Release date and countdown
Stronghold 4 Release Date: Countdown to Dec 7
When does Stronghold 4 come out? On December 7, 2026, as an Early Access game on Steam for Windows PC. The countdown runs in your own time zone; the unlock hour goes in the day Firefly announces it.
Last updated Game version: Pre-launch (demo and official info, October 2026)
Countdown
Loading the countdown for your time zone…
| What | Date | Unlock time (PC, Steam) |
|---|---|---|
| Early Access launchEveryone, on Steam (PC) | Mon, Dec 7, 2026 | Not announced yet |
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Stronghold 4 release date: the short answer
Stronghold 4 comes out on Monday, December 7, 2026, in Early Access on Steam. That is the date on the Steam store page and in Firefly Studios' announcement of October 8, 2026. It is a PC game for Windows 10 and 11; no console or Mac version has been announced (see Stronghold 4 on PS5, Xbox and Mac).
What time does it unlock?
The hour has not been announced yet. Firefly has only given the date. Steam games usually unlock at the same moment worldwide, so once the hour is official we show it here and the countdown turns into a live clock. Any exact unlock time you see elsewhere before then is a guess.
Early Access now, version 1.0 later
December 7 is not the finished game. Firefly's Early Access answers on Steam say the launch version has the 22-mission prequel campaign, a full Skirmish mode with 8 CPU opponents, Free Build and a Skirmish Trail of hand-made scenarios. Online multiplayer, a co-op Skirmish Trail and an economic campaign follow in 1.0, which Firefly expects after around 6 months. Firefly also writes that it may raise the price during Early Access as content is added. Our Stronghold 4 Early Access tracker sorts every announced feature by when it arrives.
How we got here
- June 7, 2026: Stronghold 4 is revealed at the PC Gaming Show, with a release in 2026 and Early Access first.
- June 23, 2026: The first public demo goes live on Steam, with an economic and a military mission.
- September 4, 2026: Firefly passes 500,000 wishlists and shows the Story Trailer.
- October 8, 2026: The Early Access date is announced: December 7, 2026. A new demo adds Free Build on the largest map yet.
- October 19, 2026: For Steam Next Fest the demo adds Skirmish mode against three CPU lords.
What to do before launch
Play the free demo: our Stronghold 4 demo checklist lists everything in it. Check your PC with the Stronghold 4 system requirements checker (16 GB of RAM is the minimum), and read what is known about the Stronghold 4 price before the store opens. You can also wishlist the game on the Steam store page to get a message when it unlocks.
Questions
When does Stronghold 4 come out?
Stronghold 4 launches into Early Access on December 7, 2026, on Steam for Windows PC. Firefly Studios announced the date on October 8, 2026, and the Steam store page lists the same planned release date.
What time does Stronghold 4 unlock on December 7?
Firefly has not announced the hour yet, only the date. We add the time to this page the day it is announced, and the countdown then switches to hours, minutes and seconds.
Is Stronghold 4 the full game on December 7?
No. December 7 is the Early Access launch. It already has the 22-mission story campaign, Skirmish against up to 8 CPU lords, Free Build and the Skirmish Trail. Online multiplayer, a co-op Skirmish Trail and an economic campaign come with version 1.0.
When does Stronghold 4 leave Early Access?
Firefly expects Early Access to last around 6 months, so version 1.0 would come around mid-2027, but it has not given a date and says this could change.
Was Stronghold 4 delayed?
No. Stronghold 4 was announced on June 7, 2026 for a release in 2026, and the December 7, 2026 date announced on October 8 is within that window.
Can I play Stronghold 4 before December 7?
Yes, a part of it: the free demo on Steam has a tutorial, Free Build with invasions and Skirmish against three CPU lords.
Official sources
- Steam store page: Stronghold 4 (Planned Release Date: Dec 7, 2026)
- Firefly on Steam: Stronghold 4 releases on December 7th 2026 (October 8, 2026)
- Firefly on Steam: Skirmish Mode Demo Update (October 19, 2026)
- Firefly on Steam: The Stronghold 4 Public Demo is now live (June 23, 2026)
Last checked October 28, 2026. Before launch this page follows Firefly's own description and the demo; after launch we add what is confirmed in the game.
Continue reading
Next stepCan't wait until December 7? Play the free demo now.Demo ChecklistEverything in the free demo, from Free Build and invasions to Skirmish against three CPU lords, as a checklist you can tick off.Go there Related pages
BuyingStronghold 4 Price: Cost, Editions, Where to BuyThe price is not announced yet. What Firefly charges for its recent Stronghold games, editions, pre-orders and Early Access pricing.
PlatformsStronghold 4 on PS5, Xbox, Mac and Steam DeckWindows PC on Steam is the only confirmed platform. What Firefly says about PS5, Xbox, Mac, Linux and the Steam Deck.
FAQStronghold 4 FAQ: Release, Demo, Price, ModesStraight answers on the release, demo, price, platforms, the 22-mission campaign, CPU lords, languages and the voice cast.