In DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, weapons are crucial to shaping your combat style and strategy. Each weapon type offers unique advantages, from swift and nimble blades to powerful, slow-hitting halberds, allowing players to tailor their approach to the battlefield. Whether you’re a seasoned warrior or a newcomer, understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities of each weapon is key to mastering the game. This complete DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS weapons guide will break down everything you need to know about the various weapon types, Battle Arts, their combos, and how to effectively wield them for ultimate dominance in battle.
DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS is available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox.
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Weapons Types
In DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, understanding the various weapon types, their grading system, and the utilization of Battle Arts is crucial for mastering combat and leading your forces to victory.
Pick the perfect weapon to suit your playstyle.
The game offers a diverse array of weapon types, each providing unique combat styles and advantages. Here is a list of each weapon type:
- Swords
- Spears
- Gauntlets
- Wheels (Chakrams)
- Podao
- Staves
- Twin Pikes
- Lances
- Crescent Blades
- Halberds
Note: levelling up is not tied to one specific weapon type. Instead, levelling each weapon will maximize the amount of XP you get so you can level up faster by switching from weapon to weapon so make sure you try each weapon comfortably and see what works best for your playstyle.
Weapon Grades
Weapon grades determine the strength, durability, and special attributes of a weapon. As you progress through the game, you can acquire higher-grade weapons, each offering enhanced performance and unique abilities. Each higher grade increases the weapon’s attack power but also introduces new special effects and abilities, allowing players to tailor their combat style to their preferences.
Once you complete the main story campaign, Grade 7 weapons and the Reforging system become available. With this system, you can combine weapons of the same type and grade to further improve their attributes, such as attack power and special traits. There are also special Grade 8 weapons which are notably more powerful than the rest.
Grade 8 Weapons & How to Obtain Them
As mentioned above, you unlock Grade 8 weapons after beating specific challenges on the hardest difficulty (Ultimate Warrior). Here’s a list of all grade 8 weapons in DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, and their corresponding conditions:
The higher the grade, the stronger the weapon.
- Bellowing Luan Twin Pikes – Defeat Zhang Liao and claim victory without utilizing the flood attack in the Battle of Xiapi on Ultimate Warrior Difficulty.
- Conquering Luan Crescent Blade – Defeat Guan Yu before he returns to Xiapi Castle in the Assault on Xiapi on Ultimate Warrior Difficulty.
- Flying Luan Spear – Defeat Qu Yi within 3 minutes in the Battle of Jieqiao on Ultimate Warrior Difficulty.
- Lurking Luan Sword – Clear the challenge (Zhang Bao’s large force disbands within 15 minutes) in The Final Battle Against The Yellow Turbans on Ultimate Warrior Difficulty.
- Rampaging Luan Halberd – Defeat Lu Bu in the Battle of Hulao Gate on Ultimate Warrior Difficulty.
- Singing Luan Wheels – Defeat Liu Biao in The Battle of Xiangyang on Ultimate Warrior Difficulty.
- Soaring Luan Podao – Defeat Li Dian and Yu Jin before they reach the base to stage the fire attack in the Battle of Bowangpo on Ultimate Warrior Difficulty.
- Striking Luan Gauntlets – Defeat Sun Ce within 10 minutes in the Battle of Xiaopei on Ultimate Warrior Difficulty.
- Thrashing Luan Staff – Claim victory within 21 minutes in the Battle of Chibi on Ultimate Warrior Difficulty.
- Whirling Luan Lance – Defeat Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun within 11 minutes in the Battle of Changban on Ultimate Warrior Difficulty.
Reforging System
In DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, the Reforging System lets you enhance weapons by combining duplicates of the same type and grade, boosting attack power or transferring traits.
Unlocked after completing the main story and obtaining a faction ending, reforging requires coins and consumes the secondary weapon. Weapons can be upgraded up to +99, with each “+1” increasing attack by about three points. Traits can also be transferred, but duplicates of the same trait cannot be stacked. Access this feature in any town via the “Reforge” option.
Battle Arts
In DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, Battle Arts are special moves that can inflict significant damage, stun enemies, and help avoid unblockable attacks. These abilities consume Bravery, a resource that depletes upon use and regenerates over time.
Unleash devastating attacks!
How to Acquire Battle Arts
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Skill Tree Progression: Certain Battle Arts can be unlocked by spending skill points within the skill tree.
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Battle Arts Tomes: These are collectible items found throughout the world, obtainable from NPCs/shops, or received as rewards for achieving specific Peace and Bond levels. Acquiring a Battle Arts Tome grants the player a new Battle Art.
How to Equip Battle Arts
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Equipment Menu: Players can equip up to four Battle Arts simultaneously via the Equipment menu under the ‘Arts’ section. Each Battle Art is associated with a specific button combination for activation during battles.
