Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition revisits the medieval conflicts of the Crusades through real-time strategy, setting Richard the Lionheart and Sultan Saladin on opposing sides of the struggle. Its central task is to establish a thriving desert settlement while balancing a castle economy with formidable defences. The setting is not merely a backdrop: the game frames battles across the Arabian sands and revisits campaigns tied to the First, Second and Third Crusades.
Beyond its historical campaigns, the edition supports skirmishes against AI lords, with each of four new adversaries bringing distinct castles and tactics. Eight new Bedouin units add different attributes, strengths and abilities to the available forces. Players can also tackle skirmish trails or take on a co-op trail with a friend; online play includes cooperative and competitive options. Larger maps, custom options and a level editor further support varied approaches to building and battle.
The game’s distinctive appeal lies in joining castle and economy management to battlefield command, while its remastered presentation and returning voice talent connect the expanded edition to the original Stronghold Crusader.
