We have just released our new v1.6 content update for Stronghold: Warlords, which includes a new AI opponent in Kublai Khan, three fresh maps to battle across, new Mongolian voice lines and achievements. This free update has been released alongside the launch of our Mongol Empire Campaign DLC, now available on Steam and GOG with a 10% launch week discount.

Today we release our latest update for Stronghold: Warlords, alongside the reveal of our next content roadmap of updates covering the summer and autumn period! Now available on Steam and GOG, version 1.5 introduces a host of bug fixes and general improvements requested by players, while the reveal of our Summer/Autumn roadmap details our plans over the next few months.

Having now completed our Spring/Summer content roadmap, which added many requested features and improvements to the core Warlords experience, it’s time to move onto our second phase of post-launch development. Our first content roadmap addressed feedback received at launch, which was tracked and discussed internally before its reveal. This included frequent requests for new AI opponents, but also changes to AI behaviour and other fixes and improvements that were obvious low hanging fruit in the early days post launch. We built on this soon after with features planned long before launch that we knew would be popular, such as the addition of Free Build AI Invasions, our first Skirmish Trail, new warlords, the Samurai Lancer unit and more. Continue reading →

We have just released version 1.4 of Stronghold: Warlords, available now on Steam and GOG! The Skirmish Trail Update introduces the game’s first ‘skirmish trail’, a series of challenging missions with unique conditions to overcome and achieve victory. Other features added in the update include a new mounted soldier, two additional AI warlords, the return of a popular building for healing units and two extra multiplayer maps.

A classic mode introduced in the original Stronghold: Crusader, skirmish trails invite experienced players to display their mastery over Stronghold’s economic gameplay and RTS combat. Each trail mission pits player lords against a unique combination of AI opponents, recruitable warlords, resources, starting goods and teammates across a combination of new and existing maps. Choosing between ‘Standard’ and ‘Challenging’ difficulties, the classic ‘Chicken’ feature can also be used to skip missions players find too difficult. Continue reading →

Happy update day! Today we release version 1.3 of Stronghold: Warlords, along with the launch of our first DLC campaign for the game ‘The Art of War‘. Available now on Steam and GOG, The Art of War Campaign adds six missions to the base game, along with two brand new warlords and achievements to earn.

Beginning in the ashes of the Western Zhou dynasty and culminating in the Battle of Boju, The Art of War Campaign is designed for series veterans and skilled warlords alike. The six new missions feature fresh challenge and historical conflict, with players experiencing several years from Sun Tzu’s legendary exploits, new tactical scenarios and strongholds. Face new challenges as Sun Tzu’s story progresses with new maps, gameplay and the addition of two brand new warlords.

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We have just released our first post-launch Stronghold community Q&A, covering both Stronghold: Warlords and other past, present and future titles in the series. Today Nick runs a gauntlet of both our most common post-release questions and a series of dastardly challenges, posed by resident Firefly Videographer and celebrity chef Aaron Hayden. So if you’ve ever wanted to see us inhale a bowl of spicy noodles, draw fellow Firefly staff or impersonate classic Stronghold characters then boy we do have the video for you! As always please enjoy watching us embarrass ourselves while simultaneously answering your questions about the future of Firefly, Warlords and the Stronghold series.

Got a question not featured in today’s post-release Q&A? Worry not! We’ve taken the liberty of including all other community questions (to which we currently have answers) in the video’s description, to ensure no voice goes unheard. If you have further questions having watched today’s video then please head over to the official Stronghold Discord, where developers and fellow players will be happy to discuss the series. You can also sign up to the Firefly Studios newsletter for the latest Stronghold news and inclusion in other initiatives such as player surveys, giveaways and beta invites. Continue reading →

While we finalize our v1.3 update and first DLC ‘The Art of War Campaign’, both coming to Stronghold: Warlords on May 18th, we’re taking some time to dive into the complex history of skirmishes and battles surrounding its protagonist Sun Tzu. So to ensure you’re the most studied strategist out there before loading up the new six mission historical campaign (or diving into our upcoming free map pack) please enjoy this crash course in ancient Chinese history!

Our tale begins with the inception of Wu during the Spring and Autumn period, running all the way through to the epic Battle of Boju. Sun Tzu was not only one of the most fascinating (and controversial!) figures of Chinese warfare, but also the supposed author of a military strategy guide which has survived and enduring through the ages. Our new DLC is based on his operations within the war of states Wu and Chu and related exploits worthy of digital recreation. After all who says you can’t learn some exciting world history alongside optimisations, new maps and quality of life updates for your games? Continue reading →