In Dynasty Warriors: Origins, there are three primary endings, each tied to one of the major factions. While your pivotal choice happens in Chapter 3, once you've completed the game once, you can replay from this point, making it easier to secure all possible outcomes. If you fail to trigger a new path during a decisive battle, you can retry directly from that segment.
However, this doesn’t mean the process is simple. While most objectives are straightforward, timing is crucial. We strongly recommend playing on Historian difficulty to ensure battles conclude efficiently, allowing you to influence events as needed.
Updated on January 29, 2025, by Matt Arnold: This guide now includes the Guardians of Peace secret ending, an additional post-credits scene unlocked under specific conditions. Read on for full details—but be prepared for multiple playthroughs to achieve it.
Shu True Ending (Liu Bei’s Fate)
Liu Bei’s true ending is the easiest to unlock since it only requires modifying one mission instead of multiple. This ending occurs near the game's conclusion and is the least dependent on fast execution. You might even achieve it unintentionally, though a few deliberate steps are required.
Key Mission: Battle of Changban (Chapter 5)
Objective: Escape with Liu Bei.
True Ending Path: Instead of simply fleeing, continue fighting until Cao Cao appears in a circular arena in the northern region of the map. Defeat his battalion to trigger the Fate Altered notification.
Tips: On Historian difficulty, Liu Bei will survive as long as you defend the bridge from the first wave of generals. Once that’s done, move north and prepare for Cao Cao’s arrival a few minutes after Bailuan enters the battle.
After securing victory, complete the next two battles normally to unlock Shu’s true ending.
Wu True Ending (Sun Jian’s Fate)
This ending is more complex than Shu’s but simpler than Wei’s. It involves three critical battles, though only the first two require specific actions.
Step 1: Battle of Xiangyang (Chapter 3)
Objective: Rescue Sun Jian instead of advancing as instructed.
Strategy:
Move south at the start of battle, clearing enemies and defeating Pang Ji to open the base.
Capture the base by defeating Wang Can and a generic general, then exit through the north gate.
Follow the westernmost path, ignoring Zhang Yun, and defeat the Mighty General to unlock the next area.
Confront Phantom Zhang Jiao (if he hasn’t spawned, wait for the battle dialogue to progress).
After defeating Zhang Jiao, head to the cave where Lu Gong awaits. A cutscene will play, confirming Sun Jian’s survival (Fate Altered notification).
Step 2: Suppression of Wu (Chapter 4)
Objective: Ensure both Sun Ce and Sun Quan survive.
Strategy:
Begin by securing the southwest base where Phantom Zhang Jiao appears.
Protect Sun Quan by claiming the southern base and eliminating threats in the center before Sun Ce gets lost in the fog.
Once Sun Ce is lost, locate a hidden cave north of Zhang Jiao’s location. Inside, Bailuan awaits.
Defeat Bailuan (he becomes significantly stronger here, summoning phantoms at low health).
After victory, the Fate Altered message will appear. Complete the mission normally.
If both Sun Jian and Sun Ce are saved, you’re locked into Wu’s true ending—just finish the game.
Wei True Ending (Cao Cao’s Fate)
The most challenging true ending requires precise execution across three missions. The first battle, Escape from Wei Castle, has the most punishing time constraints.
Step 1: Escape from Wei Castle (Chapter 4)
Objective: Ensure Dian Wei survives.
Strategy:
Immediately claim the northwest base, then rush east to capture another.
Both must be taken within four minutes to trigger laddermen’s arrival.
Eliminate ambushing generals in the center within the next two minutes.
Once ladders appear, cross the river and defeat Zhang Xiu, Jia Xu, and Zhang Quan within two minutes.
Push further to defeat Huche'er before the ten-minute mark.
If Dian Wei comments on enemy numbers thinning, you’re on track. Escape with Cao Cao to proceed.
Step 2: Battle of Mt. Bailang
Objective: Ensure Guo Jia survives.
Strategy:
Capture the northwest base, then move to the central base, but skip its enemies for now.
Head west, defeat Yuan Mei and Nanlou, then confront Bailuan.
If Bailuan asks, "Do you truly wish to walk this bloodstained path?" you succeeded. If instead, Guo Jia mentions delays, restart.
After an ambush, the Fate Altered notification should appear.
Final Step: Battle of Chibi
Objective: Prevent Zhuge Liang from burning Cao Cao’s fleet.
Strategy:
As soon as your ship lands, rush to the prayer altar in the southwest.
Next, move to the rear of Cao Cao’s fleet and defeat Huang Gai before he can betray you.
If successful, you’ll receive the Fate Altered message. Finish the battle by defeating Liu Bei and Sun Quan for Wei’s true ending.
Secret Ending: Guardians of Peace
A hidden post-credits scene can be unlocked if every province achieves full Peace when completing any of the three true endings.
After the credits, a peach blossom petal falls on the world map, leading to an additional scene featuring the Guardian’s Jade.
You’ll be prompted to visit the ruins of the village, where you meet Bailuan for a final discussion on fulfilling Zhuhe’s dream.
Tips for Dynasty Warriors: Origins, Unlocking All Endings
The fastest way to increase Peace is by completing all optional character missions during your playthroughs.
You can also grind Peace by replaying side missions via the Records menu at an Inn.
With patience and planning, you can witness every ending Dynasty Warriors: Origins has to offer!
