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Stronghold 4 requires a 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, 16 GB of RAM, DirectX 12, broadband internet and 33 GB of storage. The published minimum graphics card is a GeForce GTX 1060 with 3 GB of VRAM; the recommended card is a GeForce RTX 2060 with 6 GB. Firefly Studios lists an SSD as recommended for both configurations. These specifications were shown on the official Steam listing on October 13, 2026, while the game is still pre-release.
Stronghold 4 system requirements at a glance
The following figures are Firefly Studios’ published PC requirements for the upcoming Steam release of Stronghold 4. They are the developer’s hardware baseline and recommendation, not independent frame-rate tests or a guarantee of a particular resolution, graphics preset or frame rate.
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GPVHOSO RTX 2060 8GB Super Graphics Card 256Bit GDDR6, | $239.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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msi Gaming GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDRR6 192-bit HDMI/DP 1710 MHz Boost Clock Ray Tracing Turing... | $345.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64-bit | Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-4670 or AMD equivalent | Intel Core i5-7600 or AMD equivalent |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, 3 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, 6 GB |
| DirectX | DirectX 12 | DirectX 12 |
| Internet | Broadband internet connection | Broadband internet connection |
| Storage | 33 GB available space | 33 GB available space |
| Drive type | SSD recommended | SSD recommended |
Firefly’s Steam listing, checked October 13, 2026, is the authority for these numbers. Because the game has not released yet, the listing can change before launch or during the release period. Check the live Steam requirements immediately before installing.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteMinimum requirements: the published baseline
A PC that meets every item in the minimum column satisfies the configuration Firefly has identified as necessary for the game. “Minimum” does not mean that every minimum-specification PC will deliver the same experience. It does not state a target frame rate, graphics preset, resolution or loading time.
#1 Best Overall
- Enhanced Performance: The RTX 2060 Super delivers exceptional gaming performance with 8GB of GDDR6 memory and a boost clock speed of up to 1650 MHz. It efficiently handles modern gaming titles at high settings, making it ideal for gamers seeking an immersive experience.
- Real-Time Ray Tracing: Equipped with Turing architecture, the RTX 2060 Super supports real-time ray tracing technology. This feature allows for realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections, enhancing visual fidelity in supported games and applications.
- VR Ready: The RTX 2060 Super is optimized for virtual reality (VR) experiences, providing low-latency and high-performance rendering. Gamers can enjoy an immersive VR environment with smooth graphics and responsive gameplay.
- DLSS Support: The graphics card supports Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), which utilizes AI rendering to produce sharp images and increase frame rates without compromising quality. This technology ensures smoother gameplay, particularly at higher resolutions.
- Multiple Display Outputs**: With support for up to three displays, the RTX 2060 Super offers versatile connectivity options. It includes DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0b outputs, enabling multi-monitor setups for enhanced productivity or gaming immersion.
Processor
The minimum CPU is an Intel Core i5-4670 or an AMD processor of equivalent capability. The requirement identifies a processor class rather than a particular AMD model, so compare the performance of your exact chip rather than assuming that any newer-sounding model is faster. A CPU with fewer cores or substantially lower performance may fall below the stated baseline even if the computer is otherwise modern.
Memory
Stronghold 4 lists 16 GB of system RAM at minimum. The recommended configuration also lists 16 GB, so adding memory beyond 16 GB is not presented as a requirement by the developer. Keep enough memory available for Windows and background applications; closing browsers, launchers and overlays can reduce competition for RAM, but it cannot turn an underpowered CPU or GPU into a recommended system.
Graphics processor and video memory
The minimum graphics card is an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 with 3 GB of VRAM. Both the GPU model and the VRAM figure matter: a card with a similar name but less video memory is not the listed configuration. Integrated graphics are not named in the requirements, and the listing does not state that they are supported.
