One of the most iconic battles 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 on how to successfully navigate this epic encounter.
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Dynasty Warriors: Origins Battle of Hulao Gate Guide
The Battle of Hulao Gate is the climactic final stage of Chapter 2 in Dynasty Warriors: Origins, where your ultimate goal is to defeat Dong Zhuo. Reaching him, however, is no small feat and will likely be the longest mission you've encountered so far.
At the start of the mission, focus on capturing the four enemy bases located in the bottom right of the map. Once you've secured two of these bases, a cutscene will trigger, showcasing a cavalry unit led by Zhang Liao charging towards your position. Continue your strategy without distraction, as you'll naturally encounter and defeat this cavalry while progressing through the bases. Defeating Zhang Liao will reward you with the twin pike weapon, a valuable addition to your arsenal.
After capturing all four bases, you'll be ready to launch an assault on Hulao Gate itself, marking the beginning of your major confrontation with Dong Zhuo’s forces. Amidst the chaos, your primary objective should be to protect Cao Cao until he unleashes his Grand Tactic. This will significantly weaken the enemy's defenses, allowing you to advance closer to Hulao Gate.
Lu Bu Appears
As the battle intensifies, Dong Zhuo will deploy Lu Bu to the frontline. It's crucial to avoid engaging Lu Bu directly, as a one-on-one fight with him is nearly impossible to win and will result in your swift defeat. Instead, focus on eliminating enemy officers at the edges of the battlefield to maintain your morale, which Lu Bu's presence significantly undermines.
Lu Bu will eventually move towards your main base to confront Yuan Shao. Although it's tempting to intervene, adhere to the core strategy of Dynasty Warriors games: do not pursue Lu Bu. Liu Bei and his forces will attempt to delay Lu Bu, buying you precious time to focus on defeating Dong Zhuo. This creates a time-sensitive scenario; you must defeat Dong Zhuo before Liu Bei's forces are overwhelmed and Lu Bu reaches Yuan Shao, which would end the mission in failure.
Go After Dong Zhuo
Once Lu Bu has moved away, take the opportunity to replenish your supplies of meat buns at any of your conquered bases if needed, then return to the gate. While Cao Cao prepares for a charge, your strategy should be to capture the northern and western bases. With all three squads ready and your health fully restored, enter the closest commander's circle and initiate the final assault on Dong Zhuo.
You'll face an immense army, and Dong Zhuo will deploy his Grand Tactic, hurling fireballs at you. Your immediate task is to destroy the front two catapults to end this tactic. Use Musou Rage if available, to break through the wall of soldiers guarding the catapults. After clearing the path, focus on eliminating the soldiers and officers around the catapults and the barricade to allow your forces to destroy them, effectively neutralizing Dong Zhuo's first Grand Tactic.
As you advance, Dong Zhuo will launch another Grand Tactic, this time requiring you to defeat one of his officers to stop it. Ascend the stairs on 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 to prevent being overwhelmed by both her and the officer.
Once you've thwarted the second Grand Tactic, the path to Dong Zhuo should be clear. With high morale, your forces should be able to overwhelm Dong Zhuo's remaining troops easily. Even if Dian Wei initiates a Grand Tactic to further aid your advance, avoid dueling Dong Zhuo directly; instead, defeat him through regular combat as his forces will be significantly weakened by this point.
And that’s how you conquer the Battle of Hulao Gate in Dynasty Warriors: Origins! The game is now available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
