 This is a continuation of our original Game Versions article. Due to length, the original article has now been split into two, one covering the 2-dimensional versions of the game, and this article covering the 3-dimensional games. There are more versions of Stronghold than you may think. These articles list all of them, along with information on their release dates, patches, publishers, strategy guides and more... If you've ever wondered what Castle Attack 2, the Conquest Trail, or Stronghold 2 Deluxe 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, and Aubergine
Castle Attack 2  
General Details - Format: Download
- Developer: Firefly Studios
- Publisher: Firefly Studios and most major download sites
- Release Date: December 22, 2004
- Version: 1.0
- File Size: 20.5MB
- Notes: Click here to find out how to unlock the secret level
"Defend your stronghold from marauding invaders until your castle is finally built. Use burning logs, boiling oil and archers to fend off the enemy. This game gives you but a taste of what to expect from Stronghold 2 from Firefly Studios." Before Stronghold 1 was released, Firefly Studios released the free Castle Attack mini-game to give people an idea of what was to come. While Castle Attack is actually a different game alltogether, it is your first chance to try out some of the new graphics and features of the game. As expected, prior to the release of Stronghold 2, Castle Attack 2 arrived to give us an idea of what was to come. Just watch out for the super-cow! 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 2
UK/US Version - April 19, 2005   
German/Austrian/Swiss Version - April 29, 2005    
As you can see above, the version released in Germany, Austria and Switzerland had a third disc containing the following: - English Patch 1.10
- German Patch 1.10
- Wallpaper images
General Details - Format: CD-ROM and printed manual in a portrait plastic wallet
- Author: Firefly Studios
- Publisher: 2K Games
- Release Dates: See above
- Version: Stronghold 1, v1.2
- Applicable Patches: All of them!
- Amazon ASIN: B0007GIXOW
- Notes: The initial release contains lots and lots of bugs - it's vital to apply all available patches to make the game perfect
The King, having fled after the defeat of his armies, now attempts to rule his country from a secret location. It is not known if he is even in the country anymore. Now, powerful barons jostle for what is fast becoming a disintegrating kingdom. It is up to you to stem the tides of their ambition and unite the land under the King once again! Stronghold 2 is a massive expansion on the original Stronghold and Crusader. It contains far more buildings, troops, map features and more. It has a new 3D engine, a completely new interface and a completely new map editor! We could go on for hours explaining all the new stuff in this game but it's probably best if you visit our forums to find out for yourself. Like we said above, the first release has lots and lots of bugs so you'll need to download all the patches - that shouldn't be too much of a problem though as it's got an inbuilt auto-update feature that checks for new versions when you start the game! System Requirements - Operating System: Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP (XP for best performance --SHK)
- Processor: 1.4 GHz, 2.0 GHz+ recommended (3GHz or above for best perfomance --SHK)
- Memory: 256MB, 512MG reccommended (1GB or more for best performance --SHK)
- Hard Drive: 2.5GB
- Video: 32 Mb GeForce2 MX or better DirectX 9.0c compatible, 64MB recommended (128MB or above highly recommended --SHK)
- Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible
- CD ROM: 8x or faster (32x reccommended --SHK)
- Modem: Broadband internet connection recommended
Stronghold 2: Prima Official Strategy Guide
General Details - Format: Paperback booklet
- Author: David Knight
- Publisher: Prima Games
- Release Date: May 3, 2005
- Amazon ISBN: 0761551794
- Notes: 240 pages of hints, tips and more...
"Prima's Stronghold 2 Official Strategy Guide will teach you how to build and defend your castle against any enemy. Contruct mighty castles, protect your subjects from plagues of rats and be covered in honour in Firefly Studios' Stronghold 2 the sequel to the best-selling Stronghold series. Stronhold 2 builds on the great gameplay and immerses the player in stunning new lush 3D envirionments. Take up the fight against cunning new opponents in epic battles and become the greatest lord in the land." Well, we hope you've enjoyed our little tour of the history of Stronghold! 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. Stronghold 2 Deluxe Released - October 28, 2005  
General Details - Format: CD-ROM and printed manual in a portrait plastic wallet
- Author: Firefly Studios
- Publisher: 2K Games
- Release Dates: See above
- Version: Stronghold 2, v1.3
- Applicable Patches: Only needs the Patch v1.3.1 (all systems) and the Dark Buildings Fix (for systems without Shaders enabled).
- Amazon ASIN: B000BAJBCM
- Notes: This version come with much new content. See below for details. All new content is free to original Stronghold 2 owners when they upgrade to v1.3.1 (see patch information above).
System Requirements - Operating System: Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP (XP for best performance --SHK)
- Processor: 1.4 GHz, 2.0 GHz+ recommended (3GHz or above for best perfomance --SHK)
- Memory: 256MB, 512MG reccommended (1GB or more for best performance --SHK)
- Hard Drive: 2.5GB
- Video: 32 Mb GeForce2 MX or better DirectX 9.0c compatible, 64MB recommended (128MB or above highly recommended --SHK)
- Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible
- CD ROM: 8x or faster (32x reccommended --SHK)
- Modem: Broadband internet connection recommended
In stores a bit more than 6 months after the initial release of the Stronghold 2, this second release from FireFly Studios replaced the original Stronghold 2 in stores. This is due to the fact that the much needed patch 1.3 patch is pre-installed with this version. A quick update to v1.3.1 is still required upon the first connection to the game. Initial load times, camera lag and other general preformance issues are mostly fixed in this version of the game. New Features and Additions in Stronghold 2 Deluxe- New Conquest Trail: A set of linked sieges that become progressively more difficult.
- 3 new opponents are now available for combat: The Queen, the Bishop and Noble Sir Grey, all with different strategies and play styles. Together they reinvigorate Kingmaker mode.
- New Kingmaker Maps:2 new world maps, Korea and Europe and 2 new landscape maps "To the sea" and "Three bridges" add more combat arenas to kingmaker. These levels are also available for play in multiplayer.
- More Castles:The number of historical castles available to play has almost doubled with the addition of 8 exciting new strongholds. They are: Windsor castle, Edinburgh castle, Haut-Koenigsburg castle, Tower of London, Fougeres castle, Harlech Castle & Heuneburg castle.
Well, we hope you've enjoyed our little tour of the history of Stronghold! We expect many more additions to this history are FireFly continues to develop and release more Stronghold Games. 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.
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