⬇️ Download — Latest EXE (v1.0.0)

Direct link: stronghold_map_unlocker.exe

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Supported / Tested Games

This tool is designed for Stronghold Crusader – Definitive Edition and can work with other titles if you adjust the paths. Only SC:DE is proven below; the rest are unverified by this project.

Game Title	Year	Notes	Status
Stronghold (Original)	2001	Use game-specific maps folder	Not verified
Stronghold HD	2013	Remaster of Stronghold (2001)	Not verified
Stronghold Crusader	2002	Use correct game/AppID folder	Not verified
Stronghold Crusader HD	2013	Remaster of Crusader (2002)	Not verified
Stronghold Crusader Extreme	2008	Expansion	Not verified
Stronghold 2	2005	Different map format possible	Not verified
Stronghold Legends	2006	Different map format possible	Not verified
Stronghold 3	2011	Different map system	Not verified
Stronghold Kingdoms	2012	MMO (Workshop maps not applicable)	N/A
Stronghold Crusader 2	2014	Different map system	Not verified
Stronghold: Warlords	2021	Different map system	Not verified
Stronghold: Definitive Edition	2023	Original Stronghold DE	Not verified
Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition	2024	Steam AppID 3024040	Proven ✅

Stronghold Map Unlocker

A lightweight GUI tool to unlock Stronghold maps.
Built for Stronghold Crusader – Definitive Edition, but it also works with other Stronghold titles (just adjust the paths if needed).

• Finds Steam Workshop maps (both numbered subfolders and flat folders with .map files directly inside).
• Copies the selected maps to your local Maps folder and clears the lock flag.
• Renames output to Name [unlocked].map (the original file is untouched).
• Multi-language (English/German included) — add more via simple JSON files.
• Admin check & elevation option if permissions are required.

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🚀 Quick Start

1. Run the EXE.
2. In the app:
   • Check/select the Workshop folder
   • Check the Destination (Maps) path (auto-suggested)
   • Select maps → Unlock
     The tool copies and patches only the new file in your destination; originals remain unchanged.

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📂 Paths & Steam AppID

Workshop locations (defaults):

• C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\workshop\content\3024040\
• C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\workshop\content\3024040\

Note: 3024040 is the Steam AppID for Stronghold Crusader – Definitive Edition.
If Steam is installed elsewhere or you use a different Stronghold title (with a different AppID), simply choose the correct folder manually in the app.

Destination (Maps) – DE version:

C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\LocalLow\Firefly Studios\Stronghold Crusader Definitive Edition\Maps

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🧑‍💻 Development

Run from source (Python 3.9+):

pip install pillow   # optional, for nicer logo scaling
python stronghold_unlocker_gui.py

Install PyInstaller (and Pillow if you want nicer logo scaling):

python -m pip install --upgrade pip
python -m pip install pyinstaller pillow

Build an EXE (PyInstaller):

pyinstaller --noconsole --onefile --clean ^
  --name stronghold_map_unlocker ^
  --icon "images/app.ico" ^
  --add-data "lang;lang" ^
  --add-data "images/CrusaderDE_Logo.png;images" ^
  --add-data "images/app.ico;images" ^
  stronghold_unlocker_gui.py

On Linux/macOS use : instead of ; in --add-data.

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🤝 Contributing

Add a language (i18n)

The app loads all lang/*.json files on startup and lists them under Language.
Each language file must include a language_name field (shown in the menu).

Example (lang/en.json):

{
  "language_name": "English",
  "menu_file": "File",
  "menu_language": "Language",
  "menu_help": "Help"
  /* ...see full keys in de/en JSONs in the repo */
}

How to add one

1. Create lang/<code>.json (e.g., lang/es.json).
2. Copy the structure from lang/en.json, set language_name, and translate keys.
3. Start the app — the language appears automatically under Language.

Dev tips

• Python 3.9+, tkinter (Pillow optional).
• Keep user-facing strings in lang/*.json (app title stays fixed).
• Windows paths & permissions in mind; the app can restart with elevation if needed.

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🐞 Report an Issue

👉 https://github.com/bonsaibauer/stronghold_map_unlocker/issues/new

If possible, include log excerpts, paths (no private data), and repro steps.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

This project (“Stronghold Map Unlocker”) is not affiliated with Firefly Studios or the official games such as Stronghold, Stronghold Crusader, etc.
It is a private, non-commercial fan project developed independently.

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📜 License & Credits

This project is released under the MIT License. See LICENSE.
© bonsaibauer 2025 — Repo: https://github.com/bonsaibauer/stronghold_map_unlocker

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Buy Me A Coffee

If this project has helped you in any way, do buy me a coffee so I can continue to build more of such projects in the future and share them with the community!