stage. We are absolutely committed to more demos, continued feedback and iteration, with Stronghold: Definitive Edition but also beyond with the future of the series. So thank you again for taking the time to give us your feedback and please continue! We hope to provide more exciting updates between now and launch, so please stay tuned for much more on DE in the coming weeks and months. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2140020/Stronghold_Definitive_Edition/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2140020/Stronghold_Definitive_Edition/

Download, play and give us feedback! Trial ends August 29th

We have now released our first public playable demo for Stronghold: Definitive Edition, coming to Steam on November 7th! Currently available via the game's Steam store page, this demo was previously shared with press and content creators as part of our full reveal last month. This updated Alpha build demo contains new visuals, controls options, missions 4 and 11 from the original game's military campaign and a full tutorial for players new to the series. We are releasing this to gather as much feedback as possible ahead of launch later this year, with the demo remaining available until August 29th. After playing either mission 4 or 11 you will find a Feedback button in the main menu. Hit that, fill out our player survey and let us know what you think! We are dedicated to making every improvement possible between now and launch, which we can only do with your detailed feedback. We have already had a huge amount of positive suggestions and input across our Discord and wider social media, however there's always room for more. The eagle eyed among you may also notice that we have already implemented certain changes based on your feedback from the reveal on July 13th. Unit animations, buildings and characters have been improved, with many other changes coming based on both your suggestions and of course our own existing plans for the game. We hope you enjoy our Alpha demo, add the game to your wishlist and look forward to more exciting Stronghold: Definitive Edition updates in the coming weeks!

A second season of videos now available on the Firefly Studios YouTube channel, The Lore of Stronghold 2 covers some of your favourite characters from the anticipated castle sim sequel! https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/c41f0c7f986038febb789be15fad05e28bc13a9e.png Take heed and rejoice, for we bring glad tidings! Season 2 of the 'Lore of Stronghold', this time focusing on Stronghold 2, is here in full for your viewing pleasure. This new season covers the history behind Stronghold 2, our first 3D Stronghold featuring an all new cast of characters. Exploring our fictional narrative, we examine the lore that made Stronghold 2 a captivating place for series veterans, even without the original game's cast of now legendary characters. https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/381d3c2da7b0856e5b3cc41b38a105dbb8719590.png From Sir William, a man who marched through hell on a quest for redemption and Matthew Steele, a boy who rose to weave his own tapestry of legend from nothing, to Lady Seren, a woman whose intensity of spirit and heart of steel would let nothing keep her from her goals. Stronghold 2 had an eclectic cast that we fondly remember today and will surely inspire us going forward. https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/fe8cb710b101fc4378d2d92b71af1a94e05d7db3.png When it first released in 2005, Stronghold 2's greater focus on cinematics and story driven gameplay went hand in hand with the technical progression of the series. This scope and ambition is inspiring today as we look back on where we've been and the road ahead. For now however join us as we look back on some of the most memorable Stronghold protagonists to grace our screens. https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/651e182f31eedc1d5b7fe10cf41cf07a4ef3a2d1.png The Lore of Stronghold (Season 2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIyU5TMaRbM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDzF6-VkObo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buj7JixeFtc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIyU5TMaRbM Season 2 of 'The Lore of Stronghold' is upon us! Join Firefly Studios veteran and series narrator Matt, as we delve into the privileged upbringing and tumultuous medieval adulthood of Stronghold 2 protagonist Sir William. The fan-favourite "Noble Lord" is in the lore spotlight this week, with a deep dive of William's tribulations and epic redemption, proving himself worthy of knighthood and understanding the price of true chivalry. https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/e213b15dee1124784610f2e9279a750eab47aa87.png Stronghold 2 introduced a greater level of graphical fidelity to the Stronghold series, but also a larger focus on cinematics and story driven gameplay. The game itself and its 'Path of War' campaign was a much greater ask than the first Stronghold, with player choice and a greater persistence between missions. The scope and ambition here was fresh for the franchise and something that still inspires us today. So join us as we revisit beloved characters and the many other fine details that make up the DNA of the original 'castle sim'. https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/060e964f937cf8f66296deeecceda2802e2f645d.png Be sure to subscribe to Firefly Studios on YouTube for more Stronghold lore videos, including the upcoming backstories of Matthew Steele and Lady Seren. If you missed it Season 1 of 'The Lore of Stronghold' is also now available, featuring everyone's favourite Rat, Snake, Pig and