How To Duel Enemies in Dynasty Warriors: Origins

Dynasty Warriors: Origins' Duel System: A High-Stakes Showdown

While Dynasty Warriors: Origins is renowned for its massive battles against hordes of enemies, a compelling gameplay element returning from previous installments is the duel system. This guide explains how duels function within the game.

Duels in Dynasty Warriors: Origins: A Strategic Encounter

Introduced in Dynasty Warriors 4, duels make a comeback in Dynasty Warriors: Origins after more than two decades. While unavailable in the game's early stages, the ability to initiate duels unlocks in Chapter 2. However, duels aren't open to all opponents; you can only challenge high-ranking enemy officers. A brief window appears upon their initial appearance, allowing you to challenge them by simultaneously pressing R1 and L1.

Once accepted, a temporary arena forms, isolating you and your opponent in a one-on-one battle. Unlike standard combat, a progress bar at the top of the screen tracks both your and your opponent's success. Each successful hit advances your meter; conversely, your opponent's hits fill their meter.

The objective is to inflict sufficient damage to completely fill your meter. Your starting health doesn't affect the duel's progress, but your overall morale does. A winning position results in faster meter filling, while a losing position favors your opponent. An even match results in equal meter progression. Given the one-on-one nature, carefully observe your opponent's attacks, utilizing dodges and parries to mitigate damage and maintaining a safe distance when facing Battle Arts. While time is limited, reckless aggression is ill-advised.

Consequences of Victory and Defeat

Winning a duel in Dynasty Warriors: Origins yields significant rewards: substantial damage to your opponent and a considerable morale boost for your army. Conversely, defeat results in substantial personal damage and a significant morale drop for your forces, potentially jeopardizing your position in a prolonged battle. Undecided duels, however, have no negative consequences; the battle simply resumes its normal course. Only unavoidable duels carry mission-failing penalties for defeat, while victory guarantees mission success. Therefore, while duels offer the potential to dramatically shift the tide of battle, underestimating an opponent can lead to disastrous consequences.

Availability

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is currently available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.