There are more versions of Stronghold than you may think. This article lists all of them, along with information o­n their release dates, patches, publishers, strategy guides and more... If you've ever wondered what the Castle Attack, Excalibur Pack, Stronghold Deluxe, Desert Warrior or Warchest are, whether to patch your version of the game or not, or simply want to see the history of these great games, read o­n...

Submitted by Lord-Aaron-VII-of-Windsor, LordBritian, Aubergine and gogo555

Note: Where applicable, you can click o­n product packaging pictures to see bigger versions.

Also note: Due to length limitations, this article has been split into two parts. Read about the 3D Game Versions in the continuation article.

Castle Attack

General Details

• Format: Downloadable Game
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Firefly Studios and most major download sites
• Release Date: 19th April, 2001
• Version: Castle Attack v1.0
• Filesize: 2.2MB
• Applicable Patches: None
• Notes: This version of Castle Attack is no longer available, however it is included with Super Castle Attack

"Defend your castle from the attacking hordes."

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: 486 Processor or above
• Memory: 8MB RAM
• Hard Drive: 4MB
• Screen Resolution: 800x600
• Video: SVGA Graphics
• Sound: 16-bit Sound Card
• Modem: o­nly required to download the game, there was no multiplayer

 Stronghold Single Player Demo

General Details

• Format: Download
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Firefly Studios and most major download sites
• Release Date: September 21, 2001
• Updated: September 10, 2003
• File Size: 57.9MB
• Version: 1.3
• Notes: Requires Stronghold 1 to play these maps

"STRONGHOLD is a unique "Castle Sim" combining the best aspects from a City Builder and a Real-Time Strategy Game. Set in Medieval Europe, this exclusive demo comes complete with TWO FULL missions and over 20 buildings to choose from! Restock the armory in an Economic mission and defend your castle from advancing armies in the Defensive Siege mission! Build an Apple Orchard and a Granary to provide for your people, but don't forget Drawbridges and Pitch Ditches to slow the enemies' attack! The siege begins this fall!"

This demo was our first look at Stronghold and many will remember the black hood of the scribe and the very basic castle options panel.  Stronghold was destined to become a true classic and people are still buying it and playing it today, years after!

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: 300mhz (550MHz+ preferred)
• Memory: 64MB
• Hard Drive: 200MB
• Screen Resolution: 800x600 or above
• Video: 4MB DirectX 7.0 Compatible (almost any SVGA card will run the game --SHK)
• Sound: DirectX 7.0 Compatible
• CD ROM: 8x Speed (slower can be used but expect lag in intro videos, etc --SHK)
• Modem: o­nly required to download - this demo did not include multiplayer

 Stronghold 1 (Original Release)

General Details

• Format: CD-ROM and printed manual in portrait soft-plastic wallet
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Jointly published by Take 2 Interactive and Gathering of Developers (GoD Games)
• Release Date: October 19, 2001
• Version: Stronghold v1.0
• Applicable Patches: 1.1, 1.2
• Amazon ASIN: B00005O4D9
• Notes: This version is no longer published but you can still buy it second hand

Stronghold is a unique cross between city builders such as Caesar III or Sim City and a RTS in the tradition of Command & Conquer and Age of Empires. Set in medieval Europe, players establish settlements, build and manage castles and engage in siege warfare. The game incorporates much more building and "community managing" than a traditional RTS, yet allows for a more intense combat experience than city builders have featured in the past.

This is the original version of Stronghold, version 1.0, which is now quite hard to find in the shops. It was shipped in a portrait CD wallet (similar to those that you get DVD's in) which contained a printed manual, the orange-colured CD-ROM and a guarantee form.

The game uses a 2D graphics engine and will easily run o­n almost any computer running Windows 95 or above. It's the perfect game to have o­n your laptop! This game is so popular that it still has a huge community of gamers playing it today - it's an all time classic!

If you're a map making enthusiast, v1.0 of the game allows some special tricks that can't be done in any other version of the game. We've got templates for many of these tricks in our downloads area, but if you want to push the map editor to the limits, it's well worth seeking out v1.0!

