“Among men, Lu Bu. Among horses, Red Hare.” “Do not pursue Lu Bu.” These iconic phrases from Dynasty Warriors: Origins underscore the daunting challenge of facing Lu Bu. Yet, if you're up for the ultimate test, here’s your guide on how to conquer him.

Table of contents

• Should You Fight Lu Bu in Dynasty Warriors: Origins?
• Lu Bu’s First Phase
• Lu Bu’s Second Phase
• Lu Bu’s Final Phase

Should You Fight Lu Bu in Dynasty Warriors: Origins?

Taking on Lu Bu is not for the faint-hearted. In my experience with Dynasty Warriors: Origins, defeating him took over an hour. However, there are compelling reasons to face this legendary warrior.

Firstly, there's the prestige of overcoming Lu Bu, a feat that earns you bragging rights. Secondly, depending on your alliances with Shu or Wei, you might have no choice but to confront him during the Battle of Xiapi in Chapter 4. Lastly, defeating Lu Bu at the Battle of Hulao Gate not only grants you the "The Strongest" trophy but also the game's final weapon, the halberd, if you best him in the post-game.

Lu Bu’s First Phase

Before engaging Lu Bu, ensure you're well-equipped. A weapon like a sword that can deliver multiple hits and stagger him is crucial. Equip Battle Arts that are quick to activate, don't require much Bravery, and have a wide range. I used Falcon Flurry, Mad Blade Rush, Absconding Slash, and Flying Dragon Slash. Accessories that boost health and defense, such as Divine Bird’s Wing and Divine Turtle’s Shell, are essential given Lu Bu's devastating attacks. Additionally, choose a weapon with a skill that increases Bravery with each Perfect Evade, as this will be your primary source of Bravery in this fight.

In Dynasty Warriors: Origins, Lu Bu typically starts mounted on Red Hare. This phase is straightforward as he charges around the battlefield. He's fast but will pause occasionally to rest. Use these moments to hit him with your Battle Arts, then retreat. His attacks have a limited area of effect, except for Red Hare's jump attack, which is easily dodged. Once his health drops to 80%, Lu Bu dismounts, and the real battle begins.

Lu Bu’s Second Phase

On foot, Lu Bu becomes even more formidable. His swift attacks and rapid movement across the battlefield, often accompanied by a red aura, make him immune to staggering. He charges in sets of three, so evade each charge carefully. If he approaches without his spear, he's attempting a grab that can severely deplete your health; evade this just as you would his charges.

His most lethal move is signaled by an orange glow. With minimal preparation, he launches three volleys of massive arrows, capable of juggling and annihilating your health. To counter this, use a Battle Art like Absconding Slash from a distance. Close-quarters Battle Arts like Palm Strike are suicidal against this move. Keep your Musou gauge charged for emergencies, as it grants temporary invincibility, crucial for surviving mishaps.

During this phase, Lu Bu can be juggled easily, allowing you to charge your Battle Arts quickly and deplete his Fortitude meter faster. Stay close to react better to his attacks, and remember: evade, evade, evade.

Lu Bu’s Final Phase

When Lu Bu's health is sufficiently depleted, he enters Musou Rage, marking the final phase. Now unstaggered, he unleashes a relentless barrage of attacks. Your objective is to break his Fortitude before he executes his Musou attack. Use every tool at your disposal: activate Musou attacks when he's close, deploy your Battle Arts, and strike fast and hard. If he completes his Musou Attack, he'll immediately reactivate it, forcing you to restart this phase. Breaking his Fortitude here is your ticket to victory over this seemingly invincible adversary.

And that’s how to defeat Lu Bu in Dynasty Warriors: Origins! Dynasty Warriors: Origins is now available for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.