DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS

While Origins offers some scary prospects for longtime fans, it shakes off the specters of past failures and delivers something completely new that invigorates the series.

87%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

grinding, stability

94% User Score Based on 4,127 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 41 reviews

Platforms

Buy Nowfrom $69.99

Buy NowGet on Steam€79.99

Buy NowGet on Xbox Games Store

Buy NowGet on PS Store$69.99

About

"DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS" is an action game that lets you experience the classic 'DYNASTY WARRIORS' series from its beginning. Pre-ordering the game gives you access to a collaboration costume, while early purchase includes a soundtrack with 191 tracks from the franchise's history. However, be aware that bonus content and early purchase periods may vary and could be offered later.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 4,168 reviews

story358 positive mentions

grinding76 negative mentions

The combat system is a significant improvement, with added mechanics like parrying and dodging that make battles feel more engaging and strategic.
The graphics and presentation are stunning, creating an immersive experience that captures the essence of the Three Kingdoms era.
The storytelling is more in-depth and character-driven, allowing players to connect with the narrative and the characters in a way that previous entries did not.

The game lacks character customization and the ability to play as multiple iconic characters, which may disappoint long-time fans of the series.
There are frequent crashes and performance issues reported by some players, which can disrupt the gameplay experience.
The price point is considered high for the amount of content available, leading some players to feel it is not worth the full price.