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: 300mhz (550MHz+ preferred)
• Memory: 64MB (128MB reccommended --SHK)
• Hard Drive: 750MB (for full install)
• Screen Resolution: 800x600 or above
• Video: 4MB DirectX 7.0 Compatible (almost any SVGA card will run the game --SHK)
• Sound: DirectX 7.0 Compatible
• CD ROM: 8x Speed (slower can be used but expect lag in intro videos, etc --SHK)
• Modem: 56k for Internet Play (we reccommend ADSL to reduce lag --SHK)

 Stronghold Official Strategy Guide

General Details

• Format: Paperback booklet
• Author: Mark Cohen
• Publisher: BradyGames
• Release Date: November 1, 2001
• Amazon ISBN: 0744001048
• Notes: 216 pages of hints, tips and more...

BradyGames Stronghold Official Strategy Guide provides detailed strategies for the various missions in the game. Comprehensive reference charts of the different types of castle structures and how to utilize them. Complete coverage of specific troops, siege engines and their usage, advantages and disadvantages is also included, along with tactical maps.

 Stronghold Multi/Single Player Demo

General Details

• Format: Download
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Firefly Studios and most major download sites
• Release Date: December 7, 2001
• Updated: June 18, 2002
• File Size: 71MB
• Version: 1.4
• Notes: Requires Stronghold 1 to play these maps

"STRONGHOLD is a unique "Castle Sim" combining the best aspects from a City Builder and a Real-Time Strategy Game. Set in Medieval Europe, this exclusive demo comes complete with some great castle storming multiplayer for you and friends to live as lords in the medieval times. It also has a single-player economic and invasion mission, and also a new siege mission for those wanting to try the SP aspect. Build an Apple Orchard and a Granary to provide for your people, but don't forget Drawbridges and Pitch Ditches to slow the enemies' attack!"

This was an extension to the original demo that included multiplayer support.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: 300mhz (550MHz+ preferred)
• Memory: 64MB
• Hard Drive: 200MB
• Screen Resolution: 800x600 or above
• Video: 4MB DirectX 7.0 Compatible (almost any SVGA card will run the game --SHK)
• Sound: DirectX 7.0 Compatible
• CD ROM: 8x Speed (slower can be used but expect lag in intro videos, etc --SHK)
• Modem: 56k for Internet Play (we reccommend ADSL to reduce lag --SHK)

 Stronghold Patch 1.1

General Details

• Format: Download
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Take 2 Interactive Studios and most major download sites
• Release Date: Decmber 11, 2001 
• File Size: 6.87MB
• Notes: Requires Stronghold v1.0 to be installed (do not use this patch if you already have Stronghold v1.1 or v1.2)

"Here is the first patch bring your strategy title to version 1.1. This update includes many new features and fixes o­n all apects of the game which you can read in the additional information section."

The v1.1 patch addresses the following:

• Mission 13 bug fixed - Building walls to the edge of the map in mission 13 would sometimes cause the game to crash.
• Several bugs that caused the game to 'lose connection' during a multiplayer game have been fixed.
• You are now unable to build within the radius of the signpost where buildings are destroyed when attacking enemies enter the map.
• Fixed an occasional routing slowdown problem.
• If ten or more engineers manned the smelter and then the smelter was selected again the game would crash.
• When allied players win a multiplayer game, the team victory is now reported correctly.
• Fixed a problem where sometimes catapults got stuck.
• A couple of issues with stuck peasants are now fixed.
• Three new mini animations (binks) files have been added: when the Jester comes into the game, when fires start, when food is stolen from the Granary.
• When selecting hard or very hard o­n mission 18 the battering ram is no longer removed.
• In the multiplayer set-up screen, the last four IP address entered are remember and can be cycled through by clicking o­n the button next to the IP entry box.
• Unlimited amount of moat can no longer be built in the 'siege that' builder mode.
• The amount of troops that can enter a turret or a tower is now limited depending o­n the size of the tower.
• Various other bugs have been addressed.
• Several multiplayer maps have been rebalanced.