Wolf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq4oDwUTJBU&list=PLTlp-ip6JuiFmju1GwseQUKqj57SYEYTC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOV-nlgYeNs The second half of our New Stronghold Community Q&A series is now live! Check it out via the link above courtesy of the Firefly Studios YouTube channel. For those of you who might have missed the first half, that’s also available for your viewing pleasure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7cyVfFVJKc Given the recent blizzard of news and announcements we’ve been sharing about the future of Firefly, we thought this would be a great opportunity to sit down and answer your plentiful questions about our next entry in the legendary Stronghold series. https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/48de853dfff3180d852312d186b7d57b51f6318f.png Despite there being certain questions that can’t be answered as thoroughly as we would like at this early stage in pre-production, we wanted to take a broader view of the game and discuss some of our current thinking around design, visual effects, mod support and more. Most importantly of all, you will be among the first to know whether the gossip concerning Nick’s budding voice acting career has any substance or what cow catapulting could look like in UE5. Click the link and find out… https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/0542657aa6e721f60f60b9448f3a2b4d0e6aaa2c.png With a strong foundation to build on and more time along the development process, we’re certain that your queries will be satisfied in this and future videos. So with that in mind please leave any new questions you may have about our latest Stronghold in the comments below and your question could find itself being featured in a future video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7cyVfFVJKc Hark, a new Stronghold Community Q&A approaches! With our recent announcements, including but not limited to Firefly’s new office (!), game engine and acquisition by Devolver Digital, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to examine what all this means for the series going forward. https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/55ba0adfbe96d4e2d39df2ca2691ebd0ac1b189e.png In this first half of a new two-part series, Stronghold veteran Nick and Sak Abdi, the newest member of our marketing team at Firefly, respond to your most pressing questions. These include everything from expectations for the series and our adoption of Unreal Engine 5, to what a new Stronghold game could look like and whether the rumours are true that Boris Johnson has been narrating our Stronghold Lore video series… The answers to these questions and more are but a click away! https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/2c951a3de0053f6f9596edf48e003343bf47f0b7.png While there are certain questions that, at this early stage, can’t be answered as thoroughly as we would like, this Q&A takes a fundamental look at what fans can expect from Firefly from narrative, technical and artistic points of view. Watch to find out how these decisions have been shaped by our shared past experiences, as well as your valuable feedback via the Stronghold Player Survey and social media channels. https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/8f1b0fd06fe77d06786ce01eaf3ec67713e3f60b.png Given more time and development, we hope to further flesh out what the future holds for Stronghold and answer any questions you may have. So if there’s something we missed in today’s video let us know! Leave any lingering questions you may have about the direction of the series in the comments below and they could be featured future videos. https://store.steampowered.com/app/907650/Stronghold_Warlords/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBTyVgTS3Nk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8IEZyeK-8U Discover what the future holds for Stronghold and Firefly Studios as a whole with two recent videos, linked above and available on the Firefly YouTube Channel. Join us as we cover a number of developments that will positively impact the way we develop and release our games going forward. https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/a047da105afcc30c14bbc410e48b6487249d8396.png Firefly is undergoing an epic period of change, with everything from a physical office relocation and new game engines, to fresh updates on the future of Stronghold and a brand new game in the works. For full details please watch both of the above videos, where Nick explores the reasoning behind these developments and what it will mean for our developers and players. https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/9d9cf8fa55b444f3620fb431a739058f7e7f161c.png With time comes progression, especially in such a rapidly-growing industry, but one thing that will remain constant is our commitment to making the best possible experiences for our players, new and old. By investing in infrastructure and technology, we feel the next chapter of Firefly is an exciting one and we can’t wait for you to see what comes next! https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/28ffd946bdb7c178fe90cce7aeb306781efc337c.png Accompanying this technical shake-up is an organisational one, as you may have heard already Firefly Studios has been acquired by Devolver Digital! A world-renowned game publisher and friend of Firefly, Devolver acquired the studio in 2021 and has been supporting us ever since. With their background in championing innovative videogames and our shared history, Devolver was the ideal parent company for our studio and yet another reason we're looking ahead to a promising future. With big things on the horizon, fans of the Stronghold series will have plenty to look forward to. As always, stay tuned for more information about the Stronghold series and Firefly Studios.

