Conquering Lu Bu in Dynasty Warriors: Origins: A Comprehensive Guide
The infamous phrase, "Among men, Lu Bu; among horses, Red Hare," echoes throughout Dynasty Warriors: Origins, a clear warning against engaging the formidable Lu Bu. However, if you're up for the challenge, this guide will equip you for victory.
Should You Fight Lu Bu?
Battling Lu Bu is no walk in the park; it's a grueling encounter. My own fight lasted over an hour. However, the rewards are compelling:
- Bragging Rights: Defeating Lu Bu is a significant accomplishment.
- Forced Confrontation: Choosing the Shu or Wei faction necessitates facing Lu Bu in Chapter 4 (Battle of Xiapi).
- Rewards: Victory at Hulao Gate unlocks the "The Strongest" trophy. Post-game victory earns you the game's ultimate weapon, the halberd.
Phase 1: Mounted Lu Bu
Preparation is key. Equip a multi-hit sword to stagger him, and Battle Arts with low Bravery requirements, quick activation, and wide range (I used Falcon Flurry, Mad Blade Rush, Absconding Slash, and Flying Dragon Slash). Essential accessories include Divine Bird’s Wing and Divine Turtle’s Shell to boost health and defense. A weapon with a Bravery-granting Perfect Evade skill is also crucial.
Initially, Lu Bu charges on Red Hare. He's fast but pauses occasionally. Exploit these pauses to unleash Battle Arts, then retreat. His attacks (except for Red Hare's ground-pound) have limited area of effect, making evasion relatively simple. At 80% health, he dismounts, escalating the battle.
Phase 2: Lu Bu on Foot
Unmounted, Lu Bu is a relentless force. His attacks are swift, and he frequently dashes across the battlefield with a red aura, rendering him immune to staggering during these bursts. These charges usually come in sets of three; evade and prepare for the next. A grab attack (aura-less charge) can be devastating, but easily evaded.
His most dangerous move involves an orange glow, followed by three devastating ranged arrow volleys. Absconding Slash (or a similar ranged Battle Art) is essential to counter this. Close-range Battle Arts are ineffective here. Keep your Musou gauge full for emergency invincibility.
Lu Bu is surprisingly juggleable in this phase. Sustained attacks rapidly charge your Battle Arts, allowing you to quickly deplete his Fortitude meter. Maintain close proximity for better reaction time. Remember: evasion is your best defense.
Phase 3: Lu Bu's Musou Rage
Once Lu Bu's health is sufficiently low, he enters Musou Rage, initiating the final phase. He becomes unstaggerable and unleashes relentless attacks. The objective is to deplete his Fortitude before he executes his Musou attack. Use all remaining resources – Musou attacks, Battle Arts – to overwhelm him. Failing to break his Fortitude before his Musou attack results in an immediate repeat of this phase.
Victory over Lu Bu in Dynasty Warriors: Origins requires strategy, skill, and perseverance. Dynasty Warriors: Origins is available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
