GUIDE · BATTLE STRATEGY
The Return of the Dragon Bran approach plan
The Return of the Dragon starts as a small escort mission and becomes a town-control scenario after Vlad reaches Bran Castle. Preserve the hero through the northern pass, then capture nearby villages to obtain the production buildings the scenario restricts.
Overview
The Return of the Dragon starts as a small escort mission and becomes a town-control scenario after Vlad reaches Bran Castle. Preserve the hero through the northern pass, then capture nearby villages to obtain the production buildings the scenario restricts.
Plan and execution
Travel northwest from Bogdan’s castle and use the route through the Moldavian city to avoid the strongest southern tower. At the guarded pass, consider drawing out and defeating Vladislav’s general so the guards withdraw; if the force cannot win that fight, use the northern path and avoid unnecessary contact. Once Bran Castle is reached, protect it because it produces Paladins over time. Capture local villages by moving a unit onto their markers to gain the production buildings unavailable through ordinary construction, then use those sites to extend the army and secure the required objectives.
Risks and adaptation
Vlad must survive the escort, so keep him out of range while the Cavaliers handle threats. Running past enemies can work but risks losing the hero to a pursuit. Check which buildings each village grants before splitting the force, and keep Bran Castle protected while the town expands.
- Focus
- Hero escort and captured-town expansion
- Signature / category
- Plan and execution
- Release / context
- Age of Empires II system
- Region
- Battle strategy
- Classification
- Battle strategies