Dynasty Warriors: Origins - All Endings Explained

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A collage of screenshots from Dynasty Warriors Origins showing Liu Bei and Ziluan during the ending sequence.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins has a surprisingly variable story for a game that starts out so straightforward. In Chapter Three, players are directed to choose to side with one of three major factions: the warlords that'll eventually develop into the kingdoms of Wei, Wu, and Shu, founded by the descendants of Cao Cao, Sun Jian, and Liu Bei respectively. In effect, they'll have to take sides between three characters, all their former friends and allies they've grown close with over the course of the game.

[Warning: This article contains major spoilers for Dynasty Warriors: Origins.]

It's not an easy choice by any means, and, while there's no real right or wrong to it, there is a significant difference in how the various endings play out and their implications for China as a whole. In addition to the three main endings, each faction also has a "true" ending that only activates when the player satisfies certain story conditions. Here's everything to know about Dynasty Warriors: Origins' multiple endings, how to achieve them, and what they could mean for a sequel.

Liu Bei & The Shu Faction's Normal Ending

Cao Cao Defeated, A Unifier Emerges

Liu Bei with a confident, shrewd expression in his conference room in a screenshot from Dynasty Warriors_ Origins.

In order to get Liu Bei's normal ending, players will simply have to contribute to the Shu faction as much as possible during Chapter Three, and ultimately choose to side with Liu Bei when prompted, making an enemy of Cao Cao. They'll then have to play through the rest of the story missions as instructed, up to and including escaping with Liu Bei during the Battle of Changban. Don't stick around or defeat any more officers than necessary.

After completing the Battle of Chibi under these conditions, the player will watch Liu Bei's normal ending play out. This ending roughly follows the course of history: a title card begins by explaining that Cao Cao's fleet suffered a crushing defeat at Chibi, giving the Wu kingdom a strategic advantage. While those two fought, Shu was able to capture the Jing Province under Liu Bei, thus beginning the Longzhong Plan that would see Shu make allies with Wu and other minor factions, eventually consolidating its power and creating a powerful, unified kingdom.

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On a much smaller level, the normal Liu Bei ending begins with a dialogue between the greatest warriors of his faction: Zhang Fei, Guan Yu, and Ziluan, the (fictional) player character. Zhang and Guan congratulate Ziluan on a job well done, and encourage him to take a rest. They comment on the peace and unity they feel in the moment, hoping that'll become a more permanent state under Liu Bei's leadership.

The three warriors then meet with Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, who ask Ziluan if he would like to become a prominent general or remain in the shadows as a mercenary - though still an important ally, one without a title or an official role. The decision here matters little, as the story is effectively over, so choose whatever makes the most sense.

This is probably the most straightforward, syrupy sweet of the six available endings. It makes for an interesting sequel setup - will Ziluan go for general, or remain an independent mercenary in the next Dynasty Warriors game. However, if it feels like there's something missing, that's because there is. Read on to learn how to unlock the true ending.

Liu Bei & The Shu Faction's True Ending

An End To Hunger & A Bright Future

Dynasty Warriors Origins - All Normal & True Endings - YouTube - 0-6-10

In order to unlock Liu Bei's true ending, players will need to satisfy certain conditions during Chapter Five - specifically, in the Battle of Changban. Instead of escaping with Liu Bei immediately when prompted, stick around for a couple of minutes after beating Bailuan. Cao Cao will appear near the exit, and Ziluan and Liu Bei must defeat him together in order to unlock the true ending. Make sure to equip some of the best weapons, Arts, and gems in Dynasty Warriors: Origins to give them a fighting chance against Cao Cao.

After completing Dynasty Warriors: Origins on any route, all missions are unlocked, and players can return instantly to any battles they've already completed or missed because they sided with other factions. This is the easiest way to unlock the true endings; whenever the player satisfies one of these conditions, they'll see an on-screen message reading, "Fate Altered."

The true ending for the Shu faction opens with a utopian vision for Liu Bei's reign. Food is plentiful, children laugh, and villagers enjoy a beautiful afternoon. However, Zhuge Liang warns Liu Bei not to become complacent; yes, they've liberated the Jing Province, but they have quite a bit of work left to do. Liu Bei then gives a rousing speech about how this early success has bolstered his confidence, and thanks his allies for fighting alongside him. He explains that their next goal is the creation of a just world, the music swells, and the game ends on the most triumphant and hopeful note possible.

This ending changes history by causing Cao Cao to suffer an extra defeat a little earlier, thus solidifying Liu Bei's supremacy before the Three Kingdoms period truly begins. Since Liu Bei is portrayed in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms as a benevolent, just ruler, this could be considered the happiest possible ending to Dynasty Warriors: Origins.

Sun Quan & The Wu Faction's Normal Ending

Quan's Confidence

Sun Quan shows a confident expression in his conference room in a screenshot from Dynasty Warriors Origins.

