One of the first real challenges that players will face in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins* is the battle against Zhang Jiao, the head of the Yellow Turbans. Here's a detailed guide on how to defeat him and progress through the game.
How To Fight Zhang Jiao’s First Phase
The first phase of the battle takes place in a vast wasteland, where you'll engage Zhang Jiao in a one-on-one fight. Zhang Jiao leverages sorcery to hurl stones across the arena. When you're close, he summons four stones that you need to swiftly evade. If you keep your distance, he'll summon eight stones, launching them in sets of two, which you can dodge by circling around him. It's crucial to gain distance when he summons a large number of stones to avoid taking significant damage.
Although Zhang Jiao's attacks are designed to keep you at bay, he also employs close-range attacks. These include basic combos that you can parry and an Area of Effect (AOE) attack meant to push you back. When you see him glowing white, he's preparing for his AOE attack, so it's wise to retreat to avoid damage.
As the fight progresses, Zhang Jiao will use moves that give him a red aura, indicating uncancelable attacks. These involve summoning a massive amount of rocks and creating several clones. The best approach is to retreat and wait out these attacks before resuming your assault. Equip a sword during this phase, as it deals more damage compared to spears or gauntlets.
It's essential to monitor your health throughout the fight. You'll likely have the chance to heal about four times, depending on your upgraded skills. Remember, there are jars at the arena's entrance containing meat buns. Use these opportunities to heal when you retreat from Zhang Jiao's onslaught.
How To Fight Zhang Jiao’s Second Phase
Upon unlocking Musou Rage, the second phase begins, with Yellow Turbans joining Zhang Jiao in battle. Fortunately, your army will also appear, providing some much-needed support. This is the ideal time to heal by running to the entrance and grabbing meat buns. Be mindful of Zhang Jiao's tornados that can disrupt your position while you're dealing with his soldiers.
As you defeat enough of his soldiers, Zhang Jiao will initiate a Grand Tactic. You must eliminate 300 soldiers within a tight timeframe to prevent a devastating attack. To complicate matters, Zhang Jiao will summon lightning strikes throughout the arena. Keep an eye on the ground for closing rings that signal incoming strikes and evade when they flash. The most effective way to clear the Yellow Turbans quickly is by using Musou Mode, which, when timed correctly, can take out dozens of enemies at once. Although you've unlocked Musou Rage Mode, sticking to the basic Musou mode is advisable given the time constraints.
After thwarting Zhang Jiao’s Grand Tactic twice, he'll return to the battlefield using the same tactics from Phase 1. With the help of your army, it should be relatively straightforward to deplete his remaining health and conclude Chapter 1.
And that’s how you can successfully beat Zhang Jiao in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*.
*Dynasty Warriors: Origins* is now available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
