Total War: Three Kingdoms is a real-time strategy game set in ancient China’s Three Kingdoms period, released by Creative Assembly in 2019. This guide explains the basics of the game, including two modes (Romance and Records) and two types of gameplay (turn-based campaign map and real-time battles). Players choose one of twelve factions, such as the versatile Cao Cao, balanced Liu Bei, or conquest-focused Sun Jian. Managing territories, including food, population, and income, is essential for success in the game, as is diplomacy, battle strategy, and tactics.

Your Definitive Guide to Total War: Three Kingdoms

Released by Creative Assembly in 2019, Total War: Three Kingdoms is the latest title in the Total War series. Taking place in ancient China during the Three Kingdoms period, this real-time strategy game has become a favorite among fans of the franchise. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to master Total War: Three Kingdoms.

Understanding the Basics

Before you jump right into the game, it’s important to understand the basics of Total War: Three Kingdoms. This game features two modes: Romance and Records. In Romance mode, you will be playing a more exaggerated version of the historical events, with heroic generals and fantastical abilities. In Records mode, the game is more grounded in reality and focuses on realism.

Three Kingdoms also has two types of gameplay: the turn-based campaign map and the real-time battles. The campaign map mode is where you will manage your territories, diplomacy, and various other factors. The real-time battles are where you will lead your troops into battle.

Choosing Your Faction

In Three Kingdoms, you can choose from a total of twelve factions. Each faction has its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique playstyles. Some factions are more focused on trade and diplomacy, while others excel at military conquest. It’s important to note that each faction has its own starting position on the campaign map, which can greatly affect your success in the game.

The Cao Cao Faction

Cao Cao is one of the most versatile factions in Three Kingdoms. His playstyle is focused on diplomacy and deception, which makes him a great choice for players who enjoy using wits and strategy to overcome their enemies.

The Liu Bei Faction

Liu Bei is one of the more balanced factions in the game. His playstyle is focused on building strong alliances and recruiting powerful generals. This makes him an excellent choice for players who enjoy a more traditional approach to Total War games.

The Sun Jian Faction

The Sun Jian faction is focused on military conquest. As a player, you can expect to rely heavily on your military tactics and strength to overcome your enemies. This faction is a great choice for players who enjoy aggressive playstyles.

Managing Your Territories

Managing your territories is a crucial aspect of Total War: Three Kingdoms. You will need to balance food, population, and income in order to keep your empire running smoothly. It’s important to have a strong economy because it will allow you to recruit better troops and conduct more research.

Food

Food is one of the most important resources in Three Kingdoms. You need food to support your population, and it’s necessary for upgrading your settlements. To get more food, you can farm or fish in your territories.

Population

Population is also a crucial resource in Three Kingdoms. It determines how many people you can recruit, and it affects how much tax revenue you can generate. You can increase your population by constructing buildings that provide services to your people.

Income

Income is necessary for building and upgrading your settlements, as well as recruiting an army. You can generate income by establishing trade routes and taxing your population. You can also reduce your expenses by reducing corruption and avoiding unnecessary military expenditures.

Battling Your Enemies

In Total War: Three Kingdoms, battles are fought in real-time. You will need to use strategy and tactics to defeat your enemies. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind:

Using Your General

Your general is one of the most important units in your army. They provide morale bonuses to nearby troops and can even engage in a one-on-one duel with the enemy general. It’s important to keep them safe, but also to use them to gain the upper hand in battle.

Using Terrain to Your Advantage

The terrain that you fight on can greatly affect the outcome of the battle. Try to position your troops on higher ground, and use forests and other obstacles to your advantage.

Using Different Unit Types

Each unit type in Three Kingdoms serves its own purpose. You’ll want to use a mix of infantry, cavalry, and ranged units to create a balanced army.

Diplomacy

Diplomacy is another important aspect of Total War: Three Kingdoms. You can form alliances, trade agreements, and even marry off your generals to secure alliances with other factions. Diplomacy can be a powerful tool to help you achieve your goals, but it can also backfire if not handled carefully.

Conclusion

With its deep gameplay mechanics and immersive world, Total War: Three Kingdoms is a game that can keep you entertained for hours. We hope that this guide has given you a better understanding of the basics of the game and how to play it successfully. Remember to choose your faction carefully, manage your territories wisely, and use strategy and tactics to defeat your enemies.