The game retains the classic loop of gathering resources, building massive fortifications, and managing a delicate peasant economy through taxes and popularity.

: Firefly Studios has released numerous updates, including a v1.10 update that added a 10-mission "Castle Trail" featuring historical castles like Warwick and Marksburg. Stronghold: Warlords on Steam

: This is the titular innovation. Players can recruit and command AI-controlled "Warlords" across the map. Once subjugated through force or diplomacy, these lords provide unique perks, such as shipping resources, forging weapons, or launching pincer attacks.