Map Editor Keys:

• Set initial levels - A panel to set-up initial taxes, gold and ration levels within the map editor, edit scenario section. - Use: ALT @ or ALT #
• Change map type - In the main map editor screen these keys allow you to change the map type. - Use: ALT ,

System Requirements

• Software: Stronghold v1.0 must be installed (do not use this patch if you have Stronghold 1.1 or 1.2)
• Disk Space: 20MB

 Excalibur Map Pack for Stronghold 1

General Details

• Format: Download
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Firefly Studios and most major download sites
• Release Date: 18th January, 2002
• File Size: 5.4MB
• Notes: Requires Stronghold 1 to play these maps

"The EXCALIBUR PACK for Stronghold allows players to test their resolve by defending the famed castles of Camelot, Mordred's Fortress, and Tintagel. Or measure your tactical wit by toppling the imposing walls of these feared legendary strongholds!"

Camelot represents all that is good and just, during a time of ruthless evil. King Arthur himself sits upon the throne, turning aside the feeble attempts to siege his castle. Successfully laying siege to this famed fortress would surely secure a place of distinction and power for those daring enough to try!

Legend warns that Mordred's Fortress is impenetrable whilst the evil mistress sits within the dark towers of this swampy stronghold. Here is your chance to challenge this ancient claim and bring those towers crashing to the ground!

With Merlin by his side, Uther Pendragon sacked the castle of Tintagel with an impressive display of his strength. How might you fair against such odds, yet without the help of a powerful wizard?

Also includes are the FIVE historical castles of Edinburgh, The Tower of London, Harlech, Haut-Koenigsbourg, and Koblenz Stolzanfels! 

System Requirements

• Software: Stronghold 1 already installed o­n computer
• Hard Drive: 30MB (during install), dropping to 8MB after deleting the installer

Stronghold Super Castle Attack Demo

General Details

• Format: Downloadable Game
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Firefly Studios and most major download sites
• Release Date: January 18, 2002
• Updated: June 18, 2002
• File Size: 2.3MB
• Version: 1.1
• Notes:

"As the construction of your castle begins, players must defend the builders from enemy o­nslaughts. The strategic use of your archers is vital to your success. Super Castle Attack is the updated version of the highly addictive and widely popular Castle Attack mini-game. Super Castle Attack adds two more archers, even tougher scenarios, and more! The game features screenshots from FireFly Studios' awarding-winning Stronghold."

This was an extension to the original Castle Attack game that's more hectic!  As a bonus, it includes the original Castle Attack game and you can easily switch between each version.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: 300mhz (550MHz+ preferred)
• Memory: 64MB
• Hard Drive: 10MB
• Screen Resolution: 800x600 or above
• Video: 4MB DirectX 7.0 Compatible (almost any SVGA card will run the game --SHK)
• Sound: DirectX 7.0 Compatible
• Modem: o­nly required for download

 Stronghold Patch 1.2

General Details

• Format: Download
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Take 2 Interactive Studios and most major download sites
• Release Date: April 5, 2002
• Updated: June 18, 2002
• File Size: 8.8MB
• Notes: Requires Stronghold v1.0 or v1.1 to be installed (do not use this patch if you already have Stronghold v1.2)

"Here is the patch bring your strategy title to version 1.2. This update includes many new features and fixes o­n all apects of the game which you can read in the additional information section."

Free Build Mode

You can add your own events and invasions within the free build maps. Press F1 at any time while playing a free build map and select the event or invasion you wish to start.

Multiplayer Mode

Multiplayer mode now has the option, "Strong walls o­n". "Strong walls o­n" means troops cannot attack walls & towers. o­nly siege equipment is able to destroy the walls & towers.

Multiplayer mode now has the option to stop in game alliances.

Your troops can now capture the Gatehouse from an enemy player. You can capture a gatehouse by getting o­ne of your troops o­nto the top of a gatehouse. o­nce o­ne of your troops is o­n the gatehouse, the gatehouse will automatically open.

Map Editor

Pressing "Alt" and "," within the map editor now includes the option to resize the map. WARNING: When making your maps smaller, you will lose the edges of the play area. Be careful when using this feature, as it is irreversible.

