Dynasty Warriors Origins has a layer of depth that is unique with its “Hypothetical Routes,” allowing players to go off the beaten path and affect the destiny of key characters. These secret routes often involve completing specific challenges or defying conventional objectives, leading to unexpected outcomes that can greatly affect the narrative. Though none of these alternate endings fundamentally changes the overarching plot in question, such is rewarding by the agency for a player able to mold favorite characters’ fate.
Hypothetical Routes – Dynasty Warriors Origins
Occasionally, during some of the missions, you can sometimes stray from the primary goal. It may be an optional kill for the enemies or simply ignore what the game says. In that case, you may get a result that’s not expected: you save one of the characters who is set to die in the battle.
While these alternative endings don’t drastically alter the main storyline, they offer a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Knowing that one of your favorite characters survives and can continue to contribute to the quest for peace in China is a rewarding experience. These unique endings are usually accompanied by a brief but heartwarming scene after the battle.
Liu Bei (Shu)
In the Shu route of this game, the only point where you can actually change the course of events is during the Battle of Changban in Chapter 5. Instead of simply helping Liu Bei escape from Cao Cao, you have the option to try and defeat Cao Cao himself. This is strongly hinted at within the game itself. Once you cross the bridge, the game will clearly tell you that the objective has changed. You’ll no longer just be protecting Liu Bei’s escape; your new goal is to defeat Cao Cao.
The most effective strategy here is to quickly eliminate Cao Cao’s officers stationed on the other side of the bridge. This ensures Liu Bei can continue his escape without being overwhelmed while you pursue Cao Cao. Ideally, you want Liu Bei to take a long time to escape, giving you ample time to defeat Cao Cao’s forces.
Cao Cao (Wei)
In Chapter 4, during the Escape from Wan Castle battle, you have a chance to change the course of events by saving Dian Wei’s life. Towards the end of the battle, right after Cao Cao escapes the castle, the western gate will open. Wait at the exit and defeat all the enemy officers that try to escape. Then, quickly head back inside the castle and eliminate any remaining enemy officers.
If you successfully defeat all the officers within the castle, you’ll receive a message indicating that you’ve altered fate and saved Dian Wei. Time is crucial here. Once the western gate opens, a timer begins. You can see Dian Wei’s condition on the battlefield. If the line representing his health turns completely red, it means Dian Wei has succumbed to his injuries and died. If any enemy officers manage to slip past you after Cao Cao escapes, make sure to pursue and defeat them. Defeating all the officers within the castle is essential to trigger this special outcome.
Battle of Mt. Bailang
You have another chance to alter fate during the Battle of Mt. Bailang, this time by saving Guo Jia’s life. To do this, you must escort Tian Chou and defeat Bailuan within an extremely tight time limit – under 5 minutes! To succeed, quickly rush to Tian Chou’s aid and conquer the bases on the western side of the map as fast as possible.
Once Tian Chou reaches the corridor near the northern part of the map, Bailuan will appear. If Guo Jia expresses concern about not receiving updates from Tian Chou and warns that time is running out, you’re likely a minute or less away from failing. After defeating Bailuan, observe their reactions to determine if you succeeded. If Bailuan is pleased, it means you were too slow. However, if Guo Jia expresses immense relief and you receive the “Fate Altered” notification, you’ve successfully saved his life. Remember, after defeating Bailuan, quickly return to assist Cao Cao. If you delay, he may perish.
Battle of Chibi
During the climactic Battle of Chibi in Chapter 5, you will have the opportunity to alter history by preventing Huang Gai from carrying out his devastating fire attack, which otherwise would destroy your entire fleet. However, this is only possible if Guo Jia is still alive. If Guo Jia has perished, Huang Gai will abruptly initiate the fire attack without any warning.
If Guo Jia survives, he will advise you to confront Huang Gai directly. You’ll have a very limited window of opportunity – just 2 minutes – to defeat Huang Gai in a one-on-one duel after the “winds change” signal. This requires exceptional combat skills and quick reflexes.
Sun Clan (Wu)
In Chapter 3, during the Battle of Xiangyang, you have the chance to save Sun Jian’s life, the first major turning point in the Wu route. Sun Jian will advance towards Huang Zu on the lower left side of the battlefield. As he approaches the edge of the map, he’ll encounter a thick fog that disorients him. This typically happens around 4 minutes into the battle.
At this crucial moment, you must have already opened the gate to the north of Sun Jian’s position and reached the clearing beyond it. There, you’ll encounter a mirage of Zhang Jiao, which you must defeat. You only have about 5 minutes to accomplish this before Huang Gai advances towards Sun Jian’s position. Once Huang Gai reaches Sun Jian’s location, a cutscene will play depicting a boulder falling on Sun Jian. If Sun Jian survives this ordeal, you’ve successfully altered fate and saved his life.
Wu battle
During the Suppression of Wu battle in Chapter 4, you have the chance to save Sun Ce’s life and change the course of history. Begin the mission as you normally would. However, when Sun Ce vanishes into the western forest, follow him. Head towards the southernmost point of the forest, where you’ll encounter a mirage of Yan Baihu. Defeat this illusion.
Next, use the Sacred Eye ability to reveal a hidden path leading to a secret cave to the west. At the end of this path, you’ll confront another mirage, this time of Bailuan. Defeat Bailuan, and you will have successfully saved Sun Ce’s life.
