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The Tier List will analyze Dynasty Warriors Origins’ best and worst weapons (classes) based on their damage, mobility, combos, and ease of play.
Dynasty Warriors Origins (DWO) is a game set in ancient China during the Three Kingdoms era, where you play as an unnamed hero on a journey to discover your identity and help various factions through battles and interactions. The game features 10 different weapons, allowing you to choose a playstyle and build that suits you. Along the way, you’ll unlock new weapons and learn key gameplay features such as horseback riding, using guards, planning tactics, mastering battle arts, and teaming up with companions.
This raises the question of what weapons are the best and worst? We hope to answer this in our tier list guide after playing over 100+ hours during early access and beyond.
Weapons (Classes) Overview in Dynasty Warriors Origins
Weapons are essentially classes in Dynasty Warriors Origins. You start with the sword and eventually progress through the campaign, unlocking new weapons at various mission intervals. After you beat the campaign, one additional weapon unlocks for post-game content. Post-game content is massive, allowing you to complete a higher difficulty with challenges, new items, horses, and more.
Each weapon has various abilities or skills called Battle Arts. These Battle Arts use a resource called bravery to execute. There are no cooldowns; simply attack, evade, or block to build more bravery and continue to perform skills or battle arts. Players can select passive bonuses in the “skill” trees as they rank up, and the game rewards playing multiple weapons to increase your overall rank.
This begs the question, what makes a weapon powerful in Dynasty Warriors Origins? Below are some criteria we considered in our ranking:
- Battle Arts: the weapons, abilities, and skills that impact gameplay, their cost, and raw power.
- Mobility: the weapon’s built-in ability to move or use a battle art to cover distances.
- Bravery Generation: generating bravery easily because the weapon does good damage with normal or strong attacks.
- Combos: the effectiveness of combos, like knocking enemies in the air or aoe damage in a 360 radius.
- Ease of Play: the weapons requirement for many button presses or timing.
- War God Rage: when you use your “ultimate,” how impactful is it.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins Weapon (Class) Tier List
The Dynasty Warriors Origins Weapon tier list is below ranked best to worst:
- S Tier: Halberd, Twin Pikes
- A Tier: Lance, Wheels
- B Tier: Crescent Blade, Podao, Sword
- C Tier: Staff, Spear
- D Tier: Gauntlets
What is The Best Weapon in Dynasty Warriors Origins?
The best weapon (class) in Dynasty Warriors Origins is the Halberd, with unmatched damage, mobility, and versatility, ranking it in the S+ tier. The battle arts are the most powerful, with low cost, area damage, mobility, and one-on-one burst. However, the Halberd isn’t available at the start of the game and is only useful for post-game content.
The second-best weapon is the Twin Pikes, ranking S tier due to it’s unique combo, damage, and mobility. The Twin Pikes can “stun lock” officers and bosses with a simple combo planting your weapons into the ground and knocking up enemies. Therefore, you don’t have to rely on a complex series of button presses or battle arts to be effective.
The worst weapon is the gauntlets, which offer nothing unique or rewarding in combat. The Gauntlets want you to activate a monk-style stance, which can be clunky, unrewarding, and ineffective.
| List Position | Weapon | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Halberd | S+ |
| 2 | Twin Pikes | S |
| 3 | Lance | A |
| 4 | Wheels | A |
| 5 | Crescent Blade | B+ |
| 6 | Podao | B |
| 7 | Sword | B- |
| 8 | Staff | C+ |
| 9 | Spear | C |
| 10 | Gauntlets | D |
10 Gauntlets (D Tier)
The Gauntlets are the weakest weapon type in Dynasty Warriors Origins due to their odd stance and strong attack mechanics. Unlike other weapons on this list, gauntlets have multiple stances and play like a “monk.” But, the means to activate the stances are clunky, with multiple button clicks and delays before you can take action. Meanwhile, other weapons can simply attack or use powerful battle arts, while this weapon wants to fumble through various stances.
The upside of the Gauntlets is you have quick animations for battle arts and built-in counterattack, which helps with survivability. Outside of that, there’s nothing this weapon offers that is more powerful than any other on this list. Weak battle arts, odd combo system, limited range, nothing stands out; thus, we rank gauntlets as D tier on this list.
| Gauntlets Build Pros | Gauntlets Build Cons |
|---|---|
| Counterattack | Range |
| Quick Battle Arts | Complex |
| Versatile Strong Attack | Weak Combos |
To unlock Gauntlets as a weapon, complete the Battle of Guangzong. The Gauntlets are perfect for players who want a “monk” style of combat, with strong, versatile attacks and the ability to play offensively and defensively. However, mastering their timing and positioning can be tricky, especially on higher difficulties.
