6 Things to Know Before Playing Defender of the Crown: The Legend Returns

The countdown is almost over – Defender of the Crown: The Legend Returns launches next week!

Whether you're a longtime fan or stepping into the world of Defender of the Crown for the very first time, here are six handy tips to help you start your adventure on the right foot.

Every Lord is different Each Saxon lord begins the campaign with different strengths, weaknesses, and starting territories, making every playthrough feel a little different.

If you're new to Defender of the Crown, we recommend starting with Wilfred of Ivanhoe. His balanced abilities and favorable starting position make him the most forgiving choice for learning the game's mechanics. Once you've mastered the basics, try the other lords to discover new strategies and fresh challenges.

Never Attack a Castle Without a Plan In Classic and Retro modes, you'll need to lay siege to enemy castles before launching an assault. Bringing enough catapults can dramatically weaken the defenders and save many of your troops during the final attack.

In Kingdom Mode, you can choose to attack immediately, but don't underestimate the value of a successful siege. Taking a little extra time to prepare can often be the difference between a glorious victory and a costly defeat.

Chivalry Has Its Rewards Throughout your adventure you'll encounter Saxon ladies being held captive by the Norman lords. Rescuing them isn't just the honorable thing to do – it also comes with valuable rewards.

In Kingdom Mode, each of the six ladies grants a unique starting trait that can influence your strategy for the rest of the campaign. They'll also send you heartfelt love letters as your reputation grows, adding another layer to your journey toward becoming England's rightful ruler.

Not all dice are created equal Combat in Kingdom Mode is about more than luck. As you progress, you'll unlock Precious Dice, each with its own special effect that can turn the tide of battle.

These unique dice can be used during both the Tactical and Clash phases of combat, allowing you to build strategies around their abilities. The more scenarios you complete – especially on higher difficulties – the more powerful dice you'll earn.

Time is of the essence Don't spend too long exploring the Kingdom map. As the months pass, some locations and opportunities will disappear, meaning you could miss valuable rewards if you arrive too late.

Planning an efficient route across the map is just as important as winning battles. Moving quickly can unlock additional rewards and help you build momentum throughout your campaign.

Saxon peace is fragile At the beginning of a Classic Mode campaign, the other Saxon lords are your allies. They won't attack you, and they'll even allow your armies to travel safely through their territories.

However, this fragile alliance ends the moment the first Norman castle falls. From that point onward, every lord begins pursuing the crown for themselves. Choose your first conquest carefully – you may gain new land, but you'll also lose your closest allies.