Dynasty Warriors: Origins' Horse Gameplay Detailed

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• How To Acquire Your First Horse In Dynasty Warriors: Origins

• How To Improve Your Horse's Level In Dynasty Warriors: Origins

• How To Change Horses In Dynasty Warriors: Origins

Dynasty Warriors: Origins doesn't feature a dedicated sprint button—your character automatically transitions into a sprint after taking several running steps. While sprinting helps you move faster, you'll frequently need to traverse enormous battlefields rapidly to rescue allied officers and secure victory.

This is when your horse becomes essential. You can summon it at any time during overworld exploration or combat. You can even engage in mounted combat if you prefer swift hit-and-run tactics. Here's how to obtain your first horse, enhance its abilities, and swap it for other steeds.

How To Unlock The First Horse In Dynasty Warriors: Origins

You can get your first horse at no cost during Chapter 1 by speaking with a merchant you encounter in the overworld. This merchant appears after finishing the second major battle, "Test Of Zheng Fei," and can be found on your route to the Battle Of Guangzong. Head northeast from Wan Castle toward the camp, and you'll see the merchant waiting beside his horse. Converse with him to receive the horse as a gift, and it will be automatically equipped.

How To Level Up Your Horse In Dynasty Warriors: Origins

Your horse gains experience from completed missions when equipped, regardless of whether you actively use it. It earns XP after finishing missions or main story battles, though it won't receive any from Skirmishes. Missions are identified by a red diamond containing a soldier icon—these represent medium-duration engagements. The total XP your horse earns depends on the battle's duration and how frequently you ride and charge into enemies. As your horse levels up, it unlocks distinctive buffs every few levels, with each horse offering unique enhancements.

How To Switch Horses In Dynasty Warriors: Origins

Your initial horse is equipped by default, but you can acquire and equip alternative horses. Access the Battle Preparation menu to manage your steeds—this option is located at the bottom of the list on the screen's left side. Each horse possesses different perks, with some naturally faster and superior to others, so it's wise to switch when you obtain a new one. To unlock additional horses, maximize a region's peace level. Once achieved, a reward—a new horse—will appear at a nearby waypoint.