A new series of videos now available on the Firefly Studios YouTube channel, The Lore of Stronghold covers your favourite characters from the original castle sim and its sequels! https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/d4cf6778ad436959d11bb912f398b1e40d298d69.png Revisiting our core narrative to piece together key events and flesh out these beloved figures, this new series offers Stronghold veterans a deep dive into the history of our central cast. Over the years these larger than life figures have shaped the narrative of our castle sim and we're excited to explore four of them in our first season of this new video series. https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/a437aa9c53bc6080b26c14aa60260c33bc3a1c32.png Through the deeds and dealings of series staples, starting with the original Stronghold, we examine the lore that forms the basis of our overarching story. Memorable characters are what make these games a captivating setting for castle building and besieging, so join us as we immerse ourselves in the Stronghold universe! https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/b14b7a548c669a1224cdbbe29ef2f2267523d86d.png From The Rat, a detestable man as inept as he is infuriating, and The Snake, a cold-blooded conniver hiding behind a literal wall of gems and jewels, all the way to The Pig, a cruel man with a similarly cruel past who brute-forces his way from gutter to Dukedom and The Wolf, the most malicious Lord in Stronghold, your ultimate adversary as a player and mysterious invader of England. https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/43f0f51736650dcdb21dcc0733e2ac87d8905e29.png Using a combination of the original game scripts, Stronghold gameplay, concept art and historical reenactments, we chronicle the interconnected events that lay the foundation for the heroes and villains of the series. With full cinematic summaries for players who have never played a Stronghold title in their life and never-before-seen details for those of you looking to start your umpteenth playthrough, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Season 1 of The Lore of Stronghold! The Lore of Stronghold (Season 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq4oDwUTJBU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ8MeYKzcH8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPZ-x_5gpL8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MDf3CoLlGc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UZJYN6JFuk It's quite hard to believe it, but Stronghold: Crusader turns 20 next year! Thanks to the game's wonderful, active community Crusader retains a healthy number of players, alongside its old school charm. Today we'd like to draw attention to an impressive community-driven patch for the game, which some of you may already know as the 'UCP'. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/3953200/66eab8e0684109a6189d64ef5f9d612b9b9e8d71.jpg In an effort to tweak balancing and bring certain areas of gameplay more in line with later real-time strategy releases, a group of gifted developers from the Stronghold community have designed, built and released an extensive player-made update for the game. This optional patch allows you to change up your medieval crusading experience, enjoying new balancing and quality of life features created for you by the community. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/3953200/9290e1f6e8697837e11a36723d9b517f4fe49253.jpg The Unofficial Crusader Patch (UCP) offers a range of updates, from small tweaks to all new features. Applied using a simple installer, its headline feature allows players to besiege fresh AI castles from beloved characters while enjoying community-led balance changes. The UCP is great for old and new players alike, changing the way skirmishes play out with tweaks aimed at more recent fans of the genre. To download and apply the Unofficial Crusader Patch, here are the relevant links: Visit the UCP Website (Includes Installation Guide) Check out UCP on GitHub Join the UCP Discord It gives us great pleasure to promote community-driven content like the Unofficial Crusader Patch and we can't wait to see what the team (and the Stronghold community at large) comes up with next! https://store.steampowered.com/app/40970/Stronghold_Crusader_HD/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWki5r4ohZs We have now released version 1.4 of Stronghold: Warlords on Steam! The Skirmish Trail Update introduces Warlords' first ‘skirmish trail’, a series of challenging missions with unique conditions to overcome and achieve victory. Other features added in the update include a new mounted soldier, two additional AI warlords, the return of a popular building for healing units and two extra multiplayer maps. https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/ae5c43c32ebeaa05c51b7f70969eb29297e9504f.png A classic mode introduced in the original Stronghold: Crusader, skirmish trails invite experienced players to display their mastery over Stronghold’s economic gameplay and RTS combat. Each trail mission pits player lords against a unique combination of AI opponents, recruitable warlords, resources, starting goods and teammates across a combination of new and existing maps. Choosing between ‘Standard’ and ‘Challenging’ difficulties, the classic ‘Chicken’ feature can also be used to skip missions players find too difficult. https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/ec31d6f0eaa09942a03d08c2bd55aaae008c2224.jpg The mounted Samurai Lancer marks Warlords’ first post-release unit, boosting the game’s launch roster of 16 soldiers and 10 siege weapons. With the ability to buff attack damage for all nearby mounted allies, the Samurai Lancer is a powerful new Japanese unit type. Armed with a piercing lance and clad in samurai armour, the Lancers are based on the Onna-musha female warriors of pre-modern Japan. Highly-skilled horsewomen as fast as Auxiliary Cavalry, but with