Cao Cao/Movesets

Movesets

• Dynasty Warriors
• Dynasty Warriors 2
• Dynasty Warriors 3
• Dynasty Warriors 4
• Dynasty Warriors 5
• Dynasty Warriors 6
• Dynasty Warriors 7
• Dynasty Warriors 8
• Dynasty Warriors 9

Keys:

Slash •

Thrust •

Block Thrust •

Block Slash

Basic Attacks

High Slash (上斬; lit. "Up Slash"): : Does a quick slash while stepping forward.

High Thrust (上穿; lit. "Up Thrust"): : Lands a powerful thrust attack.

Quick Upper (昇斬; lit. "Rising Slash"): 🡾 + : Performs a broad frontal slash.

Quick Stab (平截; lit. "Flat Sever"): 🡾 + : Lands a quick stab to the opponent's midsection.

Low Slash (下掃; lit. "Low Brush"): 🡻 + : Lands a quick slash while nudging forward.

Low Thrust (下突; lit. "Low Thrust"): 🡻 + : Does a quick stab while crouching. Also nudges Cao Cao slightly forward.

Reverse Slash (背斬; lit. "Stature Slash"): Facing Away or : Turns to the opponent's rear and knocks them down with a swift slash.

Reverse Low Slash (背掃斬; lit. "Stature Brush Slash"): Facing Away 🡻 + or : Turns around and unbalances foe with a downward swipe.

Death Calls (蒼天翔; lit. "Pale Heaven Soar"): 🡹 + or : Jumps forward and unleashes an overhead slash. Also hits fallen opponents. Also hits fallen enemies.

Swift Execution (喝破; lit. "Rebuke"): Near Opponent + : Latches unto an opponent and impales them before shoving their body on the ground.

Combo Attacks

Oracle Sweep (疾楓; lit. "Rapid Maple"): ⸨🡻 + ⸩: Performs a horizontal slash followed by a crouching swipe attack.

Oracle Blade (征霸道; lit. "Conquering Supreme Path"): : Performs two horizontal slashes done back and forth, then follows them up with a round swipe and frontal strike done at a slightly low angle.

God of War (五彩閃; lit. "Five Colors Flash"): ⸨🡻 + ⸩ : Performs two horizontal slashes done back and forth, then follows them up with a quick stab and two crouching swipes.

Deadly Fury (伏滅; lit. "Crouching Perish"): ⸨🡾 + ⸩ : Extends Quick Upper with a frontal strike.

Deadly Blade (剎那; lit. "Chana/Moment"): ⸨Holding 🡾 + ⸩ : Unleashes two round slashes while leaning down.

Hell's Gate (烈衝; lit. "Violent Pierce"): ⸨🡾 + ⸩ : Extends Quick Stab with an elbow ram and a violent downward slash.

Karmic Strike (烈轉殺; lit. "Violent Turn Kill"): ⸨🡾 + ⸩ ⸨Near Opponent 🡸 + ⸩: Similar to Hell's Gate, but replaces the violent downward slash with a grab which has Cao Cao twirl his sword up close to the opponent's face, dropping them to the floor.

Deadly Strike (如風; lit. "Akin Wind"): ⸨🡺 + ⸩ : Does two quick slices forward.

Sun Tzu Strike (烈楓; lit. "Violent Maple"): ⸨🡺 + ⸩ ⸨🡻 + ⸩: Extends Deadly Strike with a downward strike done while crouching.

Hell Sweep (四彩閃; lit. "Four Colors Flash"): ⸨🡺 + ⸩ ⸨🡻 + ⸩ : Starts off similarly to Deadly Strike, but immediately uses attack motions from God of War upon activating the second button input.

Black Hand of Fate: 🡺 ⸨🡺 + ⸩: Twirls sword before thrusting it forward. Knocks down opponent upon impact. Can be quickly chained with normal thrust attacks.

Diabolical Thrust (如火; lit. "Akin Fire"): 🡻 🡾 🡺 : Does a quick slice done at a slightly lower elevation.

Moon Slash (如雷霆; lit. "Akin Lightning"): 🡻 🡿 🡸 : Performs a slanted round slash while stepping forward.

Dancing Sword (偽擊轉殺; lit. "False Strike Turn Kill"): Near Opponent 🡸 🡿 🡻 🡾 🡺 : Twirls his sword up close to the opponent's face, dropping them to the floor. Note that attack may not work if opponent is facing away from Cao Cao.

Eunuch Strike (如山・陽; lit. "Akin Mountain: Yang"): 🡺 🡾 🡻 🡿 🡸 : Performs a riposte stance momentarily before launching opponent into the air via uppercut slash.

Deadly Stroke (如山・陰; lit. "Akin Mountain: Yin"): 🡺 🡾 🡻 🡿 🡸 ⸨🡻 + ⸩: Similar to Eunuch Strike, but changes the finisher with a crouching swipe to unbalance opponent instead.

Musou Attacks

Musou Slash Attack: 🡻 🡾 🡺 + : Delivers three different slashing motions that deal devastating damage.

True Musou Slash Attack: Low Health + 🡻 🡾 🡺 + : Performs a more powerful variation of the Musou Slash combo that includes two more slashes. If the last hit connects, Cao Cao will automatically finish the combo with his Dancing Sword grab move.

