Dynasty Warriors Guide: Master Hulao Gate Tactics

Conquer the Iconic Battle of Hulao Gate in Dynasty Warriors: Origins

The Battle of Hulao Gate, a pivotal and notoriously challenging stage in Dynasty Warriors: Origins' Chapter 2, requires strategic planning and execution. This guide will help you overcome this epic encounter and defeat Dong Zhuo.

Initial Strategy:

Begin by clearing the four enemy bases in the map's bottom right corner. Conquering two triggers a cutscene introducing mounted cavalry. Continue your base-clearing strategy; defeating Zhang Liao, the cavalry commander, rewards you with the twin pike weapon.

Once all bases are secured, assault Hulao Gate. This initiates a chaotic battle. Prioritize protecting Cao Cao until he unleashes his Grand Tactic, significantly weakening enemy defenses.

Dealing with Lu Bu:

Dong Zhuo will deploy Lu Bu. Avoid direct confrontation. Lu Bu is overwhelmingly powerful at this stage. Instead, focus on eliminating surrounding officers to maintain morale, which Lu Bu's presence significantly drains.

Lu Bu will eventually attack your main base (Yuan Shao). Resist the urge to pursue him; Liu Bei's forces will temporarily hold him off, giving you a time window to defeat Dong Zhuo. This creates a time constraint; if Liu Bei's forces are defeated, Lu Bu will eliminate Yuan Shao, ending the mission.

Defeating Dong Zhuo:

After Lu Bu's departure, resupply at a conquered base if needed. Capture the northern and western bases to prepare for the final assault. With your forces ready and fully healed, charge towards Dong Zhuo.

Dong Zhuo will employ two Grand Tactics involving fireballs. The first requires destroying two catapults. Use Musou Rage (if available) to breach the soldier barricade protecting them. Focus on eliminating surrounding soldiers and officers to clear a path for your troops to destroy the catapults.

The second Grand Tactic requires defeating an officer. Engage the officer via the right-hand stairs, but be prepared for an ambush by Diaochan, who has joined Dong Zhuo's forces. A duel with Diaochan is challenging but advantageous, preventing a two-front fight.

Once the Grand Tactics are thwarted, the path to Dong Zhuo is clear. Your forces should overwhelm his remaining troops. Dian Wei might even initiate a Grand Tactic, further easing your final assault. While a duel is tempting, a standard defeat of Dong Zhuo is often more efficient at this point.

By following these strategies, you can successfully complete the Battle of Hulao Gate in Dynasty Warriors: Origins, available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.