an attacking strength comparable to their Imperial brethren, the Samurai Lancer provides support for other mounted units while also packing a punch of their own. https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/6cd460e4356f913b621816ada52ca013cb6ccc67.jpg A common request pre-release and one built into Warlords’ content roadmap from an early stage, the ability to heal units is now available in the new Field Hospital structure. A unique building that can be placed by any Beetle Warlord under your control, the Field Hospital heals all allied troops standing within its area of effect. Upgrading the Beetle Warlord will also increase the amount of healing given to troops over time, making this Edict even more effective at protecting defensive troops or those stationed in preparation for a siege. https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/1ff63f3c095d5b948d60f151ad9a52431fea61d5.jpg The Beetle and Bear Warlords are the first of several new warlords being added to the game in 2021. In addition to the aforementioned Field Hospital, the Beetle Warlord is a master of defence, giving players access to cheaper castle traps and shipments of armour. The Bear Warlord meanwhile is all about strength in numbers, improving the buff radius of Imperial Bannermen and making Imperial troops more affordable. The Bear is also effective for feeding your population and can even launch siege attacks of his own! https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/f72ba1394473803037bd8a6eca03054f665294a7.jpg Finally both the Ascendance and Guarded Crossings maps are now available for use in skirmish mode and online multiplayer. Ascendance is a large four player map that proves some lords are more equal than others, giving each a chance to secure the high ground and claim victory. Meanwhile Guarded Crossings sees the northern player benefit from a large build area, but without access to the valuable warlords their rivals will be hotly contesting. https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/d4ba6aa811c00d0e00843dc2e8e6733994fca277.jpg While the release of the Skirmish Trail Update and version 1.4 brings us to the end of our initial spring/summer content roadmap, rest assured more updates are on the way! This will begin with the reveal of our summer/autumn roadmap, with full details on that arriving next month. So if you're hungry for more Stronghold: Warlords content be sure to keep an eye on our official Discord server and YouTube channel for the latest updates. https://store.steampowered.com/app/907650/Stronghold_Warlords/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru6Qe76T3kE We have just released our first post-launch Stronghold community Q&A, covering both Stronghold: Warlords and other past, present and future titles in the series. Today Nick runs a gauntlet of both our most common post-release questions and a series of dastardly challenges, posed by resident Firefly Videographer and celebrity chef Aaron Hayden. So if you've ever wanted to see us inhale a bowl of spicy noodles, draw fellow Firefly staff or impersonate classic Stronghold characters then boy we do have the video for you! As always please enjoy watching us embarrass ourselves while simultaneously answering your questions about the future of Firefly, Warlords and the Stronghold series. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35216938/1931cb976d00b0cc047561889577537249be2517.png Got a question not featured in today's post-release Q&A? Worry not! We've taken the liberty of including all other community questions (to which we currently have answers) in the video's description, to ensure no voice goes unheard. If you have further questions having watched today's video then please head over to the official Stronghold Discord, where developers and fellow players will be happy to discuss the series. You can also sign up to the Firefly Studios newsletter for the latest Stronghold news and inclusion in other initiatives such as player surveys, giveaways and beta invites. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35216938/f2b68351e2c6b54afa72eba2ba7c6c491ed04b96.png We hope you enjoy this new Q&A as we look forward to the future of the Stronghold series. With version 1.3 releasing on Tuesday May 18th, adding new maps and improvements to the game, we're just getting started with Stronghold: Warlords. New AI, units, warlords, game features, single and multiplayer content are planned for introduction in a series of free updates in 2021 along with new DLC, starting with next week's 'The Art of War Campaign' which adds six missions and two new warlords to the base game. Please stay tuned for updates to our content roadmap for Stronghold: Warlords in 2021, as well as updates on the Stronghold series as a whole. Thanks for playing! https://store.steampowered.com/app/907650/Stronghold_Warlords/

Sun Tzu, AI Invasions & New Map!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuvPMZGYt0I Today Stronghold: Warlords gets its first major content release with the Sun Tzu v1.2 Update! Adding requested features such as a new AI opponent, AI invasions in Free Build mode, a new Free Build map, general fixes and AI improvements, this update is now available to all players. https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/7537be83fc304832f4fdd382eec756beb71ae958.jpg The introduction of new AI is something we're excited about and we're kicking things off with none other than Sun Tzu. The master tactician was an easy choice for us post-launch and, coupled with recent improvements to the AI, one we're excited to put in the hands of players. Initial testing puts Sun Tzu at the higher end of the difficulty scale, particularly when combined with the newer Extreme difficulty option and other tweaks possible in skirmish mode. So when going up against this fiendish AI remember to move fast and seize control of the battlefield! https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/110cd2423592a5714c8ef47e121d47be83b98500.jpg