Gird your loins and sharpen your steel because, a full quarter century since the studio’s inception, Firefly is ecstatic to announce Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition! Following Stronghold: DE in 2023, which has sold over half a million copies, Firefly can now reveal their best-selling Crusader title will return with a new definitive edition releasing this year on July 15th 2025!

The desert awaits, sire! Today we’re travelling back in time to look at the historical inspirations behind one of Firefly’s earliest releases, and how they influenced the creation of this classic castle sim.

We’ll be investigating Stronghold: Crusader’s characters, maps and narrative to break down how real-life figures, locations and battles from the crusades informed every stage of development – from artwork, to writing, to gameplay.

There might even be a few facts that the legacy fans among you may not know!

So join us as we return to the Middle East once more and uncover the history of Stronghold: Crusader!

Once you’ve had your fill, travel back to the legendary crusades for the holy land, now expanded with 8 new playable units, 4 fresh AI lords to face off against and never-before-seen campaigns, by playing the Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition demo during the Steam RTS Fest!