The Dynasty Warriors series has largely been a linear hack-and-slash experience. However, recent entries like Dynasty Warriors 9 experimented with an open world, to mixed results. This raises the question: Does Dynasty Warriors: Origins also feature an open world?

Does Dynasty Warriors: Origins Have an Open World?

No, Dynasty Warriors: Origins does not have an open world.

The trend in AAA gaming suggests that open worlds equate to high quality, but this isn't always true. Dynasty Warriors 9's open world is a prime example; its vast, empty landscape detracted from the experience, making even large-scale battles feel sparse and underwhelming. The open world was a poorly implemented feature.

Therefore, many fans were concerned that Dynasty Warriors: Origins might follow suit. Fortunately, it avoids this pitfall. Instead of an open world, it uses a condensed overworld map of ancient China.

Players navigate this small map, traveling between towns to shop for weapons and items, and rest at inns. The map's size allows for traversal in under a minute, rendering the fast travel option largely unnecessary. This overworld serves as a hub for side quests, item discovery (Pyroxene, Old Coins), optional battles for skill improvement and troop recruitment, and story cutscenes. While functional, this overworld system is minimalistic and doesn't significantly enhance gameplay, but it's a far superior alternative to Dynasty Warriors 9's empty open world.

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