The AI focus continues this week with the much anticipated post-release addition of AI invasions in Free Build mode. Allowing players to launch enemy invasions of different shapes and sizes, as well as the difficulty of these attacks and other parameters, invasions open up Free Build mode to the more combat minded players out there. Now not only can you build to your heart's content in Free Build mode, but also use this time to prepare for war! Balance castle cosmetics with real world tactical considerations and crown yourself as the ultimate castle designer. https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/32942208/532cb700e458fbf0d286a7dfd822a023e300907c.jpg Today's new content update also brings the total number of maps in Warlords to 15 across Skirmish, Multiplayer and Free Build, with a further 300 user-created maps also available via Steam Workshop. In the past few weeks Warlords has gained a brand new map, a rework of an existing large map with increased build space and now a new Free Build map, the first of its type to feature warlords. This increase will continue into the upcoming version 1.3 and beyond, with v1.3 specifically set to include three new maps for use in skirmish mode and multiplayer. Read The Full Patch Notes https://store.steampowered.com/app/907650/Stronghold_Warlords

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYuSRk1PPaA Today we reveal the first part of our post-release content roadmap for Stronghold: Warlords! This first phase in our overall roadmap of updates for Warlords covers the spring and early summer period, with additional smaller patches planned and more to come in the second half of the year. Everything covered in today's announcement will be added to the game free for all players, released as soon as it's ready. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35216938/d1ae9e3d273e5ed48e5c8fca476fa595d5149f26.jpg Our content roadmap for Stronghold: Warlords is divided into two separate tracks of minor or major updates. Minor updates, starting this week with our first proper patch, will be aimed at improving the core gameplay and adding smaller improvements to Warlords. These include the addition of a new Extreme Difficulty mode, AI improvements, new maps and stability improvements. At the higher end of these 'minor updates' you'll find series staple features, such as the addition of invasions controls in Free Build mode. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35216938/55adef3b53441db2cccf9731c365d20c99729f9a.jpg When it comes to our planned major updates for the next few months we also have two substantial content additions scheduled, as part of this initial roadmap. Planned pre-launch and requested in post-release feedback, our new AI character (Sun Tzu) and later Skirmish Trail #1 update (including 10 missions, a new playable unit and two warlords) will aim to improve the content on offer in both single player and multiplayer modes. We hope you enjoy this week's update and look forward to future additions to the game. If you're playing Stronghold: Warlords and would like to provide feedback please leave us a review on Steam and join the official Stronghold Discord. https://store.steampowered.com/app/907650/Stronghold_Warlords/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjLOm-zxwKI Fans of building, besieging and ‘wuselfaktor’ rejoice! The latest entry in our almost 20 year old ‘castle sim’ series, Stronghold: Warlords is now available on Steam. Today we celebrate the game's long awaited release with a final launch trailer featuring fresh gameplay, the full campaign map and a story preview narrated by the talented Rae Lim. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35216938/0e9c9a350f4880b7c3e2bb1f715a53b3494098f8.jpg Including a 31 mission campaign with conflicts and sieges ranging from 300 BC China to 16th century Japan, Stronghold: Warlords both covers a wide historical period and (more importantly) introduces gunpowder to the series for the first time! Introducing legendary figures like Genghis Khan and lesser known rulers such as Thuc Phan, Warlords is designed to build on everything players know and love about Stronghold in an all new setting. Warlords has something for all Stronghold fans, whether you enjoy a single player campaign, unlimited castle building freedom in Free Build mode, offline skirmish or online multiplayer with friends and AI. The game comes complete with everything you expect from a mainline entry in the series, in addition to brand new gunpowder fuelled units, siege weapons and returning favourites like Siege Towers and Horse Archers. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35216938/360437ba52fd21c25c24bf0a7642ff4e92c5d52d.jpg With Stronghold: Warlords release we also have the introduction of the titular Warlords system, a new gameplay mechanic allowing players to conquer, upgrade and command AI ‘warlords’ across the battlefield. A flagging economy can be saved with an Ox or Pig Warlord, who can boost a players' industry and food reserves with their unique ‘Edict’ commands and passive perk abilities. Players looking to rain down fire and fury on their opponents can instead opt for a Dragon or Tiger Warlord, able to supply the player with special units and launch attacks in a pincer movement against their enemies! Whether players decide to forge these alliances through diplomatic buildings like the Consulate or simply by marching in an army and forcing warlords to bend the knee, these bonds can make or break their overall strategy. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35216938/51a1fd9c1e10544026ebb0bd7afb636e9df9826c.jpg Stronghold: Warlords - Special Edition is also available including Stronghold HD, ‘The Art of Stronghold: Warlords’ digital art book, a new soundtrack created by series composer Robert L. Euvino and a special ‘Making Of’ feature-length documentary. https://store.steampowered.com/app/907650/Stronghold_Warlords