Ever wondered what truly Top Tier Stronghold gameplay looks like? We’ll you’re probably not in the right place for that… If it’s humour and behind-the-scenes banter with the community however then boy do we have the series for YOU. Introducing our first ‘Best Of’ compilation created from our first nine Firefly Friday weekly streams.

Watch and laugh (with us) as our intrepid developers showcase their castle building prowess and besieging tactics in a dizzying array of Stronghold playthroughs. Each week we take a new Stronghold title or game mode, pitting our developers against the AI or each other in a fight to the finish. Watch as everything from economic war and free build challenges to impromptu dragon duels and deathmatch tear our developers apart for your viewing pleasure!

While work continues behind-the-scenes on the Stronghold Next gameplay reveal, we take a look back at our legacy and the history that inspired it in a brand new series exclusive to the Firefly Studios YouTube channel. Introducing the ‘Inspirations Behind Stronghold’! In our first episode of this new series we explore the annals of yesteryear and explore the history of classic Stronghold units you’ve commanded on the battlefield since 2001.

What were the origins of the crossbow? How did you become a Knight? Were ‘Warrior Monks’ actually a thing? All these questions and more are answered in our first episode! As this is a completely new series produced in the midst of pre-production for the Next gameplay reveal, we’d love to hear your feedback! If you want a particular area of the Stronghold series covered next, be it siege equipment, castles or the Lords themselves, be sure to comment below to let us know.

After last week’s deluge of new Stronghold Next info we return to our YouTube-exclusive Stronghold ‘Community Spotlight’ series! Once again we delve into the internet’s endless supply of fan-made Stronghold content, selecting a lucky few to be showcased on our official channel. So whether you’re researching new crusading strategies or simply looking to relax to covers of the Stronghold soundtrack after a siege, this week’s community gems may be able to help! So check out today’s special map, video and content creator related to the Stronghold series along with our usual community Q&A at the end.

MAP – ‘Serpentile’ by hmulder66

VIDEO – ‘Stronghold – CastleJam (Oud Cover)’ by Med Anass

CREATOR – Udwin

Once again thanks to the Stronghold community on YouTube and elsewhere for making such awesome maps, music and videos. We are huge fans of your work at the studio and remember as long as you keep making it, we’ll keep ‘spotlighting’ it. If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes be make sure to sign up to the Stronghold Facebook Group and make yourself heard!

To celebrate the launch of Steam’s 2018 Summer Sale we have added massive discounts to all Firefly Studios titles, Stronghold or otherwise! We have also traveled back to a simpler time of comic books, trading cards and charming 8-bit graphics. Why? To teach those strangely fashionable 90s kids a thing or two about the future of castle sieging! Enter the latest character in the Firefly cinematic universe: Dunk Slater.

Watch as a disembodied but extremely well-informed voice educates Dunk on the finest medieval warfare PC gaming has to offer. Enjoy various pop culture references, terrible accents and questionable acting while simultaneously finding out everything you need to know about this year’s summer discounts! Be sure to check out the sale after watching and perhaps you too could have your life forever changed in the same way as young Dunk here.

Following on from our dev Q&A we catapult a fresh dose of Stronghold news and info beyond your castle walls! Episode 2 of Community Spotlight highlights an outstanding Stronghold map, video and content creator, in addition to answering your questions on social media. Once again it is Aaron who serves up this week’s round of community-made content, highlighting the best fan creations for your viewing please. Whether you’re looking for a grand citadel to protect your virtual peasants or simply need a little Stronghold hip-hop in your life, this new episode truly has it all.

MAP – ‘Firefly’ by Dragonheart

VIDEO – ‘Stronghold – Instrumental Rap’ by BEZIX

CREATOR – Pixelated Apollo

Once again thanks to the Stronghold community on YouTube and elsewhere for making such awesome maps, music and videos. We are huge fans of your work at the studio and remember as long as you keep making it, we’ll keep ‘spotlighting’ it!

Our second major update on the Stronghold front comes from the game’s Lead Programmer himself! While at PAX East showing players our new tactical dungeon crawler MetaMorph: Dungeon Creatures, we sit down with Tony to discuss the upcoming game’s setting, returning features, overall gameplay and direction.

• Sequel? – Tony confirms that Stronghold Next will be neither Stronghold Crusader 3 nor Legends 2. These games could still happen, but we have no plans at this time.
• Returning Features – In addition to confirming skirmish for the game, our new interview sheds light on a few classic features and units returning for this brand new Stronghold.
• Sim Gameplay – While our next game will retain the full RTS and besieging experience, it will also shift the focus a little back to the simulation gameplay we all know and love.
• No Magic! – Not a single wand, pointy hat or dragon in sight.

Please look forward to more Stronghold information in the coming months and subscribe on YouTube for the latest Stronghold Next news, trailers and interviews.