Dynasty Warriors: Origins Guide | Battle of Runan

Here's a guide on the Battle of Runan in Dynasty Warriors: Origins.

Game Guide by Joyramen on Feb 04, 2025

The Battle of Runan is a challenging fight that requires strategic movement and quick execution. The objective is to defeat Cao Cao within 15 minutes, but he only appears after passing Guo Jia and Xiahou Yuan near the bypass road. Proper preparation and an efficient route are key to success.

Preparation and Setup

A balanced setup should include attack and defense accessories, bravery items, an attack boost, and a health gem. Choosing a familiar weapon ensures efficiency, any strong weapon will work well and the use of Battle arts help clear enemies quickly.

Early-Stage Strategy

Start by moving left rather than heading straight for Yu Jin. Clearing officers along this route puts them in a better position for later battles and keeps allies like Zhou Cang, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei together for easier support. Given the high difficulty, protecting allies is crucial.

Rushing to engage Yu Jin immediately ensures allied officers remain safe. Once he is defeated, move to assist Zhang Fei against Cheng Yu. Additional enemy reinforcements, including Yu Jin and Li Dian, will arrive. Quickly clearing this area maintains control and prevents allies from being overwhelmed.

Mid-Battle Adjustments

After eliminating Yu Jin and minor generals, Li Dian should be left at 25% health to allow for quick repositioning. Guan Yu will then need help against an incoming enemy assault. A well-timed tactic can eliminate multiple enemies at once, stabilizing the fight.

Liu Bei and the others will continue advancing. The most efficient approach is to assist allies rather than completely clearing enemies. The next battle against Guo Jia and Xiahou Yuan marks the transition into the final phase. By this point, around six minutes should have passed, leaving nine minutes to defeat Cao Cao.

Final Engagement

Guo Jia and Xiahou Yuan are tough opponents. Using a bravery boost here speeds up their defeat, maximizing time for the final battle. Strong battle arts should be used to clear them quickly and trigger Cao Cao’s appearance.

Once Cao Cao appears, engage immediately. Waiting for him to move may waste valuable time. Attack boosts should be activated, and focus should be maintained despite the presence of Xiahou Dun and Zhang He. Dodging their attacks while delivering concentrated strikes is essential.

Xiao Yun’s extreme Musou attack can deal heavy damage. Using tactics, battle arts, and well-timed attacks ensures Cao Cao is taken down quickly. His defeat significantly boosts allied morale, forcing enemy reinforcements to retreat and allowing Zhou Cang to withdraw safely.

Securing Victory

With Cao Cao defeated, the final task is clearing the battlefield without losing allies. Keeping enemies on the opposite side of the river prevents heavy engagement near Liu Bei, ensuring his safety.

Zhang Liao and Xiahou Dun will attempt an ambush from behind. Dealing with them in the same location as previous fights prevents unnecessary movement. If Liu Bei advances too far, fire arrows may become a hazard. Once Zhang Liao and Xiahou Dun are eliminated, cross the river and neutralize the archers. Using the encouragement tactic weakens the lead archer, making him easier to defeat.

With the archers and remaining generals eliminated, victory is secured. Runan is one of Chapter 5’s toughest battles due to the strength of enemy officers and the vulnerability of allies.

Following this strategy makes completing the battle and meeting all conditions much easier. The difficulty comes from the increasing strength of enemies and the need to protect allies. Awareness and quick decision-making are crucial. This guide provides a structured approach to securing victory in the Battle of Runan.

Also, check our DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS Review and other guides below: