Way of the Warrior

If you’re a fan of mounted combat, then Ma Chao’s your man. The charismatic Shu general has been consistently impressive since his introduction in Dynasty Warriors 2, and he’s practically unstoppable from horseback. His various spears are ideal for his equestrian endeavors, but he can also handle himself on the ground. The prideful warrior can summon lighting, create whirlwinds, or summon multiple clones of himself to target a single opponent. Ma Chao is more boisterous than he needs to be and he doesn’t always consider how his actions will affect other people. Nevertheless, his heart’s in the right place. He feels no spite for his enemies, and genuinely views himself as an instrument of justice. He can be immediately identified by his magnificent armor and his splendid helmet, but he’d rather be recognized for his warrior’s soul.

Zhou Tai is a former pirate who joined the Wu army as a volunteer. Although he is a man of few words, his curved swords say more than his expressionless face ever could. Zhou Tai was reliable enough to be named Sun Quan’s personal bodyguard, and he was one of the most trusted vassals in the entire kingdom. He won’t hesitate to sacrifice himself for his lord’s well-being, and he rarely leaves his side during battle. The numerous scars on his body are an indication of his incredible bravery, and it’s remarkable he manages to survive for as long as he does. Zhou Tai is easily one of the coolest characters on this countdown. His stoic expressions create an air of mystery, and his black outfits are emblematic of a dark knight. He’s a selfless warrior with no desire for personal gain… outside the occasional bottle of wine, of course.

Zhurong was the only woman who fought in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and her Dynasty Warriors counterpart is also known for her fierce independent streak. You can tell there’s something different about Zhurong just by looking at her. While most of her enemies are equipped with glaives and halberds, Zhurong fights with throwing daggers and oversized boomerangs. Her fashion sense also makes her stand out on the battlefield. The opposing armies are decked out in silk garments and elaborate suits of armor, but Zhurong is clad in various leathers and animal hides. Although she’s not directly connected to any of the warring kingdoms, Zhurong defends her home from invaders and coerces her husband into action. Her ferocious temperament inspires passion in others, and her fur bikinis probably help in that regard.

Zhang Liao made his debut in Dynasty Warriors 2 and has been consistently awesome throughout the series. He’s an absolute beast on the battlefield (despite what his calm demeanor might suggest), and he finds his true purpose in times of war. Zhang Liao is a man of honor who refuses to back down from any challenge. Although the hardened war veteran served under numerous masters, he is capable of turning the tide of any battle with minimal support. He famously defended He Fei in the face of overwhelming odds, and his exploits earned him a reputation as one of the land’s greatest warriors. You know you’re doing something right when the great Lu Bu views you as something of an equal! Zhang Liao is feared by officers and framed as a boogeyman by frightened civilians, but he retains his virtue while he walks the warrior’s path.

Wang Yuanji is the resident tsundere of the Dynasty Warriors franchise. Although she has a caring and gentle side, she has no qualms in berating her husband and other authority figures. Yuanji consistently ranks near the top of official popularity polls, and Japanese fans are especially enamored by the golden-haired beauty. It might be because she embodies so many anime tropes, but she’s also a fun character to play as. Yuanji is mainly featured as support for the Wei army, and she takes on a more active role in mock battles and hypothetical stages. While her throwing knives cause little damage, she’s ridiculously overpowered with the right setup. She moves so fast that she’s virtually untouchable. Wang Yuanji is a practical woman, and she garners an inordinate amount of attention because of her huge boobs and flashy fighting style.

In an ironic twist, the debate over the best Dynasty Warriors waifu came down to a battle of the Wangs. Unlike Wang Yuanji – who has a calm and gentle demeanor – Wang Yi is a straight-up bitch. As the last surviving member of her family, Wang Yi has a grudge against the world. She looks forward to crossing blades on the battlefield, and she dreams of taking the head of her sworn enemy. Her lust for violence is palpable, and she puts revenge before reason. Incidentally, she used to be a laidback chick before devoting her life to vengeance. It’s hard to see the underlying sadness in her eyes when she’s stabbing enemies in their throats and screaming about how good it feels. Her exquisite beauty is impossible to ignore, however. Wang Yi is a bloodthirsty warrior and a capable general, but she’s a total babe above all else.

An eyepatch would typically be considered an impediment, but in the case of Xiahou Dun it serves as a constant reminder of how much of a badass he is. Incidentally, he lost his eye in battle when one of his adversaries shot him with an arrow. That would have killed a lesser man, but Xiahou Dun simply ripped the arrow out and continued to lead the charge! His resolve is unshakable, and he’s easily one of the most honorable warriors on this list. Xiahou Dun has historically been depicted as a cultured bureaucrat with a great mind for logistics, but his Dynasty Warriors iteration puts more emphasis on his ferocious tenacity. He’s a serious man with a short fuse and a competitive drive, and his actions are fueled by an unwavering loyalty to his kingdom. You don’t want to be on the wrong side of his broadsword.

Guan Yu is an intimidating warrior with a studious mind and a magnificent beard. Although he can easily cleave apart an army of thousands, he also has the wherewithal to cut open escape paths for the people he’s protecting. The powerful general believes that his crescent blades will always prevail so long as they serve honor, and it’s no surprise that he’s considered a hero by all of the kingdoms. His allies are honored to fight alongside him, and even his enemies admire him. Although he’s fiercely loyal to Shu, he gains new friends during his time in Wei after being separated from his brothers. Rest assured, Guan Yu carries himself with a noble dignity regardless of which kingdom he’s aligned with. He was dubbed one of the Five Tiger Generals due to his extraordinary contributions in battle, and some revere him as a literal god of war.

It’s hard to single out a main character in Dynasty Warriors given how expansive the franchise is, but Zhao Yun is definitely the face of the series. He’s often featured in the opening cinematics, and he’s graced more game covers than everyone else in the series combined! As one of the Five Tiger Generals from Shu Han, Zhao Yun survived countless battles and rose to prominence when he engaged a lone charge against thousands of soldiers. The valiant general shows remarkable courage in the face of impossible odds, and he’s the embodiment of justice. In battle, Zhao Yun arms himself with an assortment of spears, and he wields them so efficiently that he can actually juggle his enemies in the air while he’s in the air! He’s also one of the most balanced characters, which makes him a great choice for new players.

Lu Bu served as the final boss in the first Dynasty Warriors, and the mighty general became even more imposing as the series progressed. He’s so intimidating that players are encouraged to avoid fighting him whenever possible. Lu Bu can the lower morale of opposing armies simply by stepping onto the battlefield, and he’s actually amused by some of the large-scale battles he partakes in. His entire career was built on betrayal and deceit, and he doesn’t have a great mind for strategy or politics. Nevertheless, his overwhelming power allows him to function like a one-man-army. We’re talking about a guy that can skewer opponents with a halberd and slam them into the ground with enough force to create earthquakes! “Do not pursue Lu Bu” is an proclamation that any Dynasty Warriors fan should understand.