Part 43

Shu Side: This stage is similar to the Wu side, but Xiahou Dun is not initially in the center, making the fire attack easier to execute. You do not need to worry as much about saving Huang Gai if the center area is clear. The stage plays out similarly to the Wu side, with an added cutscene (a non-interactive cinematic the game plays automatically) showcasing amazement at Zhuge Liang’s wind-calling abilities.

Wei Side: This stage is the reverse of playing as the allies. You can prevent the fire attack by defeating Zhou Yu or Huang Gai. If the fire attack occurs, your morale will significantly decrease. After stopping the fire attack, defeat any enemies in your path. Many of Wu's powerful officers will be present. For the final confrontation with Sun Quan, you can attempt to snipe him or fight him directly.

Wu Side: This stage is manageable if you proceed cautiously; rushing can lead to problems. Move to the center of the screen to confront Xiahou Dun. Defeating him is recommended, and the Super Sneaky Officer Killing Trick can be used. After some time, Zhuge Liang will complete his spell to alter wind direction, initiating Huang Gai's movement towards the center. All units should provide cover (press the cover button to crouch behind walls or objects) for Huang Gai, but if Xiahou Dun is already defeated, he should reach his destination without issue. This action sets up the fire attack, which will reduce Cao Cao's morale and consolidate his troops. If Huang Gai or Zhou Yu are defeated before the fire attack, the stage becomes very difficult due to sustained high enemy morale and a lack of Shu reinforcements. Two sets of reinforcements will appear: one for Cao Cao and one for Shu, often led by Zhang Fei, though another officer might lead them. You can choose your route to Cao Cao; side paths generally have less resistance and fewer power-ups, while the center path involves more enemies. The final battle with Cao Cao can be challenging, especially if he retreats to the rear of the stage, where watchtowers with arrow troopers and multiple gates for enemy spawns are located. Ensure you have backup, as numerous enemies, including many arrow troopers, will be present, making the fight difficult. Huang Gai may be killed in a cutscene by Zhang Liao, but this is not critical to stage completion.

Liu Bei's Retreat (Shu Perspective): Liu Bei will retreat southwest. To ensure his successful escape, all his minor generals—Sun Qian, Mi Fang, Liu Feng, Chen Zhen, and Jian Yong—must reach the rendezvous point with him. Liu Bei may still retreat if one minor general dies, but he will not leave while any are alive and have not escaped. The key point is on the western edge of the map; follow Liu Bei's retreat path to where it turns south towards the shore and crosses a bridge heading west. Each minor general will only advance after the previous one has passed this point. This can be problematic for the last two generals, who wait north of Chang Ban Bridge and can be surrounded by Cao Cao's forces. If any general is engaged in combat north of the western bridge, no one else will move. A strategy involves heading south at the start, defeating Xu Zhu, Xiahou Yuan, and Zhang He, and securing the three gates. Ensure no fighting occurs on the withdrawal path and no enemy troops interfere to allow the first three generals to escape. Return to Chang Ban Bridge; if you moved quickly and maintained high force morale, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun will still be defending against Cao Cao's forces. Join them and push back the enemy to allow the last two minor generals to escape. Once they are free, they move quickly, leading to a cutscene of Liu Bei's escape: "I will oppose you forever, Cao Cao, and don't you forget it!" This process typically takes about 23 minutes.

Cao Cao's Side (Pursuit): Liu Bei will advance southwest and then retreat, resulting in a loss if he escapes. Depending on your starting position, eliminate the nearest enemy generals. If possible, acquire a horse and circle around to intercept Liu Bei's retreat and defeat him, eliminating any opposition. Shortly after the battle begins, Cao Cao will arrive as backup, initiating the pursuit. Zhang Fei will block your forces at the bridge; defeat him to allow your troops to continue the pursuit. Since Liu Bei is essentially trapped between your two units, defeating him should be straightforward; eliminate any of his officers who obstruct your path.