Stronghold: 2nd edition

About this board game

Stronghold: 2nd edition is a two-player siege game with a 90-minute play time, released in 2015. One player defends a stronghold while the other commands an attacking force trying to break into the castle before seven rounds have ended.

The board shows the stronghold and the surrounding terrain, where the invader’s forces are placed and advance toward the walls. The defender has only a small number of soldiers to man the defenses, while the invader commands an infinite legion of attacking creatures.

Every turn brings a desperate struggle. The invader can build war machines, equip soldiers, train troops, and use black magic rituals in the effort to achieve victory. The defender repairs walls, builds cannons, trains soldiers, and takes every available measure to hold the castle for as long as possible.

If the invader breaks into the castle before the end of the seventh round, the invader wins. If the stronghold survives all seven rounds, victory goes to the defender.

The second edition introduces several changes designed to make the siege shorter and more focused. Attackers are placed on the board during setup, and gameplay is limited to two players, replacing the team rules from the first edition.

• Ten invader objective cards encourage particular approaches to play.
• Ten hidden defender defense plan cards offer different ways to surprise the invader.
• Streamlined rules and an enhanced rulebook support the revised game.
• A larger game board, improved components, and new artwork update the presentation.

With its opposing roles, escalating attacks, and fixed seven-round battle, Stronghold: 2nd edition presents a focused contest between a relentless assault and a desperate castle defense.