Lately, it seems historical games are embracing some truly unexpected twists! Who would’ve thought that classic real-time strategy titles, once celebrated for their historical accuracy, would start incorporating fantastical elements? First, we heard whispers of a medieval RTS featuring dinosaurs, and now, Stronghold Crusader is launching an incredible crossover event with a host of iconic indie games. While the developers at Firefly Studios hinted this could be the largest indie crossover yet (a claim we might dispute!), it’s undeniably an ambitious release, arriving alongside a substantial free update and exciting new paid DLC.
Let’s delve into the free update first. Every player of Stronghold Crusader will gain access to a brand-new CPU Lord known as ‘the Crocodile’ (don’t worry, it’s not an actual reptile!). This update also brings a collection of new maps for Skirmish, Freebuild, and multiplayer modes, offering fresh challenges and new ways to play. For those looking for even more content, The Canary and The Trader DLC, priced at $4.99 / £3.99, introduces a compelling nine-mission skirmish trail called ‘Sands of Time,’ complete with target completion times, leaderboards, and all the competitive fun you could ask for.
But let’s be honest, you’re probably most excited about the crossover, right? Stronghold Crusader’s special Autumn event introduces a highly customizable coat of arms system. This feature gives players complete freedom to design their own unique insignias, allowing you to proudly display your chosen banners on the battlefield and strike fear into the hearts of your enemies.
As part of this event, Firefly Studios has integrated iconography from 13 popular indie games directly into the crest customization. Fans will be thrilled to represent titles such as Cult of the Lamb, Going Medieval, Inscryption, Katana Zero, Neva, Northgard, Reigns, Kingdom Two Crowns, Enter the Gungeon, The Talos Principle, Thronefall, Inkulinati, and Songs of Syx. While the developers initially suggested this might be the “biggest indie PC crossover ever,” we believe there’s a different game that holds that crown.
Indeed, when it comes to sheer volume of cameos, Jimbo from Balatro has the last laugh. The iconic clown, who is both a symbol of Balatro and sometimes an alter-ego for its creator ‘LocalThunk’, is a constant reminder of another colossal crossover. Balatro’s card designs boast custom artwork from an astonishing array of games, including The Witcher, Cyberpunk 2077, Dave the Diver, Cult of the Lamb, Among Us, 1000xResist, Vampire Survivors, The Binding of Isaac, Slay the Spire, Stardew Valley, Divinity, Don’t Starve, Enter the Gungeon, Potion Craft, Shovel Knight, Warframe, Vox Machina, Bugsnax, Civilization, Rust, Assassin’s Creed, Slay the Princess, Dead by Daylight, and Fallout. That’s a truly extensive list!
While not every game on Balatro’s list is strictly an “indie” title (Fallout, Assassin’s Creed, and Dave the Diver, for example, certainly aren’t, despite what some might claim), it represents an almost exhaustive compilation of some of the finest games available. In fact, presenting this diverse collection of titles to someone new to gaming would make for an excellent introduction to the vast world of digital entertainment.
This isn’t to diminish Stronghold Crusader’s impressive efforts. However, if you’re promoting an update as “the largest indie PC crossover ever,” it’s crucial to verify your claims. Even with caveats about possibilities and potentials, the statement isn’t accurate. Nevertheless, don’t think for a second that I won’t be logging in immediately after writing this to design an Inscryption-themed coat of arms!
Stronghold Crusader’s autumn update, complete with its ambitious indie crossover, presents a fantastic opportunity to dive back into the game. I might sound a bit nitpicky, but this classic RTS truly deserves your attention. And just be thankful you don’t have to put up with my constant gaming trivia in person!
Stronghold Crusader’s autumn update and The Canary and The Trader DLC are both available now.
If this news has ignited your thirst for battle, explore some of the best war games or delve into our top strategy game recommendations. These lists are sure to satisfy your tactical cravings.
What do you believe is the biggest indie crossover of all time? Share your thoughts in our community Discord server, where staff and fellow readers debate the latest gaming news. Just a heads-up: mentioning “Call of Duty x Nicki Minaj” will result in an immediate ban. You’ve been warned!