Dynasty Warriors: The Untold Beginnings

Some might consider that Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a straightforward game… and it is, for the most part. However, at a certain stage, you will have to make significant choices, which will lead to different outcomes. This is our guide on which faction to choose during Chapter 3 in Dynasty Warriors: Origins. We address the question: Should you ally with Cao Cao, Liu Bei, or Sun Jian? Oh, and just a quick reminder: This article contains minor spoilers.

Should you choose Cao Cao, Liu Bei, or Sun Jian in Dynasty Warriors: Origins – Chapter 3 selection guide

Our Dynasty Warriors: Origins Chapter 3 selection guide aims to assist you as you reach this segment of the game, because it could be quite challenging if you’re not prepared. We cover common mechanics and elements at this point, including what occurs when you “advance time”—i.e., the “time is passing” prompt and your overall contributions. We also discuss situations when your choice is definitively made, and what happens later in the campaign.

At the start of Chapter 3 in Dynasty Warriors: Origins, you’ll likely receive a notification about the rise of warlords, like Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Jian. Their names will appear in the top-left corner of your screen, along with small icons/diamonds.

These icons represent your “contributions”—i.e., the number of story battles you participated in as part of their faction. If you progress further without the required contributions, you will not be able to join that faction later in the game.

Here’s what you need to know for this early phase:

• Cao Cao requires just one contribution, which is the Suppression of Yan Province.
• Liu Bei needs two contributions: the Battle of Jieqiao and the Battle of Beihai.
• Sun Jian requires three: the Assault on Nanyang, the Siege of Fan Fortress, and the Battle of Xiangyang.

After completing a specific number of battles to max out your contributions, the leader of the faction should become visible on the map. If you approach them, it will allow you to advance time. Once again, returning to what we mentioned earlier: You will not be able to join any faction completely if you lack the required contributions/battles as you progress further.

• In the image above, we meet the requirements for all three factions. Therefore, if we proceed now, we would still have the opportunity to join them later on (with some stipulations).
• However, let’s assume we only have two contributions/battles for Sun Jian instead of the three that will be necessary. This situation will prevent us from selecting the Sun family as an option later in the campaign.

Your decision to ally with either Cao Cao, Liu Bei, or Sun Jian in Dynasty Warriors: Origins will face its first true test when you advance time. This initiates the Battle of Xu Province. Now, you must decide whether to side with Cao or Liu.

• The faction you choose will remain an option later.
• The faction you do not select will not be available. You may still see them in cutscenes or coalition battles, but you will not be able to (a) bond with their officers and (b) take part in their own battles.

The second “time is passing” moment occurs shortly after in Chapter 3. Here are the contribution requirements:

• Cao Cao: Five battles in total.
• Sun Ce: Five battles in total.
• Liu Bei: Four battles in total.

No matter what happens, a cutscene will play featuring any remaining faction that you may still choose to ally with. Their officers will attempt to persuade you to join their army. You may respond that “you’ll think about it” while you are still battling for another faction.

Later, when you feel ready, you will truly need to make a decision. This choice will lock you in for the remainder of the campaign, and you’ll be part of the faction that you select.

Your choice to ally with Cao Cao, Liu Bei, or Sun Jian has significant consequences on how the campaign unfolds in the last two chapters.