What are Romance and Record Modes

There are two different game modes on offer in Total War: Three Kingdoms. These are Romance mode and Records mode, and the difference between them is largely the battle mechanics as each requires a different approach to be successful. Once you have chosen a mode and started your campaign you will not be able to change your selection. Our 'What are Romance and Record Modes' guide will help you decide which mode to pick.

Selecting the Game Mode

At the start of Total War: Three Kingdoms after you have selected your warlord you will be given the opportunity to select the game mode you want to play. This will be at the lower right corner of the screen and it will be set to 'Romance' mode by default, if you click on it you will be given two options from which to choose from. These will be 'Romance' and ' Record' modes and there will be a brief description detailing what you can expect from each of them. Once you have made your selection and confirmed it you will begin the campaign in the mode you chose.

Romance Mode

Romance mode has more story elements and the warlord you command while in combat will have a superhuman level of combat prowess. Also, as you level up your general they will become stronger and be able to defeat dozens of enemies alone with the use of powerful abilities. In Romance mode two enemy generals will be able to face off against each other in the middle of the battlefield with units circling them as they duel it out.

Record Mode

Record mode is historically more realistic and is based on 'Records of the Three Kingdoms', a Chinese historical text which covers the history of the late Eastern Han dynasty (c. 184–220 CE) and the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 CE). In Records mode your generals do not have any superhuman abilities and they have a small band of bodyguards protecting them. In Records mode your unit positioning, fatigue, and who they face in combat is what will decide the outcome of battles.

Check out our How to Steal Characters page to learn how you can get the best units in the game.