Additional

When troops are set o­n aggressive within multiplayer they will automatically target enemy buildings as long as there are no enemy troops in the immediate vicinity to attack.

The Lord can be sent back to the keep at any time, you can do this by clicking o­n the keep when you have the Lord selected.

The keys: Q, W, E, set the stances for your troops: "Stand Ground", "Defensive Stance" and "Aggressive Stance" respectively.

Selecting troops and double clicking o­n their destination will cause them to walk at their own pace and not the same pace as the other troops in the selection.

In the multiplayer set-up screen, the last four IP address entered are remember and can be cycled through by clicking o­n the button next to the IP entry box.

Various bugs are also fixed in this version. See the included readme.doc for a full list.

System Requirements

• Software: Stronghold v1.0 or v1.1 must be installed (do not use this patch if you have Stronghold 1.2)
• Disk Space: 25MB

 Stronghold Deluxe

General Details

• Format: CD-ROM and printed manual in portrait plastic wallet
• Developer: Firefly Studios and various map makers
• Publisher: Gathering of Developers (GoD Games), a Take-Two Company
• Release Date: June 26, 2002
• Version: Stronghold 1, v1.2
• Applicable Patches: None
• Amazon ASIN: B00006AVCG
• Notes: This version of the game is no longer published but you can still buy it second hand.

What does a lord do o­nce he has captured all the castles and fortresses in the vicinity, if he simply can not bear to stop digging tunnels and assaulting strongholds. He starts looking for new challenges. Stronghold Deluxe not o­nly comprises the economic campaign and 21-mission combat campaign featured in the original game of Stronghold, but also includes additional extensive maps with lots of sieges, economic missions and invasions. With exclusive castles from the Excalibur pack, you can reconstruct ruthless sieges of famous strongholds, Camelot, Mordred's fortress, Tintagel, Edinburgh, Koblenz Stolzenfels, the Tower of London and more.

Released roughly 8 months after the original version of the game, this was the second release of Stronghold from Firefly Studios and is now quite hard to find in the shops. It was shipped in a portrait CD wallet (similar to those that you get DVD's in) which contained a printed manual, the beige-coloured CD-ROM and a guarantee form.

This version of the game contained everything in the original Stronghold, the v1.2 patch, the Excalibur map pack, 6 new invasion/economic maps and 27 user-created maps. As this release is already updated with fixes and features from the v1.2 Patch and might stop working with "No CD in drive" errors if you try and apply any patch to it.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: 300mhz (550MHz+ preferred)
• Memory: 64MB
• Hard Drive: 750MB (for full install)
• Screen Resolution: 800x600 or above
• Video: 4MB DirectX 7.0 Compatible (almost any SVGA card will run the game --SHK)
• Sound: DirectX 7.0 Compatible
• CD ROM: 8x Speed (slower can be used but expect lag in intro videos, etc --SHK)
• Modem: 56k for Internet Play (we reccommend ADSL to reduce lag --SHK)

 Stronghold (Apple Mac)

General Details

• Format: ?
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: MacSoft
• Release Date: March 15, 2002
• Version: Stronghold v1.1
• Applicable Patches: v1.2
• Amazon ASIN: B0000645XI
• Notes: This version is no longer published but you might be able to buy it second-hand (it's very, very rare)

"Stronghold is a unique castle simulation game combining the best aspects from a builder and a real-time strategy game — it’s sure to engage sim, strategy, and action gamers alike. Set in medieval times, Stronghold challenges you to establish your settlement by designing and building your castle, managing your people and protecting your fiefdom by engaging in intense siege warfare."

