- Dynasty Warriors 3 Remastered features 40+ playable officers across Wei, Shu, Wu, and Other factions
- Most characters unlock by completing Musou Mode campaigns with specific factions
- Xtreme Legends content included in the Complete Edition adds extra officers and challenge unlocks
- Start with Zhao Yun or Cao Cao for the fastest and most reliable unlock progression
- Local two-player co-op lets you unlock officers while playing with a friend
How Character Unlocks Work in Dynasty Warriors 3 Remastered
Dynasty Warriors 3 Remastered how to unlock all characters is the first question most players ask after starting the Complete Edition. The remaster combines the original Dynasty Warriors 3 roster with the expanded lineup from Dynasty Warriors 3: Xtreme Legends, bringing the total to more than 40 playable officers across Wei, Shu, Wu, and Other factions.
Only a small starting roster is available when you begin Musou Mode. Every additional officer is tied to progression: clearing faction campaigns, completing specific stages, or meeting conditions inside particular battles. The remaster keeps the classic unlock structure intact, so veterans of the PS2 original can rely on familiar routes, while new players should follow an efficient faction order.
Video Highlights:
- Official overview of the Complete Edition content, including the full officer roster
- Shows the combined Dynasty Warriors 3 and Xtreme Legends character lineup
- Demonstrates Musou Mode structure that drives most unlocks
The unlock system in this game rewards campaign completion rather than grinding. Each faction route you finish opens a batch of new officers, and Xtreme Legends additions expand the pool further with character-focused Legend scenarios.
Pick one starter officer and finish their entire Musou Mode campaign before switching. Completing a full faction route unlocks several officers at once, which is far faster than jumping between characters mid-campaign.
Unlock Conditions by Faction
Each faction in Dynasty Warriors 3 Remastered follows the classic pattern: default officers are available immediately, while the rest join your roster as you complete Musou Mode stages and campaigns. The table below summarizes how unlocks are distributed across factions.
| Faction | Default Officers | Unlock Method | Est. Unlocks per Campaign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wei | Cao Cao, Xiahou Dun, Dian Wei and other starters | Complete Wei Musou Mode stages | 6-8 |
| Shu | Zhao Yun, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Liu Bei | Complete Shu Musou Mode stages | 6-8 |
| Wu | Sun Jian, Sun Shangxiang, Zhou Yu and starters | Complete Wu Musou Mode stages | 6-8 |
| Other | None at start | Clear specific battles such as Hulao Gate and Xiapi | 4-6 |
| Xtreme Legends additions | Varies | Legend scenarios and challenge content | Extra officers and costumes |
Other-faction officers such as Lu Bu, Diao Chan, and Dong Zhuo historically require clearing the battles where they appear as major opponents, such as the Hulao Gate and Xiapi scenarios. Finishing multiple faction campaigns is the dependable path to the full roster.
You do not need to clear campaigns on the highest difficulty to unlock characters. Complete stages on Normal or easier, then revisit harder settings later with your expanded roster.
Fastest Route to Unlock All Characters
The most efficient unlock order minimizes repeated stages and opens high-impact officers early. Follow this sequence to build your roster quickly.
Clear the Shu Campaign First
Shu's route features balanced starter officers like Zhao Yun and Guan Yu. Clearing it unlocks a large batch of Shu officers and stages you can reuse in Free Mode for faster grinding.
Complete the Wei Campaign
Wei's campaign shares several battles with Shu's route, so you will move faster with practiced stages. Finishing it adds Cao Cao's faction roster and Wei-exclusive stages.
Finish the Wu Campaign
Wu's route introduces naval battles at Chibi and Hefei. Completing it unlocks the remaining Wu officers, including Sun family members.
Target Other-Faction Battles
Replay stages like Hulao Gate and Xiapi in Free Mode to unlock Lu Bu, Diao Chan, Dong Zhuo, and other independent officers tied to specific battles.
Clear Xtreme Legends Content
Move into the Xtreme Legends Legend scenarios and challenges to unlock any remaining additions, including extra scenarios and challenge-focused rewards.
Use Free Mode to replay unlock-relevant battles with your strongest officer. A high-level Lu Bu or Guan Yu can clear most stages in a fraction of the time it takes a fresh character.
Recommended Officers for Unlock Grinding
Not every officer clears campaigns at the same speed. These picks are the strongest for rushing through unlock conditions, based on damage output, reach, and crowd control.
| Officer | Faction | Weapon | Why It Clears Fast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zhao Yun | Shu | Spear | Balanced moveset, reliable combos, accessible to beginners |
| Guan Yu | Shu | Green Dragon Crescent Blade | Excellent reach and wide attacks for group clearing |
| Lu Bu | Other | Halberd | Exceptional damage once unlocked, strong officer pressure |
| Zhou Yu | Wu | Sword | Fast handling and fluid crowd control |
| Zhang Fei | Shu | Serpent Spear | High attack power against officers and gates |
Speed Clearing
- Zhao Yun or Zhou Yu
- Fast combos, high mobility
- Best for stage rush routes
Officer Duels
- Guan Yu or Zhang Fei
- Long reach, heavy hits
- Great vs. enemy commanders
Late-Game Power
- Lu Bu
- Overwhelming offense
- Unlocks Other-faction stages faster
Equip a developed bodyguard unit before grinding stages. Bodyguards control surrounding enemies during officer duels, which reduces retreats and keeps your clear times low.
Unlock Progress Checklist
Track your roster completion with this checklist. Work through it faction by faction to avoid missing hidden conditions.
Full Roster Milestones:
- Complete Shu Musou Mode campaign
- Complete Wei Musou Mode campaign
- Complete Wu Musou Mode campaign
- Unlock Lu Bu through Other-faction battles
- Clear Xtreme Legends Legend scenarios
- Verify full roster exceeds 40 officers
Local two-player co-op counts toward campaign progression. Partner with a friend, split battlefield objectives, and clear unlock stages in roughly half the time.
FAQ
Q: How many characters are in Dynasty Warriors 3 Remastered?
The Complete Edition includes more than 40 playable officers, combining the original Dynasty Warriors 3 roster with the additions from Xtreme Legends.
Q: Do I need to beat the game on Hard difficulty to unlock all characters in Dynasty Warriors 3 Remastered?
No. Character unlocks are tied to completing campaigns and specific battles, not difficulty settings. You can unlock the full roster on Normal or easier.
Q: How do I unlock Lu Bu?
Lu Bu is part of the Other faction. Clear the battles where he appears as a major opponent, such as Hulao Gate, and complete the related faction requirements to add him to your roster.
Q: Does the Xtreme Legends content add more unlockable characters?
Yes. The Complete Edition integrates Xtreme Legends, which adds character-focused Legend scenarios and challenge content that expand the roster and replay options beyond the original campaign.