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Operating system and graphics API
You need a 64-bit edition of Windows 10 or Windows 11 and DirectX 12. A 32-bit Windows installation does not match the published requirement. DirectX 12 support is a combination of the operating system, graphics hardware and installed driver; simply having a newer Windows build does not guarantee that an old GPU can provide the required feature level.
Network, storage and drive type
The listing calls for broadband internet and 33 GB of available storage. The 33 GB figure is the listed space requirement, not a recommendation to leave your drive nearly full. Reserve additional room for Windows, temporary files, shader caches and future patches. Firefly marks an SSD as recommended even in the minimum column. The game may install on a hard-disk drive if the rest of the system qualifies, but the publisher has not promised equivalent loading behavior.
Recommended requirements: the higher configuration
Firefly’s recommended list keeps several requirements unchanged but raises the processor and graphics targets.
Processor upgrade
The recommended CPU is an Intel Core i5-7600 or AMD equivalent. This is a higher processor target than the i5-4670 in the minimum list. If your processor is between those classes, the published table does not provide a performance estimate, so treat the result as uncertain rather than assuming it will match the recommendation.
Graphics upgrade
The recommended GPU is an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 with 6 GB of VRAM. That doubles the listed VRAM compared with the 3 GB minimum card and moves from the GTX 1060 class to the RTX 2060 class. Firefly does not say that you must buy this exact model; an equivalent or faster card can satisfy the intent of a recommended class, while the listing itself does not define equivalence for every generation.
Unchanged requirements
Both configurations require 16 GB RAM, DirectX 12, broadband internet and 33 GB of storage. An SSD remains recommended in both columns. Upgrading storage from a hard drive to an SSD may improve general responsiveness and loading, but the published requirements do not quantify the improvement.
What actually changes between minimum and recommended
| Requirement | Change | Practical reading |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Core i5-4670 to Core i5-7600 (or AMD equivalents) | The recommended configuration expects a stronger processor. |
| GPU | GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB to GeForce RTX 2060 6 GB | The recommended configuration expects a faster graphics class and more VRAM. |
| RAM | No change: 16 GB | 16 GB is listed in both configurations. |
| DirectX | No change: DirectX 12 | Both configurations require the same API. |
| Internet | No change: broadband | Both configurations list broadband internet. |
| Storage | No change: 33 GB | Both configurations list the same free-space requirement. |
| SSD | No change: recommended | An SSD is recommended for either configuration. |
The largest differences are therefore the CPU and GPU. Memory, operating system, DirectX, network and storage requirements do not increase in the recommended column.
Rank #2
- Memory Speed:14 Gbps.Digital Max Resolution:7680x4320
- Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
- Video Memory: 6GB GDDR6
- Memory Interface: 192-bit
- Output: DisplayPort x 3 (v1.4a) / HDMI 2.0b x 1
How to check your Windows PC before buying or installing
Use these checks to compare your actual machine with the published table. Record the exact model, not just the amount of memory or the brand of the computer.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
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- Confirm Windows edition and architecture. Open Settings > System > About. Under Windows specifications, note whether you have Windows 10 or Windows 11. Under Device specifications, check System type; it should identify a 64-bit operating system.
- Identify the processor. In Settings > System > About, read the processor name. Compare it with Core i5-4670 for the minimum or Core i5-7600 for the recommendation. For an AMD chip, use the exact model and compare its performance class rather than relying on the Ryzen or FX label alone.
- Check installed RAM. The same About page shows installed RAM. You need 16 GB. If Windows reports less, the PC does not meet the published memory requirement.
- Check the graphics card and VRAM. Press
Windows, typedxdiag, open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool and select the Display tab. Note the card name and display memory. You can also open Task Manager > Performance > GPU. Compare the dedicated GPU with GTX 1060 3 GB or RTX 2060 6 GB, depending on the column you are targeting. - Verify DirectX. In
dxdiag, the System tab shows the DirectX version installed. The game requires DirectX 12, but the GPU must also support the features the game uses; the Steam listing does not provide a separate feature-level matrix. - Measure free storage. Open File Explorer > This PC, check the drive where Steam will install the game and confirm at least 33 GB is free. Leave extra capacity for updates and normal Windows operation.
