Defeating Lu Bu: Strategies for Dynasty Warriors: Origins

“Among men, Lu Bu. Among horses, Red Hare.” “Do not pursue Lu Bu.” These iconic phrases from Dynasty Warriors: Origins are clear warnings – don’t mess with Lu Bu. However, if you're bold enough to challenge him, here's how to do it.

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?

Fighting Lu Bu is a formidable challenge in Dynasty Warriors: Origins. In my experience, it took over an hour to conquer this legendary warrior. Yet, there are compelling reasons to take him on. Firstly, defeating Lu Bu earns you bragging rights—a true badge of honor among gamers. Secondly, aligning with Shu or Wei forces you to face him in Chapter 4 during the Battle of Xiapi, leaving no choice but to fight. Additionally, triumphing over him at the Battle of Hulao Gate not only grants you the "The Strongest" trophy but also unlocks the game's ultimate weapon, the halberd, in the post-game, making the battle highly rewarding.

Lu Bu’s First Phase

Preparation is key before engaging Lu Bu. Equip a weapon like a sword that can deliver multiple hits and stagger him. Choose Battle Arts that are quick to activate, require minimal Bravery, and have a wide range. My setup included Falcon Flurry, Mad Blade Rush, Absconding Slash, and Flying Dragon Slash. Accessories that boost health and defense, such as Divine Bird’s Wing and Divine Turtle’s Shell, are crucial as Lu Bu's attacks can quickly deplete your health. Opt for a weapon with a skill that grants Bravery for each Perfect Evade, as this will be your primary source of Bravery during the fight.

Initially, Lu Bu rides his horse, Red Hare. This phase is relatively straightforward; he charges around the battlefield but occasionally pauses to rest. Use these moments to strike with your Battle Arts and then retreat. His attacks have limited area of effect, except for Red Hare's aerial crash, making them manageable to dodge. Once his health drops to 80%, Lu Bu dismounts, and the real battle begins.

Lu Bu’s Second Phase

On foot, Lu Bu becomes even more dangerous. His attacks are swift, and he moves rapidly across the battlefield, often surrounded by a red aura that makes him immune to staggering. He charges in sets of three, so be ready to evade repeatedly. If he charges without his spear, he's attempting a grab that can severely damage your health, but it's easily evaded like his other charges.

His most lethal move is signaled by an orange glow. With minimal preparation time, he launches three massive arrows three times, capable of juggling and devastating your health. To counter this, use a long-range Battle Art like Absconding Slash. Close-quarters Battle Arts like Palm Strike are suicide in this scenario. Keep your Musou gauge charged for emergency invincibility, which can save you from fatal mistakes.

Lu Bu is surprisingly easy to juggle in this phase. Continuous attacks will quickly charge your Battle Arts and deplete his Fortitude meter. Stay close to react better to his moves, and remember: evade, evade, evade.

Lu Bu’s Final Phase

When Lu Bu's health is sufficiently low, he enters Musou Rage, marking the final phase. Now unstaggered, he unleashes a relentless barrage of attacks. Your goal is to break his Fortitude before he executes his Musou attack. Use all your remaining resources—activate Musou attacks, deploy Battle Arts, and strike fast and hard. If he completes his Musou Attack, he'll immediately reactivate it, forcing you to restart the phase. Breaking his Fortitude here is your ticket to victory over this formidable opponent.

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