One of the most iconic battles in the *Dynasty Warriors* series is the legendary Battle of Hulao Gate, and it's prominently featured in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*. This battle is a significant challenge that might require multiple attempts to conquer. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to successfully complete it.
Table of contents
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 final stage of Chapter 2 in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*, where your primary objective is to defeat Dong Zhuo. Reaching him is no small feat and will likely take longer than any previous mission.
As the mission starts, head towards the four enemy bases located at the bottom right of the map. After capturing two of these bases, a cutscene will trigger, showing a mounted cavalry emerging from a hill and heading towards the bases. Don't let this distract you from your strategy. As you proceed to conquer the remaining bases, you'll naturally encounter and defeat the mounted cavalry. If you manage to defeat their commander, Zhang Liao, you'll unlock the twin pike weapon, enhancing your arsenal.
Once you've secured all the bases, you can launch an assault on the gate, initiating your first major confrontation with Dong Zhuo's forces. This battle can be chaotic, but your priority should be to protect Cao Cao until he activates his Grand Tactic. Once activated, many of the enemy defenses will weaken, allowing you to advance further towards Hulao Gate.
Lu Bu Appears
At this crucial moment, Dong Zhuo will deploy Lu Bu to the frontline. It's essential not to engage Lu Bu in direct combat, as he is overwhelmingly powerful and will easily defeat you. Instead, focus on eliminating enemy officers around the edges of the battlefield to maintain your morale, which Lu Bu's presence will significantly diminish.
Eventually, Lu Bu will move towards your main base to confront Yuan Shao. Resist the urge to chase him, adhering to a fundamental rule in *Dynasty Warriors* games: never pursue Lu Bu. Liu Bei and his forces will attempt to hold him back, giving you the window needed to focus on defeating Dong Zhuo. This scenario essentially sets a timer for the mission. Liu Bei's army can only delay Lu Bu for so long, and once they retreat, you must be close to defeating Dong Zhuo, or Lu Bu will destroy Yuan Shao and end the mission.
Go After Dong Zhuo
With Lu Bu distracted, take a moment to resupply on meat buns at your conquered bases if needed, then return to the gate. While Cao Cao prepares for an assault, you should capture the northern and western bases. Once all three squads are ready and you're fully healed, enter the closest commander's circle and charge into battle.
You'll face an enormous army, and Dong Zhuo will launch his Grand Tactic, hurling fireballs at you. To stop this, you must destroy the two front catapults. If available, activate Musou Rage to rush through the wall of soldiers blocking the catapults and clear a path. Focus on defeating the soldiers and officers around the catapults and those forming the barricade. This will allow your forces to reach and destroy the catapults, ending Dong Zhuo's Grand Tactic.
As you advance, Dong Zhuo will initiate another Grand Tactic with fireballs. This time, you must defeat one of his officers to end it. Take the right stairs to confront the officer, but be prepared for an ambush by Diaochan, who has sided with Dong Zhuo. If possible, challenge her to a duel. Despite her swift attacks, defeating her will simplify the fight against the officer.
With the second Grand Tactic neutralized, the path to Dong Zhuo should be clear. Your forces should have sufficient morale to overwhelm his remaining troops, while Lu Bu remains occupied with Liu Bei's forces. Additionally, Dian Wei might initiate a Grand Tactic, further easing your path to victory. Although it might be tempting to duel Dong Zhuo, it's best to defeat him conventionally, as by this point, he and his forces should pose little resistance.
And that's how you successfully navigate the Battle of Hulao Gate in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*. The game is now available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
