The Dynasty Warriors series has largely been a linear hack-and-slash experience, but recent entries like Dynasty Warriors 9 experimented with an open world. 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 serves as a prime example; its vast, empty landscape was widely criticized. The expansive design diluted the impact of large-scale battles. It was a clear case of forcing a mechanic onto a game that didn't need it.
Concerns arose whether Dynasty Warriors: Origins, given its experimental nature, would follow suit. Fortunately, it avoids the open-world model. Instead, it offers a condensed overworld map.
Between missions, players navigate a smaller-scale map of ancient China, visiting towns to buy items, rest, and interact with NPCs. These maps are easily traversed in under a minute. While fast travel is available, it's largely unnecessary due to the map's size. This overworld allows players to initiate side quests, find items (Pyroxene and Old Coins), engage in optional battles, and trigger story cutscenes. This streamlined approach, though perhaps unambitious, is significantly superior to a large, empty open world.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins is currently available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
