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THE ENCYCLOPEDIA

Emperor in All but Name

CAMPAIGNS & SCENARIOS · AGE OF EMPIRES II ONLY

CAMPAIGN · THE THREE KINGDOMS

Emperor in All but Name

Cao Cao races rival warlords to seize the emperor and gain political authority. Pressure Tao Qian’s settlements to limit the chance of Liu Bei entering the conflict, then break through the defenses protecting the court.

Emperor in All but Name scenario map icon
Emperor in All but Name scenario map icon

Overview

Cao Cao races rival warlords to seize the emperor and gain political authority. Pressure Tao Qian’s settlements to limit the chance of Liu Bei entering the conflict, then break through the defenses protecting the court.

Player approach

Emperor In All But Name opens under attacks from Dong Zhuo and Lü Bu, followed by a window to defeat Tao Qian before Liu Bei’s reinforcements arrive. A separate achievement requires defeating Lü Bu within twenty minutes.

Step-by-step plan

Choose between Xiahou Dan for direct damage and Cao Ren for nearby support, considering that the choice persists into later missions. Secure the base with troops or a Castle, then use the two available warband carts selectively. Once defenses hold, strike Tao Qian quickly and prevent the Liu Bei reinforcement window from closing. If pursuing the achievement, scout Lü Bu’s route and preserve a mobile force for the timed attack.

Risks and adjustments

The early defense and the Tao Qian timing compete for attention. Protect the economy first, but do not let the force spend too long on optional camps while the reinforcement deadline approaches.

Focused strategy page

For a dedicated version of this plan, open Emperor In All But Name opening defense.

Mission overview

Cao Cao races rival warlords to seize the emperor and gain political authority. Pressure Tao Qian’s settlements to limit the chance of Liu Bei entering the conflict, then break through the defenses protecting the court.

Objectives

  1. Capture the Han Emperor.
  2. Reduce Tao Qian’s population to ten or fewer before Liu Bei arrives, or defeat Tao Qian if he intervenes.
  3. Optional: defeat five warlords, recover Lü Bu’s banners, and recruit Yellow Turban bands.
Also known as
Emperor In All But Name
Focus
Scenario · Cao Cao
Signature / category
Story & scenarios
Release / context
The Three Kingdoms
Classification
Scenarios
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