In Dynasty Warriors: Origins, Liu Bei’s storyline brings a unique challenge in the Battle of Xinye, which stands apart from other battles in the game. Here, Cao Cao’s army uses the Eight Gates Formation a fortress like structure made of heavily armored soldiers. Only the sharp intellect of the strategist Xu Shu offers a way to dismantle this formation and achieve victory.
The Eight Gates Formation might seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the key strategy, it becomes much easier to handle. However, one wrong move or a failure to grasp its mechanics can lead to disaster. Here’s how to navigate this battle and emerge victorious.
Battle of Xinye Overview
The Battle of Xinye focuses on unraveling the puzzle of the Eight Gates Formation, but there are several important points to keep in mind:
1. Securing the Northern Camps
You cannot attack the Eight Gates Formation until both northern camps are captured. Doing so allows Xu Shu to analyze the enemy’s formation and identify its weak points. Attempting a direct attack via the southern road will fail.
2. Dealing with Enemy Reinforcements
Once you engage the Eight Gates Formation, enemy reinforcements will appear in the northwest. These troops will try to retake your bases and eliminate Xu Shu. If they succeed, the battle is lost.
3. Zhou Cang’s Role
Zhou Cang can hold the western base for a significant amount of time, but he won’t last indefinitely. Keep an eye on his position to ensure your defenses hold.
4. Bailuan’s Mist
Bailuan will create a confusing mist to block Zhang Liao from reinforcing the enemy. However, this mist will clear once the Eight Gates Formation is destroyed.
5. Final Challenges in Battle of Xinye
After dismantling the formation, you’ll need to defeat Xiahou Yuan to prevent Zhang Liao from reaching Xu Shu. Simultaneously, you must protect Liu Bei to secure victory. The destruction of the Eight Gates Formation will lower enemy morale, making remaining officers easier to defeat.
How to Destroy the Eight Gates Formation in Battle of Xinye
Xu Shu provides a crucial hint: you must enter the formation through a gate that differs from the others. While the gates may look similar, subtle differences—such as the placement of decorations or wooden arches—can help you identify the right one.
The easiest clue is to look for the gate without a burning torch. This gate, known as the Gate of Life, Gate of View, or Gate of Opening, is always the weak point.
Steps to Dismantle the Formation:
- Enter the gate without a torch.
- Inside, you’ll face two mid-level officers. Defeat them in succession to cause many of the armored soldiers to flee.
- Exit the formation and wait for a cutscene where the gates shuffle positions.
- Repeat the process three times, each time finding the new gate without a torch.
- On the third attempt, you’ll encounter Jia Xu. Defeat him to fully collapse the formation.
Can You Fight the Shield Troops in Battle of Xinye?
The shield troops forming the walls of the Eight Gates Formation are immovable and invulnerable. They cannot be damaged, trampled, or jumped over. The only way to bypass them is by defeating the officer in charge of their specific section.
What Happens If You Choose the Wrong Gate?
If you enter a gate with a burning torch, the battle becomes significantly harder. Instead of two officers, you’ll face three, including elite commanders from Cao Cao’s army such as Zhang He or Yu Jin. This will drain your items, exhaust your guards, and reduce the time Zhou Cang can hold the northern line.
Choosing the wrong gate doesn’t make victory impossible, but it introduces unnecessary challenges. To avoid setbacks, carefully examine the gates and always aim for the one without a torch.
By following these strategies, you’ll master the Battle of Xinye and overcome Cao Cao’s formidable Eight Gates Formation with ease.
