Stronghold: Warlords will allow players to control AI commanders across the battlefield.

From the 3rd century BC China through to the coming of the Mongol Empire in 1200 AD, Stronghold: Warlords allows players to relive famous historical battles and sieges against great khans, imperial warlords, and shogun commanders.

Stronghold: Warlords is Firefly’s first Stronghold to recreate the castle economies of the Far East. Stronghold: Warlords lets you take command of Mongol hordes, imperial warriors, tribal fighters and samurai clansmen as you lay siege to Japanese castles and fortified Chinese cities. Besiege historical rulers using new gunpowder-fuelled siege weapons, classic units and a completely new way to play Stronghold.

Taken direct from their PAX West 2019 playable demo, this new trailer hints at the power and depth of the new ‘Warlords’ system while also showing off all new gunpowder-fueled siege equipment and castle traps.

Protecting your stronghold has never been more important with attacks possible on multiple fronts from enemy characters and Warlords. Players will need to utilize new gunpowder-based siege weapons, units and castle defenses to hold off their advances, as AI characters recruit and lay siege to players supported by their own set of powerful Warlords. The rocket tower, gunpowder trap, fire lancer, fire oxen and more will be invaluable tools the next time you find yourself under siege and backed into a corner. Just remember Warlords can always be swayed to your side. Build up enough Diplomacy points, form the right alliances and you may conquer the battlefield without raising a single sword of your own.

“Warlords has come a long way since our E3 reveal” said Nick Tannahill, Marketing Director at Firefly Studios. “We’ve been paying close attention to fan feedback and made a range of graphical improvements, in addition to adding new units and siege weapons. We’ve also upgraded the look and feel of the Warlords system, which is fully playable at PAX West”.

For the first time ever Stronghold: Warlords allows you to recruit, upgrade and command AI warlords across the battlefield with their own unique perks and characteristics. Each warlord under your command boosts your control of the battlefield allowing you to fortify borders, forge weapons 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. By unlocking more powerful castles, armies and abilities each Warlord has the potential to disrupt the flow of battle and turn the tide in your favor.

Stronghold: Warlords is scheduled for release on PC in 2020.