Essential Shortcuts
Dynasty Warriors: Origins doesn't feature a dedicated sprint button - characters automatically start sprinting after taking several running steps. While sprinting helps traverse the battlefield, you'll frequently need to cover vast distances quickly to rescue allied officers and secure victory.
This is where horses become invaluable. You can summon your mount anytime during overworld exploration or mid-battle. Horses even enable mounted combat, perfect for swift hit-and-run tactics. This guide covers obtaining your initial horse, enhancing its capabilities, and switching to better mounts.
Acquiring Your First Mount in Dynasty Warriors: Origins
You'll receive your starter horse for free in Chapter 1 by interacting with a wandering merchant. This NPC appears after completing the "Test Of Zheng Fei" mission and before the Battle Of Guangzong. Travel northeast from Wan Castle toward the military camp to find the merchant waiting near his horse. Engaging in conversation will prompt him to gift you the mount, which automatically becomes your active steed.
Summon your horse instantly by pressing the left joystick (console) or V key (keyboard).
Enhancing Your Steed's Capabilities
Your horse accumulates experience from completed missions while equipped, even if unused. Main story battles and standard missions (marked by red diamond icons with soldier symbols) grant XP, though skirmishes don't contribute. Experience gained depends on battle duration and how frequently you utilize your mount for charges and movement. Level progression unlocks unique bonuses at certain milestones, with each horse offering distinct advantages.
Changing Your Active Mount
While your initial horse auto-equips, you'll eventually acquire superior alternatives. Access the Battle Preparation menu for mount selection - it's the last option on the left sidebar. Different horses possess varying speeds and special perks, so regularly evaluate new acquisitions. To obtain additional mounts, completely pacify regions to receive waypoint rewards that include new horses.
