One of the first real challenges that players will encounter in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins* is the battle against Zhang Jiao, the leader of the Yellow Turbans. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to defeat him effectively.
How To Fight Zhang Jiao’s First Phase
The initial encounter with Zhang Jiao takes place in a vast wasteland, where you'll face him one-on-one. He employs sorcery to hurl stones at you across the arena. When you're close, he'll summon four stones, which you must quickly dodge. If you keep your distance, he'll send twice as many stones in sets of two, making it easier to evade by circling him. Be cautious when he summons a large number of stones while you're near; retreat to avoid significant damage from the barrage.
Zhang Jiao's arsenal includes not only long-range attacks but also close-quarters combat moves. He performs basic combos that you can parry and an AOE attack meant to repel you. If you notice him glowing white, it's a sign he's charging his AOE attack; move away to avoid getting hurt.
As the fight progresses, Zhang Jiao will execute moves that give him a red aura, indicating uncancelable attacks. These include summoning a massive rock shower and creating several clones. The best strategy here is to back off until these attacks conclude, then resume your offensive. For optimal damage output, equip a sword rather than spears or gauntlets.
Monitoring your health is crucial; you'll likely have only four healing opportunities, depending on your upgraded skills. Remember, there are jars at the arena's entrance containing meat buns. Use these moments when retreating from Zhang Jiao's attacks to replenish your health.
How To Fight Zhang Jiao’s Second Phase
Upon unlocking Musou Rage, the battle transitions into the second phase, with Yellow Turbans joining Zhang Jiao. Fortunately, your army also arrives to support you, providing some relief. This is an ideal time to heal by dashing to the entrance for those vital meat buns. Be mindful of Zhang Jiao's tornados that can disrupt your position while you're dealing with his troops.
Zhang Jiao will attempt a Grand Tactic after you've thinned his ranks, requiring you to defeat 300 soldiers within a tight timeframe to prevent a devastating attack. Adding to the challenge, he'll summon lightning strikes. Keep an eye on the ground for closing rings, and dodge when they flash. To efficiently clear the Yellow Turbans, leverage Musou Mode, which can dispatch numerous soldiers if timed correctly. Despite having Musou Rage Mode available, sticking to the basic Musou Mode is advisable under these time constraints.
After thwarting Zhang Jiao's Grand Tactic twice, he'll re-enter the fray with tactics from the first phase. With your army's help, depleting his remaining health should be manageable, culminating in the end of Chapter 1.
This is how you can conquer Zhang Jiao in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*.
*Dynasty Warriors: Origins* is now available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
