
In the engaging world of Dynasty Warriors: Origins, the pivotal moment comes when players must align themselves with one of three prominent factions: Cao Cao of the Wei kingdom, the Sun family from the Wu kingdom, or Liu Bei of Shu. These factions are intricately tied to the historical narrative depicted in the classic Chinese text, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which serves as the foundation for the Dynasty Warriors franchise. The choice made here influences not only the storyline but also the playable allies and possible endings, making this decision critical for gameplay exploration.
[Note: This article features minor spoilers related to Dynasty Warriors: Origins, mainly up to Chapter Four, while generally avoiding significant spoilers beyond that point.]
The choice between Ziluan’s three allies demands careful consideration. Hints throughout the game suggest possible trajectories for each leader’s reign based on their character and motives. Nevertheless, a hasty choice could inadvertently lead to chaos within the storyline. As players navigate this journey, they will encounter unique missions and narrative decisions shaped by their faction choice. Below, we delve into the implications of siding with each faction in Dynasty Warriors: Origins.
Consequences of Aligning with Cao Cao
Embarking on the Wei Kingdom Route



Players initiate their journey into one of the factions during Chapter Four after fulfilling requirements like participating in battles and engaging with the faction’s leader. Opting to side with Cao Cao inevitably turns Liu Bei and Sun Ce into adversaries. This route unfolds across six missions in both Chapters Four and Five. Players will immediately witness the consequences of their allegiance, as Cao Cao enlists rogue bandit groups who, during their first joint battle, cause havoc among civilians—setting the stage for his notorious portrayal as a calculating warlord.
Cao Cao’s gameplay is challenging due to his aggressive tactics and the enmity cultivated with rival factions. While defeating his enemies remains an objective, players will find unlocking Cao Cao’s true ending particularly strenuous, requiring changes to pivotal historical events, notably the battle at Chibi.
Consequences of Aligning with Sun Ce/Sun Quan
Exploring the Wu Kingdom Route



By choosing to support the Sun family, particularly Sun Ce, players will also create enemies in the form of Cao Cao and Liu Bei. However, the Wu route, while maintaining a similar length, offers a more compelling narrative that revolves around Sun Ce’s rise following his father’s death, providing a personal touch central to the family dynamic.
This route emphasizes emotional storytelling founded on personal stakes rather than large-scale political maneuvers. Players will still have opportunities to forge brief alliances, emphasizing that relationships can shift dynamically, even within a concentrated family narrative. Unlocking the true ending here requires players to assure the survival of key figures within the Sun family, leading toward a fulfilling conclusion.
Consequences of Aligning with Liu Bei
Journey Through the Shu Kingdom Route

Liu Bei’s storyline expands slightly with seven missions in Chapter Four, frustrating the efforts of both Cao Cao and Sun Ce. Here, players experience more cooperative moments despite forming enemy relationships. The Shu route aligns closely with the historical narrative, presenting challenges similar to the other factions yet making true ending conditions relatively straightforward—modifying a single battle can provide Liu Bei a decisive edge in the battle of Chibi.
Consider Siding with Liu Bei
The Optimal Path to Victory

While each faction presents a unique experience, Liu Bei’s path emerges as the most favorable in terms of narrative outcome and character integrity. He exemplifies the Confucian ideal of a just leader, prioritizing the welfare of his people over conquest—a stark contrast to others. Ultimately, players should choose the faction that resonates with the storyline they wish to pursue, favoring Cao Cao for ambition, the Sun family for personal intricacies, or Liu Bei for an uplifting tale of heroism.
Leave a Reply