Dynasty Warriors: Origins In-Depth Faction Guide

Dynasty Warriors: Origins returns to the core of the franchise, immersing players in the intense, large-scale battles of the Three Kingdoms period. This game not only showcases breathtaking action but also offers players the chance to align themselves with one of several factions, each with its own history, playstyle, and goals. Choosing the right faction is key to succeeding in the game, and understanding the dynamics of each one will help you make the most of your experience.

This comprehensive guide will take you through the core factions of Wei, Shu, Wu, and Others, offering insight into their historical significance, their gameplay mechanics, strategies, and the choices that shape their storylines. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to master each faction’s path.


Overview of Factions

The game’s story centers around three major factions—Wei, Shu, and Wu—each vying for control of ancient China. Alongside these, the "Others" faction introduces a host of unique characters and rebels who challenge the established order, providing a different perspective on the conflict.

Wei (Kingdom of Wei)

  • Leader: Cao Cao
  • Historical Significance: Wei was one of the three primary kingdoms of the Three Kingdoms period, emerging from the ambitions of Cao Cao, who sought to unite China under his rule. Wei controlled the northern plains, offering a strong military and economic base.
  • Gameplay Focus: Wei excels in coordinated tactics, economic strength, and powerful generals. Wei armies are often large, and victories are achieved through strategic positioning and decisive strikes.
  • Key Characters: Cao Cao, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Dian Wei

Shu (Kingdom of Shu)

  • Leader: Liu Bei
  • Historical Significance: Founded by Liu Bei, Shu represented the restoration of the Han Dynasty and was built on principles of loyalty and virtue. It was based in the mountainous region of Sichuan, where it sought to preserve and protect the remnants of the old imperial order.
  • Gameplay Focus: Shu is known for its focus on morale, guerilla tactics, and individual heroism. The faction thrives in defense and ambushes, relying on its heroes to lead from the front and inspire their troops.
  • Key Characters: Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Zhuge Liang

Wu (Kingdom of Wu)

  • Leader: Sun Quan
  • Historical Significance: Wu controlled the southeastern territories, making use of its natural geographic advantages, such as rivers and forests, to hold off its rivals. The Sun family built a strong legacy in naval warfare and skilled administration.
  • Gameplay Focus: Wu is a balanced faction, utilizing strong infantry, cavalry, and naval units. It excels in water-based combat and ambushes, often striking when the enemy is least prepared.
  • Key Characters: Sun Jian, Sun Ce, Sun Quan, Zhou Yu, Lu Xun

Others

  • Key Figures: Dong Zhuo, Lu Bu, Yuan Shao, Zhang Jiao (leader of the Yellow Turban Rebellion)
  • Gameplay Focus: The "Others" faction allows players to experience the conflict from the perspective of rebellious warlords and opportunistic leaders. These factions often disrupt the status quo, offering unique missions and challenging the dominance of the major kingdoms.
  • Key Playstyle: The "Others" provide distinct characters with unique abilities, such as Lu Bu’s unrivaled combat prowess or Dong Zhuo’s oppressive rule. These characters tend to focus on personal ambition rather than national unity.

Faction-Specific Strategies

Each faction has its own approach to battle, which significantly impacts how you should play through their campaigns. Here’s a breakdown of strategies for success with each faction.

Ziluan, Dynasty Warriors: Origins
Wei Strategies

  1. Emphasis on Tactics: Wei excels in coordinated assaults. Take advantage of formations, and use strategic positioning to break enemy lines. Units perform better when placed thoughtfully, and a well-timed flank can devastate your enemies.

  2. Powerful Generals: Characters like Cao Cao, Xiahou Dun, and Dian Wei are powerhouse fighters capable of turning the tide of battle. Leverage their strength to disrupt enemy forces and make sure to keep your generals in positions where they can deliver maximum damage.

  3. Economic Strength: Wei’s strong economic foundation means you can maintain a large, well-equipped army. Take time to build your forces and replenish your ranks after battles, ensuring you have enough troops to handle prolonged engagements.

