We’re happy to announce that the first in a new series of optimisation updates has just been released for Stronghold Crusader 2!

Development geared towards improving performance has been ongoing for some time now. Recently we reached a point where these changes could be merged into the main game code and released as an update for all players to enjoy. Today's update includes numerous ‘under the hood’ improvements, but we’ve highlighted the most noticeable ones below:

• Frame Rate - CPU load has been reduced and frame rates improved, particularly in the case of machines with low specs or slower single-core performance. Most machines will see a modest improvement in frame rates in large games, many will see a large improvement.
  
  
• Multiplayer – Low spec machines that were struggling in large games will now hold better frame rates and remain responsive for players. The game server will also slow down when necessary, allowing clients to stay in sync. We are still hard at work tuning this area, so expect future optimisation updates to improve performance.
  
  
• Multi-Core CPUs - Work has been done to run more tasks in secondary threads and make better use of multiple CPU cores, removing periodic roadblocks from single core execution and overhead from the main game process.

We’ve also made improvements to several major systems: Change Log

As mentioned above today's update is the first in a new series of optimisation updates due for release in 2015. In addition to numerous additional optimisations currently being worked on, which unfortunately did not make the cut-off point for this release, we plan to build on the progress made thus far and address other areas based on player feedback. As a sim and an RTS, Stronghold Crusader 2 simulates and tracks tens of thousands of objects and many game systems at any one time. We will continue work to reduce the high demand this puts on players’ CPUs, particularly in multiplayer.

Thanks for your support and we hope you enjoy the new update!

Please Note: This update should download automatically when you launch the Steam client. Check the version number displayed in the bottom left corner of the main menu screen when launching the game. If the number displayed is not v1.0.21397 please restart Steam until the update downloads.

We’re happy to announce that the first in a new series of optimisation updates has just been released for Stronghold Crusader 2!

Development geared towards improving performance has been ongoing for some time now. Recently we reached a point where these changes could be merged into the main game code and released as an update for all players to enjoy. Today's update includes numerous ‘under the hood’ improvements, but we’ve highlighted the most noticeable ones below:

• Frame Rate - CPU load has been reduced and frame rates improved, particularly in the case of machines with low specs or slower single-core performance. Most machines will see a modest improvement in frame rates in large games, many will see a large improvement.
  
  
• Multiplayer – Low spec machines that were struggling in large games will now hold better frame rates and remain responsive for players. The game server will also slow down when necessary, allowing clients to stay in sync. We are still hard at work tuning this area, so expect future optimisation updates to improve performance.
  
  
• Multi-Core CPUs - Work has been done to run more tasks in secondary threads and make better use of multiple CPU cores, removing periodic roadblocks from single core execution and overhead from the main game process.

We’ve also made improvements to several major systems: Change Log

As mentioned above today's update is the first in a new series of optimisation updates due for release in 2015. In addition to numerous additional optimisations currently being worked on, which unfortunately did not make the cut-off point for this release, we plan to build on the progress made thus far and address other areas based on player feedback. As a sim and an RTS, Stronghold Crusader 2 simulates and tracks tens of thousands of objects and many game systems at any one time. We will continue work to reduce the high demand this puts on players’ CPUs, particularly in multiplayer.

Thanks for your support and we hope you enjoy the new update!

Please Note: This update should download automatically when you launch the Steam client. Check the version number displayed in the bottom left corner of the main menu screen when launching the game. If the number displayed is not v1.0.21397 please restart Steam until the update downloads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XxpCZqiVdw

http://store.steampowered.com/app/349000/

The Angel of Death hovers over your castle! The Emperor & The Hermit DLC introduces two extra AI opponents and an all-new Crusader Trail campaign. Spiritual successors to The Emperor and The Abbot from the original Stronghold Crusader (2002), The Emperor and The Hermit are driven by religious fervour. Backed by zealots who follow their cause without question, be it just or corrupt, both leaders represent a dangerous new threat to all sides in the Crusader conflict. The next expansion for Stronghold Crusader 2, The Emperor & The Hermit adds seven missions, two AI opponents, 10 achievements, additional player shields and new castle designs unique to The Emperor and The Hermit. It is now available for £3.99/$5.99/€4.99, with an additional 33% off for the next seven days!

