For much of its history, the *Dynasty Warriors* series has been a linear hack-and-slash experience. However, recent entries like *Dynasty Warriors 9* experimented with an open world, leading to questions about whether *Dynasty Warriors: Origins* follows suit.
Does *Dynasty Warriors: Origins* Have an Open World?
No, *Dynasty Warriors: Origins* does not feature an open world.
The recent trend in AAA games towards open worlds doesn't always equate to quality. *Dynasty Warriors 9*'s open world is a prime example; its vastness offered little content, diminishing the impact of its large-scale battles. The expansive design felt hollow and ultimately demonstrated a poorly implemented mechanic.
Thankfully, *Dynasty Warriors: Origins* avoids this pitfall. Instead of an open world, it presents a condensed overworld map of ancient China. Players navigate this smaller map, traveling between towns to shop for weapons and items, rest at inns, and interact with NPCs to trigger side quests and cutscenes. The map is easily traversed in under a minute, rendering the fast travel option largely unnecessary. This streamlined approach allows players to focus on the core gameplay without getting lost in empty spaces. While functional, this overworld system is relatively simple and doesn't significantly enhance the overall experience, but it's a far cry from the emptiness of *Dynasty Warriors 9*'s open world.
*Dynasty Warriors: Origins* is available now on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.