In *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*, one of the first formidable challenges players encounter is the battle against Zhang Jiao, the head of the Yellow Turbans. Here's a detailed guide on how to defeat him effectively.
How To Fight Zhang Jiao’s First Phase
The initial encounter with Zhang Jiao takes place in a one-on-one duel set in a vast wasteland. During this phase, Zhang Jiao employs sorcery to hurl stones across the arena. When you're close to him, he summons four stones, necessitating quick evasive maneuvers. From a distance, he doubles the number of stones, launching them in pairs that you can dodge by circling around him. It's crucial to maintain distance when he prepares a large volley of stones to avoid severe damage.
While Zhang Jiao primarily focuses on ranged attacks to keep you at bay, he also has a few melee options. He performs basic combos that you can parry, and an Area of Effect (AOE) attack that repels you. If you see him glowing white, he's about to unleash his AOE, so retreat promptly to minimize damage.
As the fight progresses, Zhang Jiao may adopt moves that give him a red aura, signaling uncancellable attacks. These include summoning a massive rockfall and creating several clones. The best strategy here is to retreat until his attack concludes, then resume your offensive. Equipping a sword rather than a spear or gauntlets will ensure you can inflict significant damage.
Monitoring your health is vital, as you'll likely only have four healing opportunities, depending on your skill upgrades. Remember, there are jars near the arena entrance containing meat buns. Use these as a safe haven to heal when you retreat from Zhang Jiao's onslaught.
How To Fight Zhang Jiao’s Second Phase
Once you unlock Musou Rage, the second phase kicks off, with Yellow Turbans joining Zhang Jiao. Fortunately, your army also arrives, providing some respite. This is an ideal time to heal by dashing to the entrance and grabbing those meat buns. Be cautious, as Zhang Jiao will now summon tornados that can disrupt your movements while you're battling his soldiers.
After thinning out his forces, Zhang Jiao will deploy a Grand Tactic, challenging you to defeat 300 soldiers within a tight timeframe to prevent a devastating attack. To complicate matters, he'll start summoning lightning strikes across the arena. Keep an eye on the ground for closing rings and dodge when they flash. The most effective way to clear the Yellow Turbans quickly is by using Musou Mode, which, if timed correctly, can eliminate dozens at once. Although Musou Rage Mode is available, sticking to the basic Musou Mode might be more efficient given the time pressure.
By thwarting Zhang Jiao's Grand Tactic twice, he'll return to the battlefield, employing the same tactics as in Phase 1. With your army's support, it should be relatively straightforward to deplete his remaining health, 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.
