One of the most iconic moments in the *Dynasty Warriors* series is the legendary Battle of Hulao Gate, and it's no different in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*. This battle serves as a major challenge that may require multiple attempts to conquer. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate and ultimately triumph in this epic encounter.
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Dynasty Warriors: Origins Battle of Hulao Gate GuideLu Bu AppearsGo After Dong Zhuo Dynasty Warriors: Origins Battle of Hulao Gate Guide
The Battle of Hulao Gate marks the climactic end of Chapter 2 in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*, with the primary objective being to defeat Dong Zhuo. Reaching him is no easy feat and will likely take more time than any previous mission.
As the mission starts, focus on capturing the four enemy bases located in the bottom right of the map. After securing two of these bases, a cutscene will trigger, showing a mounted cavalry led by Zhang Liao charging towards your positions. Don't let this distract you from your main objective. Continue your conquest of the bases, and you will naturally encounter and defeat the cavalry. Defeating Zhang Liao will reward you with the twin pike weapon, enhancing your arsenal.
Once all bases are under your control, you can launch an assault on the gate, leading to your first major confrontation with Dong Zhuo's forces. Amidst the chaos, your primary task is to protect Cao Cao until he can deploy his Grand Tactic. Once Cao Cao's strategy is in play, it will weaken the enemy's defenses, allowing you to advance towards Hulao Gate.
Lu Bu Appears
At this critical juncture, Dong Zhuo will deploy Lu Bu to the frontline. Under no circumstances should you engage Lu Bu directly, as a one-on-one battle with him is almost certain defeat. Instead, focus on eliminating enemy officers on the periphery to maintain some level of morale, which Lu Bu's presence significantly undermines.
Lu Bu will eventually move towards your main base to confront Yuan Shao. Resist the urge to pursue him; a fundamental rule in *Dynasty Warriors* is to avoid chasing Lu Bu. Liu Bei and his forces will attempt to stall Lu Bu, buying you time to focus on defeating Dong Zhuo. This situation imposes a time limit on your mission. Liu Bei's troops can only hold Lu Bu back for so long, and once you receive news of their retreat, you must be close to defeating Dong Zhuo, or Lu Bu will destroy Yuan Shao and end your mission.
Go After Dong Zhuo
With Lu Bu distracted, if you need to replenish your health with meat buns, quickly visit one of your conquered bases before returning to the gate. While Cao Cao readies his charge, head north and west to capture additional bases. Once you have all three squads prepared and your health fully restored, enter the nearest commander's circle and launch your assault.
You'll face a massive army and Dong Zhuo's initial Grand Tactic of hurling fireballs at you. To counteract this, you must destroy the two front catapults. If available, use Musou Rage to break through the wall of soldiers guarding the catapults. Clear out the soldiers and officers around the catapults and the barricade to allow your troops to demolish them, thus ending Dong Zhuo's Grand Tactic.
As you advance, Dong Zhuo will initiate another Grand Tactic, this time requiring you to defeat one of his officers to stop it. Take the stairs to the right to confront the officer, but be prepared for an ambush by Diaochan, who has sided with Dong Zhuo. If possible, engage her in a duel; defeating her will prevent being overwhelmed by both her and the officer simultaneously.
Once you've thwarted the second Grand Tactic, a clear path to Dong Zhuo should emerge. By this point, your forces should have sufficient morale to overpower Dong Zhuo's remaining troops, and Lu Bu should still be occupied with Liu Bei's forces. Additionally, Dian Wei might deploy a Grand Tactic, further easing your path to victory. While you might be tempted to duel Dong Zhuo, a straightforward attack is advisable as his forces will be significantly weakened.
And that's how you successfully complete the Battle of Hulao Gate in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*! The game is available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S, offering players a chance to relive this iconic battle with new strategies and challenges.
