Part 54

Diao Chan's Side: This stage plays similarly to Guan Yu's escape. Navigate through five gates, facing two generals at each. The first gate has generic officers. The second has Taishi Ci and Lu Meng. The third has Xiahou Dun and Zhang He. The fourth has Zhao Yun and Huang Zhong. After the fourth gate, Lu Bu will pursue Diao Chan. The fifth gate features a generic general, Zhang Liao, and archers. Prioritize defeating enemies, especially the generals, before Lu Bu arrives. Defeating Lu Bu opens the final gate to complete the stage. If Diao Chan attempts to escape, use Red Hare to catch her quickly and prevent her from gaining too much distance, which would lead to more enemies.

Battle at Chang Ban II – Dong Zhuo’s Forces vs Liu Bei Forces: Objective is to defeat Liu Bei before he escapes. Head south to the bridge and fight Zhang Fei. Lu Bu has a unique cutscene if used. After Zhang Fei is defeated, Liu Bei's army advances, and Guan Yu appears in the southeast. Quickly eliminate enemies on the path to Liu Bei. Many of your forces will be occupied fighting Zhao Yun in the north. Reach Liu Bei swiftly once his ships arrive. Liu Bei is a formidable opponent. Use a horse, Hex Mark, or Red Hare saddle to catch him if needed, as he moves quickly once his ships appear.

Battle at Chang Ban II – Yuan Shao’s Forces vs Liu Bei’s Force: Strategy is identical to Dong Zhuo's side. Refer to that section.

Battle at Chang Ban II – Yellow Turbans vs Han Forces: This stage mirrors Liu Bei's Chang Ban stage. Meeting Liu Bei triggers a cutscene where Zhang Jiao pleads for his people. Liu Bei retreats, and you can defeat him during his retreat without counterattack for a +4 defense item. Yuan Shao is the final opponent.

Battle at Chang Ban II – Nanman Forces vs Shu Forces: North of Meng Huo's starting position is Zhuge Liang, who must be defeated along with Liu Bei. Zhang Fei guards the bridge on the way and must be defeated first. After Zhang Fei is defeated, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang advance. Liu Bei does not escape to the bottom left in this scenario. Many enemies appear while fighting Zhuge Liang, but they panic after his defeat. Take Zhuge Liang's horse and pursue Liu Bei. Additional officers appear in the northeast after Zhuge Liang is defeated; these can be fought or ignored. Liu Bei does not escape quickly here.

Assault on Cheng Du: Nanman Forces vs Liu Bei’s Forces: Objective is to defeat Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei. Ambush troops may appear behind you early on. Due to Meng Huo's slow movement, it's often better to press forward and defeat the bosses rather than backtracking.

Battle at Chi Bi II – Lu Bu’s Forces vs Dong Zhuo’s Forces: Lu Bu's forces advance down the east, while Lu Bu moves west. Focus on the west side, defeating enemies. Dong Zhuo receives reinforcements; the second wave includes Taishi Ci, Lu Meng, Gan Ning, and Huang Gai, appearing near Diao Chan (losing if she dies). If necessary, backtrack to defeat these reinforcements before engaging Dong Zhuo. Alternatively, after clearing the west, return to the main camp to support Diao Chan. After Dong Zhuo's main force is defeated, Li Ru breaks the boats on the east, forcing a return to the west.

Battle at Chi Bi II – Nanman Forces vs Wei Forces: Defeat Cao Cao and Zhen Ji. Wei forces are present at the start. Zhen Ji is to the north, Cao Cao to the south. Wei forces will eventually collide.

Battle at Chi Bi II – Yellow Turbans vs Han Forces: (Strategy not detailed in source, assumed similar to other Chi Bi II scenarios or previous stages).