"Defeating Zhang Jiao in Dynasty Warriors: Origins: Strategies Revealed"

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 detailed guide on how to defeat him effectively.

How to Fight Zhang Jiao's First Phase

In the initial phase, you'll find yourself in a one-on-one duel in a vast wasteland. Zhang Jiao employs 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 twice as many stones, launching them in sets of two, which you can dodge by circling around him. It's crucial to maintain some distance when he summons a large number of stones to avoid significant damage.

While Zhang Jiao excels at keeping you at bay with his ranged attacks, he also has a few melee options. He can execute simple combos that you can parry, as well as an Area of Effect (AOE) attack that repels you. Watch for him glowing white, which signals he's charging for an AOE attack; retreat to avoid taking damage.

As the fight progresses, Zhang Jiao will unleash moves accompanied by a red aura, indicating these attacks cannot be interrupted. These include summoning a barrage of rocks to fall around him and creating several clones. The best strategy is to retreat until these attacks subside before resuming your offensive. Ensure you're wielding a sword, as it deals more damage compared to spears or gauntlets.

Keep an eye on your health throughout the battle. You'll likely be able to heal up to four times, depending on your upgraded skills. Remember, there are jars near the arena's entrance containing meat buns, which you can use to restore health when you need to back off from Zhang Jiao's onslaught.

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 own army will also appear, providing you with some support. This is an ideal time to heal by dashing to the entrance and grabbing meat buns. Be cautious of Zhang Jiao's tornados that can toss you around while you're battling his troops.

After thinning out his soldiers, Zhang Jiao will initiate a Grand Tactic, requiring you to defeat 300 soldiers within a short timeframe to prevent a devastating attack that could end your fight. Adding to the challenge, Zhang Jiao will summon lightning to strike the arena. Keep an eye on the ground for closing rings that signal incoming lightning strikes, and dodge when they flash. To quickly dispatch the Yellow Turbans, utilize Musou Mode, which can eliminate dozens of enemies at once if timed correctly. Although Musou Rage Mode is available, the time constraints make the basic Musou Mode more practical.

After thwarting Zhang Jiao's Grand Tactic twice, he'll return to the battlefield using tactics from the first phase. With your army's support, it should be relatively straightforward to deplete his remaining health, thus concluding Chapter 1.

And that's how you can conquer Zhang Jiao in Dynasty Warriors: Origins.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is now available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.