Defeating Lu Bu in Dynasty Warriors: Origins: Strategies Revealed

“Among men, Lu Bu. Among horses, Red Hare.” “Do not pursue Lu Bu.” These phrases, which are peppered throughout Dynasty Warriors: Origins, send a very clear message – don’t fight Lu Bu. But… what if you want to? Well, here’s how.

Table of contents

Should You Fight Lu Bu in Dynasty Warriors: Origins?Lu Bu’s First PhaseLu Bu’s Second PhaseLu Bu’s Final Phase Should You Fight Lu Bu in Dynasty Warriors: Origins?

Fighting Lu Bu in Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a daunting challenge, one that can take over an hour to overcome. However, there are compelling reasons to take him on. For starters, defeating Lu Bu grants you bragging rights—a true badge of honor. Additionally, depending on your faction choice (Shu or Wei), you may be forced to confront him during the Battle of Xiapi in Chapter 4. Moreover, triumphing over him at the Battle of Hulao Gate earns you the "The Strongest" trophy, and beating him in the post-game unlocks the game's ultimate weapon, the halberd, providing clear incentives for the challenge.

Lu Bu’s First Phase

Preparation is key before facing Lu Bu. Equip a weapon like a sword, which can hit multiple times and stagger him, and choose Battle Arts that require minimal Bravery, activate quickly, and have a wide range. During my battle, I used Falcon Flurry, Mad Blade Rush, Absconding Slash, and Flying Dragon Slash. Accessories such as Divine Bird’s Wing and Divine Turtle’s Shell to boost health and defense are crucial, as Lu Bu's attacks can rapidly deplete your health. A weapon skill that grants Bravery for each Perfect Evade is also essential, as this will be your primary method of gaining Bravery during the fight.

In most encounters, Lu Bu begins the fight mounted on his horse, Red Hare. This phase is relatively straightforward, with Lu Bu primarily charging around the area. He's fast, but he occasionally stops to rest. Use these moments to strike with your Battle Arts, then retreat. His attacks have a limited area of effect, except when Red Hare leaps and crashes down, which is manageable to dodge. Once his health drops to 80%, Lu Bu dismounts, signaling the start of the real battle.

Lu Bu’s Second Phase

On foot, Lu Bu becomes even more formidable. His attacks are swift and he moves rapidly across the battlefield, often surrounded by a red aura that makes him immune to staggering. Be prepared for his charging sequences, which always come in sets of three. If he charges without his spear, he's attempting a grab that can severely damage your health, but it's easy to evade.

His most lethal move is when he glows orange, preparing to launch three massive arrows at you from a distance, repeating this three times. This can juggle and devastate your health, making a long-range Battle Art like Absconding Slash vital to cancel it. Close-quarters Battle Arts like Palm Strike are too risky. Keep your Musou gauge charged for emergencies, as it grants temporary invincibility, which can be a lifesaver if you miss a dodge or get caught in a combo.

Lu Bu is surprisingly vulnerable to juggling during this phase. Hitting him with successive attacks will quickly charge your Battle Arts, allowing you to break his Fortitude meter faster. Stay close to better anticipate his moves, and remember, evasion is key.

Lu Bu’s Final Phase

As Lu Bu's health diminishes, he enters Musou Rage, marking the final phase. Now unstaggarable, he unleashes a relentless barrage of attacks. Your objective is to deplete his Fortitude before he can execute his Musou Attack. Use all available resources—activate your Musou attacks when he's close, employ your Battle Arts, and strike swiftly and forcefully. If he completes his Musou Attack, he'll immediately start another, forcing you to restart the phase. Breaking his Fortitude here will finally allow you to defeat this seemingly invincible adversary.

And that’s how to defeat Lu Bu in Dynasty Warriors: Origins! Dynasty Warriors: Origins is now available for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.