Hey guys! Starting a new campaign as Cao Cao in 190 can be super exciting, but also a bit daunting, especially when it comes to navigating the complex web of coalitions. It's like trying to make friends at a new school, but with the added pressure of backstabbing warlords and constant threats of war. So, you're looking for some advice on how to form the right alliances and manage your relationships with other factions? You've come to the right place! Let's break down the key strategies and tips for building a strong coalition as Cao Cao in the 190 start.
Understanding the 190 Start as Cao Cao
Cao Cao's starting position in 190 is both a blessing and a curse. You begin with a decent power base in Chen Commandery, but you're surrounded by potential rivals and the ever-present threat of Dong Zhuo. Dong Zhuo, that big bully on the block, controls the Emperor and holds a significant military advantage, making him the primary threat in the early game. However, he's also a common enemy, which can be leveraged to your advantage when forming coalitions. The other major players around you, like Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, and Liu Dai, all have their own ambitions and agendas. Forming a successful coalition requires careful consideration of these relationships and strategic planning for the long term. The key here is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each faction, identify potential allies, and anticipate future conflicts.
Understanding the geopolitical landscape is paramount. Yuan Shao, for instance, is likely to become a major power in the north, so you'll need to decide whether you want to befriend him or prepare for a future showdown. Yuan Shu, on the other hand, is closer geographically and might be a more immediate threat or a valuable ally in the short term. Liu Dai, positioned to your west, is another neighbor you need to keep an eye on. Your initial moves should focus on securing your borders, building up your economy, and establishing diplomatic ties with factions that share your interests or are potential allies against Dong Zhuo.
Key Coalition Strategies for Cao Cao
Okay, so how do you actually go about forming these crucial coalitions? The first step is identifying factions that are likely to align with your goals. Look for those who share a common enemy (like Dong Zhuo), have compatible ambitions, or are simply weaker and in need of protection. Cao Cao's reputation as a cunning and ambitious leader can be both a benefit and a hindrance. Some factions will respect your strength and seek your alliance, while others will view you as a threat. Managing your reputation through your actions and diplomatic choices is crucial. Executing prisoners, for example, can give you the “Untrustworthy” trait, while releasing them can improve your trustworthiness.
Identifying Potential Allies
When assessing potential allies, consider their geographical location, military strength, and personality traits. Factions that are far away from you are less likely to be direct threats and can be valuable allies against closer enemies. For instance, Liu Bei in the early game, despite his initial weakness, can be a solid ally against Dong Zhuo due to his location and honorable reputation. Kong Rong, located in the north, is another potential ally who shares a mutual fear of Yuan Shao. However, remember that alliances are not always permanent. Betrayals and shifts in power are common in Total War: Three Kingdoms, so you need to be prepared to adapt your strategy as the game progresses.
Dealing with Dong Zhuo
Dong Zhuo is the elephant in the room in the 190 start. His military strength and control over the Emperor make him a formidable opponent, but his tyranny also makes him a common enemy for many factions. Forming an anti-Dong Zhuo coalition is often the best way to survive the early game. This coalition can provide you with crucial military support and prevent Dong Zhuo from focusing all his forces on you. However, be wary of relying too heavily on the coalition. Dong Zhuo is likely to collapse eventually, either through internal strife or external pressure, and when that happens, the balance of power will shift dramatically. You need to position yourself to take advantage of this shift and emerge as a dominant force.
Managing Your Reputation
Your reputation plays a significant role in your ability to form coalitions. Cao Cao is known for his ambition and ruthlessness, which can make it difficult to gain the trust of more honorable factions. However, you can use this to your advantage by playing the role of the pragmatist, the leader who is willing to do what it takes to survive and thrive. Making strategic decisions that benefit your faction, even if they are morally questionable, can earn you respect from other ambitious leaders. At the same time, you can balance this with acts of generosity and diplomacy to improve your overall reputation. Releasing captured generals, offering trade agreements, and sending diplomatic gifts can all help to build goodwill with other factions.
Specific Faction Interactions
Let's dive into some specific factions and how you might interact with them in the early game:
- Yuan Shao: Yuan Shao is a major power in the north and a likely rival in the long term. In the early game, he can be a valuable ally against Dong Zhuo, but be aware that he will likely become a major obstacle to your expansion later on. A non-aggression pact can buy you time, but don't expect it to last forever. Consider his personality traits – Yuan Shao is ambitious and proud, so appeasing him through gifts and flattery can be a useful tactic.
