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>The Shrike and the Thorn<
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3

>The Shrike and the Thorn<

Your guide to Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3's 'The Shrike and the Thorn' mission. Learn how to defend the Leningrad Fortress, use Natasha effectively, and defeat Kenji's fleet.

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Your guide to Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3's 'The Shrike and the Thorn' mission. Learn how to defend the Leningrad Fortress, use Natasha effectively, and defeat Kenji's fleet.

Alright, so you're diving into the Soviet campaign in Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 with the mission "The Shrike and the Thorn." It's set in Leningrad, and honestly, it's a pretty chill introduction to the Soviets. Your main gig here is to help Oleg retake the Leningrad Fortress from the Japanese and then hold it down. The key player you'll be relying on is Natasha, and trust me, she's your trump card in this one.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Right off the bat, you'll have Natasha and a few Conscripts. Your first job is to get Natasha to clear out the Imperial Warriors hanging out in front of the Fortress walls. She's super quick with her rifle, so just point and shoot.
  2. 2
    Once the immediate area is clear, use an Airstrike to punch a hole in the Fortress walls. This is your cue to move in. Oleg will be right behind you with some of his own Conscripts and Flak Troopers.
  3. 3
    Keep an eye out for Tankbusters trying to sneak around the back of the Fortress. Your new Flak Troopers are perfect for dealing with them, and you'll want to train more of them as soon as you can. Also, be ready for Tsunami Tanks and Striker VXs – those Flak Troopers are your best bet against those too.
  4. 4
    You'll also see some Sudden Transports showing up. These guys are disguised Bullfrogs, so shoot them down before they can even drop off their nasty passengers.
  5. 5
    Eventually, the Treasury will come under attack. A Bullfrog will appear inside the Fortress. Hop Natasha into it, and use it to launch her over to the Treasury to take care of the enemies there. Once she's done, use the Bullfrog again to ferry her back.
  6. 6
    Now, Kenji's fleet is going to start hammering the Fortress with his Shogun Battleships. You've got two main jobs here: keep the Fortress defended and sink those battleships. Natasha is going to be crucial for taking down the fleet, but you'll also have the Magnetic Satellite at your disposal. Use it to lift a few of the ships out of the water while Natasha deals with the rest. Just be careful not to get too close to any Mecha Tengu that might be flying around.
Tips
  • Seriously, train those Flak Troopers early and often. They're your main defense against air and armored units like Tsunami Tanks and Striker VXs.
  • Don't forget about the Conscripts! Put them inside buildings around the Fortress for some extra defensive firepower. They're surprisingly good at holding down the fort when they're garrisoned.
  • Natasha is your VIP. Keep her alive at all costs. She's your primary damage dealer against both infantry and the enemy fleet.
  • When the Sudden Transports arrive, prioritize taking them down. Letting them unload their troops can quickly overwhelm your defenses.
  • Use the Bullfrog strategically to get Natasha to key locations quickly, especially the Treasury and then back to the main fight.

Completing this mission introduces you to Natasha, Conscripts, Flak Troopers, and the Bullfrog, setting you up for the rest of the Soviet campaign.

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