In Dynasty Warriors: Origins, you begin your journey with a sword, making it one of the most straightforward weapons for beginners to master. As you progress and acquire improved swords, you’ll discover that it can become your most effective weapon.
Starting with a sword is strategic due to its versatility. This weapon is effective for one-on-one battles, fending off groups of enemies, charging on horseback, and engaging in duels, thanks to a wide variety of Battle Arts. While there are other weapons that specialize in particular situations, the sword remains a consistently reliable choice.
Moveset for the Sword in Dynasty Warriors: Origins
Swords are among the quickest weapons in the game, allowing for rapid Normal attacks. Though heavy attacks can still pack a punch, swords excel in delivering multiple quick strikes, leading to a battle tactic of “death by a thousand cuts.”
Combo |
Attack |
6x Normal attack |
A six-hit normal attack combo |
Heavy attack |
Advance and deliver a kick |
2x Heavy attack |
Slash at enemies staggered by the kick, launching them for follow-up strikes |
Hold Heavy attack |
Charge power, move forward, and unleash slashes and shockwaves |
Left Stick + Heavy attack while evading |
Leap forward nimbly to slash at foes |
Normal attack + Heavy attack |
Execute a sweeping move that sends enemies airborne |
Normal attack + 2x Heavy attacks |
Leap up and strike enemies launched into the air |
2x Normal attacks + Heavy attack |
Unleash a flurry of forward slashes |
3x Normal attacks + Heavy attack |
Perform a spinning slash around you |
5x Normal attacks + Heavy attack |
Deliver a stream of combo strikes |
Tips for Sword Combat
The sword’s speed makes Normal combos particularly effective for taking down waves of enemies during battles. Equip the Wellspring Gem to heal while defeating weaker foes, and consider the Whirlwind Gem since many attacks launch enemies into the air.
This weapon also serves a defensive purpose; it features many attacks that deal damage in all directions which can keep you safe from enemy strikes. A typical Normal combo will push enemies back, potentially trapping others in the same area. However, you’ll need a different strategy when facing stronger foes.
Many sword attacks excel in crowd control but may struggle in one-on-one encounters against generals. Battle Arts like Falcon Fury can be beneficial, while abilities that Shockwave foes or allow for parrying (using the Ascendance or Scorch Gem as support) are crucial during these battles.
If you are skilled at parrying, consider using the Scorch Gem. If you find timing difficult, the Ascendance Gem can provide extra support.
Optimal Sword Build
It’s easy to think that the sword with the highest Attack value would be the best choice. While that’s true to some extent, remember the importance of traits. Swords are more accessible and typically come with different traits; prioritizing those that enhance your Normal attacks or improve Battle Arts might be more beneficial, even if it means sacrificing some Attack points.
Suggested Gems
As mentioned, if you expect to face many bosses, rely on either the Scorch Gem or the Ascendance Gem, which will depend on your preference. However, if your strategy focuses on taking down groups of enemies, the Wellspring Gem will be advantageous.
Even though the sword can execute some aerial strikes, it doesn’t depend as heavily on them as other weapons do, so the Vortex Gem is only worth considering if you prefer Battle Arts that launch enemies.
Recommended Battle Arts
To block officer attacks, you need one Special Battle Art, marked with [Sp.] in their name. Palm Strike requires just one Bravery and is almost always available, while Absconding Strike costs three Bravery but excels beyond simply interrupting orange attacks.
If you choose Absconding Strike, consider pairing it with Aerial Retribution, which costs one Bravery to strike after being hit. However, if you’re hit multiple times in a combo, this may prove ineffective. Overall, we recommend Palm Strike to maintain flexibility.
Outside of that, Falcon Fury is an excellent pick, ideal for crowd situations and costs three Bravery. Mad Blade Rush, at two Bravery, is another strong option.
Your additional choice will depend on your individual needs. Dispersion Arrow requires four Bravery but can inflict widespread damage, while the one Bravery Shadowless Blade targets a single enemy, making it ideal against bosses.
Once you achieve maximum proficiency with swords, consider the five Bravery cost of Shadow Dance to briefly clone yourself in combat.