Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition launches today, DLC roadmaps and reviews are here
Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition launches today, 15 July 2025, on Steam for $19.99. This remaster of the 23-year-old strategy classic is easy to run, requiring only an Intel Core i3-6100 processor, a graphics card with 2 GB of video memory, 8 GB of RAM, and 7 GB of free storage.
Beyond graphical and technical enhancements, Firefly Studios is also adding a bunch of new content, including eight new unit types, four new lords, two historical campaigns, and four trails. In a recent video, the developers presented a roadmap of future updates and paid DLC, revealing plans to release two expansion packs – one in autumn and one in winter – each adding two new lords and a new trail.
More intriguing, however, are the free updates. In autumn, a new lord, an economic campaign, and several multiplayer maps will be added to the game at no cost. In winter, players can expect an additional co-op campaign, new maps, and the option to create custom lords (complete with tailored behaviour and castle designs). Meanwhile, early reviews have started rolling in for Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition.
With a Metascore of 81 out of 100, the reception has been relatively positive, though not overwhelmingly so. As GameStar's review shows, part of the criticism stems from the clunky controls, which may hinder the high-speed gameplay. Notably, modern control groups for units and buildings are conspicuously absent from the Definitive Edition. The remaster remains faithful to the original, something clearly reflected in its dated user interface.
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