story
1,514 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
73%
4%
The story in "Dynasty Warriors: Origins" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its deeper narrative and character development compared to previous titles. The game presents a fresh take on the well-known Romance of the Three Kingdoms, focusing on a new protagonist whose journey intertwines with historical events, though some players feel the linearity and lack of character customization detract from the experience. Overall, while the storytelling is more immersive and engaging, it may not satisfy those seeking the expansive character roster and freedom of earlier entries in the series.
- “The story is the most detailed it has ever been and in a creative and surprising way follows the romance of the three kingdoms book closer than any other DW game so far even though you are a nameless wanderer and not an actual character like previous games made you play as.”
- “The storytelling is dramatic yet familiar for ROTK fans with just enough new to keep me wanting to play more to find out what else they've added.”
- “The story is engaging, and the open-world aspect adds a fresh layer to the experience.”
- “There’s a strong premise here, but a lack of character development hampers the storytelling.”
- “The content just doesn't seem to be there and the storyline was not engaging to me at all.”
- “The story is blah and there's wayyyy too much dialog; I just start to space out and play on my phone.”
gameplay
755 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
63%
4%
The gameplay in "Dynasty Warriors: Origins" has received widespread acclaim for its refreshing mechanics and engaging combat, blending classic hack-and-slash elements with modern features like parrying, dodging, and strategic troop management. While the game retains the series' core identity, it introduces new systems that enhance player interaction and immersion, making battles feel more impactful and dynamic. However, some players have noted limitations in character variety and repetitive mission structures, which may affect long-term enjoyment.
- “The gameplay feels polished, with an incredible blend of action-packed combat and strategic elements that longtime fans will appreciate.”
- “The gameplay is the best it's ever been and the focus on one character and the beginning of the 3 kingdoms instead of the whole thing really allows them to flesh out the time period and do smaller but still relevant battles.”
- “The gameplay is fantastic and solid all around.”
- “The gameplay seems standard Dynasty Warriors.”
- “The best iteration of Dynasty Warrior for years, but blurry writing and repetitive gameplay can make for a dull experience at best.”
- “Normal gameplay boils down to blindly attacking until you see a parry window (which is very generous).”
graphics
327 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
50%
3%
The graphics in "Dynasty Warriors Origins" have received widespread praise for their significant improvement over previous titles, showcasing stunning visuals and well-designed character models that enhance the overall gameplay experience. While some players noted minor issues such as inconsistent frame rates and occasional graphical glitches, the majority found the art direction and optimization to be impressive, making it a visually engaging title for both new and returning fans of the series. Overall, the graphics are considered a highlight, contributing to the game's immersive combat and storytelling.
- “The visuals are stunning, the soundtrack is epic, and the weapon design is more dynamic than ever.”
- “Graphics are great, sound is amazing, especially the music.”
- “The graphics are a huge step up from any of the previous titles, maybe barely scratching 2025 standards for PC games at this price point, but relative to anything else we've seen from this series it is undeniably gorgeous.”
- “The graphics are nothing to write home about.”
- “For many years the franchise felt like it couldn't really escape that PS2, early PS3 era aesthetic and narrative direction.”
- “A lot more enemies on screen (my biggest ask), only decent graphics (many people say it's mind-blowing or whatever, these are pretty basic), and the combo system is back from older titles (thankfully).”
music
282 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
45%
2%
The music in the latest Dynasty Warriors game has received widespread acclaim, with many praising its epic soundtrack that blends new tracks with remixed classics from previous installments. Reviewers highlight the emotional depth and intensity of the music, which enhances the gameplay experience and evokes nostalgia for long-time fans. Overall, the soundtrack is described as a standout feature, elevating the game's combat and storytelling to new heights.
- “The soundtrack is absolutely phenomenal, be it new tracks or remixed of old ones.”
- “The music is just as good as you would hope and I absolutely love the fact that they used the theme songs from DW7 for each army/faction in this game!”
- “The soundtrack complements the action perfectly, blending traditional Chinese instruments with modern orchestration to create an epic auditory experience.”
- “Disappointed I can’t use the classic soundtracks during stages.”
- “Pretty sure this isn't early access, and it doesn't have the feel or emotional soundtrack of the originals, so it's rather disappointing.”
- “The background music continues to play while the game stays frozen until it must be manually exited.”
optimization
136 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
51%
11%
Overall, the game's optimization has received largely positive feedback, with many players reporting smooth performance across various systems, including low-end PCs and the Steam Deck. While some users noted occasional stuttering or performance dips during intense battles, the majority praised the game as one of the best-optimized releases from Koei Tecmo, capable of running at high frame rates even at maximum settings. However, a few players experienced significant performance issues, indicating that optimization may not be consistent for all configurations.
- “The upgrade in art style looks great and seems extremely well optimized for all systems (there's even a Steam Deck preset) and the officer fights will humble you quick if you try to approach them the same way you have in previous musous.”
- “The optimization is amazing and it runs super well on my low-end PC; the fact the game can generate so many troops on screen without my game crashing is nuts.”
- “Game is very well optimized for what I played and I had no issues or anything so far, which is great because as of late it feels like developers don't care anymore and just push out unpolished garbage expecting AI (DLSS or FSR) to fill the void in performance.”
- “Max settings and low settings make no difference to the performance.”
- “The only gripe I have with this game, and it's a big one, is the horrible optimization.”
- “I can run most games on max settings, but this game... to play without stuttering I had to turn everything to low or off and lower my resolution; it's pretty horrible.”
grinding
87 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
10%
87%
Reviews on grinding in the game reveal a mixed experience: while some players find the grinding optional and manageable, enhancing gameplay without becoming overly tedious, others feel it can be excessively grindy and repetitive, particularly in terms of collecting materials and leveling up. The game offers various grinding opportunities, such as skirmishes and random missions, which can make progression easier but may detract from the overall enjoyment for those seeking a less time-consuming experience. Overall, grinding is seen as a double-edged sword, providing depth for some while feeling like a chore for others.
- “No farming maps for better stats or gear.”
- “It's fun, no woke bs, no grinding, just brainless action RPG, much needed entertainment after a long day at work.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Tedious and annoying incense destroying chore mid fights, nothing that makes this worth the price.”
- “Irritating issues - there are a number of grindy collection things on the overworld map such as pyrerite, weapons and old coins which you need to collect to increase some combat system which feels like a bloated way to increase game time and progression systems.”
