Is Dynasty Warriors: Origins Open World? Explained

The Dynasty Warriors series, known for its linear hack-and-slash gameplay, saw a departure with Dynasty Warriors 9's open world. This raised questions about whether 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 trend in AAA games towards open worlds doesn't always equate to quality. Dynasty Warriors 9's open world is often cited as a negative example, criticized for its emptiness and negatively impacting the scale of battles. The vastness diluted the impact of the game's set pieces.

Thankfully, Dynasty Warriors: Origins avoids this pitfall. Instead of an open world, it utilizes a condensed overworld map of ancient China. Players navigate this smaller map, visiting towns to shop for weapons and items, rest at inns, and interact with NPCs to trigger side quests, find collectibles (Pyroxene and Old Coins), engage in optional battles, and advance the storyline through cutscenes. While this overworld is functional, it's intentionally small and straightforward, a far cry from the sprawling, empty landscapes of Dynasty Warriors 9. Fast travel is available, but the map's size renders it largely unnecessary.

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