Will Dynasty Warriors Origins feature a character creation system?

The buzz around Dynasty Warriors Origins has been palpable, especially with fans eager to dive into the sprawling chaos of the Three Kingdoms. As the 1 vs. 1000 game approaches its official launch on January 17, 2025, one burning question has been making the rounds: Will Dynasty Warriors Origins feature a character creation system?

Let’s clear the air right away — No, Origins wont feature a character creation system. Fans who tried the demo released on November 22, 2024, might have already guessed this. Instead of offering customization, Omega Force, the development team behind the game, chose to focus on a fixed protagonist for a more immersive storytelling experience.

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Why Dynasty Warriors Origins doesn’t feature a character creation system

Dong Zhuo from DW Origins (Image via Koei Tecmo)

The decision to skip the character creation system wasn’t made lightly. According to Producer Tomohiko Sho, this was a hotly debated topic during development. Many team members believed customization would add player freedom, and even as development neared completion, there were strong voices advocating for it.

However, Sho explained that the game’s unique narrative direction required a set protagonist.

Here’s Sho’s take on the matter:

“This work is a story of the Three Kingdoms, but it is also a story that we have interpreted uniquely. In order to make it as deeply enjoyable as possible, we needed a protagonist with a past who would be a solid pillar that would play a central role in the story and his image. If the appearance and voice could be customized, I thought that we would not be able to fully portray the dense Three Kingdoms experience that we are aiming for this time.”

Sho emphasized that the protagonist has a defined personality and backstory that the team worked hard to strike a balance. Players should be able to empathize with the character without feeling that he overshadows the broader narrative.

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Producer Sho’s insight into the storytelling approach

No character creation system for the hack-and-slash title (Image via Koei Tecmo)

The story in Dynasty Warriors Origins draws heavily from The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, staying faithful to the epic’s larger themes while also providing a deeper, more vivid experience. Sho acknowledged the challenges of retelling familiar events, joking about how fans might groan,

"How many times have I put down the Yellow Turban Rebellion!"

But this iteration aims to breathe new life into well-known historical moments, offering fresh perspectives and intense storytelling.

Also check: “There aren’t just three” — Dynasty Warriors Origins producer Tomohiko Sho on endings, story length, being a franchise rebirth, and more (Exclusive)

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Key highlights from Dynasty Warriors Origins demo

The demo gave players a taste of the action with the iconic "Battle of Sishui Gate," blending strategy, fast-paced combat, and stunning visuals. Unlike the timed previews of earlier titles, the demo allowed players to explore at their own pace, including a challenging new showdown with Lu Bu, a fan-favorite who was notably absent from Tokyo Game Show 2024 showcases.

• Weapon variety: Players could choose from four weapon types — Sword, Guandao, Pudao, and Wheels — offering plenty of variety to hack through endless waves of enemies.
• Improved gameplay: The demo featured more challenging battles than its predecessor, Dynasty Warriors 9, and showcased the game's refined mechanics.
• Visual appeal: Enhanced graphics brought the chaos of large-scale battles to life, making the experience more immersive than ever.

Also check out: Dynasty Warriors Origins story details announced