If the player instead decides to take Sun Quan's side, and doesn't satisfy the true ending conditions (see below), they'll unlock this ending. This begins with Sun Quan expressing concern that he'll never be able to live up to his father Jian or his older brother Ce, both of whom died before he took leadership of the Wu. However, Huang Gai reassures him, telling him to become his own kind of leader instead. If all else fails, he says, he's got good allies to fall back on.

Sun Quan promises to take inspiration from his predecessors, then he and his sister Shangxiang summon Ziluan to their court to make him the same offer: once again, he can decide whether to become a general, or to remain an unofficial officer. Again, the choice affects little in the ending, so just choose whatever makes sense. This ending also mostly follows real history; the only difference between it and the other normal endings is its focus on the Sun family, and the individual aspirations of Quan.

Sun Quan & The Wu Faction's True Ending

An Alternate History

Players will have to alter at least two pivotal events in Three Kingdoms history in order to unlock the Wu faction's true ending in Dynasty Warriors: Origins. First, they'll have to return to Chapter Three and ensure that they rescue Sun Jian instead of leaving him behind during the Battle of Xiangyang, ignoring the victory conditions. Next, players will need to rescue Sun Ce during the Chapter Four mission Suppression of Wu.

In the Wu true ending, the initial scene plays out just as in the normal ending, because Sun Jian and Sun Ce have instead gone into hiding, and even Sun Quan believes them to be dead. Ziluan reveals their deception, and they shortly send word that they've saved the emperor, and will continue guarding him while Sun Quan fights on the front lines. All of Sun Quan's allies swear their loyalty to him, and he promises to take their feedback into account as they build their new kingdom.

Bailuan then meets privately with Ziluan, and explains that he intends to leave Quan's court, but asks Ziluan to look after the young general. As always, Ziluan receives the offer to become a general or remain in the shadows as a mercenary, and the Sun route comes to a close. This ending is overall positive, but does seem to imply a continuation of the failing Han regime. Sun Quan's lack of confidence as a leader is also concerning, but all that is the sequel's job to explore.

Cao Cao & The Wei Faction's Normal Ending

A Future Of Conquest

Dynasty Warriors Origins Cao Cao Speaking.

If the player sides with Cao Cao in Chapter Three and completes all future missions normally, they'll still lose the Battle of Chibi, but will have to face their former ally Guan Yu in an extra final fight at the Battle of Huarong Path. Once he's been bested, Guan Yu will let Ziluan and Cao Cao pass, but cautions them that Liu Bei will one day rise up against them. Cao Cao, however, has his doubts.

Embarrassed by his loss, Cao Cao retreats from public life for a time. However, he remains grateful for his continued survival, and promises to rebuild his power and take on the Wu and Shu alliance once again. This is the shortest and most disappointing of the six available endings; it follows the course of history, but makes it clear that Ziluan has taken up with the losing side.

Cao Cao & The Wei Faction's True Ending

A Dark Future

Cao Cao sits at a large desk, leaning his head on his hand in a screenshot from Dynasty Warriors Origins.

In order to unlock Cao Cao's true ending, players will have to change three events throughout the game: first, they'll need to rescue both Dian Wei and Cao Cao during Escape from Wei Castle; next, they'll need to save Guo Jia at the Battle of Mt. Bailang; and finally, they'll need to stop Zhuge Liang from destroying Cao Cao's fleet by defeating him at the Battle of Chibi. With all three of these tasks completed, Cao Cao will claim a major victory over Liu Bei and Sun Quan. These are, however, some of the hardest conditions to satisfy; make sure to pay attention to the Battle Preparation screen.

As the Wu and Shu factions flee, Cao Cao orders his officers to pursue them, brutally slaughtering as many of their troops as possible in order to prevent a counterattack. Ironically, Guo Jia asks Cao Cao to create a just and peaceful world in the aftermath of this battle, a prospect to which Cao Cao agrees.

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Back at Cao Cao's headquarters, Guo Jia laments their imperfect victory, but his allies congratulate him on a job well done and territory seized. His officers conduct a major training operation in the castle courtyard, preparing for another round of conquest. Although this ending has a fairly hopeful tone, it's the bloodiest and most violent possible conclusion to Dynasty Warriors: Origins.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins' Epilogues Explained

Resolving Ziluan's Story

After the credits, the player will be treated to a brief epilogue in which Bailuan comments on his rootlessness, hoping Ziluan has chosen the right path. Meanwhile, Ziluan sets off on a journey with Yuanhua, gaining Zhuhe's blessing. Once the player has seen all other true endings, though, they may return to Ziluan's ruined village to see a brief, secret epilogue.

In this scene, Bailuan meets Ziluan at the ruins, and the two speak peacefully about their shared customs as Guardians of Peace. Bailuan half-apologizes for misunderstanding Ziluan's intentions when they fought earlier, and explains that they'll build a peaceful future together, but will do so while walking separate paths. This puts a nice little bow on Ziluan's conflict throughout the game, and sets up a potential working relationship between the characters in the sequel to Dynasty Warriors: Origins.