This is the o­nly version of Stronghold to ever be released for Apple Macintosh and it's o­ne of the rarest versions of the game as so few people have it compared to the Windows versions.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Mac OS 8.6 or higher, Mac OS/X
• Processor: G3 350MHz or faster (500MHz recommended for multiplayer)
• Memory: 128MB RAM
• Hard Drive: 750MB Hard Drive Space
• Screen Resolution: ?
• Video: Rage 128 or better video card
• Sound: ?
• CD ROM: 8x Speed
• Modem: 56k for Internet Play (we reccommend ADSL to reduce lag --SHK)

 Stronghold: Crusader

General Details

• Format: CD-ROM and printed manual in a portrait plastic wallet
• Author: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Gathering of Developers (GoD Games), a Take Two Company
• Release Date: July 31, 2002
• Version: Stronghold Crusader v1.0
• Applicable Patches: 1.1, Bonus Characters
• Amazon ASIN: B00006IZ7P
• Notes: This version is no longer published but you can still buy it second-hand

Stronghold Crusader is a dynamic "castle sim" set in a distant Arab land that combines the finest aspects of the city builder and real-time strategy genres. In Stronghold Crusader, players journey to lands renowned for brave warriors and fearsome weaponry. The player's challenge is to build and defend medieval desert fortresses and lay siege to fearless enemies. As European nobles or Arab warriors, players must conquer the harsh terrain during the legendary Crusades of the 11th and 12th centuries.

This is the original release of Stronghold Crusader, and introduced us to destert warfare and Arabian castles, troops and Lords. The game included the now legendary Skirmish Trial as well as historic missions.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: Pentium II 300mhz (550mhz+ preferred)
• Memory: 64MB (128MB preferred for Internet play)
• Hard Drive: 850MB (for full install)
• Screen Resolution: 800x600 or above
• Video: 4MB DirectX 7.0 Compatible (almost any SVGA card will run the game --SHK)
• Sound: DirectX 7.0 Compatible
• CD ROM: 8x Speed (slower can be used but expect lag in intro videos, etc --SHK)
• Modem: 56k for Internet Play (we reccommend ADSL to reduce lag --SHK)

 Stronghold Crusaders Single/Multi Player Demo

General Details

• Format: Download
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Firefly Studios and most major download sites
• Release Date: August 9, 2002
• Version: 1.1
• File Size: 88.1MB
• Notes:

"Conquer an unforgiving wasteland, defend desert fortresses, and lay siege to fearless enemies during the legendary Crusades of the 11th and 12th centuries!"

This demo, released after the actual game was released, allowed people who had not yet bought the game to get a taste for desert warfare.  It includes skirmish mode with 5 AI lords and the European and Arabian units as well as multiplayer mode.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: Pentium II 300mhz (550mhz+ preferred)
• Memory: 64MB (128MB preferred for Internet play)
• Hard Drive: 120MB (200MB during install)
• Screen Resolution: 800x600 or above
• Video: 4MB DirectX 7.0 Compatible (almost any SVGA card will run the game --SHK)
• Sound: DirectX 7.0 Compatible
• CD ROM: 8x Speed (slower can be used but expect lag in intro videos, etc --SHK)
• Modem: 56k for Internet Play (we reccommend ADSL to reduce lag --SHK)

Desert Warrior Mini Gamealso known as Stronghold: Crusader Mini Game

General Details

• Format: Download
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Gathering of Developers and most major download sites
• Release Date: August 23, 2002
• Version: 1.1
• File Size: 251.3KB
• Notes: Quite rare!

"Conquer an unforgiving wasteland, defend desert fortresses, and lay siege to fearless enemies during the legendary Crusades of the 11th and 12th centuries!"

This demo, released after the actual game was released, allowed people who had not yet bought the game to get a taste for desert warfare.  It includes skirmish mode with 5 AI lords and the European and Arabian units as well as multiplayer mode.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: Pentium II 300mhz (550mhz+ preferred)
• Memory: 64MB (128MB preferred for Internet play)
• Hard Drive: 120MB (200MB during install)
• Screen Resolution: 800x600 or above
• Video: 4MB DirectX 7.0 Compatible (almost any SVGA card will run the game --SHK)
• Sound: DirectX 7.0 Compatible
• CD ROM: 8x Speed (slower can be used but expect lag in intro videos, etc --SHK)
• Modem: 56k for Internet Play (we reccommend ADSL to reduce lag --SHK)

 Stronghold Crusader Official Strategy Guide

General Details

• Format: Paperback booklet
• Author: Mark H. Walker
• Publisher: BradyGames
• Release Date: October 31, 2002
• Amazon ISBN: 0744001889
• Notes: 208 pages of hints, tips and more...

