Firefly Studios has announced real-time strategy / city builder sequel Stronghold 4 for PC (Steam). It will launch in 2026. A demo will launch on June 23.
“Back in 2001, we were up against [Grand Theft Auto III] and yet I’m told we somehow still managed to sell more PC copies in Germany,” said Firefly Studios studio head Nick Tannahill in a press release. “Now with [Grand Theft Auto VI] and Stronghold 4 both coming out in 2026, it’s almost like the rematch of the century!”
About
Stronghold 4 is the long-awaited next entry in the award-winning real-time strategy / city builder Stronghold series. Step into the peasant shoes of Penryn and experience a gripping prequel narrative set in the series’ roots of medieval England. Feel the impact of a living medieval world on your castle economy and siegecraft, as you battle against hostile outlaws, rival lords and the very elements themselves.
Set well before the events of the original Stronghold and headlined by Ben Starr and Samantha Beart, follow the tale of Penryn as his simple shepherd’s life is upended and he is forced on a journey full of death and daring!
The Early Access launch will feature a 22-mission story campaign, full Skirmish Trail, Free Build and Custom Skirmish with 8 CPU opponents. Online multiplayer, an economic campaign and a co-op trail are coming later on.
This latest title sees the Stronghold series take the technical leap to Unreal Engine 5, expanding the possibilities for the simulation of castle life, realism and atmosphere to unprecedented levels. Reclaiming the series’ roots of medieval England, the game has been designed so players will feel the impact of a living medieval world on their castle economy and siegecraft, as they battle against hostile outlaws, rival lords and the very elements themselves.
Immerse yourself in the cutting-edge visuals and gritty reality of medieval life, from snow hindering crop growth and heavy rain reducing archery range, to deadly castle traps and constructions. Destruction and danger may come from within or without, so prepare and adapt as best as possible!
Seek out Penryn destiny alongside a cast of new and returning characters, as you manifest this humble peasant’s potential and lead his forces in search of glory and knighthood. Starring inspired performances by Ben Starr, Samantha Beart, Walles Hamonde, and Harry McEntire.
Combining classic real-time strategy and city-building gameplay with crisp visuals and contemporary quality of life additions, Stronghold 4 aims to capture the spirit of classic strategy games together with the modern features and options that players expect.
This includes enhanced medieval war mechanics, elaborate economic management, new in-game events, influential weather shifts and more. All this playing out across larger-than-ever maps, with the bloody sieges and grand warfare of Stronghold feeling more epic than ever before!
Your Stronghold awaits…
Watch the announcement trailer below. View the first screenshots at the gallery.