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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
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.
Prepare ranged fire, protected access and emergency defenses before summoning the next invasion. Practical checks for the current Demo are included.
Buildings & goods wikiFind what each building produces, what its output is used for and which links keep industry running. Practical checks for the current Demo are included.
Official game page
- Steam · Stronghold 4
- Firefly Studios · Stronghold 4 gameplay overview
- Firefly Studios · Official community & social links
- Stronghold 4 Wiki · independent topic comparison
Demo · 18 October 2026. Unlocks depend on the map and rank; this is not a full-campaign walkthrough.