Is Dynasty Warriors: Origins Open World? Explained

The Dynasty Warriors series, traditionally a linear hack-and-slash experience, saw a departure with Dynasty Warriors 9's open-world design, a move widely criticized for its empty vastness. This raises the question: does Dynasty Warriors: Origins follow suit?

Does Dynasty Warriors: Origins Feature an Open World?

No, Dynasty Warriors: Origins does not have an open world. The game wisely avoids the pitfalls of its predecessor. While a large open world has become a common feature in AAA titles, it's not always beneficial. Dynasty Warriors 9's expansive, yet content-sparse, world serves as a prime example of this.

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 and items, rest at inns, and interact with NPCs to initiate side quests. The map's compact size allows for quick traversal—a fast travel option exists, though rarely needed. This streamlined approach, while perhaps lacking in depth, is a significant improvement over the emptiness of Dynasty Warriors 9's open world. Players can also discover items like Pyroxene and Old Coins, engage in optional battles to enhance proficiency and recruit soldiers, and trigger cutscenes to advance the storyline.

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