Split-screen on PC

Stronghold: Definitive Edition

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

8Verified handler

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

P4+4 more players

What works

With Nucleus Co-op, up to 8 players can play Stronghold: 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: Definitive Edition” by Zensuu does the setup and was checked by hub moderators: version 1, updated 5 Jun 2024. Stronghold: Definitive Edition is a real-time strategy, simulation and strategy game from 2023.

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

How to play Stronghold: 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: Definitive Edition handler
In Nucleus Co-op, search the Hub for Stronghold: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Definitive Edition

Greetings sire! Your stronghold awaits you. Build a castle economy, besiege unforgettable villains and return to the 'castle sim' that started it all. Experience this classic RTS with upgraded visuals, modernised gameplay, Steam multiplayer and a new campaign.

Summary from IGDB