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About Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
Total War: THREE KINGDOMS blends a turn‑based campaign of empire‑building with real‑time battles, set in ancient China around 190 CE. Players choose from twelve legendary warlords, each with distinct personalities and objectives, to unite the fractured land and forge a lasting dynasty.
The game showcases varied terrain—from lush subtropics to snow‑capped mountains—and iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall and the Yangtze River. A dynamic Guanxi system models relationships between characters, influencing political intrigue, alliances, and the outcome of wars.
01 / THE GUIDE
Turn‑Based Campaign
The campaign operates on a turn‑based map where players manage provinces, conduct diplomacy, and develop technology. Each turn allows actions that affect military, political, and economic fronts, shaping the empire’s growth.
Decisions made on the campaign map directly impact real‑time battles; outcomes in combat alter characters’ relationships and can shift alliances, linking the two gameplay layers tightly.
- Balance expansion with diplomatic ties to avoid overextending your forces.
- Prioritize technology upgrades that complement your chosen warlord’s strengths.
02 / THE GUIDE
Real‑Time Battles
When armies clash, the game switches to a real‑time battlefield where units fight using Wushu‑styled combat. Visuals include vibrant vistas and authentic Chinese‑inspired artwork.
Battle performance influences heroes’ relationships, feeding back into the campaign layer and affecting future diplomatic options.
- Use terrain features like mountains and rivers to gain tactical advantages.
- Monitor hero morale, as it can affect unit effectiveness during combat.

03 / THE GUIDE
Guanxi Relationship System
The Guanxi system models dynamic inter‑relationships between characters, reflecting the Chinese concept of social bonds. Each warlord and supporting hero has likes, dislikes, and personal objectives.
Positive or negative interactions modify friendships and rivalries, which in turn influence political decisions and battlefield support.
- Cultivate friendships with characters whose objectives align with yours.
- Avoid actions that trigger betrayals unless a strategic advantage is clear.
04 / THE GUIDE
Legendary Warlords
Players select from twelve warlords drawn from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms epic. Each warlord possesses a unique playstyle, objectives, and a supporting cast of heroes.
These characters act as the core of the narrative, guiding the player’s strategy across military, technological, political, and economic domains.
- Read each warlord’s objectives to align your long‑term strategy early.
- Recruit supporting heroes that complement your warlord’s strengths.
05 / THE GUIDE
Platform and Accessibility Features
The game runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering features such as adjustable difficulty, save‑anytime, and custom volume controls. Multiplayer modes include PvP and co‑op over LAN or online.
Accessibility options include camera comfort, color alternatives, and the ability to play without timed input, ensuring a broader range of players can engage with the experience.
- Adjust difficulty settings early to match your preferred challenge level.
- Utilize the save‑anytime feature before major battles to experiment safely.





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