Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition strikes a unique balance between nostalgia and challenge, holding onto the classic roster unlock system that tests your mettle across the Three Kingdoms. Unlike newer entries where every fighter is at your fingertips, this edition makes unlocking characters an achievement worth grinding for, rewarding players who master diverse combat styles through its varied stages and Musou Mode runs.
The game features 42 playable characters divided among several factions, but you won't start with all of them unlocked. Unlocking characters requires successful completion of Musou Mode with certain fighters or fulfilling specific objectives during battles, pushing you to engage deeply with multiple perspectives of the historic conflicts.
There are 42 playable characters in Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition, with the player starting the game with three characters unlocked in each faction (With the exception of Other). Characters are unlocked by either completing Musou Mode as specific characters or by taking certain actions in specific stages.
Among the largest factions, Wu boasts a dozen warriors ready for battle. While the core members are available right from the start, unlocking the rest demands dedication and strategic play through specific mission wins and survival conditions.
There are 12 Wu characters in Dynasty Warriros 3: Complete Edition as they are the largest faction in this game.
| Character | Unlock Requirement |
|---|---|
| Zhou Yu | Unlocked by default |
| Sun Shanxiang | Unlocked by default |
| Huang Gai | Unlocked by default |
| Lu Xun | Clear Musou Mode with any Wu character |
| Da Qiao | Clear Musou Mode with any Wu character |
| Sun Ce | Clear Musou Mode with two Wu characters |
| Sun Jian | Clear Musou Mode with two Wu characters |
| Xiao Qiao | Clear Musou Mode using Zhou Yu or Da Qiao |
| Taishi Ci | Force Taishi Ci to surrender during Assault on Wu Territory |
| Lu Meng | Complete the Battle of Fan Castle with Lu Meng alive |
| Sun Quan | Defeat Cao Cao in the Battle of He Fei |
| Gan Ning | Trigger and defeat Gan Ning’s surprise attack during Battle of He Fei |
Shu Characters
The Shu faction offers ten warriors to unlock, with the initial trio ready to jump into battle immediately. Unlocking the others often involves clearing Musou Mode with Shu characters or protecting key officers during major engagements.
| Character | Unlock Requirement |
|---|---|
| Zhao Yun | Unlocked by default |
| Guan Yu | Unlocked by default |
| Zhang Fei | Unlocked by default |
| Zhuge Liang | Clear Musou Mode with either Shu or Wei characters |
| Ma Chao | Clear Musou Mode with a Shu character |
| Wei Yan | Clear Musou Mode with a Shu character |
| Liu Bei | Clear Musou Mode with two Shu characters |
| Huang Zhong | Clear Musou Mode with two Shu characters |
| Jiang Wei | Clear Musou Mode with Zhuge Liang |
| Pang Tong | During Assault on Cheng Du, ensure Pang Tong survives by defeating Zhang Ren |
Wei Characters
Wei brings you ten fighters to unlock, several of whom are instantly accessible when you fire up the game. Others demand clearing Musou Mode multiple times or overcoming specific adversaries during their respective battles.
| Character | Unlock Requirement |
|---|---|
| Xiahou Dun | Unlocked by default |
| Dian Wei | Unlocked by default |
| Zhang He | Unlocked by default |
| Sima Yi | Clear Musou Mode with characters from Wei or Shu factions |
| Zheng Ji | Clear Musou Mode with a Wei character |
| Xu Zhu | Clear Musou Mode with a Wei character |
| Cao Cao | Clear Musou Mode with two Wei characters |
| Xu Huang | Clear Musou Mode with two Wei characters |
| Zhang Liao | Defeat Zhang Liao during the Battle of He Fei |
| Xiahou Yuan | Defeat Xiahou Yuan at the Battle of Mt. Ding Jun |
Other Characters
The 'Other' category is the most exclusive, with no characters unlocked at the start. These fighters require special in-battle achievements or defeating certain bosses under specific circumstances, adding a layer of challenge and discovery to your playthrough.
| Character | Unlock Requirement |
|---|---|
| Zhang Jiao | Defeat Zhang Bao, Zhang Liang, and Zhang Jiao during Yellow Turban Rebellion |
| Diao Chan | Defeat Diao Chan during the battle at Hu Lao Gate |
| Lu Bu | Achieve 1000 K.O.s during the battle at Hu Lao Gate |
| Dong Zhou | Defeat both Diao Chan and Lu Bu at Hu Lao Gate |
| Yuan Shao | Defeat Yan Liang and Wen Chou before Guan Yu during Battle at Guan Du |
| Meng Huo | Defeat Meng Huo seven times in the Nanman Campaign |
| Zhurong | Defeat Zhurong during the Nanman Campaign |
| Fu Xi | Clear Musou Mode as Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Jian |
| Nuwa | Clear Musou Mode as Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao, Sun Shanxiang, and Zhen Ji |
| Ziluan | Clear Musou Mode as any character |
