In Dynasty Warriors: Origins, there's no direct sprint button, but your character will naturally transition into a sprint after a few steps of running. While sprinting helps you move quickly across the battlefield, reaching other officers in time to save them and secure victory can be challenging due to the vastness of the battlefields.
This is where your horse becomes invaluable. You can summon your horse at any time during the overworld exploration or in the midst of battle. Additionally, you can engage in combat from horseback, which is perfect for those who prefer swift hit-and-run tactics. Let's dive into how you can unlock your first horse, level it up, and even switch between different horses.
Unlocking your first horse is straightforward and free during Chapter 1. After you've completed the second major battle, "Test of Zheng Fei," a merchant will appear in the overworld as you journey towards the Battle of Guangzong. Head northeast from Wan Castle but stop before reaching the camp. You'll find the merchant standing next to his horse. Simply engage in conversation with him, and he'll gift you the horse, which will be automatically equipped.
To summon and mount your horse instantly, press down on the left joystick if you're playing on a console or press the 'V' key on a keyboard.
Your horse gains XP whenever you complete missions or main story battles with it equipped, regardless of whether you actually use it during the mission. Note that your horse won't earn XP from Skirmishes. Missions, which are identified by a red diamond with a soldier icon, are medium-length engagements that provide your horse with XP. The total XP earned is influenced by the duration of the battle, how frequently you ride your horse, and your use of it to charge into enemies. As your horse levels up, it will unlock unique buffs at various levels, with each horse having its own set of enhancements.
Your first horse is automatically equipped, but you'll have the opportunity to acquire and switch to different horses. You can manage your horses in the Battle Preparation menu, which is the last option listed on the left side of the screen. Each horse comes with unique perks, and some are inherently faster or better suited for certain playstyles, so it's wise to consider switching when you acquire a new one. To obtain new horses, you need to maximize the peace in a region. Once the peace level reaches its maximum, a new horse will be available as a reward at a nearby waypoint.