Stronghold 4 · Troops & counters

Match troop roles to the enemy: light targets, armored attackers, siege engines and a mobile reserve. Practical checks for the current Demo are included.

Official game analysis · Updated 18 October 2026

Stronghold 4

Choose by role, not tier

Read each unit card for range, armor target and special role, then combine a front line, ranged coverage and a reserve. Siege equipment solves a different problem from field troops. The entries below follow the demo descriptions; they do not claim a universal best army.

Levy

Levy

Levy are the most basic troops who do not require a weapon to recruit. Eaach Levy carries a torch which they can throw once to set a building alight, but they are otherwise armed only with simple farm tools.

Archer

Archer

Archers fire arrows at high range with a bow. Their quick firing rate makes them effective at countering light units.

Longbowman

Longbowman

Longbowmen are able to fire at an extra high range thanks to their powerful longbow, but have a slower firing rate than Archers.

Crossbowman

Crossbowman

Crossbowmen fire powerful crossbow bolts at medium range, making them an effective counter to heavily armored units.

Man At Arms

Man At Arms

Men at Arms are a light infantry troop with minimal armor, but who can throw powerful spears over short distances.

Maceman

Maceman

Macemen are fast moving shock troops armed with a powerful mace for dealing damage, who are especially effective at surprise raids.

Pikeman

Pikeman

Pikemen are heavily armored troops who are very effective as a defensive unit but move very slowly.

Swordsman

Swordsman

Swordsmen are trained fighters with heavy armor and a sharpened sword, making them excellent all-round warriors.

Knight

Knight

Knights are the ultimate medieval warrior with an unmatched attack strength and incredible resistance to damage. They move very slowly on foot but can summon a horse from a Stables and ride them into battle.

Captain

Captain

Captains are formidable warriors trained to lead their troops into battle, whose Rallying Cry ability boosts the attack damage of all troops around them.

Engineer

Engineer

Engineers are skilled at making siege equipment. They can also dig tunnels and pour oil pots.

Sapper

Sapper

Sappers are demolition specialists. They are not known for their fighting ability but, armed with a heavy axe, they can take down walls faster than regular troops. They are also more effective at filling in moats.

Tower Ballista

Tower Ballista

A powerful siege weapon that fires bolts at great range. Can be placed on the Octagon Tower, Horseshoe Tower and Great Tower.

Catapult

Catapult

Catapults fire stone rocks which are effective at taking out stone and wooden fortifications at range.

Packed Trebuchet

Packed Trebuchet

Trebuchets can fire a variety of ammunitions at great distances, making them useful against strongly fortified castles. They require unpacking before they can attack.

Lord

Lord

Your lord is the most important member of your army. If your lord dies, you lose the game. He is a powerful fighter and useful as a last line of defense.

Official game page

Demo · 18 October 2026. Unlocks depend on the map and rank; this is not a full-campaign walkthrough.