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Strategic Application: Battle Arts labeled with “Special” are specifically effective against enemies’ orange-glowing attacks, allowing players to counter and deplete the enemy’s Fortitude meter. However, red-glowing attacks are immune to these counters and should be evaded instead.
Mastery Effects & Battle Art Chains
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Mastery Effects: Mastering a Battle Art enhances its effectiveness. It’s important to note that these mastery effects are active only when the corresponding Battle Art is equipped; unequipping it will remove the mastery benefits.
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Battle Art Chains: Players can perform a Battle Art Chain by executing a Battle Art near an allied officer who is ready to participate. An allied officer is ready for a Battle Art Chain when a blue line connects you, their head shows blue hexagons, or your Battle Art glows blue. This collaboration results in a powerful combo attack, with the ally following up the player’s move with their own Battle Art.
Swords
Swords are versatile weapons that excel in delivering a high volume of attacks, allowing players to unleash a relentless series of strikes against enemies. They are also the weapon that the protagonist starts with, making it accessible from the start.
Lurking Luan Sword.
Key Attributes of Swords:
- Early Progression: Due to Swords being the first weapon you unlock, you have a head start in progression, allowing you to focus on leveling it up and eventually weapon forging.
- Balanced Weapon: Swords are perfectly balanced, blending together speed and power, making them perfect for figuring out the game’s mechanics at the start.
The sword’s attack patterns are fluid, allowing the user to adapt to changes in the battlefield. Even as enemies move or new threats emerge, the protagonist can continue their offensive with strong attacks, maintaining the momentum of the battle. With its balance of speed and power, the sword is a reliable choice for both crowd control and single-target damage.
Best Battle Arts for Swords
- Divine Eagle Dance – Bravery Requirement: 7. This Battle Art is especially effective for crowd control.
- Falcon Flurry – Bravery Requirement: 3. This Battle Art is especially effective for attacking multiple foes simultaneously.
Spears
In DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, the spear is a formidable weapon that offers exceptional reach and versatility, making it a valuable asset on the battlefield. Unlocked after completing Chapter 1: Battle of Guangyang, the spear can be purchased from the weapons shop in Ji.
Heavenly Dragon Spear.
Key Attributes of Spears:
- Aerial Dominance: The spear excels at launching enemies into the air, creating opportunities for aerial combos. This airborne control not only deals significant damage but also disrupts enemy formations, granting the player a tactical advantage.
- Extended Reach: The spear’s length allows players to strike enemies from a distance, keeping threats at bay and reducing exposure to counterattacks. This reach is particularly advantageous when facing multiple enemies.
While the spear boasts numerous strengths, it’s essential to be mindful of its limitations. Certain Battle Arts have longer animations, potentially leaving you vulnerable.
Best Battle Arts for Spears
- Dragon Flash – Bravery Requirement: 8. This Battle Art is extremely powerful and works best against officers.
- Dance of the Whirlwind – Bravery Requirement: 5. This spinning attack is perfect for crowd control.
Gauntlets
In DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, gauntlets are close-range weapons known for their rapid attack speed and unique stance-based combat system, making them a unique choice on the battlefield. They are dropped by Zhang He during the Battle of Xia Pi in Chapter 2.
A completely unique weapon type: Gauntlets.
Key Attributes of Gauntlets:
- Stance-Based Combat: Gauntlets offer a distinctive feature with three stances – Tiger, Dragon, Serpent, and Phoenix – each providing unique attack patterns and combos.
- Rapid Attack Speed: The swift nature of gauntlet strikes enables players to execute quick succession attacks, overwhelming enemies and maintaining relentless pressure.
While gauntlets provide exceptional speed and versatility, their close-range nature requires players to engage enemies up close, which can increase vulnerability to attacks. Additionally, stance transitions can sometimes be a bit clunky in fast-paced battles.
Best Battle Arts for Gauntlets
- Heaven and Earth’s Wrath – Bravery Requirement: 8. This Battle Art triggers a cutscene that launches enemies into the air, immobilizes them, and then slams them into the ground.
- Stone Strike Blast – Bravery Requirement: 4. This Battle Art launches enemies into the air, setting them up for aerial combos.
Wheels (Chakrams)
In DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, wheels are distinctive mid-range weapons that combine area-of-effect attacks with delayed burst damage, offering a unique combat experience. It is unlocked in Chapter 2: Suppression of You Province mission.
Blazing Suns Wheels.
Key Attributes of Wheels:
- Area-of-Effect Attacks: Wheels have surprisingly wide-reaching attacks that can chain together nicely, making them effective against groups of enemies.
