If you choose to follow the Cao Cao storyline in Dynasty Warriors: Origins, you’ll soon find yourself facing off against the fierce warrior Guan Yu. As you progress through the campaign, you’ll need to evade his grasp while sticking by Cao Cao to complete the Battle of Chibi, wrap up Chapter Five, and reach your chosen ending. While Guan Yu may not be the toughest opponent in the Dynasty Warriors series, he is a formidable adversary during a critical moment in the story when your options are limited.
Success against Guan Yu requires careful preparation and a bit of luck. By selecting the right weapons, Arts, and gems in Dynasty Warriors: Origins, you can turn an otherwise daunting fight into a more manageable challenge. Here’s what you need to know to come out on top against Guan Yu.
Preparing for the Encounter with Guan Yu
Battle Readiness
Since you might not realize you’ll be going up against Guan Yu until the battle begins, it can be hard to prepare thoroughly. However, you should treat the battle prep screen like you would for any tough endgame conflict. Equip the best weapon available for your preferred style, such as a crescent blade or sword, which are versatile options against both solo officers and larger groups. Ultimately, the weapon you choose should align with your own proficiency and play style.
It’s crucial to equip the optimal Arts for your weapon. Additionally, make sure you have at least one Special Art equipped to counter Guan Yu’s attacks. Review your accessories and team tactics before jumping into the fray.
Navigating to Guan Yu
Eventually, Guan Yu will appear on the battlefield, and your mission will shift from escaping with Cao Cao to defeating Guan Yu. Head to his positioned area on the map, clearing out any foot soldiers that may be in your way before focusing your efforts on Guan Yu himself.
Strategies for Defeating Guan Yu
Basic Tactics
You can primarily treat Guan Yu like any other officer, but keep a lookout for his unique moves (detailed below). His defenses are not as robust as other characters, making it easier to stagger him and set up for an Assault command. Utilize your Special Arts, parry moves, and Musou Attacks to break through his defenses and create openings for powerful strikes. Whenever possible, leverage your teammates’ tactics to distract Guan Yu, dispatch his henchmen, or deal additional damage.
One of Guan Yu’s signature moves is an aerial spin with his crescent blade, where he creates three circles above his head. This move is well-telegraphed and easy to parry; just look for the white flash, and you’ll get the hang of the timing. If you block even one strike, you’ll interrupt his combo, creating an opportunity for a counter-attack—or even a lengthy parry combo if you wish to initiate it.
Key Moves to Watch For
Like many officers, Guan Yu frequently employs interruptible attacks, signaled by gold flashes and on-screen button commands. He might begin these moves with red rings, which are just a precursor. After this, he will glow gold, allowing you to interrupt him using one of your Special Arts.
There are two unblockable attacks to be cautious about. The first involves him pulling back while glowing red, then quickly charging at you, thrusting anything in his path. This move is easy to avoid but happens rapidly, and Guan Yu can chain these charges together in succession. Stay alert and be ready to dodge when you see him flash red.
The second unblockable attack is a combo featuring an aerial slam: he will initiate with an upward slash, then use that momentum to leap into the air before crashing down and creating a shockwave that can knock you back. Be prepared to dodge twice: once for the upward slash, and again for the ground impact. While this move takes a moment to charge, you can potentially interrupt it with a Musou Attack if you’re well-timed, but proceed with caution.
Though Cao Cao may not provide much assistance during your battle with Guan Yu, he could help diminish Guan Yu’s forces over time. Eventually, you’ll wear down this legendary warrior, leading to an emotional scene where Guan Yu shows respect for both Ziluan and Cao Cao, but vows that Liu Bei will return. With this victory, you’ve bested Guan Yu in Dynasty Warriors: Origins and can now enjoy Cao Cao’s ending.