How to Steal Characters

In Total War: Three Kingdoms there is a whole multitude of characters and if you know how to steal them you will be able to put together a great retinue. The type of characters you are going to gravitate towards will depend on the general you selected, if for instance you are playing as Gongsum Zan you will be more interested in the military-minded personalities while if you chose Cao Cao you will be looking to see what diplomatic type characters are available. Below is a 'How to steal characters' guide that will help you get the characters you want.

Best them in Battle

The easiest way to bring a new character under your banner is to defeat them on the battlefield. Although doing this will not 100% guarantee their allegiance you can always improve your chances of getting the 'Character Captured' window by equipping them with certain mounts and ancillaries. If you are successful and are presented with the 'Character Captured' window you will have the choice to employ, release, or execute them.

Make them Defect

Use spies to infiltrate the courts of enemy factions and manipulate characters in that faction a number of ways to make them defect. The amount of influence your spies will have is determined by how long they have been in the enemy court. Be careful not to keep your spies in a court for too long though lest they themselves defect.

Absorb their Entire Faction

Use diplomats to manipulate opposing factions by earning the ability to confederate a faction's assets and lands into your own. When you suceed in doing this you will also gain all of their characters. The downside for this method though is there is a possibility that your new stewards unhappy with their situation may decide to abandon your army.

Arrange a Marriage

An easy way to improve your relations with an opposing faction is through political marriages. Offering a character, for instance a general the opportunity to marry a member of your court will enable you to add that character to your retinue if they accept. Although this method is reliable it is dependent on faction relations and which characters you already have in your court.

Check out our How to Unlock Units page to learn how your characters can get the best units for your retinue.