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The Great Escape

CAMPAIGNS & SCENARIOS · AGE OF EMPIRES II ONLY

CAMPAIGN · THE THREE KINGDOMS

The Great Escape

Cao Cao’s forces pursue Liu Bei’s scattered followers across the countryside. Move quickly, free villages to gather a civilian convoy, and keep the carriages ahead of the pursuing army. Cross the river, reunite the heroes, and reach the Sun Clan’s stronghold.

The Great Escape scenario map icon
The Great Escape scenario map icon

Overview

Cao Cao’s forces pursue Liu Bei’s scattered followers across the countryside. Move quickly, free villages to gather a civilian convoy, and keep the carriages ahead of the pursuing army. Cross the river, reunite the heroes, and reach the Sun Clan’s stronghold.

Player approach

The Great Escape is won by keeping Liu Bei and the Civilian Carriages moving toward Sun Quan while Cao Cao’s army keeps advancing. The player has a large starting force, but cannot win a prolonged battle against the pursuing numbers.

Step-by-step plan

Keep a mobile vanguard near the convoy and use small, controlled engagements to clear the next stretch of road. Let durable units draw fire while ranged troops and cavalry remove immediate threats, then resume the march as soon as the route is open. Leave a compact rear guard to delay pursuit instead of committing the full army to a stand-up fight. If Zhuge Liang’s objective from The Scholar and the Sandal Maker was completed, use the extra preparation time to improve the convoy’s spacing and escape route.

Risks and adjustments

The army’s population limit and the pursuers’ numbers make repeated full-force battles unsustainable. Do not chase retreating groups away from the carriages, and sacrifice a small blocking force if that is what keeps Liu Bei and the civilians moving.

Focused strategy page

For a dedicated version of this plan, open The Great Escape mobile-escort plan.

Mission overview

Cao Cao’s forces pursue Liu Bei’s scattered followers across the countryside. Move quickly, free villages to gather a civilian convoy, and keep the carriages ahead of the pursuing army. Cross the river, reunite the heroes, and reach the Sun Clan’s stronghold.

Objectives

  1. Bring Liu Bei to Sun Quan.
  2. Escort at least eight Civilian Carriages.
  3. Cross the Yangtze River.
  4. Find Zhuge Liang and reunite with Zhang Fei and Guan Yu.
  5. Capture Hanjin’s Monument.
Focus
Scenario · Liu Bei
Signature / category
Story & scenarios
Release / context
The Three Kingdoms
Classification
Scenarios
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