One of the first real challenges that players will encounter in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins* is the battle against Zhang Jiao, the head of the Yellow Turbans. Here’s a detailed guide on how to conquer this formidable foe.
How to Fight Zhang Jiao’s First Phase
The first phase pits you against Zhang Jiao in a one-on-one duel within a vast wasteland. He employs sorcery to hurl stones at you across the arena. When you're close, he summons four stones, necessitating quick evasive maneuvers. From a distance, he unleashes twice as many stones in sets of two, which you can dodge by circling around him. If he summons a large number of stones while you're near, create some distance to avoid taking significant damage from the barrage.
While his ranged attacks are designed to keep you at bay, Zhang Jiao also has close-range attacks. He uses simple combos that you can parry and an Area of Effect (AOE) attack to push you back. Watch for a white glow signaling his AOE charge; retreat to avoid damage.
As the fight progresses, Zhang Jiao will use moves with a red aura, indicating uncancellable attacks. These include summoning a deluge of rocks and creating clones. The best strategy is to retreat until his assault concludes, then resume your attack. Equip a sword to deal substantial damage compared to spears or gauntlets.
Keep an eye on your health, as you might only heal up to four times depending on your upgraded skills. Remember, there are jars near the arena's entrance containing meat buns. When retreating from Zhang Jiao's attacks, grab these buns to heal.
How to Fight Zhang Jiao’s Second Phase
Upon unlocking Musou Rage, the second phase begins, with the Yellow Turbans joining Zhang Jiao. Fortunately, your army arrives to support you, providing some respite. This is an ideal time to heal by dashing to the entrance for those meat buns. Zhang Jiao will summon tornados to disrupt you; stay alert while battling his troops to avoid being tossed around.
After defeating enough soldiers, Zhang Jiao initiates his Grand Tactic, requiring you to eliminate 300 soldiers within minutes to prevent a devastating attack. Additionally, he summons lightning strikes. Watch for closing rings on the ground and evade when they flash. To efficiently defeat the Yellow Turbans, utilize Musou Mode, which can take out dozens at once if timed correctly. Despite unlocking Musou Rage Mode, sticking to the basic Musou Mode is advisable given the time pressure.
After thwarting Zhang Jiao’s Grand Tactic twice, he reappears with the same tactics from Phase 1. With your army's assistance, depleting his remaining health should be straightforward, concluding Chapter 1.
And that's how to defeat Zhang Jiao in *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*.
*Dynasty Warriors: Origins* is now available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
