Key Points:
- In Dynasty Warriors Origins, switch characters during battles by filling the swap meter through actions like dodges and parries.
- Playable companions are unlocked through the main story progression and bonding activities.
- Strategic use of companions can maximize damage during critical moments.
In Dynasty Warriors: Origins, mastering the ability to switch characters in combat is essential for defeating powerful enemies and achieving victory. This dynamic feature allows players to harness the unique strengths of their companions, ensuring a thrilling gameplay experience. Here’s a detailed guide on how to switch characters and unlock companions for maximum effectiveness.
How to Switch Characters During Gameplay in Dynasty Warriors Origins?
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Switching characters requires planning and effective use of your companion’s abilities. Follow these steps to make the most out of this feature:
Companion Selection
- Before entering battle, you must select a companion from the “Select Companion” option during the preparation screen.
- Companions are only available during specific story quests, so plan accordingly.
Filling the Swap Meter
- The swap meter is located under your companion’s name and fills up as you:
- Perform actions like dodging enemy attacks and executing parries.
- Defeat enemy officers and complete objectives.
Switching Characters
- Once the swap meter is full, you can switch characters:
- Controller Users: Hold the Options button.
- Keyboard Users: Press the C key.
- After switching, your companion’s swap meter depletes quickly, especially when using Rage Mode.
Strategic Timing for Maximum Impact
- Save the switch for critical moments, such as battling large groups of enemies or powerful bosses like Lu Bu.
- When the meter is empty, your companion unleashes their Ultimate Musou Skill, delivering massive area damage.
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Playable Companions in Dynasty Warriors Origins
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In Dynasty Warriors: Origins, players can recruit various companions to assist in battles. The game features a total of 45 characters, but only nine can actively fight alongside the player, categorized into three factions and a fourth group for others. Each companion possesses unique weapons and battle arts, enhancing gameplay dynamics.
Faction Breakdown
The companions are divided into the following factions:
- Cao Cao’s Forces
- Sun Jian’s Forces
- Liu Bei’s Forces
- Other Characters
Playable Companions
Here are the nine playable companions, their weapons, and battle arts:
Companion | Faction | Weapon | Battle Arts |
---|---|---|---|
Guan Yu | Liu Bei’s Forces | Crescent Blade | – Azure Dragon Bellow – Divine Energy Domain – Relentless Whirl Slash (Sp) – Rising Cloud Crusher |
Zhang Fei | Liu Bei’s Forces | Lance | – Battle Cry Blast – Inner Fire Fury – Crouching Tiger Strike (Sp) – Crushing Earth Gambit |
Zhao Yun | Liu Bei’s Forces | Spear | – Earth Shatter – Flying Dragon Rend – Aerial Assault (Sp) – Dragon Flash |
Xiahou Dun | Cao Cao’s Forces | Podao | – Immortal Blade – Sharp Fang Flurry – Sea of Flames (Sp) – Burgeoning Devastation |
Guo Jia | Cao Cao’s Forces | Sword | – Tornado Dance – Flying Dragon Slash – Absconding Slash (Sp) – Divine Eagle Dance |
Zhang Liao | Cao Cao’s Forces | Twin Pikes | – Spinning Gale – Battle Roar – Wings of the Phoenix (Sp) – Furious Dual Rush |
Sun Shangxiang | Sun Jian’s Forces | Wheels | – Flying Ring Rend – Triple Tempest – Tornado Slam (Sp) – Twin Tiger Blast |
Zhou Yu | Sun Jian’s Forces | Staff | – Furious Tiger Dance – Double Wave Slam – Chaotic Flurry (Sp) – Vaulting Leap |
Huang Gai | Sun Jian’s Forces | Gauntlets | – Raging Tiger Rampage – Hurricane Kick – Ardent Energy Strike (Sp) – Heaven and Earth’s Wrath |
Companion Abilities
Each companion has specific strengths based on their weapon type and battle arts:
- Guan Yu is known for his durability and powerful area-of-effect skills.
- Zhang Fei offers balanced combat with strong defensive capabilities.
- Zhao Yun excels in mobility and single-target damage.
- Xiahou Dun, Guo Jia, and Zhang Liao provide diverse offensive options for Cao Cao’s forces.
- Sun Shangxiang is a high-damage dealer with quick attack capabilities.
- Zhou Yu focuses on mobility, making him ideal for fast-paced combat.
- Huang Gai combines powerful strikes with gauntlet attacks for close combat.
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How to Unlock All Playable Companions
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Unlocking companions in Dynasty Warriors: Origins is an integral part of gameplay. Here’s how to ensure you have access to all nine companions:
Progressing Through the Main Story
- Most companions are unlocked by completing main story missions.
- The “Select Companion” option becomes available after advancing to Chapter 3, where you choose a faction.
Building Companion Bonds
- Strengthen bonds with companions to unlock additional abilities and battle arts:
- Complete training missions and fulfill requests.
- Engage in dialogue to increase bond levels, which range from 1 to 5.
Playable Companions by Faction
- Each faction offers three unique companions:
- Cao Cao’s Forces: Guo Jia, Xiahou Dun, Zhang Liao
- Sun Jian’s Forces: Huang Gai, Sun Shangxiang, Zhou Yu
- Liu Bei’s Forces: Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun
Unlocking Lu Bu
- Lu Bu, a legendary character, is unlocked after completing the main campaign and one faction’s story path. However, he is only playable in replay battles and side content.
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Optimizing Companion Use
Each companion brings unique weapons and skills to the battlefield, enhancing your strategic options:
- Rely on specific companions for different situations:
- Use Guo Jia for tactical maneuvers and crowd control.
- Choose Zhao Yun for his exceptional combat versatility.
- Enhance companions’ abilities through bond progression to unlock powerful battle arts.
Mastering the character-switching mechanic in Dynasty Warriors: Origins allows players to dominate the battlefield with precision and strategy. By unlocking and utilizing companions effectively, you can maximize their unique abilities and enjoy an enriched gameplay experience.
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