9 Spear (C Tier)
The Spear in Dynasty Warriors Origins is an excellent weapon for beginners, offering long-range attacks and solid defensive capabilities. It excels at knocking enemies into the air with a simple two-button combo, making it practical for one-on-one officer battles. Its range and reach also make it a potent defensive weapon.
The downside of the spear is the weapon strikes mostly in front of you and not in a 360 radius. Therefore, you’re AOE damage potential is weaker on others on this list. Moreover, the combos for the spear weapon aren’t that useful and lackluster for later-game weapons. Simply put, the spear offers nothing beneficial that the Sword doesn’t have outside of increased range. But, if you use the airborne knock-up combo, the weapon can be helpful in one-on-one. Therefore, with its limited effectiveness, we rank it in the C tier on our best weapons list.
| Spear Build Pros | Spear Build Cons |
|---|---|
| Front Range | Weak AOE |
| One-vs-One | Lacks 360 Radius |
| Airborne Attacks | Weak Combos |
The Spear weapon unlocks after the Battle of Guangyang, and you can purchase one from the weapons shop at Ji in the starting area. The Spear is decent for players who want a defensive weapon with long reach and solid survivability, especially in one-on-one battles against officers. However, it’s less effective for crowd control and lacks complex combo possibilities.
8 Staff (C+ Tier)
The Staff in Dynasty Warriors Origins is a versatile weapon that excels at quick, crowd-controlling strikes and knocking enemies into the air. Once airborne, enemies can’t retaliate, making the Staff ideal for locking down officers and dominating one-on-one duels. It offers superior mobility and better airborne potential than the Spear, making it highly effective for fast-paced, stun-focused combat. The Staff is perfect for players who enjoy a fast, quick playstyle focused on stunning enemies and controlling the battlefield.
However, the Staff lacks the damage battle art the rest of the weapons have. Moreover, you’re airborne dependent, and if an officer or a boss has high fortitude, you’re likely to struggle to get an assault. Other weapons have much easier knock-up mechanics, making the staff feel weak overall because of its lack of overpowered battle arts and combos. Therefore, we put Staff at C+ tier on our best weapons ranking list.
| Staff Build Pros | Staff Build Cons |
|---|---|
| Mobility | Lacks high damage Battle Arts |
| Airborne Attacks | Airborne Dependent |
| One-vs-One | Weak Combos |
To unlock the Staff, complete the Assassination of Dong Zhuo battle. Pick the Staff early in the game if you struggle with mobility, defense, and survivability. However, look to upgrade weapon choices as you progress or keep the Sword as your primary.
7 Sword (B- Tier)
The Sword is the first weapon unlocked in Dynasty Warriors Origins, but don’t let that fool you, as it’s one of the best. The Sword excels at long combinations, allowing the player to press four normal attacks, then two strong and launch enemies into the air. This gives you damage, survivability, and crowd control without using battle arts. Moreover, the Sword unlocks a powerful 360-radius battle art called Divine Eagle Dance. Once unlocked later in the game, the weapon rivals others on this list for damage and overall power.
However, the Sword has some downsides, like weak, strong attacks, long combos, and shorter range. The main downside is the long combos, which are effective but can be interrupted if not in a one-on-one situation. Therefore, we rank the Sword as B- tier on this list and recommend it while getting used to the game’s combat.
| Sword Build Pros | Sword Build Cons |
|---|---|
| Combos can Stun | Long Combos |
| Powerful Battle Arts | Weak Strong Attack |
| Gameplay is Fun | Shorter Range |
The Sword is ideal for players who like balanced, combo-based combat with a mix of normal and strong attacks. It can be challenging at first due to its slower combos and shorter range, but once you unlock its full potential, it’s a powerful weapon in the game.
6 Podao (B Tier)
The Podao is a heavy sword-like weapon focusing on strong, charged attacks for massive damage. It excels at timing charged attacks, allowing players to unleash huge damage as enemies approach. The Podao also offers versatile battle arts, including mobility, area-of-effect (AOE), and delayed burst damage, making it a well-rounded weapon. The Podao is ideal for players who prefer a slower, more deliberate playstyle that rewards timing and precision. It’s a great weapon for players looking for massive damage potential and versatile skills.
