The iconic Battle of Hulao Gate in Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a challenging but rewarding experience. This guide will help you conquer this notoriously difficult stage in Chapter 2, your objective being the defeat of Dong Zhuo.
Begin by clearing the four enemy bases in the bottom right of the map. Conquering two triggers a cutscene introducing mounted cavalry. Continue your base-clearing; defeating Zhang Liao, the cavalry commander, rewards you with the twin pike weapon.
With all bases secured, assault Hulao Gate. This initiates a major clash against Dong Zhuo's forces. Prioritize protecting Cao Cao until he launches his Grand Tactic, weakening the defenses and paving your way forward.
Lu Bu Appears
Dong Zhuo will deploy Lu Bu. Avoid direct confrontation; he’s overwhelmingly powerful at this stage. Instead, focus on eliminating enemy officers around the periphery to maintain morale, which Lu Bu significantly drains. Lu Bu will eventually target your main base and Yuan Shao. Resist the urge to pursue him; Liu Bei's forces will temporarily hold him off, giving you a window to defeat Dong Zhuo. This creates a time constraint—if Liu Bei's forces retreat, you must be close to defeating Dong Zhuo to prevent Lu Bu from eliminating Yuan Shao and ending the mission.
Go After Dong Zhuo
Once Lu Bu leaves, resupply at any conquered base if needed, then advance. While Cao Cao prepares a charge, capture the northern and western bases. With three squads poised to attack, and fully healed, charge towards Dong Zhuo's commander's circle.
A massive army awaits. Dong Zhuo will initiate a Grand Tactic involving fireballs. Destroy the two front catapults to counter it. Use Musou Rage (if available) to breach the soldier barricade protecting the catapults. Eliminate surrounding soldiers and officers to clear a path for your forces to destroy the catapults.
Dong Zhuo will launch another fireball Grand Tactic, requiring the defeat of an officer to stop it. Take the right-hand stairs to encounter the officer, but be prepared for an ambush by Diaochan, now fighting for Dong Zhuo. If possible, duel Diaochan; defeating her simplifies the encounter. Once the Grand Tactic ends, the path to Dong Zhuo should be clear. Your forces, bolstered by potentially Dian Wei's Grand Tactic, should easily overwhelm Dong Zhuo's weakened forces. Defeat Dong Zhuo to complete the Battle of Hulao Gate.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins is available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
