Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition
Simulation
Strategy
Single-player
Multi-player
PvP
Online PvP
Co-op
Online Co-op
Steam Achievements
Steam Trading Cards
Steam Workshop
Custom Volume Controls
Adjustable Difficulty
Mouse Only Option
Playable without Timed Input
Save Anytime
Steam Cloud
Steam Leaderboards
Includes level editor
Family Sharing

Gird your loins and sharpen your steel! Besiege 20 unique enemy lords and battle friends online, in this expanded remaster of the classic 'castle sim'. Relive history with new units, opponents, visuals, audio, campaigns, skirmish trails, co-op and larger maps.

Developers: Firefly Studios
Publishers: Firefly Studios
Release Date: Jul 15, 2025
Price (USD): $19.99
Current Players: 4.3k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(90%)
nostalgia factor
visual improvements
new content
quality of life updates
auto-trade feature
original feel
new mechanics
AI intelligence
technical issues
unit balance
multiplayer problems
The general sentiment of reviews is largely positive, driven by strong nostalgia and enthusiasm for seeing a beloved classic revitalized with modern improvements. Players recount fond childhood memories and praise the quality of life updates and expanded content such as new units and missions. Despite these points, there are areas of concern regarding AI intelligence, balance of new units, and persistent technical issues affecting gameplay stability and multiplayer experience. The consensus is that while the remake captures the charm of the original game, it would benefit from further enhancements, especially in AI and technical stability.

Positive Points

  • Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is praised for its nostalgia factor, reminding players of their childhood and the classic experience they cherished.
  • The game features noticeable visual and quality of life improvements, such as the ability to set automatic market trades, better resolution and updated graphics.
  • Players appreciate the addition of new content, including new AI lords, units like Bedouins, and additional campaigns and missions that provide increased variety.
  • The game maintains the core mechanics and charm of the original, while introducing improvements that enhance the overall experience without altering its essence.
  • Stronghold Crusader: DE offers a satisfying mix of city-building, economic management, and military strategy.
  • Negative Points

  • Some players found the AI to be weak and lacking in intelligence, failing to present a significant challenge.
  • The new content, such as Bedouin units, receive mixed reviews regarding their balance and implementation.
  • Players encountered technical issues, such as crashes, bugs, and multiplayer desyncs, affecting the playability and enjoyment of the game.
  • The lack of customization options in some areas, such as limiting shield placements on walls, received criticism from some fans of the original.
  • Mixed Points

  • While the game updates feature some quality of life changes, the new complexity and mechanics were not universally appreciated. The auto-trade feature, for example, made the game easier, which was seen as both a positive and negative change.
  • The game retains a lot of the original feel, which is positive for nostalgia but also brings over previous flaws, like poor pathfinding and clunky mechanics.
  • Common Themes

  • Nostalgia is a strong theme in reviews, with many players recalling fond memories from their childhood.
  • There is a high appreciation for visual updates and quality of life improvements that respect the original game while enhancing it.
  • The introduction of new content and DLCs is generally well-received but comes with concerns about balance and technical implementation.
  • Updated 2/4/2026, 12:01:53 AM UTC