Some players have reported that the game does not allow them to load and save games properly. This appears to be because the game cannot access their Documents\Stronghold 2 folder for some unknown reason. As a result we have included a method to allow players to change the directory in which Stronghold 2 stores all options, save games, maps etc.

In order to use this, players can edit options_override.xml in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Stronghold 2, or within located within your own custom installed directory.

The file contains a single parameter: <override user_data_path="" />

To change the directory, edit the file so that the path to the new directory in which you want to save is between the quotations. For example, to save to your desktop, change it to:

<override user_data_path="C:\Users\username\Desktop" />

When using this option, a new "Stronghold 2" directory will be created in the directory specified i.e. if you specify "c:\users\documents\games" then the game will create a "c:\users\documents\games\Stronghold 2" directory if it doesn't already exist.

WARNING: Be very careful! The game will attempt to read and write files from the specified directory. Use at your own risk! 

To use the default directory, leave it blank or delete the options_override.xml file

IMPORTANT: We strongly suggest only using this override if absolutely necessary, in cases which the default directory cannot be used. If you have no issues with saving any options/progress/save games with Stronghold 2, do not use this override option.

PLEASE NOTE: Steam Cloud will NOT work if you use an override path. Steam Cloud only works with the Documents\Stronghold 2 folder.