Firefly Studios has just released their first major content update for Stronghold: Warlords with the release of version 1.2. Adding player requested features such as a new AI opponent, AI invasions in Free Build mode and a new Free Build map, this free update is now available to all players:

Patch Notes – https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/907650/view/3103518256951063143

Sun Tzu Update – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuvPMZGYt0I

“The introduction of new AI is something we’re excited about and we’re kicking things off with none other than Sun Tzu” said Nick Tannahill, Marketing Director at Firefly Studios. “The master tactician was an easy choice for us post-launch and, coupled with recent improvements to the AI, one we’re excited to put into players’ hands. We really are dedicated to incorporating feedback into each update wherever possible, so hopefully our work so far reflects that.”

In terms of difficulty Sun Tzu is certainly at the higher end of the scale, particularly when combined with the newer Extreme difficulty option and other custom settings in skirmish mode and multiplayer. When going up against Sun Tzu players will need to move fast, secure key warlords across the battlefield and prevent a full scale invasion of their castle in the late game.

Today’s AI focus continues with the much anticipated post-release addition of AI invasions in Free Build mode. Allowing players to launch enemy invasions of different shapes and sizes, as well as the difficulty of these attacks and other parameters, invasions open up Free Build mode to more combat minded players. Not only can players build to their heart’s content in Free Build, but with the addition of AI invasions they can also use this time to prepare for war! By balancing castle cosmetics with tactical considerations, players will be able to crown themselves as the ultimate castle designer with the addition of this beloved Stronghold feature.

Today’s new content update also brings the total number of maps in Warlords to 15 across Skirmish, Multiplayer and Free Build, with a further 300 user-created maps also available via Steam Workshop. In the past few weeks Warlords has gained a brand new map, a rework of an existing large map with increased build space and now a new Free Build map, the first of its type to feature warlords. This increase will continue into the upcoming version 1.3 and beyond, with v1.3 specifically set to include three new maps for use in skirmish mode and multiplayer.

Stronghold: Warlords is now available on Steam and GOG, with a Special Edition including a digital art book, new soundtrack by series composer Robert L. Euvino, ‘Making Of’ documentary and a copy of Stronghold HD.

The latest ‘castle sim’ RTS from Firefly Studios, Stronghold: Warlords allows you to recruit, upgrade and command AI warlords across the battlefield. Each warlord under your command boosts your strategic prowess with their own unique perks, characteristics and upgradeable abilities. Use them to boost your industry, fortify defences or team up for a pincer attack! Each campaign mission, skirmish game and multiplayer battle means a fresh set of warlords to command and new strategic depth. Stronghold: Warlords is Firefly’s first game to recreate the castle economies of the Far East, allowing you to command Mongol hordes, imperial warriors and samurai clansmen as you lay siege to Japanese castles and fortified Chinese cities. Besiege historical warlords using new gunpowder-fuelled siege weapons and a completely new way to play Stronghold. For the latest news on Stronghold: Warlords visit www.strongholdwarlords.com.

Firefly Studios is an independent PC games developer specializing in real-time strategy and MMO titles since 1999. Formed by Simon Bradbury and Eric Ouellette of Caesar and Lords of the Realm fame, the company has brought to market many high profile and commercially successful strategy games. These include the Stronghold series with lifetime sales of seven million and Stronghold Kingdoms, which currently has over eight million registered players. Firefly has offices in the UK and US with around 30 full and part-time staff. For more information visit their website at www.fireflyworlds.com or follow @fireflyworlds on Twitter.