Stronghold Crusader HD

Stronghold Crusader HD comes from developer and publisher Firefly Studios. The original Stronghold Crusader released in 2002, and this HD edition arrived in 2012 for PC. Players travel to the deserts of the Middle East during the Crusades. They lead armies as either Richard the Lionheart or Saladin, Sultan of Syria.

About the Game

Stronghold Crusader HD blends castle building with real-time combat in the Arabian desert. First, players design a fortress and equip it with siege engines and castle defenses. Then fiendish AI opponents test those defenses with new units and tricky tactics. As a result, every wall and tower becomes a decision about how to hold the line. Meanwhile, attackers can advance on enemy gates while another force flanks from behind.

The HD battlefield view zooms out until the whole map fits on one screen. Therefore, players can watch several fronts at once and react in real time. Tricks such as a feigned retreat can lead a foe into a deadly trap. Additionally, the package includes both the original Stronghold Crusader and Stronghold Crusader Extreme. Extreme plays like the original, but it adds a few extra systems on top.

Key Features

Historical Campaigns: Four campaigns cover the First, Second, and Third Crusades, as well as conflicts within the Crusader states. Additionally, battles such as Nicea, Antioch, and Krak des Chevaliers appear along the way.
Skirmish Missions: Over 100 unique skirmish missions pit players against AI opponents, and each one is harder than the last. Furthermore, the Crusader Trails from the Warchest and Extreme add more linked battles.
Extreme Additions: Extreme raises the unit cap from 1,000 to 10,000 troops. Players can also use special Tactical Powers such as the Arrow Volley. New buildings appear as well.
Units and Online Play: Units such as the stealthy Assassin and the nimble Horse Archer bring unique abilities. Additionally, online PvP matches use GameRanger matchmaking, and the package also includes a level editor.

Games Like This

Similar Game	Key Difference	Best For
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition	It focuses on fast economy and army management across many civilizations. In contrast, Crusader puts the castle layout at the center of every fight.	Players who want a classic medieval RTS with large civilization variety.
Medieval II: Total War	It pairs a campaign map with large tactical battles. However, Crusader keeps the action on a single fortress and its defenses.	Players who enjoy grand strategy and big field battles.
Northgard	It mixes settlement management with clan-based warfare. Meanwhile, Crusader leans harder on siege and castle defense.	Players who like building a base and expanding across the map.

Game Details

Developer: Firefly Studios
Publisher: Firefly Studios
Platforms: PC (Steam, GOG)
Release Date: 2012 (HD edition), originally released in 2002
Genre: Simulation, Strategy
Price: $9.99
Local/Online Co-op: Online multiplayer (PvP)
Supported Languages: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish (Spain), Polish, Japanese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Ukrainian, Portuguese (Brazil)