Stronghold Crusader Definitive Edition New AI Lords
Written by Andrew Hammel
Stronghold Crusader Definitive Edition adds four new AI lords to skirmish, campaign, and co-op missions. Each has a custom personality, unique voice acting, and distinct combat style. They also make use of the new Bedouin units, adding fresh strategies that weren’t possible in the original.
This guide breaks down all four new AI lords and how they behave in-game.
The Nomad (Bottom left in the image above)
The Nomad is a fast-paced early game AI who favors harassment over defense. He relies heavily on Skirmishers and Camel Lancers, producing large numbers of cheap, fast troops. His castle is lightly built and poorly defended, making him vulnerable if you survive the opening push.
He’s aggressive in the first few minutes and will constantly raid your resource lines with mobile units. However, his lack of mid-to-late game scaling means he's easy to overwhelm once you’ve stabilized.
Voice lines give him a charming but scrappy tone. He’s the least threatening long-term but the most disruptive early on.
The Kahin (Bottom right)
The Kahin is a well-rounded Bedouin lady who uses Unics and Heavy Camels as her core force. She balances ranged and melee power, and her attacks are stronger than they look.
She develops her economy faster than The Nomad and builds a more fortified base. Her army composition is slower, but it hits hard and has more sustain. She poses a bigger threat if left alone.
The Kahin’s tone is cold and direct, matching her steady but forceful playstyle. She often punishes passive players but can be broken down with siege if you pressure early.
The Jewel (Top left)
The Jewel is presented as a bold and aggressive noble who prefers Swordsmen and Knights.
She builds strong early castles and pushes consistently, but without proper cavalry, her damage potential is limited. Her behavior is similar to The Lionheart but slightly toned down.
Her personality is one of confidence and flair.
The Sentinel (Top right)
The Sentinel is a slow starter with the strongest late-game army out of all four. He prefers Crossbowmen, Macemen, and Demolishers. His economy takes longer to build, but once he’s fully fortified, his attacks are relentless.
He’s difficult to crack with standard rush tactics, and if allowed to grow, will launch large waves that can wipe out unprepared opponents. His castles are large and layered with traps.
He speaks with little emotion, almost robotic, fitting his role as a cold and methodical opponent. He’s also a nod to the original game's menu character.
Final Blurb
Each of the new AI lords in Stronghold Crusader Definitive Edition truly brings new tactics and pacing to skirmish battles. Regardless of if it’s The Nomad’s opening rush or The Sentinel’s crushing late-game, they expand the roster with fresh personalities and mechanics. For those of you looking to test their skill, these new opponents offer a fun mix of pressure, balance, and endurance.
FAQ
How many new AI lords are in Stronghold Crusader Definitive Edition?
There are four: The Nomad, The Kahin, The Jewel, and The Sentinel.
Can you use the new AI in skirmish mode?
Yes, all four are available in skirmish mode and co-op missions.
Do the new AI use Bedouin units?
Yes, each one uses different Bedouin units based on their strategy.
Is The Jewel bugged?
In the current build, she does not use Knights as intended. A fix is expected in a future patch.
Which new AI is the strongest?
The Sentinel has the most dangerous late-game army, but The Kahin is the most balanced overall.
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