Part 27

Navigate the challenges of Total War: Three Kingdoms Part 27. Learn about the Byzantine Empire and Russia's strengths, weaknesses, and strategic goals to dominate the campaign.

Alright, let's dive into Part 27 of our Total War: Three Kingdoms journey. This section focuses on two major factions: the Byzantine Empire and Russia. Understanding their starting positions, goals, and unique units will be key to your success.

The Byzantine Empire

The Byzantines start with a few key regions: Nicaea, Nicosia, Thessalonic, Corinth, and their capital, Constantinople. Your short-term goals are to hold 15 regions, eliminate the Turks, and Venice. For the long game, you'll need to control 45 regions, including Rome and Jerusalem.

The Byzantines have access to two special buildings: Ikonic Art and Sanitation. Ikonic Art boosts public health and significantly increases the conversion rate of the Orthodox Church. Sanitation, requiring a Market or Great Market, also improves public health and contributes to population growth.

Byzantine Units

When it comes to infantry, the Byzantines are pretty solid. Their Dismounted Latinkon are comparable to the Catholics' Dismounted Knights, and the Varangian Guard are top-tier infantry with armor-piercing capabilities. Dismounted Byzantine Lancers and Byzantine Infantry are also decent choices.

However, the Byzantines are seriously lacking in missile units. They have no gunpowder and no crossbows. While Trebizond and Byzantine Guard archers are good, they're not exceptional compared to other factions. Their artillery is similarly limited, featuring only Ballistas, Catapults, Trebuchets, and Bombards. This technological gap can be a real problem later in the game, especially against the Mongols and Timurids.

On the bright side, Byzantine cavalry is strong. They have good mounted archers, and their Latinkon and Kataphractoi cavalry are high-quality heavy cavalry, though not quite as powerful as some European or Egyptian counterparts.

Byzantine Strategy

The Byzantine Empire is a shadow of its former glory. You're surrounded by threats: the Turks to the east, Egypt to the south, and Catholics to the west. An alliance with the Pope could be a lifesaver. Your best bet is to expand north towards the initially weaker Russians. Once Russia is dealt with, turn your attention to the Turks and then Egypt. Venice and Hungary are also good targets. If you still need more settlements, consider Poland or expanding into Africa and the Middle East. The ultimate goal is to secure 44+ settlements and Jerusalem, then assemble a powerful army with artillery (Trebuchets/Bombards are a must!) to take Rome and win the campaign.

Russia

Russia starts with only Novgorod as its capital. The short-term goals are to hold 15 regions and eliminate Poland and Hungary. The long-term objective is to control 45 regions, including Constantinople and Jerusalem.

Like the Byzantines, Russia has access to Ikonic Art, which boosts public health and Orthodox conversion rates.

Russian Units

Early on, Russian infantry is quite weak. You'll rely heavily on Spear Militia and mercenaries until you unlock units like Woodsmen, Dismounted Druzinha, Dismounted Boyar Sons, and Berdiche Axemen. While these later units have armor-piercing weapons and can hold their own, they aren't the best on defense.

Fortunately, Russia's missile units are much better. Early crossbow and archer militias provide support, but the real stars are the Dismounted Dvor and, especially, the Cossack Musketeers. Cossack Musketeers are one of the best gunpowder units in the game, with high attack power. They can hold their own in melee too, making them incredibly versatile.

Russia has the Basilisk artillery but lacks the Serpentine. Their cavalry is also quite capable, with Kazaks and Boyar Sons serving as good missile cavalry. Druzinha are excellent for charges, and Dvor cavalry are strong melee units. The Tsar's Guard is another standout cavalry unit.

Russian Strategy

Focus on building up your military and economy early on. Use your missile units to support your weaker infantry. As you unlock better units, you can become more aggressive. The goal is to expand and eventually take on larger powers. Remember that your missile units, particularly the Cossack Musketeers, are your strongest asset, so use them wisely to support your advances and defend your territory.