Defeating Lu Bu: Strategies for Dynasty Warriors: Origins

“Among men, Lu Bu. Among horses, Red Hare.” “Do not pursue Lu Bu.” These iconic phrases resonate throughout Dynasty Warriors: Origins, warning players of the formidable challenge that Lu Bu presents. But what if you're up for the challenge? Here's your guide to taking on this legendary warrior.

Table of contents

• Should You Fight Lu Bu in Dynasty Warriors: Origins?
• Lu Bu’s First Phase
• Lu Bu’s Second Phase
• Lu Bu’s Final Phase

Should You Fight Lu Bu in Dynasty Warriors: Origins?

Facing Lu Bu is no small feat. In my experience with Dynasty Warriors: Origins, it took over an hour to conquer him, highlighting the intense difficulty of this encounter. However, there are compelling reasons to challenge him.

Firstly, defeating Lu Bu grants you bragging rights—a true badge of honor in the gaming community. Secondly, it may be unavoidable depending on your choices. Aligning with Shu or Wei in the game leads to a mandatory confrontation with Lu Bu during the Battle of Xiapi in Chapter 4. Additionally, triumphing over him at the Battle of Hulao Gate not only earns you the "The Strongest" trophy but also unlocks the game's ultimate weapon, the halberd, in the post-game, providing strong incentives to take him on.

Lu Bu’s First Phase

Preparation is key before you engage Lu Bu. Equip a weapon like a sword that can deliver multiple hits and stagger him effectively. Choose Battle Arts that are quick to activate, don’t require much Bravery, and have a wide range. In my battle, I utilized Falcon Flurry, Mad Blade Rush, Absconding Slash, and Flying Dragon Slash. Also, equip accessories that boost your health and defense, such as Divine Bird’s Wing and Divine Turtle’s Shell, as Lu Bu’s attacks can rapidly deplete your health. Opt for a weapon with a skill that grants Bravery for each Perfect Evade, as this will be crucial for gaining Bravery during the fight.

Initially, Lu Bu enters the fray mounted on his horse, Red Hare. This phase is relatively straightforward; Lu Bu charges around the battlefield, occasionally stopping to rest. Use these moments to strike with your Battle Arts and then retreat. His attacks have a limited area of effect, except when Red Hare leaps and crashes down. Once Lu Bu's health drops to 80%, he dismounts, and the real battle begins.

Lu Bu’s Second Phase

On foot, Lu Bu becomes even more ferocious. His attacks are swift, and he moves quickly across the battlefield, often surrounded by a red aura that makes him immune to staggering. He charges in sets of three, so evade and prepare for subsequent charges. If he charges without his spear, he's attempting to grab you—an attack that can severely damage your health, but one you can easily dodge.

His most dangerous move is signaled by an orange glow. With minimal preparation time, he launches three massive arrows at you three times, which can juggle and devastate your health. This is where a long-range Battle Art like Absconding Slash proves invaluable, as it can interrupt his attack from a distance. Avoid close-quarters Battle Arts like Palm Strike, as they can be fatal. Keep your Musou gauge charged for emergency invincibility, which can save you from fatal mistakes.

Fortunately, Lu Bu is susceptible to juggling in this phase. Continuous attacks can quickly charge your Battle Arts and deplete his Fortitude meter. Stay close to react swiftly to his moves, and remember to evade frequently.

Lu Bu’s Final Phase

When Lu Bu's health is low enough, he enters Musou Rage, marking the final phase. Here, he becomes unstoppable, unleashing a relentless barrage of attacks. Your objective is to break his Fortitude before he can execute his Musou attack. Use every tool at your disposal—activate your Musou attacks when he's near, deploy your Battle Arts, and strike with speed and precision. If he performs his Musou Attack, he'll immediately reactivate it, forcing you to restart the phase. Breaking his Fortitude here will finally allow you to defeat this legendary adversary.

And that’s how to defeat Lu Bu in Dynasty Warriors: Origins! The game is now available for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.