What holds the Podao back from being higher on our tier list is its reliance on strong attacks and long animations, and it trades speed for power. If you don’t time your charged strong attacks or prefer using battle arts, this weapon will fall behind the power curve. Therefore, we rank the Podao as a good weapon at B tier on our best weapons ranking list.
| Podao Build Pros | Podao Build Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick Bravery | Long Animations |
| Great Battle Arts | Limited Range |
| Charged Damage | Strong Attack Dependent |
To unlock the Podao, complete the Subjugation of the White Wave Bandits. The Podao is ideal for players who prefer a slower, more deliberate playstyle that rewards timing and precision. It’s a great weapon for players looking for massive damage potential and versatile skills.
5 Crescent Blade (B+ Tier)
The Crescent Blade is the last weapon unlocked in the main campaign in Dynasty Warriors Origins, known for its broad, sweeping attacks that easily deal massive area damage (AOE). Its attacks hit in a full 360-degree radius, making it effective against groups of enemies. Its battle arts are strong from the start, breaking enemy fortitude and making officer and boss fights easier. The weapon’s simple combos and straightforward playstyle make it beginner-friendly and powerful.
However, the Crescent Blade has notable drawbacks, like slow animations, charged strong attacks, and mobility. Moreover, the animations can be slow, leaving players vulnerable to incoming attacks. The charge attack requires the stationary holding of a button for two seconds when other weapons have more range, quicker burst, or better mechanics. Therefore, we rank Crescent Blade as a B+ tier on this list, with others doing more damage, mobility, or better combos.
| Crescent Blade Build Pros | Crescent Blade Build Cons |
|---|---|
| Hard Hitting Battle Arts | Slow Animations |
| Massive Area Damage | Reliant on Long Combos |
| Simple Combos | Low Mobility |
Complete the Rescue of Emperor Xian mission, where you protect the emperor’s carriage. While there are better options in DWO, the Crescent Blade makes a simple and fun weapon that, if it weren’t for long animations and charge combo mechanics, would rank higher on our tier list.
4 Wheels (A Tier)
The Wheels in Dynasty Warriors Origins are unique ranged weapons you throw at enemies. They deal mid-range damage and return to you, but you need to be careful about your positioning, as you’re without your weapons for a moment while they’re in the air. The strong mechanic is unique and hard to master, making it rank A Tier on our list due to the wheels’ damage potential. Press strong attack as the wheels return to you. They’ll shoot out again with a red glow and deal extra damage if timed correctly.
The downside of using Wheels is you feel “squishy” it starts slow and is timing-based. You gain one of the best and most powerful battle arts in the game, Twin Tiger Blast, dealing massive damage. However, players who struggle to save up bravery or can’t master the strong attack double click will avoid this weapon.
The Wheels are great for players who want ranged combat with a burst damage playstyle. They require precision and mastery of timing, but once you unlock late-game abilities and get the hang of it, they become a powerful weapon for dealing high damage from a distance.
| Wheels Build Pros | Wheels Build Cons |
|---|---|
| Delay Burst | Squishy |
| Range | Timing Dependent |
| Secondary Activation of Attacks | Slow Start |
To unlock the wheels weapon, complete the Suppression of You Province battle. Don’t sleep on Wheels, they look goofy and clunky, but once mastered can dominate Dynasty Warriors Origins.
3 Lance (A Tier)
The Lance in Dynasty Warriors Origins is a balanced weapon that combines offense and defense with its unique built-in counterattack. While charging a strong attack, you can block enemy blows and retaliate with a sweeping strike, making it versatile for various situations (Endure Attack). Its battle arts are low-cost and effective, meaning it doesn’t rely on a single high-cost ability to deal damage. The Lance feels like a balanced and powerful weapon, having useful combos, good battle arts, and ease of play.
However, the Lance has slower animations, less mobility than some melee weapons, and a shorter range than the Wheels. Players must hold the strong attack button to charge the “Endure Attack.” During the charge, your character gains a red glow and retaliates against incoming melee attacks with a devastating counter. But waiting for two to three seconds can be problematic when you could be doing damage. Therefore, we rank the Lance in the A tier on our best weapons list because of the lack of high-powered battle art and charged strong attack.
| Lance Build Pros | Lance Build Cons |
|---|---|
| Built-in Counter Attack | Lower Mobility |
| Balanced | Hold Dependent |
| Combos | Slower Animations |
To obtain the Lance, complete the Battle of Xu Province by defeating Tao Qian. The Lance is ideal for players who value flexibility and want a weapon that doesn’t depend heavily on combos or battle arts. It’s perfect for defensive playstyles and those who prefer calculated attacks over high mobility.
