Which Side Should You Choose in Dynasty Warriors: Origins?
Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
Deciding who you should side with and which leader to support in Dynasty Warriors: Origins is the moment where you commit to who you want as your hero, and by extension, which two leaders you’re totally okay with making your enemies. No pressure, right? Let’s break down your options and figure out who deserves your loyalty (or at least who has the coolest army).
The Big Three: Who Are Your Options?
At the start of Chapter Three, the game makes it clear: the Han Empire is falling apart, and it’s up to you to pick someone to put the pieces back together. You’ve got three very different personalities to choose from:
Cao Cao: The ultimate realist. He has a massive army, the support of the Imperial court, and a “the ends justify the means” vibe.
Liu Bei: The underdog hero. He’s all about doing the right thing and fighting for the people, even when the odds are stacked against him.
Sun Jian: The family guy. His story focuses on loyalty, tragedy, and bonds between friends and relatives.
What Happens When You Choose a Side?
Once you decide, it’s permanent for the rest of your campaign. Your new ally becomes your champion, while the other two leaders become your enemies. No take-backs. By the end of Chapter Three, you’ll be locked into one path, so choose wisely—or impulsively, no judgment here.
Who Should You Choose?
Cao Cao: The Cold Strategist
If you like your leaders calculating and efficient, Cao Cao’s your guy. Historically, he came out on top, so siding with him feels like a safe bet. He’s got the biggest military, the Imperial government in his pocket, and a no-nonsense approach to getting things done.
Why Choose Him: You like winning. And you don’t mind a little moral ambiguity along the way.
Liu Bei: The Heroic Underdog
If you prefer to root for the little guy, Liu Bei is your pick. He’s all about justice, righteousness, and gathering the best warriors under his banner. Plus, he’s the protagonist of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, so you know he’s got main-character energy.
Why Choose Him: You want to feel good about your decision and fight alongside legendary warriors like Zhuge Liang and Zhao Yun.
Sun Jian: The Loyal Leader
Sun Jian’s story focuses on loyalty and the bonds of family and friends. His army is passionate, and their dialogue reflects it—expect fiery speeches and dramatic moments. But fair warning: historically, the Sun Clan had more than its share of misfortune.
Why Choose Him: You want a story with emotional depth and strong themes of family.
So, Who’s the Best Choice?
If you’re playing for power and historical accuracy: Cao Cao
If you want to be the virtuous hero: Liu Bei
If you’re here for family drama and fiery speeches: Sun Jian
Honestly, all three leaders are well-balanced in terms of gameplay, and once you’ve finished the game, you can go back and explore the other paths anyway. For your first playthrough, just pick the leader you like the most—or whose vibe you want to roll with for a while.
Final Thoughts
There’s no “wrong” choice here. Whether you side with Cao Cao’s cold logic, Liu Bei’s noble ideals, or Sun Jian’s fiery loyalty, you’ll be rewriting history your way. Just remember, once you pick your hero, the other two will hate you forever. So, choose wisely—or just flip a coin. That works too.
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