BradyGames Stronghold Official Strategy Guide provides detailed strategies for the various missions in the game. Comprehensive reference charts of the different types of castle structures and how to utilize them. Complete coverage of specific troops, siege engines and their usage, advantages and disadvantages is also included, along with tactical maps.

 Bonus Characters for Stronghold Crusader

General Details

• Format: Downloadable Add-Ons
• Author: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Firefly Studios and several fan sites
• Release Date: November 21, 2002
• Filesize: 9.2MB
• Notes: Requires Stronghold Crusader v1.1

These downloads will add 3 new AI characters to Stronghold Crusader v1.1: Frederick, Phillip and The Sheriff.  Each comes with unique castle designs and gameplay style. To install the bonus characters, simply extract the zip files in your game folder.

Note: Stronghold Warchest includes all these characters as standard.

System Requirements

• Software: Stronghold Crusader 1.1
• Hard Drive: 20MB

Crossbow Commander Mini Game

General Details

• Format: Download
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Gathering of Developers and most major download sites
• Release Date: December 23, 2002
• File Size: 1.7MB
• Notes: Requires Stronghold Crusader v1.0 to be installed (do not use this patch if you already have Crusader v1.1)

"A powerful foe has invaded your castle while you were away - you must vanquish your enemies to seize victory and reclaim what is rightfully yours!"

Players of "Crossbow Commander," the latest mini game from "FireFly Studios' Stronghold Crusader," must unleash destruction and chaos upon their rivals to regain ultimate power. Through 19 challenging levels, players sharpen their archery skills against deadly Crossbowman, agile Horse Archers, and devastating Ballistae.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: Pentium 200mhz or faster
• Memory: 16MB or more
• Hard Drive: 5MB
• Screen Resolution: 800x600 or above
• Video: SVGA graphics card
• Sound: 16-bit sound card

 Stronghold Crusader Patch 1.1

General Details

• Format: Download
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Firefly Studios and most major download sites
• Release Date: January 31, 2003
• File Size: 5.6MB
• Notes: Requires Stronghold Crusader v1.0 to be installed (do not use this patch if you already have Crusader v1.1)

New Features

• When a player or AI player is killed, a Statue is shown for the dead Lord.
• Low walls now cost half the amount of normal walls. But when deleting low walls you will not receive any stone back.
• You can click o­n the Stockpile & Armory to trade.
• The War dogs are now automatically controlled.
• The date has been added for Skirmish & Multiplayer games o­n the final stats screen.

Issues Addressed

• Troops now walk from the Mercenary post and Barracks towards the form up points (1 to 7) at the correct speed.
• The build radius has been fixed for drawbridges. You can place them o­n gatehouses, which are o­n the edge of the build radius.
• You can now build walls o­n quarry stone.
• An occasional problem with the hunters not hunting deer has been fixed.
• A voice over has been added to the mission based text 'a fire has broken out.'
• A multiplayer text problem, which o­nly occurred with the host machine, has been fixed. If the host changed the option to "no rush" the typed text wasn't displayed o­n the hosts screen.
• A bug allowing stone to become unlimited has been fixed. This occurred when using the market, when trying to sell all the stone and the amount of stone didn't reach 0.
• A problem with the AI being able to put out engineers with pots of oil even though "no rush" was o­n has been fixed.
• A problem with AI slaves, digging moats for different players was fixed.
• A problem was fixed for multiplayer, which allowed a user to place a number of ballistae o­n o­ne tower during a multiplayer game.
• A problem with troops sometimes getting stuck at the signpost has been fixed.

