[London, United Kingdom - July 3rd, 2025] - With the release of Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition almost upon us, Firefly Studios has saved the best for last, with today’s video update revealing their full post-launch release plan! In addition to the usual fixes, improvements and balancing expected of an expanded RTS remaster like Crusader, Firefly is also planning two major updates coming later this year.
Not in the northern hemisphere? Then you sir get Spring and Summer Updates! Enjoy the great weather.
Following the positive reception of their two public demos, the first released on January 20th alongside the game’s reveal and a second in June’s Steam Next Fest, the ‘castle sim’ developer can now commit to two major content updates. As a result the aforementioned Autumn and Winter Updates will both be released this year, alongside two separate paid DLCs.
Alongside community driven features coming at launch, which include new buildings and increased unit caps, Firefly’s post-release plan supplements those already confirmed. With 93% of players expressing an interest in Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition DLC, it was clear to the developer that post-launch content was something their community wanted, not exactly a surprise for their favourite game!
The free 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 the city builder gameplay mechanics of the castle builder series. The new computer-controlled commander can meanwhile be played as friend or foe, selectable in the game’s offline skirmish and online multiplayer modes as an opponent or ally. 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. If that wasn’t enough, the Winter Update continues this community-first trend with the addition of a second co-op campaign of missions. Was 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 might just 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.
Releasing alongside these updates will be a pair of paid DLCs, which in Stronghold tradition will each introduce two new CPU opponents and a series of challenging missions known to fans as a ‘skirmish trail’. More will be revealed about these characters in due course, however today’s video may contain some clues for eagle eyed viewers. Either way you can expect a proper challenge, with some formidable new opponents mixing things up for series veterans.
Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition launches for PC via Steam on July 15th. Be sure to wishlist the game on Steam, and follow Firefly Studios on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and visit the official website to keep up with the latest news.
Review keys available upon request
About Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition
Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is an expanded remaster of the original 2002 ‘castle sim’ from Firefly Studios. Overhauled by the original game’s veteran developers, this new definitive edition features remastered artwork, animations and music, in addition fresh gameplay content, returning voice actors and many fan-requested improvements including larger maps. Improved with new playable units, characters, campaigns and more, Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is the ultimate way to play this classic RTS. For the latest news please visit www.StrongholdCrusader.com.
About Firefly Studios
Creators of the BAFTA nominated Stronghold series, Firefly Studios is a Devolver Digital developer of historical real-time strategy games. With more than 25 years of experience publishing titles on PC and mobile, Firefly’s games are enjoyed worldwide by a community of millions, with a dedicated international following and rich legacy in strategy gaming. Founded in 1999 by Simon Bradbury and Eric Ouellette of Caesar and Lords of the Realm fame, the company has brought to market many high profile and commercially successful strategy games. These include the Stronghold series with lifetime sales of more than 11 million and Stronghold Kingdoms, which currently has ten million registered players. For more information visit their website at www.fireflyworlds.com or follow @fireflyworlds.