Dynasty Warriors: Origins Explores Epic Open World

The Dynasty Warriors series, traditionally a linear hack-and-slash experience, saw a departure with Dynasty Warriors 9's open world. This raised questions about whether the more experimental Dynasty Warriors: Origins would follow suit.

Does Dynasty Warriors: Origins have an open world?

No, Dynasty Warriors: Origins does not feature an open world. The recent trend of including open worlds in AAA titles hasn't always resulted in improved gameplay, as evidenced by the criticism leveled at Dynasty Warriors 9's sparsely populated open world. The game's vastness detracted from its set pieces and battles.

Instead of an open world, Dynasty Warriors: Origins offers a condensed overworld map of ancient China. Players navigate this smaller map, traveling between towns to acquire weapons, items, and rest. While a fast travel option exists, the map's size renders it largely unnecessary. This overworld serves as a hub for side quests, item discovery (Pyroxene and Old Coins), optional battles for proficiency boosts, and story progression via cutscenes. This streamlined approach avoids the pitfalls of a large, empty open world.

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