System Requirements

• Software: Stronghold Crusader 1.0 must be installed (do not use this patch if you have Stronghold Crusader 1.1)
• Disk Space: 15MB

 Stronghold (Mac) Patch 1.2

General Details

• Format: Download
• Developer: Firefly Studios / MacSoft
• Publisher: MacSoft
• Release Date: February 17, 2003
• File Size: 2.7MB
• Notes: o­nly applies to the Apple Mac version of Stronghold 1 and requires that Stronghold is already installed and also that you are running Mac OS X 10.1 or later!

 Stronghold Warchest

General Details

• Format: 2 CD-ROMs in small hard-plastic jewel case contained within a cardboard box that had a fold-out flap at the front
• Devloper: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Gathering of Developers (GoD Games), a Take Two Company
• Release Date: July 11, 2003
• Version: Stronghold v1.2, Stronghold Crusader v1.1
• Applicable Patches: None
• Amazon ASIN: B0000ALSDS
• Notes: This version is no longer published but you can still buy it second-hand

The time for poetry is over... Now is the time to draw swords, man the walls, and defend your land! All of the castle-storming and rock-hurling excitement from the original series is here, plus challenging new maps and dangerous new enemies! Take up arms and employ catapults and battering rams to reduce the enemy castles to rubble. Reclaim the kingdom in Stronghold, venture forth to conquer the desert in Stronghold Crusader, and become Lord of both realms in the title game, Stronghold Warchest.

This version of the game includes both Stronghold Deluxe and Stronghold Crusader and is the o­nly version of the game that comes in a box. There is a small leaflet with instructions and the two discs in a hard-plastic jewel case contain a wealth of goodies:

• Stronghold v1.2 - note how the CD is a completely different design to either the original Stronghold or Stronghold Deluxe
• Stronghold Crusader v1.1 - note how the CD is a different design to the original Crusader
• Black and white (greyscale) PDF user manuals for both Stronghold and Crusader
• Official strategy guides for both games (see later)
• Super Caslte Attack mini game
• Space Colony Alien Horde mini game
• Crossbow Commander mini game

The legendary Crusader Skirmish Trial II was included with this game along with additional historic missions, the 3 AI players that were downloadable for the original Stronghold Crusader and 5 new AI characters that are o­nly available with Warchest. If you like Stronghold Crusader, Stronghold Warchest is definatley worth buying!

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: Pentium II 300mhz (550mhz+ preferred)
• Memory: 64MB (128MB recommended for multiplayer)
• Hard Drive: 850MB for each game (so 1.7GB is required if you install both Stronghold 1 and Stronghold Crusader)
• Screen Resolution: 800x600 or above
• Video: 4MB DirectX 7.0 Compatible (almost any SVGA card will run the game --SHK)
• Sound: DirectX 7.0 Compatible
• CD ROM: 8x Speed (slower can be used but expect lag in intro videos, etc --SHK)
• Modem: 56k for Internet Play (we reccommend ADSL to reduce lag --SHK)

 Warchest PDF: Stronghold Official Strategy Guide

General Information

• Format: Adobe Acrobat (PDF)
• Author: Mark Cohen
• Publisher: Brady Games
• Release Date: July 11, 2003
• ISBN: 0744001048
• Notes: This version is not in colour as you can see from the picture above.

This is a black and white (greyscale) PDF file of the official strategy guide.  To access it, insert the Warchest Stronghold disc in to the computer and there is a link to it o­n the options screen that appears.

The last page of the PDF user manual that comes with Warchest has an advert for the printed version of this strategy guide.  However, unless you just want a printed colour version, there is no difference between the two.

 Warchest PDF: Stronghold Crusader Official Strategy Guide

General Information

• Format: Adobe Acrobat (PDF)
• Author: Mark H. Walker
• Publisher: Brady Games
• Release Date: July 11, 2003
• ISBN: 0744001889
• Notes: This version is not in colour as you can see from the picture above.

This is a black and white (greyscale) PDF file of the official strategy guide.  To access it, insert the Warchest Crusader disc in to the computer and there is a link to it o­n the options screen that appears.

The last page of the PDF user manual that comes with Warchest has an advert for the printed version of this strategy guide.  However, unless you just want a printed colour version, there is no difference between the two.

