Stronghold Crusader troops guide: equipment and mercenaries
Compare European recruitment requirements and the roles of Arabian mercenaries.
Edition covered
The original 2002 Crusader economy and combat, also present in HD. Pictures are publisher HD scenes; the cover also advertises the bundled Extreme edition. Extreme tactical powers, Crusader II and later Definitive Edition changes are outside these guides.
Choose the recruitment supply chain
European troops come from the barracks and need the appropriate armory equipment. Arabian mercenaries come from the mercenary post and use gold without requiring your workshops to make their weapons.
| Troop | Equipment | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Archer | Bow | Basic ranged defense |
| Spearman | Spear | Cheap melee and utility |
| Maceman | Mace and leather armor | Fast aggressive melee |
| Crossbowman | Crossbow and leather armor | Strong ranged damage |
| Swordsman | Sword and metal armor | Durable slow melee |
| Knight | Sword, metal armor and horse | Heavy mounted combat |
Protect ranged troops
Archers and crossbowmen benefit from a defensive line or elevated position. Keep close-combat protection nearby rather than letting an enemy rush directly into them.
| Unit | Useful job | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Arabian Archer | Ranged support | Needs protection |
| Horse Archer | Mobile pressure | Costly to replace carelessly |
| Slinger | Cheap ranged support | Weak against strong protection |
| Assassin | Wall infiltration | Must survive the approach |
| Fire Thrower | Short-range fire defense | Position carefully |
Use mobility for a specific job
Horse archers provide moving ranged pressure. Mobile troops can also raid exposed production or disrupt siege engines, but chasing across defended ground wastes replacements.
Plan beyond the first breach
Opening a wall only helps if troops can survive the approach to the lord. Keep ranged support and reinforcements near enough to exploit the opening.
Opening a wall only helps if troops can survive the approach to the lord. Keep ranged support and reinforcements near enough to exploit the opening.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Stronghold Crusader publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Crusader HD manual | store.steampowered.com |
| Firefly Studios game page | fireflyworlds.com |