With just months remaining before its hotly anticipated release, Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition continues to dominate the RTS spotlight. Already one of the top five most wishlisted games of the Steam RTS Fest—boasting over 150,000 wishlists and 130,000 demo downloads—Firefly Studios is feeding the hype with the reveal of all-new units and four original AI Lords that expand the tactical sandbox of this fan-favorite strategy game.
Eight All-New Units: Tactical Depth Redefined
In a genre where every unit can mean the difference between victory and defeat, Crusader: DE brings eight entirely new troop types into the fray. Inspired by historical Bedouin warfare, these additions are designed to challenge players’ tactical creativity and deepen strategic possibilities.
Senior Graphic Designer Darrin Horbal revealed that with many original game assets lost to time, the team had to build these units from scratch. The result? Smoother animations, more expressive silhouettes, and units with richer storytelling built into their design.
Some standout entries include:
- Heavy Camel Riders – Slow but tanky desert cavalry ideal for frontline chaos.
- Ambushers – Pyromaniacs with a flair for explosive entrances.
- Eunuchs – Scimitar-wielding warriors that overpower in close quarters.
- Healers – Mobile medics that bring essential support in prolonged skirmishes.
- Sappers – Masters of demolition, capable of crumbling enemy defenses with ease.
This new roster was designed with one goal: increase the diversity of strategies while staying rooted in the historical influences of the Middle East’s tribal warfare.
“With new missions comes new challenges, and new challenges demand new solutions,” Firefly stated. “Enter the Bedouin tribe units – several thousand years of desert-hardened tactics and ruthlessly efficient tools.”
Four Brand-New AI Lords Enter the Arena
In addition to gameplay mechanics, Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition enhances the core campaign with four all-new AI Lords, bringing the total roster to 20 uniquely styled characters.
Each Lord embodies a distinct strategic personality:
- The Kahin – A desert priestess with a balanced mix of Heavy Camels and Eunuchs. Her devotion to protecting the sands makes her a medium-difficulty, methodical opponent.
- The Sentinel – A faceless juggernaut of the Templar Order. With his mix of crossbowmen, macemen, and the new Demolishers, he offers a tough medium-to-hard challenge.
- The Nomad – A mobile Bedouin raider who favors hit-and-run tactics using Light Camels and Skirmishers. Ideal for fast-paced skirmishes, he’s on the lower end of the difficulty scale.
- The Jewel – A returning character from Stronghold: Definitive Edition and kin to Sir Longarm. She commands slow but deadly forces, relying on overwhelming power in the late game. Expect a punishing battle—she ranks among the hardest opponents yet.
These new characters not only diversify the battlefield but bring new voice lines, personalities, and strategies, promising a fresh layer of depth for returning fans and new commanders alike.
Mark Your Calendars: July 15, 2025
With its July 15th, 2025 release date, Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is shaping up to be more than just a remaster—it’s a full-blown celebration of what made the original iconic, enhanced with modern polish and community-driven improvements.
Fans can wishlist the game now on Steam to be among the first to dive back into the desert when the definitive RTS war begins anew.