In Total War: Three Kingdoms the year is 190CE and China is in turmoil. The Han Dynasty crumbles before the child-emperor. He is but a figurehead, a mere puppet for the tyrant warlord Dong Zhuo.

It is a brutal and oppressive regime, and as Dong Zhuo's power grows, the empire slips further into the cauldron of anarchy. However, hope blossoms as three heroes rally support to bid to challenge Dong Zhuo's remorseless rule.