Dynasty Warriors: Origins Guide | Top 10 Companions

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is one of the bold steps taken in this already beloved series, which clearly deviates from norms and ideas that have emerged and entertained for several decades in the hack-and-slash genre. Here are the top 10 companions in the game, rated from the weakest to best. 

The ranking is based on the companion's Battle Arts and overall utility, as usually, their weapons are tied to what the player can already use. Companions practically mean life or death in Dynasty Warriors: Origins, as they can either win or lose a battle depending on how well they can synergize their styles with your play style. 

This guide analyzes their strengths and weaknesses so that you can pick the best ally for you. Let’s dive into the rankings.

10. Zhang Fei

Zhang Fei’s Lance setup is the weakest of all companions. While the weapon’s charge mechanic is unique, its Battle Arts lack impact. Inner Fire Fury is somewhat dependable for moderate damage, but it doesn’t justify its Bravery cost. Even in Rage mode, Zhang Fei struggles to deal meaningful damage, making him a poor choice for challenging battles. His slower style and lack of versatility put him firmly at the bottom.

9. Zhang Jiao

Zhang Jiao suffers from not having access to Sky Sunder or Roaring Maelstrom, the top-tier Battle Arts for the Twin Pikes. Instead, he’s left with less impactful skills like Furious Dual Rush, which is accurate but lacks power. The Twin Pikes themselves are decent for base-clearing, but their slow attack speed and Zhang Jiao’s subpar skill set make him underwhelming.

8. Zhou Yu

Zhou Yu's Staff does not have only one, but a mix of crowd control and single-target damage would be said to be evidenced by its associated Battle Arts, like Furious Tiger Dance and Double Wave Slam, which are not bad. 

They are powerful in theory; unfortunately, their animation is so lengthy and, thus, prone to be interrupted easily. Moreover, his slower speed further hinders his effectiveness. In straightforward fights, Zhou Yu may be counted on but may not be able to stand out in trying situations.

7. Guan Yu

Guan Yu's Azure Dragon Bellow Battle Art is his saving grace, doing immense damage and annihilating fortitude. However, without the Great Mountain Throw, which he really should have had as a central Battle Art of the Long Dao, it feels incomplete. His weapon is so satisfying with its strong attacks, yet his overall kit feels off. 

6. Xiahou Dun

Xiahou Dun's ability, the Sea of Flames Battle Art, excels at controlling vast hordes of enemies—quite the striking ability. The remaining ones, such as Sharp Fang Flurry, are pretty good in comparison but not that reliable. And Xiahou Dun's Ballistics might work very well against weaker enemies, but for armored ones, they don't do so well.

5. Huang Gai

Huang Gai’s inclusion in the top five is thanks to his Heaven and Earth’s Wrath Battle Art, one of the strongest in the game. This skill delivers devastating damage, especially against high-priority targets like commanders. However, his other Battle Arts and overall utility are average, making him a specialized but less versatile option.

4. Guo Jia

Guo Jia’s Dancing Blades Art combines low Bravery cost with exceptional AOE power, making it one of the most efficient fortitude-clearing tools in the game. His ability to consistently damage enemies while remaining mobile gives him an edge in hectic battles. Guo Jia is highly dependable and one of the most versatile companions available.

3. Sun Shangxiang

Sun Shangxiang’s Twin Tiger Blast is a game-changer. This Battle Art combines wide AOE with powerful fortitude-clearing capabilities, making it feel like a mini Rage mode. Her attacks are hard to dodge and highly effective in both crowd control and single-target scenarios. She’s a top-tier companion for any situation.

2. Zhao Yun

Zhao Yun’s Dragon Flash is among the best Battle Arts in the game, capable of instantly breaking enemies with less than 10 fortitude. This, combined with his Earth Shatter and Aerial Assault skills, makes him highly versatile. However, Zhao Yun’s late-game availability limits how often you can use him, preventing him from taking the top spot.

1. Lu Bu

Lu Bu is in a league of his own. His Hellraiser Battle Art delivers devastating AOE damage at a low Bravery cost. Combined with his unique Musou Rage, which grants near-invincibility and overwhelming power, Lu Bu can dominate any battlefield. His unparalleled strength and versatility make him the ultimate companion in Dynasty Warriors: Origins.

Each companion brings unique strengths to the table, but Lu Bu’s unmatched power secures his spot at the top. Zhao Yun, Sun Shangxiang, and Guo Jia follow closely behind as versatile and reliable options.

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

• Dynasty Warriors: Origins Guide | How To Find Gold Coins & Use Them
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins Guide | How To Rescue Xun You
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins Guide | How To Find DLC Items
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins Guide | How to Farm Skill Points
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins Guide | How To Do Battle Art Chain
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins Guide | All Hypothetical Routes
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins Guide | Best Weapons & Gears To Get Early
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins Beginner's Guide
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins Guide | Top 10 Weapons
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins Guide | How To Save Sun Jian
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins Guide | Top 10 Companions
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins Guide | How To Conquer Guangyang & Yingchuan