- Delayed Burst Damage: Certain strong attacks with wheels allow players to stack damage, leading to significant bursts that can decimate foes when timed correctly.
While wheels offer substantial offensive capabilities, their effectiveness is highly dependent on precise timing, combos, and positioning.
Best Battle Arts for Wheels
- Encirclement – Bravery Requirement: 3. This Battle Art creates a spinning attack that damages all surrounding enemies, providing excellent crowd control and maintaining offensive momentum.
- Flaming Volley – Bravery Requirement: 5. Unleashes a series of fiery projectiles that deal damage over time, useful for weakening enemy defenses and controlling the battlefield.
Podao
In DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, the Podao is a heavy sword-like weapon that focuses on charged attacks. It is unlocked in the Chapter 2: Subjugation of the White Wave Bandits Mission.
Demon Slayer Podao.
Key Attributes of the Podao:
- Charged Attacks: The Podao allows players to charge strong attacks, making it a solid option for dealing heavy damage.
- Bravery Farming: The Podao’s strong attacks can quickly build bravery, enabling the frequent use of powerful Battle Arts.
While the Podao offers power, its reliance on strong attacks with long animations can prove costly at times.
Best Battle Arts for the Podao
- Sea of Flames -Bravery Requirement: 5. This fiery attack damages all surrounding enemies.
- Ardent Aura Slash – Bravery Requirement: 6. A powerful attack that deals significant damage to a single target, perfect for eliminating officers.
Staves
In DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, Staves are a versatile weapon that excels in aerial combat and crowd control. You unlock Staves in Chapter 2: Assassination Dong Zhou mission by defeating Dong Min.
Crimson Cloud Staff.
Key Attributes of the Staff:
- Fast Flowing: By holding down the heavy attack button, the staff can perform an effectively infinite combo.
- Aerial Threat: The staff’s attacks can launch enemies into the air, perfect for aerial combos.
While the staff offers exceptional mobility and control, its effectiveness is highly dependent on precise timing and positioning.
Best Battle Arts for the Staves
- Aerial Assault – Bravery Requirement: 3. This Battle Art is where your aerial combos can shine as it launches enemies into the air.
- Rising Dragon Vortex – Bravery Requirement: 3. Unleashes a spinning attack that damages all surrounding enemies, useful for crowd control or a swift escape from a sticky situation.
Twin Pikes
In DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, Twin Pikes are heavy weapons that deliver powerful attacks. They are unlocked during the Chapter 2: Battle of Hulao Gate mission.
Twin Dragon Pikes.
Key Attributes of Twin Pikes:
- Powerhouse: Twin Pikes are built around heavy attack damage. Suitable for if you want to rush-in, tank-style.
- Enhanced Attacks: The weapon features enhanced attacks that can break enemy defenses and deal significant damage.
While Twin Pikes offer offensive capabilities, their effectiveness depends on good timing and knowing how to utilize big power-output in a creative manner.
Best Battle Arts for Twin Pikes
- Flying Dragon Rend – Bravery Requirement: 5. This Battle Art delivers a powerful attack that can break enemy defenses.
- Heaven and Earth’s Wrath – Bravery Requirement: 8. This move launches enemies into the air, immobilizes them, and then slams them into the ground.
Lances
In DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, the Lance is a polearm that focuses on delivering sweeping attacks with a focus on crowd control. You can unlock the Lance during the Chapter 3: Battle of Xu Province mission.
Sky Shaker Lance.
Key Attributes of the Lance:
- Area-of-Effect Attacks: The Lance’s charged attacks can hit multiple enemies in a wide radius.
- High Bravery Generation: Similar to Podao, the Lance is able to generate Bravery quickly, allowing for more frequent use of Battle Arts.
While the Lance is effective for crowd control, it can be a bit difficult to get used to, so don’t get discouraged. Once you find your rhythm, it’ll be such a welcome addition to your arsenal.
Best Battle Arts for Lances
- Crushing Earth Gambit – Bravery Requirement: 4. The debris that falls from the sky after you utilize this Battle Art count as damage absorption for the Lance’s charged attack. This allows you to chain together a devastating combo.
- Tenacious Heart – Bravery Requirement: 6. This attack launches enemies into the air, immobilizes them, and then slams them into the ground.
Crescent Blades
In DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, Crescent Blades offer a unique combat style, combining swift attacks with the ability to charge up for enhanced damage. They are unlocked during the Chapter 3: Rescue of Emperor Xian mission.
Godly Dragon Crescent Blades.
Key Attributes of Crescent Blades:
- Charged Up & Ready: Crescent Blades charge as you deal damage, indicated by green flames along the weapon. Once charged, they can unleash powerful attacks.
- Let’s Get Swifty: Rapid, fluid attacks, enable you to execute quick combos.