New Missions

After years of isolated reverence the Hermit has been driven blind by his self-righteous claim to sacred authority. Now he commands legions of assassins, ensuring his enemies see no more of his approaching armies than he does! From further afield comes the Emperor, an elderly man who will rest at nothing to expand his holy kingdom using the vast armies at his command. Cunning tactics and battle hardened wits will be needed to fight through the seven missions and unique maps found in the new ‘The Emperor & The Hermit’ Skirmish Trail, our most challenging trail yet!

New AI Opponents

The Emperor

Originally from Germany, The Emperor was once a high-profile religious figure revered worldwide. Excommunicated from the Church and disgraced in the eyes of his former followers, The Emperor now leads a splinter group of fanatics who believe him chosen by God to guide them in the holy land. Having abandoned any sense of religious obligation to his fellow man, The Emperor will stop at nothing to reclaim his former power and authority.

The Hermit

Subject to a heavily religious upbringing in lands that are now being used as a battleground, The Hermit is negatively disposed toward the invading Crusader hordes. The Hermit is a departure for Stronghold with no preordained authority, royal lineage, military background or house to act as a status symbol. What he does control is an army of religious zealots, equally angry about the invasion and out for Crusader blood as their leader. For these men the idea of following The Hermit in his counter-crusade against Richard is a most noble cause.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XxpCZqiVdw

http://store.steampowered.com/app/349000/

The Angel of Death hovers over your castle! The Emperor & The Hermit DLC introduces two extra AI opponents and an all-new Crusader Trail campaign. Spiritual successors to The Emperor and The Abbot from the original Stronghold Crusader (2002), The Emperor and The Hermit are driven by religious fervour. Backed by zealots who follow their cause without question, be it just or corrupt, both leaders represent a dangerous new threat to all sides in the Crusader conflict. The next expansion for Stronghold Crusader 2, The Emperor & The Hermit adds seven missions, two AI opponents, 10 achievements, additional player shields and new castle designs unique to The Emperor and The Hermit. It is now available for £3.99/$5.99/€4.99, with an additional 33% off for the next seven days!

New Missions

After years of isolated reverence the Hermit has been driven blind by his self-righteous claim to sacred authority. Now he commands legions of assassins, ensuring his enemies see no more of his approaching armies than he does! From further afield comes the Emperor, an elderly man who will rest at nothing to expand his holy kingdom using the vast armies at his command. Cunning tactics and battle hardened wits will be needed to fight through the seven missions and unique maps found in the new ‘The Emperor & The Hermit’ Skirmish Trail, our most challenging trail yet!

New AI Opponents

The Emperor

Originally from Germany, The Emperor was once a high-profile religious figure revered worldwide. Excommunicated from the Church and disgraced in the eyes of his former followers, The Emperor now leads a splinter group of fanatics who believe him chosen by God to guide them in the holy land. Having abandoned any sense of religious obligation to his fellow man, The Emperor will stop at nothing to reclaim his former power and authority.

The Hermit

Subject to a heavily religious upbringing in lands that are now being used as a battleground, The Hermit is negatively disposed toward the invading Crusader hordes. The Hermit is a departure for Stronghold with no preordained authority, royal lineage, military background or house to act as a status symbol. What he does control is an army of religious zealots, equally angry about the invasion and out for Crusader blood as their leader. For these men the idea of following The Hermit in his counter-crusade against Richard is a most noble cause.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDAPCEkYNWg
Our new ‘Invasions’ update is now available on Steam, free for all owners of Stronghold Crusader 2. Launch siege invasions against your castle in Sandbox mode, turn on easy AI or choose your faction in single player Skirmish Trail missions and build across a selection of new maps in custom skirmish, sandbox or online multiplayer.