stability
45 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
49%
51%
Overall, the game runs well on various platforms, including the Steam Deck, and is generally well-optimized. However, many users report significant stability issues, including frequent game freezes and crashes, particularly during battles and cutscenes. While the gameplay is enjoyable, these technical problems have led some players to recommend waiting for patches before purchasing.
- “Runs great for a fresh release with no issues so far even in very large battles.”
- “Everything is well optimized and the game runs great.”
- “Runs great and gameplay is satisfying.”
- “There is a very problematic glitch that freezes the game usually within 5-10 minutes of a battle start.”
- “However, at the moment the positive changes are somewhat overshadowed by the repeated game-breaking freezes and crashes seemingly at random during battles and even war councils.”
- “Game freezes randomly while audio continues perfectly fine.”
replayability
39 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
82%
8%
Replayability in the game is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the inclusion of alternate routes and faction choices that allow for different outcomes, others express concerns about repetitive gameplay and a lack of diverse content outside the main campaign. The potential for replay value is noted through character unlocks and post-game mechanics, but many feel that the game could benefit from additional playable characters and modes to enhance its longevity. Overall, while there are elements that encourage replayability, the execution leaves some players wanting more.
- “What’s exciting is the inclusion of alternate routes, allowing you to explore different outcomes and adding replayability to the game.”
- “Dynasty Warriors: Origins doesn’t just have the largest amount of enemies the series has thrown on screen at once, it also deepens its combat, improves its storytelling, and provides a healthy amount of replayability.”
- “Choosing which kingdom to support mid-way through provides replayability and good payoffs no matter the path; weapons and general kit has good variety.”
- “Though fans of the series will instantly notice a lack of modes outside the campaign, other people mention that there's little replayability once you play through the story, which is a bit different than past titles.”
- “It makes me doubt the replayability of this game.”
- “Replayability is there, but it feels repetitive.”
character development
37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
62%
30%
8%
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the depth added to characters and the polished designs, others feel that the storytelling suffers from a lack of substantial character growth. The revamped character designs are generally praised, but there are calls for more customization options. Overall, the game successfully enhances its narrative and character arcs, particularly for long-time fans of the series.
- “The game dives deeper into storytelling and character development while still keeping the satisfying, chaotic battles the series is known for.”
- “As someone who has been playing Dynasty Warriors for 20 years, I was apprehensive about all the changes but Cao Cao is still badass (maybe even more so now), Liu Bei and Sun Jian are at their best, Zhang Jiao and Dong Zhuo aren't exaggerated cartoon villains anymore, and everyone gets a nice bit of character development.”
- “Mechanics are smooth, character development is surprisingly amazing. I wish there were more customization options, but I haven't had this much fun with a Dynasty Warriors game since the DW3 & DW4 days as a kid.”
- “There’s a strong premise here, but a lack of character development hampers the storytelling.”
- “I'm not super keen on the younger/beautification of the character designs, and I haven't played enough to see if they actually have an older age model, but I assume they must because they start out as 20-something boy band types.”
- “Every cutscene, every character design, every line of dialogue in this game embodies a 14-year-old boy's idea of what is cool.”
emotional
33 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game has been praised for its rich storytelling and character development, evoking nostalgia and empathy from players. Many reviewers noted the heartwarming interactions and complex narratives that add depth to both heroes and villains, making the experience more impactful than previous installments. However, some expressed disappointment with the absence of the emotional flair found in earlier games, feeling that the new direction, while grounded, lacks the same resonance.
- “The character-driven storytelling ensures that each hero and villain is memorable, with personal arcs that add emotional weight to the grand scale of the conflicts.”
- “Each faction’s storyline feels rich and immersive, with emotional depth that I haven’t experienced in a Dynasty Warriors game in years.”
- “The ending made me cry, and you empathize with the characters and grow very fond of them.”
humor
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is a blend of silly characterization and deeper, more relatable dialogue, particularly with characters like Zhang Jiao, who transitions from a goofy persona to a more serious role. Players find the dialogue amusing, with some awkward translations adding to the humor, while the bond rank-up scenes provide a comedic yet engaging experience. Overall, the game successfully balances humor with character development, making for a fun and entertaining narrative.
- “As funny as it was to have Zhang Jiao be goofy for so long, characters like him and others have greater depth to them that reintroduces them in new lights that weren't usually there in the DW series.”
- “That doesn't mean they've gotten rid of silly characterization altogether; the dialogue and prose are still hilarious, but each character is much more down to earth.”
- “Good combat, music... so funny.”
atmosphere
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
62%
23%
15%
The game's atmosphere is a modern and immersive take on the classic dynasty warriors theme, featuring gritty battlefields and a deeper combat system that enhances the sense of tactical warfare. Players appreciate the dramatic and engaging battlefield atmosphere, which is more pronounced than in previous installments, although some feel that certain elements can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the atmosphere successfully combines martial arts-inspired moves with a less anime-driven narrative, creating a refreshing and dynamic war environment.
- “This is a modern take on the old Dynasty Warriors theme and atmosphere with gritty battlefields and classic swords and spears, martial arts-inspired movesets, and a much deeper combat system, skill developments, tactical warfare, and a well-crafted battlefield atmosphere.”
- “Now, the atmosphere of war is more immersive.”
- “Unlike previous games where the battlefield was mainly driven by player and officer dynamics, now the game has a much stronger sense of war atmosphere.”
- “It's not egregious to the point of ruining the story, but it definitely ruins the atmosphere at times.”
monetization
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
25%
38%
The game features a one-time purchase model with no additional in-app purchases, microtransactions, or DLC at release, which has been positively received by users. Many reviewers appreciate this approach, considering it a refreshing change from typical monetization practices in the industry. Overall, the game's pricing and lack of ongoing costs contribute to its perception as a high-quality release.
- “No additional in-app purchases, so once you buy the game, that's all you need.”
- “There's no bugs, the game looks great, and there are no microtransactions as of release.”
- “The price tag is reasonable, with no microtransactions or DLC (yet).”
- “The price tag is crazy, no microtransactions or DLC though (yet).”
- “No additional in-app purchase as well, so once you bought the game that's all you need.”
- “This is by far the most flawless release I have played for a game in the last decade, regardless of if it were an indie 200MB rip-off or AAA and 200GB cash grab.”