2 Twin Pikes (S Tier)
The Twin Pikes in Dynasty Warriors Origins excels at powerful combos and one-on-one combat, focusing on knocking enemies into the air and keeping them airborne for repeated strikes. This weapon is highly effective without relying on battle arts, as its primary damage comes from strong attack combos. The Battle Roar buff skill enhances damage, allowing you to defeat even the toughest officers quickly. The Twin Pikes are among the strongest weapons in the game, ideal for mastering harder difficulties. They best suit players who prefer timing and combos over mobility or spamming abilities.
However, Twin Pikes becomes dependent on the knock up combo, and if not careful can be problematic. You must plant your weapons into the ground and force enemies airborne. This animation takes about 1-2 seconds, causing you to be vulnerable to incoming damage and interrupts. Additionally, the animations can be long and sometimes clunky, with battle art that can be missed. But, the pros outweigh the cons, making it the second-best weapon on our tier list, coming in at S tier.
| Twin Pikes Build Pros | Twin Pikes Build Cons |
|---|---|
| Best Strong Attack | Long Animations |
| Officer Killer | Strong Attack Dependent |
| Builds Bravery Quickly | Battle Arts can Miss |
To unlock the Twin Pikes weapon, complete the Battle of Hulao Gate. Consider the Twin Pikes the best campaign weapon, with the Halberd edging it in balance in damage once post-game content is unlocked.
1 Halberd (S+ Tier)
The Halberd is the most powerful weapon in Dynasty Warriors Origins because of its abilities, mobility, and devastating combos. It delivers massive damage, easily handles groups of enemies, and is fun to use. However, it’s only available after finishing the main campaign. For players aiming to complete everything in the game or tackle the hardest difficulty, it’s a perfect choice. Its strength lies in balanced battle arts like Defiant Shockstorm, which pulls enemies in, lifts them into the air, and deals with area damage with only two bravery. Hellraiser creates a damaging shockwave around you, which is great for area control, though it leaves you vulnerable briefly.
| Halberd Build Cons | Halberd Build Cons |
|---|---|
| Unmatched Damage | Unlocked After Completing Campaign |
| Incredible Mobility | |
| Best Rage Mode | |
| Balanced Battle Arts and Combos |
The Halberd also features mobility-focused combos, letting you juggle enemies and move quickly while dealing damage. Once you try it, other weapons may feel underwhelming by comparison. Simply put, nothing outperforms the Halberd, making it the meta end-game weapon, and we rank it in the S+ tier for this reason.
To unlock it, complete the campaign, after which you can purchase it from the store or find more Halberds by defeating officers. Despite being locked behind the story, its unmatched damage, mobility, and versatility make it worth the wait.
What Weapon Should You Pick in Dynasty Warriors Origins?
The best weapon for beginners is the Sword because it’s easy to play, has great combos, and battle arts. For players who like range, select the Wheels as your primary weapon. Twin Pikes is the best weapon for completing the campaign, using an airborne combo that can destroy officers. For post-game content, select the Halberd, which is the best weapon overall.
What criteria are used for the best weapon tier list in Dynasty Warriors: Origins?
The following were used and considered in our ranking:
- Ease of Play: the weapons requirement for many button presses or timing.
- War God Rage: when you use your “ultimate,” how impactful is it.
- Battle Arts: the weapons, abilities, and skills that impact gameplay, their cost, and raw power.
- Mobility: the weapon’s built-in ability to move or use a battle art to cover distances.
- Bravery Generation: generating bravery easily because the weapon does good damage with normal or strong attacks.
- Combos: the effectiveness of combos, like knocking enemies in the air or aoe damage in a 360 radius.
FAQs about Best Weapons Tier List in Dynasty Warriors: Origins
How many weapons are there in Dynasty Warriors: Origins?
There are 10 weapons, 9 in the main campaign, and one, the Halberd unlocked after completion the main campaign.
Which is the most powerful weapon in Dynasty Warriors: Origins?
The Halberd is most powerful weapon due to its battle arts, damage, mobility, and combos.
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