Siege invasions allow you to launch AI sieges against experimental castle designs in Crusader 2's free build Sandbox mode. Refine best practices for castle construction and create the ultimate stronghold, testing your most robust castles against powerful AI invasions. Launch siege armies of varying sizes, add random events and more!

Having trouble completing each Skirmish Trail? Is the AI taunting you in your dreams? A new easy mode can now be turned on, toning down the notorious difficulty of Skirmish Trail missions and providing players with some breathing room. Reducing the frequency and aggressiveness of enemy attacks, this feature is designed to ease up on the challenge for players struggling against Stronghold's famously challenging antagonists. The Trails will nevertheless remain a challenge, so don't dare let your guard down!

For the first time in Stronghold history you can now choose which of the two factions you wish to represent in Skirmish Trail missions. Having developed an Arabic faction story campaign to tell the tale of Saladin's forces, we have now further blurred the lines between good and evil by giving you the choice of which faction you wish to represent on the battlefield. Gain access to the advantages and disadvantages of their unique castle architecture by playing as either invading Crusaders or Arabic freedom fighters.

From the no man’s land of ‘Interlocked’ to the steep slopes of ‘Volcano’ and the woodlands of ‘The Forest’, this new map pack adds both Skirmish and Sandbox maps to the game. With unique landscapes featuring beaches, lakes and even the odd volcano, you can now do battle across a variety of different scenery while drenching the desert sands with the blood of your enemies.

In addition we have also fixed various bugs - Full Update Notes

Please Note: This feature update should download automatically when you launch the Steam client. To confirm whether or not the download was successful, check the version number displayed in the bottom left corner of the main menu screen when launching Crusader 2. If the number displayed is not v1.0.21103 please restart Steam until the update downloads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDAPCEkYNWg
Our new ‘Invasions’ update is now available on Steam, free for all owners of Stronghold Crusader 2. Launch siege invasions against your castle in Sandbox mode, turn on easy AI or choose your faction in single player Skirmish Trail missions and build across a selection of new maps in custom skirmish, sandbox or online multiplayer.

Siege invasions allow you to launch AI sieges against experimental castle designs in Crusader 2's free build Sandbox mode. Refine best practices for castle construction and create the ultimate stronghold, testing your most robust castles against powerful AI invasions. Launch siege armies of varying sizes, add random events and more!

Having trouble completing each Skirmish Trail? Is the AI taunting you in your dreams? A new easy mode can now be turned on, toning down the notorious difficulty of Skirmish Trail missions and providing players with some breathing room. Reducing the frequency and aggressiveness of enemy attacks, this feature is designed to ease up on the challenge for players struggling against Stronghold's famously challenging antagonists. The Trails will nevertheless remain a challenge, so don't dare let your guard down!

For the first time in Stronghold history you can now choose which of the two factions you wish to represent in Skirmish Trail missions. Having developed an Arabic faction story campaign to tell the tale of Saladin's forces, we have now further blurred the lines between good and evil by giving you the choice of which faction you wish to represent on the battlefield. Gain access to the advantages and disadvantages of their unique castle architecture by playing as either invading Crusaders or Arabic freedom fighters.

From the no man’s land of ‘Interlocked’ to the steep slopes of ‘Volcano’ and the woodlands of ‘The Forest’, this new map pack adds both Skirmish and Sandbox maps to the game. With unique landscapes featuring beaches, lakes and even the odd volcano, you can now do battle across a variety of different scenery while drenching the desert sands with the blood of your enemies.

In addition we have also fixed various bugs - Full Update Notes

Please Note: This feature update should download automatically when you launch the Steam client. To confirm whether or not the download was successful, check the version number displayed in the bottom left corner of the main menu screen when launching Crusader 2. If the number displayed is not v1.0.21103 please restart Steam until the update downloads.

Our next big update for Stronghold Crusader 2, the Invasions Update will release next week on Wednesday 22nd April. Adding AI invasions to Sandbox mode, Easy Mode and Faction selection for Skirmish Trail missions, as well as two Sandbox maps and four skirmish maps, the Invasions Update has plenty to offer:

• Invasions (Sandbox Mode) – Designed to beef up the free-building Sandbox mode, invasions allow players to find out just how impregnable their mighty castles are by launching increasingly powerful attacks against them.
  
  
• Easy Mode (Skirmish Trails) – A popular request among those new to the series, this update will introduce an easier difficulty setting for the game’s punishing Skirmish Trail missions.
  
  
• Faction Selection (Skirmish Trails) – Another oft-requested feature, players will soon be able to select between Crusader and Arabic factions in Skirmish Trail missions.
  
  
• New Sandbox Maps – Two peaceful new lands on which to build your dream castle, before pummeling it into the sand with wave after wave of AI sieges.
  
  
• New Skirmish Maps - Four new battlegrounds for you to mark with the blood of your enemies, online or offline.

The Angel of Death hovers over your castle! The Emperor & The Hermit DLC will introduce two new AI opponents and an all-new Crusader Trail campaign. Spiritual successors to The Emperor and The Abbot from Stronghold Crusader HD, The Emperor and The Hermit are driven entirely by religious fervour. Backed by zealots who follow their cause without question, be it just or corrupt, these new characters represent a dangerous new threat to both sides of the Crusader conflict.

The next expansion for Stronghold Crusader 2, this new DLC adds seven missions, two AI opponents, achievements, additional player shields and new castle designs unique to The Emperor and The Hermit. The Emperor & The Hermit will be released on May 6th for £3.99/$5.99/€4.99.

Please look forward to more information on the characters, maps and new features found in the DLC and our free 'Invasions Update' in the next few weeks. We will be revealing one map per day, in addition to video features and more!

Our next big update for Stronghold Crusader 2, the Invasions Update will release next week on Wednesday 22nd April. Adding AI invasions to Sandbox mode, Easy Mode and Faction selection for Skirmish Trail missions, as well as two Sandbox maps and four skirmish maps, the Invasions Update has plenty to offer:

• Invasions (Sandbox Mode) – Designed to beef up the free-building Sandbox mode, invasions allow players to find out just how impregnable their mighty castles are by launching increasingly powerful attacks against them.
  
  
• Easy Mode (Skirmish Trails) – A popular request among those new to the series, this update will introduce an easier difficulty setting for the game’s punishing Skirmish Trail missions.
  
  
• Faction Selection (Skirmish Trails) – Another oft-requested feature, players will soon be able to select between Crusader and Arabic factions in Skirmish Trail missions.
  
  
• New Sandbox Maps – Two peaceful new lands on which to build your dream castle, before pummeling it into the sand with wave after wave of AI sieges.
  
  
• New Skirmish Maps - Four new battlegrounds for you to mark with the blood of your enemies, online or offline.

The Angel of Death hovers over your castle! The Emperor & The Hermit DLC will introduce two new AI opponents and an all-new Crusader Trail campaign. Spiritual successors to The Emperor and The Abbot from Stronghold Crusader HD, The Emperor and The Hermit are driven entirely by religious fervour. Backed by zealots who follow their cause without question, be it just or corrupt, these new characters represent a dangerous new threat to both sides of the Crusader conflict.

The next expansion for Stronghold Crusader 2, this new DLC adds seven missions, two AI opponents, achievements, additional player shields and new castle designs unique to The Emperor and The Hermit. The Emperor & The Hermit will be released on May 6th for £3.99/$5.99/€4.99.

Please look forward to more information on the characters, maps and new features found in the DLC and our free 'Invasions Update' in the next few weeks. We will be revealing one map per day, in addition to video features and more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UwjGRE7Gf0

http://store.steampowered.com/app/348990

Blow the horn, bang the drum, The Pig is coming to town! The Princess & The Pig DLC resurrects one of four central antagonists from the original Stronghold (2001) in a brand new Crusader Trail, while also introducing a completely new character in the form of the noble Princess. The first piece of downloadable content available for Stronghold Crusader 2, The Princess & The Pig adds seven new missions, two AI opponents, 10 achievements and new castle designs unique to the two extra characters. It is now available for £3.99/$5.99/€4.99, with an additional 33% off for the next seven days!

New Missions

The Princess and The Pig have embarked for the holy lands bringing swords, spears and maces in a journey destined to disrupt the balance of power. Players must fight their way through a new skirmish trail with seven deadly scenarios to tackle, including three new maps. Old faces such as The Wolf, Richard the Lionheart and Saladin also make a return, smarter and more strategic than before. While these new rivals sometimes aid the player in battle, they won’t hold back when it comes to the gruesomely difficult finale.

New Characters

The Pig

Starved by an abusive father as an infant, it wasn't long before The Pig ran away from home and joined up with a group of bandits in the English backcountry. After proving himself in a series of early raids The Pig quickly rose to lead this band of brigands, claiming the finest spoils from each skirmish as his own. He soon took to overeating, becoming morbidly overweight and using this newfound size to intimidate his enemies. Despite this chequered past The Wolf eventually managed to secure The Pig a Dukedom, after which he became The Wolf's personal enforcer on the battlefield. Although the two often work as a team, The Pig fears The Wolf just as much as he did his own father.

The Princess

While The Pig was effectively raised by bandits, raiding nobles in the English countryside, The Princess is a very different character born into privilege. Her position in the royal court has meant she spent her entire life with nothing to prove. Fortunately for her growing up in high society has left The Princess with a powerful sense of self-reliance and confidence, sorely lacking in certain other Lords and Ladies. After solidifying her place and influence in the royal court, The Princess is now determined to prove her worth as a commander on the battlefield. This drive makes her every bit as fearless and proud a military leader as any male heir to the throne.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UwjGRE7Gf0

http://store.steampowered.com/app/348990

Blow the horn, bang the drum, The Pig is coming to town! The Princess & The Pig DLC resurrects one of four central antagonists from the original Stronghold (2001) in a brand new Crusader Trail, while also introducing a completely new character in the form of the noble Princess. The first piece of downloadable content available for Stronghold Crusader 2, The Princess & The Pig adds seven new missions, two AI opponents, 10 achievements and new castle designs unique to the two extra characters. It is now available for £3.99/$5.99/€4.99, with an additional 33% off for the next seven days!

New Missions

The Princess and The Pig have embarked for the holy lands bringing swords, spears and maces in a journey destined to disrupt the balance of power. Players must fight their way through a new skirmish trail with seven deadly scenarios to tackle, including three new maps. Old faces such as The Wolf, Richard the Lionheart and Saladin also make a return, smarter and more strategic than before. While these new rivals sometimes aid the player in battle, they won’t hold back when it comes to the gruesomely difficult finale.

New Characters

The Pig

Starved by an abusive father as an infant, it wasn't long before The Pig ran away from home and joined up with a group of bandits in the English backcountry. After proving himself in a series of early raids The Pig quickly rose to lead this band of brigands, claiming the finest spoils from each skirmish as his own. He soon took to overeating, becoming morbidly overweight and using this newfound size to intimidate his enemies. Despite this chequered past The Wolf eventually managed to secure The Pig a Dukedom, after which he became The Wolf's personal enforcer on the battlefield. Although the two often work as a team, The Pig fears The Wolf just as much as he did his own father.

The Princess

While The Pig was effectively raised by bandits, raiding nobles in the English countryside, The Princess is a very different character born into privilege. Her position in the royal court has meant she spent her entire life with nothing to prove. Fortunately for her growing up in high society has left The Princess with a powerful sense of self-reliance and confidence, sorely lacking in certain other Lords and Ladies. After solidifying her place and influence in the royal court, The Princess is now determined to prove her worth as a commander on the battlefield. This drive makes her every bit as fearless and proud a military leader as any male heir to the throne.