Every real-time strategy (RTS) game has its unique twists, and Stronghold Crusader stands out in notable ways. If you’re more accustomed to fantasy games or the structured historical gameplay of titles like Age of Empires, the combat mechanics in Stronghold might feel challenging at first. Here, weapons and armor are crucial, with well-armed units capable of slicing through swathes of untrained peasants with relative ease.
The game also features a concise yet intricate array of siege weaponry and emphasizes defensive strategies, which means that typical tactics from other RTS games might not apply. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you secure victories.
Combat Fundamentals
At its core, Stronghold operates like many RTS games: different units excel in various combat styles. Some are better at melee, others at ranged attacks, and more have specialized roles. Initially, the best way to gauge a unit’s potential is by examining its gear.
- Units with no armor have the least health, leather armor offers medium health, while metal armor can withstand numerous hits. However, heavier armor typically slows down units.
- Ranged units are effective for attacking from behind walls but often lack precision, so it’s advisable to utilize massed volleys for better results.
- Siege weapons can be invaluable for breaching enemy defenses or battling armored foes, but they become vulnerable if infantry get too close.
During battles, you have the flexibility to micromanage as much or as little as you wish. Certain units, like Horse Archers, function better with additional direction, while traps like Pitch Ditches require manual activation, so a degree of involvement in battles is necessary.
Military Recruitment
To create any military unit, you need an idle peasant, who will immediately transform into the desired unit and move to the designated rally point. If there are no idling peasants available, you won’t be able to recruit new troops, meaning you might need to construct more Hovels or boost your Popularity.
Engaging in Sieges
Outside of specific campaign missions, your primary objective in Stronghold is to infiltrate enemy castles and defeat their Lord. You must build your army and economy with an eye toward breaching opponents’ walls while ensuring they can’t do the same to you. You’ll require a mix of melee, ranged, and siege units for both offensive and defensive maneuvers. Have a clear strategy for attacking your enemy’s stronghold and another for safeguarding your own!
European Units Overview
The Crusader army is primarily recruited from the Barracks. Before hiring soldiers, you need to ensure equipment is either produced or purchased and stored in the Armory.
| Unit | Equipment | Gold Cost | Role | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archer | Bow | 12 | Basic ranged unit | Best for defending walls; weak on their own. |
| Crossbowman | Crossbow, Leather Armor | 20 | Versatile ranged unit | Slower fire rate but with higher damage. |
| Maceman | Mace, Leather Armor | 20 | Assault infantry | Quick and effective in flanking. |
| Pikeman | Pike, Metal Armor | 20 | Defensive infantry | Slow but durable; good for holding the line. |
| Spearman | Spear | 8 | Basic melee unit | Weak, but excellent in groups. |
| Swordsman | Sword, Metal Armor | 40 | Heavy infantry | Strong in one-on-one combat. |
| Knight | Sword, Metal Armor, Horse | 40 | Heavy cavalry | Fast and lethal due to horseback mobility. |
Arabian Units Overview
The defenders in the Holy Land recruit from Mercenary Posts, and they provide their own gear, meaning you won’t have to craft equipment for them. However, producing weapons and armor is still beneficial for selling at the market to help fund your forces.
In skirmish mode, it’s possible to maintain both a Barracks and a Mercenary Post, allowing you to recruit units from both factions.
| Unit | Gold Cost | Role | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arabian Bowman | 75 | Ranged unit | A balance between Archers and Crossbows. |
| Arabian Swordsman | 80 | Heavy infantry | Slightly faster but less health compared to European Swordsmen. |
| Assassin | 60 | Infiltration | Invisible until close; focus on opening gates. |
| Fire Thrower | 100 | Building destruction | Slow but devastating once they start a fire. |
| Horse Archer | 80 | Mobile ranged unit | Can shoot while on the move; keep them agile in battle. |
| Slave | 5 | Expendable fire starter | Use in numbers to ignite multiple targets. |
| Slinger | 12 | Cheap ranged unit | Very weak but useful in larger groups for sustained fire. |
Siege Units Overview
Siege engines require Engineers, who are recruited from the Engineers’ Guild.
| Unit | Gold Cost | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ladderman | 4 | Sets up ladders for infantry. |
| Tunnelers | 30 | Digs under enemy walls. |
| Ballista | 50 | Long-range siege weapon. |
| Battering Ram | 150 | Major damage dealer to structures. |
| Catapult | 150 | Slow to fire but very damaging. |
| Fire Ballista | 150 | Mobile version of the Ballista. |
| Mangonel | 50 | Area of effect siege weapon. |
| Mantlet | 5 | Shields nearby units from ranged attacks. |
| Siege Tower | 150 | Provides instant access to walls. |
| Trebuchet | 150 | Immobile but offers extreme long-range damage. |
With this knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to face the challenges of Stronghold Crusader and dominate your enemies!