One of the earliest challenges in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins* pits you against the formidable Zhang Jiao, leader of the Yellow Turbans. Here's a detailed guide to help you conquer this epic battle.
How To Fight Zhang Jiao’s First Phase
The first phase unfolds in a vast wasteland, setting the stage for a one-on-one duel. Zhang Jiao employs sorcery to hurl stones at you, adapting his strategy based on your proximity. When you're close, he'll summon four stones that you must swiftly evade. From a distance, he'll unleash twice as many, launching them in pairs that you can dodge by circling him. It's crucial to maintain a safe distance when he prepares his large stone barrage to avoid heavy damage.
Despite his preference for ranged attacks, Zhang Jiao also has melee capabilities. He performs simple combos that you can parry and an area-of-effect (AOE) attack signaled by a white glow, indicating you should retreat to avoid damage. As the fight progresses, he'll use moves enveloped in a red aura, signaling uncancellable attacks. These include summoning a deluge of rocks and creating clones. The best approach during these moments is to retreat and wait for his assault to subside before resuming your attack. Equip a sword for optimal damage output compared to spears or gauntlets.
Monitor your health closely, as healing opportunities are limited, typically allowing only four heals depending on your skill upgrades. Utilize the meat buns found in jars near the arena entrance for healing, especially after dodging Zhang Jiao's attacks.
How To Fight Zhang Jiao’s Second Phase
The battle escalates into the second phase upon unlocking Musou Rage, with Yellow Turban reinforcements joining Zhang Jiao. Fortunately, your own army arrives to even the odds, providing a strategic advantage. This is an ideal moment to heal by grabbing meat buns from the entrance. Be cautious of Zhang Jiao's new tornado attacks that can disrupt your position while you engage his troops.
After thinning out his soldiers, Zhang Jiao will deploy a Grand Tactic, requiring you to defeat 300 soldiers within a tight time frame to prevent a devastating counterattack. Complicating matters further, he'll summon lightning strikes marked by closing rings on the ground, which you must evade when they flash. To efficiently clear the soldiers, leverage Musou Mode, which can dispatch dozens at once if timed correctly. Although Musou Rage Mode is available, sticking to the basic Musou Mode is advisable given the time constraints.
Successfully thwarting Zhang Jiao's Grand Tactic twice will see him return to the battlefield with tactics reminiscent of the first phase. With your army's support, you should find it easier to deplete his remaining health, concluding Chapter 1.
That's the strategy to triumph over Zhang Jiao in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins.*
*Dynasty Warriors: Origins* is now available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
