The Battle of Hulao Gate in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins* is not just a pivotal moment in the game but also a challenging test of your skills. This battle marks the climactic end of Chapter 2, where your main objective is to defeat Dong Zhuo. However, reaching him is no small feat and will likely demand several attempts.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins Battle of Hulao Gate Guide
As the mission kicks off, you'll need to tackle the four enemy bases located at the bottom right of the map. Securing two of these bases triggers a cutscene where a mounted cavalry, led by Zhang Liao, charges towards the area. Don’t let this distract you from your primary objectives. As you continue to conquer the bases, you’ll naturally encounter and defeat these cavalry forces. Defeating Zhang Liao rewards you with the twin pike weapon, a valuable addition to your arsenal.
With all bases under your control, you're now poised to launch an assault on Hulao Gate, initiating your first major confrontation with Dong Zhuo’s forces. The battle can be overwhelming, but your priority should be to protect Cao Cao until he executes his Grand Tactic. Once activated, this tactic will weaken the defenses, allowing you to push forward towards the gate.
Lu Bu Appears
As the battle intensifies, Dong Zhuo deploys Lu Bu to the frontline. A crucial strategy here is to avoid engaging Lu Bu directly; a one-on-one fight with him is almost certain to end in your defeat. Instead, focus on taking out enemy officers on the periphery to maintain your morale, which Lu Bu's presence significantly depletes.
Eventually, Lu Bu will shift his focus to your main base to take down Yuan Shao. Resist the urge to chase after him, adhering to a core principle of *Dynasty Warriors*: never pursue Lu Bu. Liu Bei and his forces will attempt to delay Lu Bu, buying you time to focus on defeating Dong Zhuo. This situation effectively sets a timer for the mission. Liu Bei’s forces won’t hold out indefinitely, so you need to be nearing victory over Dong Zhuo when they retreat, or Lu Bu will end the mission by defeating Yuan Shao.
Go After Dong Zhuo
Once Lu Bu departs, quickly restock on healing items like meat buns at your conquered bases. As Cao Cao prepares for a charge, shift your attention to capturing the bases to the north and west. With three squads ready and your health replenished, enter the closest commander’s circle and launch your assault on Dong Zhuo.
You’ll face a massive army, and Dong Zhuo will unleash his Grand Tactic, hurling fireballs at you. To counter this, destroy the front two catapults. Use Musou Rage if available to carve through the soldiers blocking your path to the catapults. Clear the surrounding officers and soldiers to allow your forces to demolish the catapults, thus ending his first Grand Tactic.
As you advance, Dong Zhuo will deploy another Grand Tactic, this time requiring you to defeat one of his officers. Ascend the right-hand stairs to confront this officer, but be prepared for an ambush by Diaochan, who has sided with Dong Zhuo. If possible, engage her in a duel to avoid fighting both her and the officer simultaneously.
With the second Grand Tactic neutralized, a clear path to Dong Zhuo should emerge. By this point, your forces should have sufficient morale to overpower his remaining troops. Even if Dian Wei initiates another Grand Tactic, it will only aid in your victory. Rather than dueling Dong Zhuo, focus on defeating him and his weakened forces to secure your win.
That’s how you conquer the Battle of Hulao Gate in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*. The game is now available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S, offering fans an epic return to the battlefield.
