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-fueled siege weapons, classic units and a completely new way to play Stronghold.

Living up to the series’ legacy as a ‘castle sim’, today’s reveal has everything from caged tigers to gunpowder traps and frontline barricades.

To defend against the 16 unique troop types and 10 siege weapons in Stronghold: Warlords, players will be able to customize their walls with traps and bolster outer defenses. From classic Stronghold staples to new gunpowder-fueled defensive traps unique to this new entry in the series, Stronghold: Warlords will give players plenty of options for dealing with an approaching siege force.

New defensive options range from proximity traps to those players must trigger manually. So while a tiger will break free from its cage and attack approaching troops (and your own if you’re not careful!) gunpowder trails must be set off by arrow fire or other incendiary triggers. Used in tandem, players can decide how and when their web of traps will  most effectively disrupt enemy siege attacks.

Wooden defenses will also be included in initial campaign missions and early skirmish mode play, giving players cheaper options for erecting a quick defense early on. These include Arrow Towers, castle wall Hoardings and wooden Barricades, all of which serve as excellent secondary defenses for those inclined to turtle during a mission or multiplayer match.

However they decide to customize their castle, players will be able to do so with even more defenses and traps available at launch.

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 for PC (Steam) on September 29, 2020.