Three Kingdoms is one of the best Total War to date and Fates Divided does nothing more than improve several aspects, adding systems that simplify but at the same time make the game a bit more complex, being, perhaps, one of the most easy to recommend for those who want to start playing this franchise.

Though slightly overshadowed by the depth of the accompanying free update, Fates Divided's new factions and late-game start positions are the ideal way to experience it.

You won’t want to start every game of Three Kingdoms at 200 CE, but it’s a perfect place to jump headfirst into a tense, dramatic conflict already in play. Battles are even grander, and new additions make the strategy layer more interesting than ever.

Total War: Three Kingdoms - Fates Divided is one of the game's weakest DLCs when it comes to narrative events, but it does present a great scenario for a Cao Cao or Yuan Shao campaign. For the most part, though, you're looking at a highly impressive free update. It truly makes the game more refreshing and engaging, thereby also completely overshadowing what the DLC provides.

Initially, you must be very patient when jumping straight into a humongous armed conflict, but in exchange you’ll get some of the most intense turns you’ve ever witnessed in any Total War game. But the strange thing is, you’ll get a lot of the best stuff for free. So why pay?