The Series So Far
Last checked: 2026-10-28
Stronghold 1–3 recapped: what each game was, how it was received, and whether you need them before Stronghold 4.
Stronghold Games in Order & Where Stronghold 4 FitsThree mainline titles (2001, 2005, 2011), a web of spin-offs, and a 2026 prequel: the full roadmap.Stronghold (2001): The Original Castle SimThe 2D isometric original that defined the castle-sim genre — and the game Stronghold 4 is a prequel to.Stronghold 2 (2005): The Bumpy 3D LeapThe series' first 3D entry — ambitious, buggy at launch, stabilized six months later as Stronghold 2 Deluxe.Stronghold 3 (2011): New Owners, New EngineThe third mainline title, released under a new parent company and a new engine — 15 years before Stronghold 4.