Best General

In Total War: Three Kingdoms you will have to select one of 12 legendary generals from Ancient China who each control a faction. The objective of each of them is the same - unite China under your banner and forge the next great dynasty. The means and methods each of these generals uses to achieve this goal differ greatly, every general has their own unique personality, motivations, and experience which will all shape the way they play and the kind of conquest they favour. Our Best General guide gives a brief insight into the six best and finally the one which we consider to be the best choice.

Gongsun Zan

• Class: Legendary Vanguard

• faction: Leader of Gongsun Zan

Gongsun Zan leads the Kingdom of Yan, he is a traditional military-minded general who is known as the Ironfist General. He is a warrior without fear or restraint, but also a defensive master when the situation requires it.

Sun Jian

• Class: Legendary Sentinel

• faction: Leader of Sun Wu

Sun Jian leads the Kingdom of Wu and is known as The Tiger of Jiangdong. He is a talented warrior who pushes his armies forward and is always on the attack.

Cao Cao

• Class: Legendary Commander

• faction: Leader of Cao Cao

Cao Cao leads the Kingdom of Wei, he is a strategic mastermind who is able to expertly manipulate others to do his bidding. He is both cunning and merciless in battle.

Liu Bei

• Class: Legendary Commander

• faction: Leader of Shu-Han

Liu Bei is humble, virtuous and kind. He is an inspiring presence, forging unshakable bonds with those who follow him. Liu Bei's ultimate goal is to preserve the lineage of Han dynasty, form the Kingdom of Shu, and attempt to unite all of China under his rule.

Yuan Shu

• Class: Legendary Commander

• faction: Leader of Zhong

Yuan Shu's ultimate aim is to become the emperor of China by managing his legitimacy and claim. He believes that only he has the means, and the right to wield true power.

Dong Zhuo

• Class: Legendary Vanguard

• faction: Leader of Dong Zhuo

Dong Zhuo is trying to hold onto the last remnants of Han imperial power. He becomes unlocked after defeating his army in battle or by reaching the rank of Emperor.

Best General

Cao Cao

Each of the generals has their own individual traits and abilities which will suit different playstyles but if you were to pick one as the best it would be Cao Cao. This ingenious and merciless general is a brilliant strategic commander who excels in war and politics. Known as the Puppet Master Cao Cao's main strength lies in diplomatic exploitation and his ability to manipulate relationships between factions by spreading rumours of disunity between them. From conquest to savvy diplomatic navigation Cao Cao is without doubt the most all-round general.