- Check whether the target drive is an SSD. In Task Manager > Performance, select each disk. Windows generally labels the media as SSD or HDD. Firefly recommends an SSD for both configurations.
- Confirm your connection. The requirement says broadband internet. The listing does not publish a minimum download speed, latency target or offline policy, so make sure your connection is stable enough to download and update the game through Steam.
How to interpret a match, near-match or mismatch
Every minimum item matches
Your system meets the publisher’s stated baseline if it has 64-bit Windows 10 or 11, an i5-4670-class or equivalent CPU, 16 GB RAM, a GTX 1060 3 GB-class GPU, DirectX 12, broadband internet and 33 GB free space. That is a requirements match, not a promise of a particular visual quality or frame rate.
The CPU or GPU is below minimum
Do not infer support from the fact that another component is newer. A recent SSD, 32 GB of RAM or a high-end CPU cannot compensate for a graphics card below the listed GTX 1060 3 GB baseline, and a powerful GPU cannot compensate for an under-target processor. The official listing gives no fallback settings for below-minimum hardware.
The PC meets minimum but not recommended
This is the normal result for an older gaming PC. The published table separates the baseline from the higher CPU and GPU target, but it does not attach a frame-rate figure to either. If you are deciding whether to upgrade, prioritize the graphics card and processor because those are the only components that change between columns.
The PC exceeds recommended
A faster GPU, CPU or larger memory capacity exceeds the listed recommendation, but the listing does not promise that extra hardware will unlock a particular mode. You still need 64-bit Windows 10 or 11, DirectX 12, broadband internet and enough storage.
Release date, demo and what can change
Firefly announced on October 8, 2026 that Stronghold 4 is scheduled to release on Steam on December 7, 2026. The same announcement says a demo is available, initially featuring Free Build, with Skirmish Mode planned for Steam Next Fest beginning October 19, 2026. Those availability details are date-sensitive and can change.
Firefly describes the game as a narrative prequel set in medieval England, following Penryn of Wethel. Announced content includes a 22-mission campaign and skirmish games with eight CPU opponents. These features explain the game’s scope, but they do not establish an additional hardware requirement beyond the Steam table.
Because the title is pre-release, recheck the live Steam page before purchase, before downloading the demo and again at launch. Pay particular attention to changes in the operating-system version, GPU model, storage amount or any newly added performance notes.
Do not use requirements for the wrong Stronghold game
Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is a separate title with different published requirements. Firefly’s support information lists Windows 10 or 11, an Intel Core i3-6100 or equivalent, 8 GB RAM, DirectX 11 and 7 GB of storage for that game. Those figures are not valid for Stronghold 4.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →| Title | CPU example | RAM | DirectX | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stronghold 4 | Core i5-4670 minimum; Core i5-7600 recommended | 16 GB | 12 | 33 GB |
| Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition | Core i3-6100 or equivalent | 8 GB | 11 | 7 GB |
Searching for “Stronghold requirements” without the full game name can therefore produce a misleading answer. Match the title and edition before comparing your PC.
Quick Recap
Pre-install checklist
- Windows 10 or 11 is installed as a 64-bit edition.
- Your CPU is at least an Intel Core i5-4670 or AMD equivalent for the minimum baseline.
- You have 16 GB of RAM.
- Your GPU is at least a GeForce GTX 1060 with 3 GB of VRAM for the minimum baseline.
- DirectX 12 is available with a compatible graphics driver.
- At least 33 GB is free on the intended Steam drive, with additional room for updates.
- The PC has broadband internet for Steam installation and updates.
- An SSD is available if you want to follow Firefly’s storage recommendation.
- You have checked the live Steam listing because the game is scheduled, not yet released.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
