List of Cheat Codes for Stronghold Crusader 2

It took Firefly Studios over a decade to release a sequel to Stronghold: Crusader. Yes, Stronghold Crusader 2, which launched in 2014, arrived 12 years after the original game debuted in 2002.

That doesn’t mean Firefly Studios was inactive during that time. Since the release of Stronghold in 2001, they developed several other titles, including Stronghold 2 (2005), Stronghold Legends (2006), Stronghold Crusader Extreme (2008), Stronghold 3 (2011), and a re-release of Stronghold in 2012.

After years of anticipation, Firefly finally revamped the Crusader series, and the result was impressive. One of the most noticeable upgrades is the graphics, with a much more refined interface and smoother animations.

This leap in visual quality was made possible by switching to a 3D game engine, compared to the 2D engine used in the original. While the storyline remains largely similar, the game still offers a fresh take.

Some fans feel this sequel is more of a nostalgic remake than a true innovation. Still, Stronghold Crusader 2 received fairly positive feedback, PC Gamer, for instance, gave it a score of 64 out of 100.

If you’re into real-time strategy games, this Windows-exclusive title is worth checking out. And if you ever find yourself stuck, don’t worry! We've got you covered with a list of useful cheat codes. Plus, we’ll share some background and gameplay details to help you get started. So, keep reading!

Background of Stronghold Crusader 2

The game is set in the 11th century, during a time when two powerful factions fought over control of the Holy City. Driven by faith, both sides believed it was their divine duty to protect this sacred place.

In the game, you can choose to lead either the Arab Warriors or the Crusaders. Your mission begins with building your kingdom from the ground up, constructing military camps, castles, and other structures essential for your survival.

Success in this game depends not just on military strength but also on how well you manage your kingdom’s economy. You'll need to strike a balance between resources and warfare to conquer your enemies and claim the Holy City.

Gameplay and Features

The storyline in Stronghold Crusader 2 closely mirrors the original, and many of the core features return. However, Firefly Studios added some fresh content, including new mercenary units.

You’ll start the game with a brief tutorial and two small-scale battles to ease you in. After that, you’ll receive 1,000 coins to begin building your economy, constructing your castle, and preparing for war.

A key element in this game is resource management. While gold and other supplies are important, wood is especially crucial. You can make strategic choices, such as reducing food rations or lowering taxes, as long as your people stay happy and loyal.

You can train troops in your own castle or hire mercenaries using gold. The game also features a map editor, allowing you to create custom battlegrounds for both single-player skirmishes and multiplayer matches.

In skirmish mode, you’ll face off against AI opponents in short battles. Multiplayer mode supports up to eight players, and the participants can be human, AI, or a mix of both.

Interestingly, multiplayer mode allows two players to manage the same castle. This opens up opportunities for teamwork, where each player can focus on different tasks based on their strengths.

Cheat Codes for Stronghold Crusader 2

Like many games, Stronghold Crusader 2 has a few built-in tricks that can make your experience a bit easier. While it doesn’t offer as many cheat options as its predecessor, there are still some handy codes worth knowing.

Carisinyal has listed them here in case you ever need a boost during gameplay. Let's ake a look! You might find something useful!

Cheat to Be Recognised as The Wolf

In Stronghold Crusader 2, you can't actually play as The Wolf. He only appears as an AI-controlled character. Still, fans of the Stronghold series will recognize him as a formidable enemy known for his powerful military tactics and solid defensive fortresses.

While you can’t control him directly, you can take on his persona to intimidate your opponents, especially when facing AI enemies. Here’s how to disguise yourself as The Wolf:

1. On the main menu, press the Options button
2. Click the Graph icon
3. Type "The Wolf" or "Wolf" (without quotation marks) as your character name
4. Wait until the narrator says: “Greetings, the wolf is not dead yet, I see, sire.”

Cheat to Be Recognised as Darth Vader

If you're a fan of Star Wars, you’ll be familiar with Darth Vader. Interestingly, Stronghold Crusader 2 includes a little Easter egg that lets you be recognised as Darth Vader by the in-game narrator, just like with The Wolf.

1. Go to the Options menu on the main screen
2. Click the Graph icon
3. Enter "Vader" or "Lord Vader" (again, without quotation marks) as your character name
4. You’ll hear the narrator say: “Obi-Wan has trained you well, but you're not a Jedi yet!”

How to Blockade a Castle

Blockading an enemy castle is a smart way to trap them and cut off their access to outside resources. Here’s how to do it effectively:

First, make sure the enemy has sealed all entry points to their castle with defensive walls. Once the perimeter is fully enclosed, place your Gatehouse directly next to the enemy’s Gatehouse.

Then, immediately build two Oxen Tethers in front of your Gatehouse. These will physically block units from moving in or out. Next, disable the Oxen Tethers’ industrial activity to stop them from functioning.

By doing this, any enemy structures or resource operations outside their walls will be rendered useless, as workers won’t be able to pass through the blockade.

Those are some of the cheat codes and tricks you can try in Stronghold Crusader 2. If you’ve discovered any other hidden features or tips, feel free to share them in the comments!