While Crescent Blades offer substantial offensive capabilities, the charging mechanic takes a bit of time to master. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be unstoppable.
Best Battle Arts for Crescent Blades
- Azure Dragon Bellow – Bravery Requirement: 5. A really, really, really strong attack… enough said.
- Bursting Wave Slash – Bravery Requirement: 6. Yet another attack that launches enemies into the air and immobilizes them.
Halberds
In DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, the Halberd is arguably the most powerful weapon in the game. Unlocking the Halberd requires completing the main story and it is the only weapon that starts at grade 3.
Soul Crusher Halberd.
Key Attributes of the Halberd:
- The GOAT: The halberd delivers immensely strong attacks, making it a serious powerhouse in taking out enemies.
- Control Them All: Its wide-reaching attacks allow players to manage multiple enemies simultaneously.
The Halberd is difficult to unlock but once you do, it becomes key in going back and beating all the game’s challenges.
Best Battle Arts for the Halberd
- Defiant Shockstorm – Bravery Requirement: 2. This Battle Art has a low Bravery requirement and is consistently good for a quick, strong hit.
- Dance of the Demon – Bravery Requirement: 6. One of the coolest looking Battle Arts, this attack immobilizes enemies.
Farming Methods in DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS
The Subjugation of Yuan Shu
If you’re looking to farm kills efficiently and rack up points in DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, one of the best stages to farm is the Subjugation of Yuan Shu mission, especially when siding with Wu. This battle is nearly endless, thanks to the constant respawn of enemies as long as you don’t defeat Yuan Shu. It offers a fantastic opportunity to hit 10,000 KOs and beyond. For many players, this is not only one of the most rewarding stages for farming but also one of the most fun due to the chaotic action and constant stream of enemies.
Farming Strategy
- Time Efficiency: You can consistently achieve over 1,000 KOs per minute in this battle, making it an excellent choice for farming.
- Climbing the Wall: Once you’ve activated the ladder and scaled the wall, head to the final boss. Position yourself at the right side of the stairs (from the boss’s perspective), which is the main spawn point for enemies on the map.
- Max Musou Advantage: By using your max Musou ability, you can efficiently wipe out large groups of enemies. The area-of-effect (AoE) damage from Musou will take out most enemies, allowing you to farm kills quickly.
- Camping the Spawn: After clearing most of the initial enemies and using your Musou, you can just camp at the spawn point near the stairs. This will allow an endless stream of additional enemies to spawn while you keep attacking.
- Maximizing KOs: As you continue to defeat enemies, make sure to target the officers as they provide a higher number of KOs.
- Boss Battle Tip: When facing the boss, try to get around 20,000 KOs before taking him down. You can strategically move away from the boss to avoid getting hit by your own AoE attacks. If you position yourself correctly, your AoE will clear out enemies on the entire right side of the map, enabling you to continue farming without interruption.
- Weapon and Arts Variety: This strategy works well for farming different weapons and arts, allowing you to level up multiple aspects of your character. It’s an excellent spot to experiment with various weapons while gaining significant experience and items.
Attack them all!
By following these steps, you can maximize your farming potential in Subjugation of Yuan Shu, hitting high KO counts, leveling up efficiently, and enjoying one of the most exciting battles in DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS.
Assistance in Yan Province (Liu Bei)
If you’re looking for another efficient farming stage in DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS. Assistance in Yan Province (Liu Bei) is also a great mission. Some might argue that it outshines the Subjugation of Yuan Shu, offering a faster farming experience.
Farming Strategy
- Fast KOs: In this stage, you spawn right in front of an army of enemies. Since the officers are relatively weak, you can rack up 2,500 to 4,000 KOs in under 5 minutes. The sheer number of enemies and the weakness of the officers make this one of the fastest farming opportunities.
- High Efficiency: Due to the quick spawn and proximity of enemies, you can focus on mowing down large groups without wasting time on positioning. The large enemy numbers combined with weak officers allow you to maintain a high KO rate throughout the mission.
- Optimal for Farming: This mission is especially useful for grinding KOs quickly. If you’re aiming to level up fast or complete weapon progression, this stage offers a much better pace than other missions.
- Location: This mission appears in Chapter 4 of the story and can be accessed as part of Liu Bei’s campaign. It’s a straightforward, highly efficient way to earn a significant amount of kills in a short period.
For those looking to maximize their kill count and level up rapidly, Assistance in Yan Province is a fantastic option. You’ll find yourself consistently hitting high numbers of kills in no time, making it an excellent choice for farming.
Don’t forget that you can use your horse as a weapon – trample crowds of enemies!
There you have it! Everything you need to know about weapons in DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS. Get to the battlefield soldier, it’s time to up that K.O. count!
