Blood of Steel Zhang Bao Hero Guide

Zhang Bao is one of the starter heroes that everyone gets for free. With access to high damage, multiple formations, a charge ability, and out-of-battle health regeneration, he is easily one of the best infantry heroes in the game, capable of countering cavalry and healing outside of battle.

As with all heroes, he has his strengths and weaknesses and should be played in a way that leverages his strengths.

1. There’s a short delay before any troop formations take effect/get cancelled. Don’t use them too early, but don’t wait for too long either.
2. The shields on your soldier’s backs are capable of blocking arrows. If you need to run from archer fire, do so in a perpendicular direction, keeping cover in mind.
3. Use the “~” (tilde) key to look behind you. Zhang Bao can bait cavalry charges and can easily turn on a dime. When the enemy is least expecting it, you can turn around 180 degrees and perform a charge attack with shift to do massive damage.
4. Stick with allied infantry or cavalry when moving, and pick your engagements carefully. Try to stay on the flanks.
5. Use your charge ability (4) liberally, but at the same time, don’t waste it on targets that would counter your troops. Avoid charging shield infantry and 2-handed users (Godfrey, Baldwin) from the front. Cavalry and cavalry archers are premium targets for this ability.
6. You can freely order your troops to change direction during the charge ability by using the F2 (Move) hotkey. Even 90 degree turns are possible – practice this liberally.
7. If you find yourself outnumbered, it may be better to leave the fight and find targets that Zhang Bao counters (cavalry / cav archers). This will give your troops some time to heal out of battle and for you to make a bigger difference elsewhere on the battlefield.