Total War: Three Kingdoms brings Creative Assembly’s award-winning blend of turn-based empire-building and real-time tactical combat to ancient China. Set during the tumultuous Three Kingdoms period, this game offers a rich mix of diplomacy, strategy, and warfare – and it all begins with choosing your warlord.
With twelve legendary leaders (plus DLC and unlockable options), each with unique strengths, philosophies, and playstyles, it can be overwhelming to pick your path. Do you want to manipulate from the shadows, rally people with virtue, or crush your enemies with brute force? Here’s a breakdown of Total War: Three Kingdoms’ best factions, helping you decide which suits your style.
Words Before War – The Diplomatic Powerhouses
Deciding on the “best” faction is always subjective, but some are certainly more beginner-friendly than others. If you prefer diplomacy over destruction, these warlords specialize in politics, trade, and subtle influence.
Cao Cao – The Master of Manipulation
Often hailed as the most accessible faction for newcomers, Cao Cao excels in diplomatic trickery. He can sow discord between rivals and even incite wars from behind the curtain. His ability to manipulate alliances makes him a powerful presence without always needing to fight.
While not a frontline fighter, Cao Cao inspires troops and benefits from a strong cavalry-based starting army. His -10% unit upkeep bonus also helps you maintain a larger force earlier on.
Kong Rong – The Scholarly Pacifist
Kong Rong isn’t interested in brute strength—he’s a trade and diplomacy expert who leverages economic superiority and philosophical ideals. Perfect for players who enjoy a pacifist approach and value logic over warfare.
His campaign can be challenging due to his weak military prowess, and you’ll need to keep him out of direct combat. But for those who prefer building a peaceful, prosperous empire, Kong Rong is a satisfying pick.
Liu Bei – The Virtuous Leader
Another excellent choice for newcomers, Liu Bei stands out for his benevolence and tight-knit bonds with starting characters like Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. His leadership style relies on public support and moral authority rather than fear or manipulation.
Although he starts without territory and must fight early skirmishes to carve a foothold, his bonuses to inspiration and a 50% reduction in militia infantry upkeep give him strong momentum. Liu Bei is ideal for players who prefer leading with a heart rather than an iron fist.
War Over Words – The Martial Powerhouses
If diplomacy feels like a delay, these warlords let their swords do the talking. With military-focused bonuses and aggressive playstyles, they’re all about expanding territory through battle.
Sun Jian – The Tiger of Jiangdong
Sun Jian thrives under pressure. His guerilla warfare bonuses and ability to perform best when behind enemy lines make him a dynamic choice for risk-takers. Known for rapid expansion and strong starting units, Sun Jian is surprisingly beginner-friendly despite his bold tactics.
For players who enjoy momentum and thrill-seeking gameplay, Sun Jian offers high rewards for high-risk moves.
Gongsun Zan – The Ironfist General
Gongsun Zan is a battlefield veteran who channels military discipline into governance. His campaign removes administrative micromanagement in favor of army-focused leadership. He excels in defense and cavalry use, and receives strong reinforcement bonuses during combat.
Ideal for tacticians who prefer structured armies and solid positioning over political mind games.
Dong Zhuo – The Tyrant Ruler
Dong Zhuo is the definition of ruling through fear. Though not playable from the start, you can unlock him by defeating his army in battle or becoming emperor in any campaign.
His leadership style depends on maintaining high intimidation levels. Let it drop, and internal collapse could follow. His campaign is challenging but rewarding for those who want a darker, more authoritarian experience.
The Outlaw Approach – Infamy and Rebellion
Zheng Jiang – The Bandit Queen
The only base-game female warlord, Zheng Jiang thrives on infamy. She doesn’t seek popularity—her strength lies in raiding, pillaging, and striking fear. Keeping her infamy high is essential, which means staying aggressive.
Zheng Jiang’s campaign is considered among the hardest in the game, especially for new players. With few allies and constant pressure to attack, her style is best suited to experienced players looking for a unique challenge.
DLC & Other Notables
Beyond the core factions, Three Kingdoms includes several DLC warlords and Yellow Turban leaders like He Yi, Gong Du, and Huang Shao. These factions introduce unique mechanics such as fervour and peasant support, offering new ways to conquer China.
No matter which faction you choose in Total War: Three Kingdoms, you’re in for a rewarding experience—whether you’re forging alliances, dominating battles, or spreading fear across the land. The game’s diversity in playstyles means you’ll find a faction that matches your strategy, whether you’re a diplomat, a warrior, or something in between.
