Stronghold Crusader DE 2025 – Mission 5: Jerusalem | Retaking the Holy City (Saladin’s Conquest)
1🏰 Mission 5: Jerusalem – Retaking the Holy City
Saladin’s Conquest | Stronghold Crusader Definitive Edition (2025)
🔍 Mission Overview
You start with a preset army—no economy phase. Your objective: break through the Crusader defenses and kill all enemy units, including their Lord.
Your starting troops:
10 Arabian Archers
12 Assassins
12 Horse Archers
17 Arabian Swordsmen
6 Slaves
10 Fire Ballistae
10 Fire Throwers
✅ Pro Tips & Mission Strategy
🔸 1. Form Up Once – Hit Them Hard
Immediately group your troops. Position Assassins, Swordsmen, Fire Ballistae up front, with Archers and Horse Archers just behind. Keep Slaves and Fire Throwers at the rear
stronghold.
🔸 2. Neutralize the Knights Early
Expect several charges of 8–12 Crusader Knights from different directions. Use your Fire Ballistae to soften them—these true-fire weapons greatly weaken heavily armored units. Then finish them with your Assassin and Swordsmen blend. Keep them off your artillery!
🔸 3. Push Forward With Artillery Support
After surviving initial charges:
Advance your Fire Ballistae to target enemy troops on walls and gatehouses.
They outrange standard crossbowmen and can safely thin defenses as you approach.
🔸 4. Create a Breach
Once archers and defenders on the ramparts are down, breach through a lightly defended or abandoned wall section. Use Assassins to scale walls stealthily or open gates for your main force to enter.
🔸 5. Mop Up Inside
Inside the city:
Use Arab Swordsmen in groups to clear remaining melee threats, such as Macemen or guards near the keep.
Deploy Fire Throwers judiciously to sow chaos—avoid friendly casualties.
Finish by killing the Crusader Lord and the remaining troops. Buildings inside and internal towers may be cleared quickly with your ranged units.
🎯 Quick Strategy Summary
Initial Setup: Group troops; Assassins/Swordsmen/Ballistae front, Archers behind
Knight Charges: Ballistae soften, melee troops finish them off
Siege Phase: Use ballistae to soften wall/tower defenses before advancing
Breach: Use Assassins or open gates; send infantry in to establish presence
Final Push: Swordsmen and ranged units clear inside; destroy keeps and remaining enemy troops