- Yuan Shu: Yuan Shu is closer geographically and more likely to be an immediate threat. He's also known for his arrogance and incompetence, which can make him a less reliable ally. However, he might be willing to join a coalition against Dong Zhuo, and if you can defeat him, his territory can be a valuable addition to your empire. Keep a close eye on Yuan Shu's movements and be ready to defend your borders if necessary.
- Liu Bei: Liu Bei, despite his initial weakness, is a valuable ally due to his honorable reputation and his ability to attract powerful generals. He's also a natural enemy of Dong Zhuo. Forming an alliance with Liu Bei can provide you with a strong defensive buffer against Dong Zhuo and help you expand westward. However, be aware that Liu Bei's ambitions may clash with yours in the long term.
- Tao Qian: Tao Qian controls Xuzhou and is often a target for Cao Cao due to historical events. While he can be a potential ally against Yuan Shu, his territory is also strategically important for your expansion. Be prepared to make a difficult choice between maintaining an alliance and conquering his lands.
- Kong Rong: Kong Rong is a minor faction in the north who fears Yuan Shao. Aligning with him can provide a strategic advantage in controlling the north and countering Yuan Shao's influence. However, Kong Rong's weakness means he will likely need your support to survive, and defending him can stretch your resources.
Early Game Moves: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, what should your first few moves be when starting as Cao Cao in 190? Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Secure Your Economy: Focus on building up your economy in Chen Commandery. Construct economic buildings, such as farms and markets, to generate income. This will provide you with the resources you need to recruit troops, build infrastructure, and fund your diplomatic efforts.
- Recruit a Strong Army: You'll need a strong army to defend yourself against potential threats and expand your territory. Recruit a balanced force of infantry, cavalry, and archers. Don't forget to recruit a skilled general to lead your troops. Cao Cao himself is an excellent commander, but you'll need additional generals to lead your other armies.
- Form an Anti-Dong Zhuo Coalition: Contact other factions that are hostile to Dong Zhuo and propose a military alliance. Liu Bei, Yuan Shao, and Kong Rong are good candidates. The goal is to create a united front against Dong Zhuo and prevent him from focusing his forces on you.
- Expand Cautiously: Don't overextend yourself in the early game. Focus on consolidating your territory and securing your borders. Expanding too quickly can leave you vulnerable to attack. Consider taking nearby settlements that are weakly defended, such as those controlled by minor factions or rebels.
- Manage Your Diplomatic Relations: Maintain positive relations with your allies and potential allies. Send gifts, offer trade agreements, and provide military support when needed. At the same time, be wary of factions that are known for their treachery and be prepared to defend yourself if necessary.
- Develop Your Technology: Invest in technologies that will boost your economy, military, and diplomacy. Focus on technologies that will improve your income, increase your unit stats, and enhance your diplomatic capabilities.
Mid-Game Transitions and Beyond
As the game progresses and Dong Zhuo is defeated, the political landscape will shift dramatically. The anti-Dong Zhuo coalition will likely dissolve, and new rivalries will emerge. You'll need to adapt your strategy and form new alliances to maintain your position. This is often the time when the major warlords, such as Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and Liu Bei, begin to clash for supremacy.
Navigating Betrayals and Shifting Alliances
Betrayals are inevitable in Total War: Three Kingdoms. Your allies may turn against you, and you may need to betray others to achieve your goals. The key is to anticipate these shifts and be prepared to react accordingly. Maintain a strong military, build up your economy, and cultivate relationships with multiple factions. This will give you the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and survive betrayals.
Long-Term Strategic Goals
Think about your long-term goals. Do you want to unite China under your rule? Do you want to establish a dynasty that will last for generations? Your long-term goals will shape your strategy and your interactions with other factions. Cao Cao is known for his ambition and pragmatism, so you might focus on building a strong, centralized state and conquering your rivals. However, you could also choose a more diplomatic approach, forming alliances and vassals to achieve your goals. The choice is yours.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Coalitions as Cao Cao
Building successful coalitions as Cao Cao in the 190 start is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. It requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. By understanding the political landscape, identifying potential allies, managing your reputation, and making smart diplomatic choices, you can build a powerful coalition that will help you survive the early game and thrive in the long run. So, go forth, forge your alliances, and conquer the Three Kingdoms! Good luck, guys!