Ultimate Guide to Combat Units in Stronghold Crusader: Completing Solutions

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Every real-time strategy (RTS) game has its unique twists, and Stronghold Crusader stands out in notable ways. If you’re more accustomed to fantasy games or the structured historical gameplay of titles like Age of Empires, the combat mechanics in Stronghold might feel challenging at first. Here, weapons and armor are crucial, with well-armed units capable of slicing through swathes of untrained peasants with relative ease.

The game also features a concise yet intricate array of siege weaponry and emphasizes defensive strategies, which means that typical tactics from other RTS games might not apply. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you secure victories.

Combat Fundamentals

At its core, Stronghold operates like many RTS games: different units excel in various combat styles. Some are better at melee, others at ranged attacks, and more have specialized roles. Initially, the best way to gauge a unit’s potential is by examining its gear.

Units with no armor have the least health, leather armor offers medium health, while metal armor can withstand numerous hits. However, heavier armor typically slows down units.
Ranged units are effective for attacking from behind walls but often lack precision, so it’s advisable to utilize massed volleys for better results.
Siege weapons can be invaluable for breaching enemy defenses or battling armored foes, but they become vulnerable if infantry get too close.

During battles, you have the flexibility to micromanage as much or as little as you wish. Certain units, like Horse Archers, function better with additional direction, while traps like Pitch Ditches require manual activation, so a degree of involvement in battles is necessary.

Military Recruitment

To create any military unit, you need an idle peasant, who will immediately transform into the desired unit and move to the designated rally point. If there are no idling peasants available, you won’t be able to recruit new troops, meaning you might need to construct more Hovels or boost your Popularity.

Engaging in Sieges

Outside of specific campaign missions, your primary objective in Stronghold is to infiltrate enemy castles and defeat their Lord. You must build your army and economy with an eye toward breaching opponents’ walls while ensuring they can’t do the same to you. You’ll require a mix of melee, ranged, and siege units for both offensive and defensive maneuvers. Have a clear strategy for attacking your enemy’s stronghold and another for safeguarding your own!

European Units Overview

The Crusader army is primarily recruited from the Barracks. Before hiring soldiers, you need to ensure equipment is either produced or purchased and stored in the Armory.

Unit	Equipment	Gold Cost	Role	Tips
Archer	Bow	12	Basic ranged unit	Best for defending walls; weak on their own.
Crossbowman	Crossbow, Leather Armor	20	Versatile ranged unit	Slower fire rate but with higher damage.
Maceman	Mace, Leather Armor	20	Assault infantry	Quick and effective in flanking.
Pikeman	Pike, Metal Armor	20	Defensive infantry	Slow but durable; good for holding the line.
Spearman	Spear	8	Basic melee unit	Weak, but excellent in groups.
Swordsman	Sword, Metal Armor	40	Heavy infantry	Strong in one-on-one combat.
Knight	Sword, Metal Armor, Horse	40	Heavy cavalry	Fast and lethal due to horseback mobility.

Arabian Units Overview

The defenders in the Holy Land recruit from Mercenary Posts, and they provide their own gear, meaning you won’t have to craft equipment for them. However, producing weapons and armor is still beneficial for selling at the market to help fund your forces.

In skirmish mode, it’s possible to maintain both a Barracks and a Mercenary Post, allowing you to recruit units from both factions.

Unit	Gold Cost	Role	Tips
Arabian Bowman	75	Ranged unit	A balance between Archers and Crossbows.
Arabian Swordsman	80	Heavy infantry	Slightly faster but less health compared to European Swordsmen.
Assassin	60	Infiltration	Invisible until close; focus on opening gates.
Fire Thrower	100	Building destruction	Slow but devastating once they start a fire.
Horse Archer	80	Mobile ranged unit	Can shoot while on the move; keep them agile in battle.
Slave	5	Expendable fire starter	Use in numbers to ignite multiple targets.
Slinger	12	Cheap ranged unit	Very weak but useful in larger groups for sustained fire.

Siege Units Overview

Siege engines require Engineers, who are recruited from the Engineers’ Guild.

Unit	Gold Cost	Role
Ladderman	4	Sets up ladders for infantry.
Tunnelers	30	Digs under enemy walls.
Ballista	50	Long-range siege weapon.
Battering Ram	150	Major damage dealer to structures.
Catapult	150	Slow to fire but very damaging.
Fire Ballista	150	Mobile version of the Ballista.
Mangonel	50	Area of effect siege weapon.
Mantlet	5	Shields nearby units from ranged attacks.
Siege Tower	150	Provides instant access to walls.
Trebuchet	150	Immobile but offers extreme long-range damage.