Dynasty Warriors Origins: Which faction should you choose?

In Dynasty Warriors Origins, the story takes a significant turn in Chapter 3 when you must decide which faction to support: Cao Cao, Liu Bei, or Sun Jian. This choice is one of the most important choices you will make in the entire game. The faction you support will carve your journey, your relationships with your Generals, and more.

In this guide, we have shared everything you will need to know to choose the right faction in Dynasty Warriors Origins.

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Which faction should you choose in Dynasty Warriors Origins?

Reasons for joining Cao Cao (Image via KOEI TECMO GAMES)

Choose Cao Cao If:

• You prefer a campaign centered on power and strategy in the Central Plains.
• You want to experience conflicts with characters like Liu Bei, Lu Bu, and Yuan Shao.

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reasons for joining Liu Bei (Image via KOEI TECMO GAMES)

Choose Liu Bei If:

• You value the theme of brotherhood and Guan Yu’s heroic journey.
• You enjoy underdog narratives and desperate retreats

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Reasons for joining Sun Jian (Image via KOEI TECMO GAMES)

Choose Sun Jian If:

• You want a campaign focused on conquering the Southlands and naval battles.
• You prefer a more isolated storyline, away from the Central Plains rivalries.

By considering these factors, you can make a choice that aligns with your preferred playstyle and narrative preferences in Dynasty Warriors Origins.

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How to join factions in Dynasty Warriors Origins

Everything you will need to join a faction (Image via KOEI TECMO GAMES)

When Chapter 3 begins, players will see the names of the three faction leaders (Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Jian) in the top-left corner of the screen, along with pips/diamonds representing contributions.

To permanently join a faction later in the game, you must complete a specific number of battles for that faction before advancing time. Here are the requirements:

Cao Cao:

• Requires 1 contribution: Suppression of Yan Province

Liu Bei:

• Requires 2 contributions: Battle of Jieqiao, Battle of Beihai

Sun Jian:

• Requires 3 contributions: Assault on Nanyang, Siege of Fan Castle, Battle of Xiangyang

Failing to meet the required contributions before advancing time will lock you out of permanently joining that faction later in the game.

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Key events in chapter 3

1. Battle of Xu Province: Cao Cao vs. Liu Bei and Tao Qian

The first critical choice occurs during the Battle of Xu Province. At this point:

• You must decide whether to side with Cao Cao or Liu Bei.
• The faction you support here remains an option for permanent alignment later.
• The faction you do not support becomes unavailable for the rest of the campaign.

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2. Final Lock-In: End of Chapter 3

A second “time is passing” prompt occurs later in Chapter 3. At this stage, you must:

Complete a total number of contributions for your chosen faction:

• Cao Cao: 5 battles in total.
• Liu Bei: 4 battles in total.
• Sun Jian (or Sun Ce): 5 battles in total.

Speak with the faction leader to finalize your choice. Once this decision is made, you are locked into that faction for the rest of the campaign.

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Chapter 4 and 5 Outcomes

Your faction choice dramatically alters the storyline and battles in Chapters 4 and 5:

Sun Jian/Sun Ce (The Sun Family)

• Chapter 4: Focuses on conquering the Southlands, far removed from the rivalries in the Central Plains.
• Chapter 5: Battle Liu Biao and Huang Zu, culminating in the Battle of Chibi.

Cao Cao

• Chapter 4: Engage in battles against Liu Bei, Lu Bu, and Yuan Shao.
• Chapter 5: Pursue Liu Bei as he flees south, ending with the Battle of Huarong Path.

Liu Bei

• Chapter 4: Defend against Cao Cao and Lu Bu while experiencing Guan Yu’s legendary 1,000-li march.
• Chapter 5: Fight Cao Cao as you flee south, concluding at the Battle of Huarong Path.

Based on your choice, the story of the game will unfold. So only choose the faction that aligns with your interests.