Dynasty Warriors: Origins: Is It Open World?

For most of its history, the *Dynasty Warriors* series has been synonymous with linear, action-packed hack-and-slash gameplay. However, recent entries like *Dynasty Warriors 9* have ventured into open-world territory, prompting curiosity about the latest installment, *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*. So, does *Dynasty Warriors: Origins* follow suit with an open world?

Does Dynasty Warriors: Origins Have An Open World?

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

In the gaming industry, there's a prevailing notion that an open world inherently enhances the quality of a game. However, this isn't always true. A prime example is *Dynasty Warriors 9*, which introduced an open world that was criticized for being vast yet empty. The expansive environments diluted the grandeur of the series' signature large-scale battles, illustrating a case where the open-world mechanic felt forced and detrimental to the overall experience.

Given the experimental approach of *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*, fans naturally speculated whether it would continue the open-world trend. Fortunately, the game opts out of this format. Instead, it features an overworld that serves as a hub for players to navigate between missions.

In *Dynasty Warriors: Origins*, players explore a compact map of ancient China, moving from town to town to buy weapons and items or rest at inns. These maps are intentionally small, allowing for quick traversal—less than a minute to cross from one side to the other. While there's a fast travel feature, it's almost unnecessary due to the map's size. This overworld allows interaction with NPCs to start sidequests, collect items like Pyroxene and Old Coins, engage in optional battles to enhance skills and recruit new soldiers, and initiate story-driven cutscenes. Though the overworld system may seem basic, it's a streamlined and more fitting approach compared to a sprawling, empty open world.

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