Stronghold Crusader has a built-in multiplayer mode besides the single player modes.
It allows 2 to 8 players to play, supporting the additional use of computer lords and many more options to tweak gameplay.
Connection[]
Stronghold Crusader has a number of built-in options to connect to a lobby. Due to the supported technology being outdated, it is advised to set up a lobby with one of the following third-party applications:
- GameRanger: a lightweight client with managed lobbies and a public server browser. Multiplayer can be started from a GameRanger lobby, which automatically starts Crusader for all the players. Registration is required.
- Hamachi: a LogMeIn utility program that is used to connect computers through a tunneling network. All players must be connected in Hamachi and everyone (except for the host) must enter the host's IP address in order to find a game in the lobby, with the TCP/IP Internet option selected.
Skirmish lobby[]
The Skirmish user screen closely resembles the custom mode of the single player. It has several new options tuned specifically to online play. Below the differences are shown between the two modes:
- A new game can only be started or loaded by the host, when every player indicates that they are ready. For this purpose, a silver crest in the bottom must be clicked on, turning a red cross into a green tick. The ready status can be revoked at any time. The current status of every player is shown in the players list. Computer lords appear with a Crusader/Saracen crest instead, as they do not need to ready.
- The maps list can only be scrolled by the host.
- Online games can be saved periodically or manually. These games can be loaded later by clicking the crest with a green key, when everyone is ready.
- In the bottom right of the gold balance panel, there is a small question mark, which reveals further options:
- Strong Walls: walls cannot be demolished by units, only siege engines. The game shows a notification when a unit attempts to attack walls this way.
- No Carcasses: cows may not be launched from catapults and trebuchets.
- No Dogs: war hound cages cannot be built.
- No Rush (aka Peace Time, 'pt' in short): players cannot recruit troops until a given time limit has passed. They can build an economy and manufacture/buy weapons, however. 5 min intervals or turn off.
- Game Speed: defines the default game speed. 40 is optimal, can be set between 20-90.
- Save Game: Crusader periodically creates an autosave file. 5 min intervals or turn off.
- When the host chooses a map that is not present at a player, Stronghold Crusader automatically (albeit slowly) transfers it to them.
In-game[]
Players can interact with each other in three ways:
- The alliance screen: it works exactly the same as in the single player. Players can request and send goods, request help or utilize an attack on a target. Notifications appear on the ally's screen, but it entirely depends on him whether the command/request will be fulfilled or not.
- Chat panel: pressing Enter brings up a panel. Here a short message can be typed and sent globally or to specific players by highlighting their name above the input area. Escape quits the chat panel.
- Taunts: pressing F1-F10 or Ctrl+(F1-F10) plays a taunt. They are also available from the general chat interface marked with numbers 1-20. AI lords will not taunt back like they do in single player skirmish games. Use with maturity.
Killing a player will result in his castle crumbling and all of their units dying. Deceased players can still watch the remaining match and chat.
When a player leaves, he is immediately treated as killed. If the host leaves, the host's role will be transferred to another player. Rejoining a game already in progress is not possible.
| Stronghold Crusader / Stronghold Crusader Extreme Game Modes | |
|---|---|
| Single Player | Skirmish Trail • Historical Campaigns • Custom Skirmish • Castle Builder |
| Multiplayer | Skirmish |