One of the initial significant challenges players will encounter in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins* is the battle against Zhang Jiao, the leader of the Yellow Turbans. Here’s a detailed guide on how to defeat him effectively.
How To Fight Zhang Jiao’s First Phase
In the first phase, you'll engage in a one-on-one fight with Zhang Jiao in a vast wasteland. He primarily uses sorcery to hurl stones at you across the arena. When you're close to him, he'll summon four stones that you must quickly evade. If you keep your distance, he'll summon eight stones and throw them in sets of two, which you can dodge by simply running around him. Staying too close when he summons a large number of stones can lead to significant damage, so it's crucial to maintain a safe distance.
Although most of his attacks are designed to keep you at bay, Zhang Jiao also has some close-range moves. He can execute simple combos that you can parry, and he has an Area of Effect (AOE) attack intended to push you away. If you notice him glowing white, he's about to unleash his AOE, so quickly retreat to avoid damage.
As the fight progresses, Zhang Jiao will employ attacks that give him a red aura, indicating they cannot be interrupted. These include summoning a massive amount of rocks to fall around him and creating several clones. The best strategy during these moments is to back off and wait for the attack to end before resuming your offensive. Ensure you're using a sword, as it deals more damage than spears or gauntlets.
Keeping an eye on your health is crucial; you'll likely have only four healing opportunities, depending on your upgraded skills. Remember, there are jars near the arena's entrance containing meat buns, which you can use to heal. Whenever you need to retreat from Zhang Jiao’s attacks, head back to the entrance to grab some buns.
How To Fight Zhang Jiao’s Second Phase
Once you unlock Musou Rage, the second phase begins, with the Yellow Turbans joining Zhang Jiao. Fortunately, your army will also appear to support you, providing some relief. This is an ideal time to heal by running to the entrance and grabbing the meat buns. Be cautious of Zhang Jiao summoning tornadoes that can disrupt your movements while you're dealing with his soldiers.
After defeating a sufficient number of his soldiers, Zhang Jiao will attempt a Grand Tactic. You'll need to eliminate 300 soldiers within a tight timeframe to prevent a devastating attack that could defeat you. Additionally, Zhang Jiao will summon lightning to strike the arena. Watch for a closing ring around your feet and evade when it flashes. The most effective way to defeat the Yellow Turbans quickly is by using Musou Mode, which, if timed correctly, can take out dozens of enemies at once. Although you may have unlocked Musou Rage Mode, sticking to the basic Musou mode is advisable given the time constraints.
After thwarting Zhang Jiao’s Grand Tactic twice, he'll return to the battlefield with tactics similar to those from the first phase. With your army's assistance, it should be relatively straightforward to deplete his remaining health and conclude Chapter 1.
And that’s how you can effectively beat Zhang Jiao in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*.
*Dynasty Warriors: Origins* is now available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