  4. Important Missions:

    • Battle of Guandu: This pivotal battle requires strategic positioning and resource management. Use Cao Cao’s leadership to outmaneuver Yuan Shao and solidify Wei's dominance in northern China.
    • Conquest of Jing Province: Focus on outflanking your enemies and using your superior numbers to overpower their defenses.

Shu Strategies

  1. Guerilla Warfare: Shu is most effective when it utilizes the terrain to its advantage. The mountainous regions provide cover for ambushes and surprise attacks. Use this to weaken enemy morale and break their ranks.

  2. Morale Boosts: Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang can inspire your forces, ensuring that your troops remain motivated and fighting at full strength. Make sure to keep your commanders close to the action to maintain this boost.

  3. Individual Strength: Shu’s heroes are incredibly powerful in one-on-one combat. Characters like Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun can decimate foes in direct combat, so focus on engaging enemy leaders and weakening their forces.

  4. Important Missions:

    • Battle of Hanzhong: This battle emphasizes defense and strategic positioning. Use Shu’s superior morale and mountainous terrain to hold off Wei’s powerful forces.
    • Defense of Jing Province: This mission requires quick reactions and careful planning to defend against powerful opponents.

Wu Strategies

  1. Naval Warfare: Wu's strength lies in controlling rivers and waterways. Use your navy to secure waterways, launch amphibious attacks, and cut off enemy supply lines.

  2. Ambushes and Traps: Wu’s dense forests and waterways make for excellent ambush locations. Lead your enemies into these traps, where you can strike with overwhelming force.

  3. Balanced Approach: Wu's army is versatile, with strong infantry, cavalry, and naval units. You can mix and match these forces to adapt to any situation.

  4. Important Missions:

    • Battle of Chi Bi (Red Cliffs): This battle demands that you use fire attacks and naval tactics to defeat the larger forces of Wei.
    • Battle of Yiling: Adapt to changes in the battlefield and plan strategically to overcome overwhelming odds.

Others Strategies

  1. Unique Playstyles: Each character in the "Others" faction plays differently. For example, Lu Bu is an unstoppable force in direct combat, while Dong Zhuo relies on oppression and overwhelming numbers to control regions.

  2. Opportunistic Tactics: The "Others" faction thrives on exploiting the weaknesses of the major factions. Focus on taking advantage of divisions, attacking when the enemy is vulnerable, and expanding your power at every opportunity.

  3. Important Missions:

    • Playing as Lu Bu: You will often challenge several major factions. Success comes from dominating battlefields with unmatched strength and brutal tactics.
    • Playing as Dong Zhuo: Your role is more strategic—consolidate power in the central region and utilize political maneuvering to crush opposition.

Storyline and Choices

In Dynasty Warriors: Origins, your decisions will affect the course of history, offering a branching narrative where your actions determine the ultimate fate of your faction. Each faction’s campaign presents multiple paths, with key decisions that can shift the alliances, outcomes, and even the characters you encounter.

For example:

  • Playing as Wei might see you shaping the empire under Cao Cao’s vision, where the unification of China is the goal, and your decisions could either alienate or solidify your relationships with neighboring factions.
  • Shu’s path will test your loyalty to Liu Bei’s ideals. Decisions made regarding your alliances and character choices will either strengthen or fracture your kingdom’s internal unity.
  • Wu’s campaign could involve balancing political and military power between Sun Quan’s heirs, with decisions about alliances and defense determining Wu’s future.
  • Others will often present morally grey choices, where you can choose to rebel or consolidate power for personal gain, radically altering the course of history.

By understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and unique elements of each faction, you can forge your own path through the chaos of the Three Kingdoms era. Whether you choose the strategic might of Wei, the loyal spirit of Shu, the balance of Wu, or the chaotic ambition of the "Others," Dynasty Warriors: Origins offers an unforgettable journey through one of history's most epic conflicts.

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