Conquering Zhang Jiao, leader of the Yellow Turbans, marks a significant early hurdle in Dynasty Warriors: Origins. This guide will walk you through his two-phase battle.
How to Defeat Zhang Jiao: Phase 1
Phase one is a one-on-one duel in a spacious wasteland. Zhang Jiao employs sorcery, hurling stones across the arena. His attacks vary based on your distance: up close, he summons four stones requiring quick evasion; from afar, he unleashes eight stones in pairs, easily dodged by circling him. Maintain a safe distance when he summons a large volley to avoid heavy damage.
While primarily a ranged attacker, Zhang Jiao possesses close-quarters combos (parryable) and an area-of-effect (AOE) pushback attack. A glowing white aura signals his impending AOE; retreat to avoid damage. He also uses unblockable attacks (red aura), summoning numerous rocks or clones. The best strategy here is to maintain distance until the attack concludes. A sword is recommended for optimal damage output against him.
Resource management is crucial. Depending on skill upgrades, you likely have limited healing opportunities (around four). Utilize the meat buns located near the arena entrance for health replenishment during breaks in the fight.
How to Defeat Zhang Jiao: Phase 2
Once you activate Musou Rage, phase two commences, bringing Yellow Turban reinforcements. Fortunately, your army arrives to assist, providing breathing room and more opportunities to heal using those meat buns. Zhang Jiao introduces tornados that can disrupt your position; be mindful of their unpredictable paths while engaging his soldiers.
Zhang Jiao will attempt a Grand Tactic, demanding you eliminate 300 soldiers within a short timeframe to avoid a devastating attack. Simultaneously, he unleashes lightning strikes, indicated by a closing ring on the ground that flashes before impact. Musou Mode is highly effective for quickly decimating the Yellow Turbans, but even standard Musou mode is sufficient given the time constraints.
Successfully countering Zhang Jiao's Grand Tactic twice will bring him back to the battlefield, employing the same tactics as phase one. With your army's support, this final phase should be significantly easier, paving the way to victory and the completion of Chapter 1.
Conclusion
Mastering these strategies will ensure your triumph over Zhang Jiao in Dynasty Warriors: Origins, available now on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
