Dynasty Warriors: Origins Sets a New Standard for Series Debuts

Dynasty Warriors: Origins has certainly made a strong impression on me, and I’d have sung its praises even louder in my review if my editor had allowed it. It’s hands down my favorite game in the series. Set against the backdrop of the legendary Chinese Three Kingdoms era, this hack-and-slash RPG lets you step into the shoes of a mysteriously clad soldier determined to shape China’s destiny. While I’m singing praises, don’t just rely on what I’m saying.

This past weekend, Dynasty Warriors: Origins nearly hit 70,000 concurrent players, reaching an impressive peak of 69,483. To put that in perspective, the last four installments of the series only hit around 3,900 simultaneous players. That’s over 17 times fewer than this latest release has managed to draw in!

But the success story doesn’t end there. Compared to other Dynasty Warriors games, this one is not just a hit; it’s also the second-biggest launch in Koei Tecmo history. Alejandro from Game Discover Co shared an insightful graph showcasing these differences.

The thrill of battling countless enemies on screen in Dynasty Warriors: Origins is unmatched.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins vs. Wo Long

While Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty still holds the record as the most successful launch for the company, there’s no denying that the success of Origins is a source of great happiness for the developers. Presently, Wo Long holds a mixed rating on Steam, with only a 47% approval score. In stark contrast, Dynasty Warriors: Origins boasts an impressive 94% approval, suggesting it’s been a more consistent seller.

Even though Dynasty Warriors had roughly 6,000 fewer players, it’s tough to argue that Wo Long proved to be more profitable on Steam. Given Steam’s lenient return policy, I’d bet that Wo Long saw quite a few returns. This isn’t to undermine Wo Long’s achievement of exceeding 3.8 million players in under two months, but rather to highlight the remarkable allure of Origins within this niche series.

Now, let’s see what players are saying about Dynasty Warriors: Origins.

"It’s been forever since I truly enjoyed a Dynasty Warriors game. This feels like an amazing step forward for the series, balancing a fresh start while keeping what made past games fun. I’m eager to see how they expand on this," shared Lothair Mantelar.

Ackman exclaimed, "I’m not sure how they managed to make officer battles resemble Ghost of Tsushima, while the crowds still felt like a classic Warriors game, but they nailed it. Best Warriors game in years, as a fan of the genre."

Enhasa reflected, "They could’ve just rolled out another typical Dynasty Warriors game, and I would have been pleased, but instead, they crafted something genuinely exceptional. From the gameplay to voice acting, it’s all top-notch. I do miss Cow Cow, though. RIP Cow Cow, you were a real one."

I’ve mentioned my love for this game before, but allow me a moment more of admiration. Dynasty Warriors: Origins is the revitalization this series has desperately needed. Whether you enjoy the intricately woven lore or the technical triumph of facing down a tide of enemies on screen, you’re in for a thrilling ride. If you’ve ever been a fan of Warriors-style games, you should seriously consider diving into my top pick for 2025.