From Press Release:
[London, United Kingdom – June 8th, 2026] Exactly 25 years after the inception of the Stronghold ‘castle sim’ series, the long-awaited next mainline entry, Stronghold 4, charges onto Steam Early Access in 2026 with unique castle simulation gameplay and a new prequel story campaign, all vividly rendered in Unreal Engine 5.
Set well before the events of the original Stronghold and headlined by Ben Starr and Samantha Béart, 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.
“Players will feel the impact of a living medieval world on their castle economy and siegecraft.”
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.
“Back in 2001, we were up against GTA 3 and yet I’m told we somehow still managed to sell more PC copies in Germany,” said Nick Tannahill, Studio Head at Firefly Studios and Stronghold series veteran of 15 years. “Now with GTA 6 and Stronghold 4 both coming out in 2026, it’s almost like the rematch of the century!”
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!
“Stronghold 4 aims to capture the spirit of classic strategy games together with the modern features and options that players expect.”
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 Béart, Walles Hamonde and Harry McEntire.
Combining classic RTS 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!
About Stronghold 4
Stronghold 4 is the long-awaited next entry in the award-winning RTS/City Builder Stronghold series, launching on Steam in 2026. 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. For the latest news please visit www.Stronghold4.com.About Firefly Studios
Creators of the BAFTA nominated Stronghold series, Firefly Studios is a Devolver Digital developer of historical real-time strategy games. With more than 25 years of experience publishing titles on PC and mobile, Firefly’s games are enjoyed worldwide by a community of millions, with a dedicated international following and rich legacy in strategy gaming. Founded in 1999 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 more than 11 million and Stronghold Kingdoms, which currently has ten million registered players. For more information visit their website at www.fireflyworlds.com or follow @fireflyworlds.
