Why You're Losing as Miao Ying? | Legendary Difficulty Walkthrough

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Grand Cathay campaign in Total War Warhammer 3. In this campaign we’re playing as Miao Ying, the Storm Dragon, on Legendary difficulty, combining full gameplay with a practical strategy guide that explains every decision in real time. The focus is not just on what happens, but why it works—so you can apply the same logic in your own campaigns. This episode covers the crucial early game where Cathay must secure the Northern Provinces against internal rebels and external threats while building a powerhouse economy through smart infrastructure and the Ivory Road. In this episode you’ll learn: How to survive the early pressure on Grand Cathay’s Legendary economy. Early army structure maximizing Missile infantry and Harmony bonuses Why Jade Warriors are the backbone of your early frontline How to use Yin & Yang magic and Miao Ying’s dragon form to turn the tide Managing the Wu Xing Compass and Great Bastion threats effectively When to push for Nan-Li and how to secure your home province safely Caravan management and maximizing gold from trade early on Handling early threats like the Eshin Skaven and rebel factions This campaign is designed to show how Grand Cathay is played efficiently on Legendary, not through passive defense, but through perfect Harmony, devastating ranged fire, and tactical spellcasting that shatters enemy morale before they reach your lines. If you want a complete Miao Ying guide from early survival to celestial dominance, this series breaks down every step. Game: Total War: Warhammer III Faction: Grand Cathay – Miao Ying Difficulty: Legendary 00:00 - Introduction & Starting the Legendary Campaign 00:14 - First Battle: Wiping out Rebels & Miao Ying’s Tanking Ability 01:32 - Pro Tip: Always Chase After Battle for Rewards 02:49 - Campaign Map: Selecting Compass Direction & Capturing Nan-Li 03:37 - Technology & Skill Tree Strategy (Missile Focus) 04:36 - Recruitment Strategy: Why wait for Jade Warriors? 05:57 - Leveling up Miao Ying: Increasing Range & Damage 06:42 - Sending the First Caravan 07:35 - Diplomacy Hack, Maximizing Gold from Trade & Non-Aggression Pacts 09:48 - First Large Scale Battle: Siege of Terracotta Graveyard 12:12 - Tactical Breakdown: Utilizing Jade Warrior Shields & Sky Junk 17:28 - Caravan Encounters & Growing the Economy 18:22 - The Manual Siege Advantage (Avoiding Legendary Auto-Resolve) 21:18 - Dealing with Clan Eshin & Skaven Threats 26:10 - Joining Wars for Gold & Eliminating Beastmen 27:56 - Tiger Warriors: Glass Cannon Tactical Usage 34:30 - Capturing Kunlan & Recruiting Heroes 37:25 - Turn 10 Wrap-up: Securing the Gates and Future Strategy