How to Beat The Battle of Hulao Gate in Dynasty Warriors: Origins

The legendary Battle of Hulao Gate in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins* is a challenging but iconic encounter. This guide will help you conquer this pivotal stage in Chapter 2, where your objective is to defeat Dong Zhuo.

This mission is significantly more demanding than previous ones. Begin by clearing the four enemy bases in the bottom right of the map. Conquering two will trigger a cutscene introducing mounted cavalry. Continue your base-clearing strategy; defeating Zhang Liao, the cavalry commander, rewards you with the powerful twin pike weapon.

Once all bases are secured, assault Hulao Gate. The ensuing battle is chaotic; prioritize protecting Cao Cao until he initiates his Grand Tactic. This weakens enemy defenses, paving your path forward.

Lu Bu Appears

Dong Zhuo will deploy Lu Bu. Avoid direct confrontation; Lu Bu is overwhelmingly powerful at this stage. Instead, focus on eliminating enemy officers near the main conflict to maintain morale, which Lu Bu significantly drains. Lu Bu will eventually target your main base and Yuan Shao. Resist the urge to pursue him; Liu Bei's forces will temporarily hold him off, giving you a window to defeat Dong Zhuo. This creates a time limit; if Liu Bei's forces are routed, Lu Bu will defeat Yuan Shao and end the mission.

Go After Dong Zhuo

Once Lu Bu leaves, replenish your health at a conquered base if needed. Then, capture the northern and western bases. With all three squads ready, and your health restored, charge towards Dong Zhuo's forces. Dong Zhuo will initiate a Grand Tactic involving fireballs. Destroy the two front catapults to counter this. Using Musou Rage can help you quickly clear a path through the soldiers guarding the catapults.

After a brief respite, Dong Zhuo will unleash another fireball Grand Tactic. This time, defeat an officer to stop it. You’ll encounter Diaochan, a formidable opponent who has joined Dong Zhuo. If possible, duel her to avoid fighting her and the officer simultaneously. Once the Grand Tactic is stopped, the path to Dong Zhuo should be clear. Your forces, bolstered by potentially Dian Wei’s Grand Tactic, should easily overwhelm Dong Zhuo's weakened army. Defeat Dong Zhuo to complete the Battle of Hulao Gate.

*Dynasty Warriors: Origins* is available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.