Two weeks after launch, Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is off to a blazing start. Firefly Studios has announced that the remastered castle-sim has sold over 250,000 copies, reached a 90% “Very Positive” rating on Steam from nearly 4,000 reviews, and even topped the Steam Global Premium Top Seller chart. Peak concurrent players hit over 16,000—a series high.
To keep the siege engines rolling, Firefly has revealed what’s coming in the game’s first major “Autumn” update, which will drop in two parts: a free content update and a paid DLC.
The free portion includes a new AI opponent: The Crocodile. This unhinged marsh-dwelling lord comes with his own castle layout, combat tactics, and yes—actual crocodiles. He stars in a five-mission economic campaign where players must master industries and castle life mechanics to win, with some light combat thrown in. The Crocodile is also playable in skirmish mode. Rounding out the free update are three new maps: one each for Skirmish, Freebuild, and Multiplayer.
On the paid side, the “Sands of Time” DLC introduces two more CPU opponents: The Canary and The Trader. It also brings a new nine-mission skirmish trail with time-based challenges and online leaderboards. Firefly promises these new AI foes will bring their own unique spin on siege warfare—more details to come.
With a strong launch behind them, Firefly Studios says it’s committed to making this definitive edition a true celebration of the original Stronghold Crusader, with more content and improvements planned.
No release date was given for the Autumn update, but it’s clear the war for the Holy Land is far from over. Check it out on Steam.