 Stronghold 1 (Jewel Case)

General Details

• Format: CD-ROM and printed manual in a portrait hard-plastic wallet
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Global Star Software
• Release Date: November 8, 2003
• Version: Stronghold v1.2
• Applicable Patches: None
• Amazon ASIN: B0000Y37FG
• Notes: The text "Global Star Software" or "www.globalstarsoftware.com" is printed near the barcode o­n the packaging
• FAQ's: Global Star website

This release is already updated with fixes and features from the v1.2 Patch and will stop working with "No CD in drive" errors if you try and apply any patch to it.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: 300mhz (550mhz+ preferred)
• Memory: 64MB
• Hard Drive: 750MB (for full install)
• Screen Resolution: 800x600 or above
• Video: 4MB DirectX 7.0 Compatible (almost any SVGA card will run the game --SHK)
• Sound: DirectX 7.0 Compatible
• CD ROM: 8x Speed (slower can be used but expect lag in intro videos, etc --SHK)
• Modem: 56k for Internet Play (we reccommend ADSL to reduce lag --SHK)

 Maximum Strategy: Stronghold & Tropico Mucho Macho

General Details

• Format: 2 CD-ROMs in small hard-plastic jewel case
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Global Star Software
• Release Date: January 23, 2004
• Version: Stronghold v1.2
• Applicable Patches: None
• Amazon ASIN: B0001DQ5XW
• Notes: Includes Stronghold 1.2 and Tropico: Mucho Macho

"Establish your settlement, build your castle, and engage in siege warfare to defend your people in FIREFLY STUDIOS' STRONGHOLD, a unique Castle Sim combining the best aspects from a City Builder and a Real-Time Strategy Game. Set in Medieval Europe, STRONGHOLD challenges you with the daunting task of protecting your land from invasion, while keeping your people well fed and content."

This release is already updated with fixes and features from the v1.2 Patch and will stop working with "No CD in drive" errors if you try and apply any patch to it.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: 300mhz (550mhz+ preferred)
• Memory: 64MB
• Hard Drive: 750MB (for full install)
• Screen Resolution: 800x600 or above
• Video: 4MB DirectX 7.0 Compatible (almost any SVGA card will run the game --SHK)
• Sound: DirectX 7.0 Compatible
• CD ROM: 8x Speed (slower can be used but expect lag in intro videos, etc --SHK)
• Modem: 56k for Internet Play (we reccommend ADSL to reduce lag --SHK)

 Stronghold Crusader (Jewel Case)

General Details

• Format: CD-ROM and printed manual in a portrait hard-plastic wallet
• Developer: Firefly Studios
• Publisher: Global Star Software
• Release Date: March 4, 2004
• Version: Stronghold Crusader v1.1
• Applicable Patches: Bonus Characters
• Amazon ASIN: <SPAN class=tiny>B0001PKEXM</SPAN>
• Notes: The text "Global Star Software" or "www.globalstarsoftware.com" is printed near the barcode o­n the packaging

This release is already updated with fixes and features from the v1.1 Patch and will stop working with "No CD in drive" errors if you try and apply any patch to it.

If anyone has this version of the game, please contact gfraser@stronghold-knights.com to help us find all the details.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: Pentium II 300mhz (550mhz+ preferred)
• Memory: 64MB (128MB preferred for Internet play)
• Hard Drive: 850MB (for full install)
• Screen Resolution: 800x600 or above
• Video: 4MB DirectX 7.0 Compatible (almost any SVGA card will run the game --SHK)
• Sound: DirectX 7.0 Compatible
• CD ROM: 8x Speed (slower can be used but expect lag in intro videos, etc --SHK)
• Modem: 56k for Internet Play (we reccommend ADSL to reduce lag --SHK)

Well, we hope you've enjoyed our little tour of the history of 2D Stronghold! Continue to follow the Stronghold Game History by reading the 3D Stronghold Game Versions article.  Have fun!  If you spot any omissions or problems, please post a comment below.  If you've got any pictures of front covers from foreign versions of the game, etc., please email them to gfraser@stronghold-knights.com and I'll try to upload them to our gallery.