It is 190CE and China is in turmoil. The Han Dynasty crumbles before the child-emperor, who is a mere puppet for the tyrant Dong Zhuo. The brutal and oppressive regime’s power grows as the empire slips further into anarchy. Yet hope blossoms in the form of three heroes, sworn to brotherhood in the face of calamity. Warlords of great families follow suit, forming a fragile coalition in a bid to challenge Dong Zhuo’s remorseless rule. The future of China will be shaped by their hands, but personal ambition threatens their already crumbling alliance.

Inspired by the beauty and artistic style of the age, Total War: Three Kingdoms breathes life into the heroes of this fascinating period as they struggle to unite China under a single banner.

Total War: Three Kingdoms is the first Total War game to take inspiration from a romanticised version of History.

Influenced by Luo Guanzhong's 14th century historical epic 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms', it follows the dramatic lives and deeds of near-mythical warlords and their retainers in 2nd to 3rd century China as they try to unite the country under their rule and forge the next great dynasty. Revealed in this first in-game cinematic is one such leader with designs on being the one true ruler of China, the cunning strategic mastermind, Cao Cao. Bringing grand speeches, breath-taking siege battles and legendary duels to Total War: Three Kingdoms, Cao Cao will no doubt be the leader of choice for players who enjoy a "divide and conquer" approach.

In another series first, Total War: Three Kingdoms features a romanticised version of the period including generals with preternatural fighting abilities able to tackle scores of enemy troops single-handedly and heavily influence battles. However, true to the series' legacy, the game will also feature a Classic Mode that offers a more grounded, historically authentic Total War experience.

Originally scheduled for Fall 2018, Total War: Three Kingdoms has been delayed until Spring 2019.