Despite its hack-and-slash gameplay, mastering Dynasty Warriors games requires genuine skill. Dynasty Warriors: Origins acknowledges this by offering four difficulty settings, letting players tailor the challenge to their experience level.
As a reboot, both newcomers and veterans might struggle choosing the right difficulty. The ideal setting depends on your skill and desired challenge.
Quick Links
- All Dynasty Warriors: Origins Difficulty Settings
- Which Dynasty Warriors: Origins Difficulty Setting is Best?
- Difficulty Mode Differences in Dynasty Warriors: Origins
All Dynasty Warriors: Origins Difficulty Settings

Dynasty Warriors: Origins features four difficulty levels: Historian (easy), Wayfarer (normal), Hero (hard), and Ultimate Warrior (very hard). Initially, only Historian, Wayfarer, and Hero are available. Unlock Ultimate Warrior by completing a faction's main scenario.
Note: Completing a battle on Ultimate Warrior earns a Trophy/Achievement, but campaign completion doesn't have difficulty-specific awards.
Which Dynasty Warriors: Origins Difficulty Setting is Best?

Historian (easy) is perfect for newcomers to the genre or players prioritizing story over challenge. Wayfarer (normal) suits most players, even those with limited Musou/Warriors experience. Series veterans might start with Hero (hard), while seasoned Musou masters should consider Ultimate Warrior after unlocking it for a persistent challenge.
Adjust the difficulty between battles via the config menu without affecting the story.
Difficulty Mode Differences in Dynasty Warriors: Origins

Historian simplifies gameplay: all attacks are easily blocked, staggering enemies, gaining bravery, and filling the Musou Gauge is easier. Hero increases enemy strength and aggression, shortens parry/evade windows, and removes Meat Bun drops. Blocking depletes bravery, influencing army battles is more time-sensitive, and Skill Points/gold earned are reduced. Ultimate Warrior intensifies Hero's challenges with even tighter timing and significantly lower rewards.