Split-screen on PC

Stronghold: Crusader - Definitive Edition

Up to 8 players on one PC, with keyboard and mouse or several keyboards and mice.

8Verified handler

Handler “Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition” by Zensuu, version 1

P4+4 more players

What works

With Nucleus Co-op, up to 8 players can play Stronghold: Crusader - Definitive Edition together on one PC, each in their own part of the screen, with keyboard and mouse or several keyboards and mice. The free community handler “Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition” by Zensuu does the setup and was checked by hub moderators: version 1, updated 17 Jul 2025. Stronghold: Crusader - Definitive Edition is a real-time strategy, simulation and strategy game from 2025.

Players8
ControllersNot supported
Keyboard and mouseSupported
Several keyboards and miceOne per player
Hub moderatorsVerified

How to play Stronghold: Crusader - Definitive Edition split screen on PC

Get Nucleus Co-op
Download Nucleus Co-op, free for Windows 10 and 11, and unzip it into its own folder, for example C:\NucleusCo-op. There is no installer.
Keep it out of Program Files, your user folder and OneDrive.
Download Nucleus Co-op
Install the Stronghold: Crusader - Definitive Edition handler
In Nucleus Co-op, search the Hub for Stronghold: Crusader - Definitive Edition and install its handler, or download the handler file from this page and drop it on the Nucleus window. Then show Nucleus where Stronghold: Crusader - Definitive Edition is installed.
Download the handler file (.nc)
Take a seat
Each player joins with their own keyboard and mouse and takes a spot on the screen. Pick a layout that fits your players.
Playing with several keyboards and mice? Press End once everything is in place to give each window its own cursor.
Launch and connect
Press Launch: Nucleus opens one copy of Stronghold: Crusader - Definitive Edition per player and lays the windows out on your screen. Then link them in game, usually one player hosts a LAN or online session and the others join it. The handler notes say how.

What you need

A Windows 10 or 11 PC
Nucleus Co-op runs on Windows only. System requirements
Stronghold: Crusader - Definitive Edition for Windows
Installed on that PC. Nucleus starts every player's window from that one install.
Nucleus Co-op, free
With .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later and the Visual C++ 2015–2022 runtimes (x86 and x64). Download
Something to play with
One keyboard and mouse per player. Controllers · Keyboards and mice
A PC that can run 8 copies
Each player runs their own copy of Stronghold: Crusader - Definitive Edition, so the PC carries several times the usual load. Lower the graphics settings if it struggles. Performance tips
A multiplayer mode
Nucleus links the windows through the game's own LAN or online mode; the handler takes care of it.

Handler notes

◦ Supports multiple mice and keyboards.

◦ Read the handler notes in the UI carefully.

◦ Authors and Contributors of this handler: Zensuu. A special thanks to the Nucleus Co-op and Split Screen Dreams communities.

About Stronghold: Crusader - Definitive Edition

Gird your loins and sharpen your steel! Besiege 20 unique enemy lords and battle friends online, in this expanded remaster of the classic 'castle sim'. Relive history with new units, AI opponents, visuals, audio, campaigns, skirmish trails, co-op and larger maps.

Summary from IGDB