Tabletop Simulator Three Kingdoms Redux

Tabletop Simulator Three Kingdoms Redux is a board game for three players, ages 14 and up, with games lasting 135–165 minutes. It recreates the three-way struggle between Wei, Wu and Shu during the Three Kingdoms period. Players take the roles of Cao Cao of Cao Wei, Sun Jian of Eastern Wu or Liu Bei of Shu Han, each starting from an asymmetrical position. Wei begins with the manpower advantage, while Wu and Shu, the weaker states, protect themselves through an alliance.

The fall of the Han

The Han Dynasty, founded in 206 BC, ruled the central plains and much of modern-day China for nearly four centuries. By the late second century, court politics and poor governance had weakened the dynasty. Corrupt eunuchs and officials dominated the government and imposed heavy taxes on peasants, fueling public discontent that culminated in the Yellow Turban Rebellion of 184 AD, led by Zhang Jiao during Emperor Ling’s reign (168–189 AD.

The rebellion was eventually suppressed, but many of its surviving followers became bandits. Unable to control them, the Han army saw Emperor Ling grant local lords direct administrative authority over provinces and command of regional forces. Many lords broke away from the Han government, and ambitious ones annexed neighbouring territories. The resulting power blocs of Wei, Wu and Shu ushered in the Three Kingdoms period.

Rule your state

You manage the different aspects of governing your state while defending its borders against rebellious border tribes and external enemies. Managing each aspect well earns victory points for your state. The balance of power shifts throughout the game, so you must understand and take advantage of these changes to pursue the ambition of re-unifying China.