Musou Thrust Attack: 🡻 🡾 🡺 + : Overwhelms the opponent with three several thrusting motions.

True Musou Thrust Attack: Low Health + 🡻 🡾 🡺 + : Performs a more powerful variation of the Musou Thrust combo that adds two more stabs with the last one mimicking Cao Cao's Black Hand of Fate move.

Maneuvers

Block Slash: : Swats slash-based attacks away with sword.

Block Thrust: : Grips sword in reverse to block thrust-based attacks.

Sidestep: + : Sidesteps away from an approaching attack.

Back Away: 🡸 🡸: Quickly backs away from an opponent.

Lunge: 🡺 🡺: Quickly lunges at an opponent.

Fighting Style

Keys:

Normal Attack •

Charge Attack •

Musou •

Jump/Mount

Main Attacks

Charge Attack 1: : Does a round rightward slash that breaks through the enemy's defenses.

Charge Attack 2: : Launches foe to the air via diagonal sword swing.

Charge Attack 3: : Performs an overhead slice done in an inward motion, dizzying nearby foes.

Charge Attack 4: : Pauses briefly before stepping forward to launch a rightward swipe that knocks enemies away.

Normal Attack: : Damages enemies with an inward slash, an outward strike, a raised sweeping hit done diagonally, and an outward slash to the right for good measure.

Musou Attacks

Musou Attack: : Performs complex sword swings while spinning around continuously, ending the barrage with a powerful inward slash.

Auxiliary Attacks

Dash Attack: Dashing + : Does a blunt thrust using the sword's pommel.

Jump Attack: : Lands a sword swipe to the right while up in the air.

Counter Attack: L1 + : Counters an attacking enemy with a quick pommel strike that downs them momentarily.

Horse Attacks

Horse Charge Attack: : Swings sword powerfully to each side while on horseback. Can be performed while in the middle of doing the normal horse attack string.

Horse Normal Attack: : Lands a quick sword swing to the right and left repeatedly.

Horse Musou Attack: : Launches very strong sword swings to both sides while riding horse.

Bow Attacks

Normal Shot: Hold R1 + : Shoots a normal arrow.

Charge Shot: Hold R1 + : Fires a charged shot that dazes the target.

Musou Shot: Hold R1 + : Unleashes a Musou-powered arrow that knocks enemies down. Can fire multiple shots rapidly so long as the user has enough Musou.

Fighting Style

Keys:

Normal Attack •

Charge Attack •

Musou •

Jump/Mount

Main Attacks

Charge Attack 1: : Does a rightward spin slash that breaks through the enemy's defenses.

Charge Attack 2: : Launches foe to the air via diagonal sword swing.

Charge Attack 3: : Performs an overhead slice done in an inward motion, dizzying nearby foes.

Charge Attack 4: : Pauses briefly before stepping forward to launch a rightward swipe that knocks enemies away.

Charge Attack 5: : Scoops enemies high up via diagonal swipe. Pressing will have Cao Cao leap up and bring his targets down with two downward swings, one to the left and the other to the right.

Charge Attack 6: : Unleashes a series of two-handed diagonal sword swings while lunging forth step by step. Tapping continuously adds more swings done back and forth. Inflicts death elemental damage if Cao Cao is equipped with his fourth weapon.

Normal Attack 1: : Damages enemies with an inward slash, an outward strike, a raised sweeping hit done diagonally, and an outward slash to the right for good measure.

Normal Attack 2: : Similar to the first normal attack string, but adds a half-circular side swing to the left.

Normal Attack 3: : Similar to the second normal attack string, but includes a wide frontal slash aimed to the right.

Musou Attacks

Musou Attack: : Performs complex sword swings while spinning around continuously, ending the barrage with a powerful inward slash.

True Musou Attack: Low Health + : Similar to the normal Musou animation, but includes several slashing motions to accompany the normal finisher.

Auxiliary Attacks

Dash Attack: Dashing + : Does a blunt thrust using the sword's pommel.

Jump Attack: : Lands a sword swipe to the right while up in the air.

Power Guard: L1 + : Pushes an attacking enemy back to create some distance from them.

Horse Attacks

Horse Charge Attack: : Swings sword powerfully to each side while on horseback. Can be performed while in the middle of doing the normal horse attack string.

Horse Normal Attack: : Lands a quick sword swing to the right and left repeatedly.

Horse Musou Attack: : Launches very strong sword swings to both sides while riding horse.

Bow Attacks

Normal Shot: Hold R1 + : Shoots a normal arrow.

Charge Shot: Hold R1 + : Fires a charged shot that dazes the target.

Musou Shot: Hold R1 + : Unleashes a Musou-powered arrow that knocks enemies down. Can fire multiple shots rapidly so long as the user has enough Musou.

Fighting Style

Cao Cao's fighting style focuses much on elegant sword fighting. His attacks are all great for crowd control, but once he acquire his fourth weapon, he becomes almost unstoppable due to his sixth charge being enhanced by the weapon's death element. It should be noted that Cao Cao can still be interrupted by enemy hits due to the attack's notable start-up time as well as his weapon lacking defense stats. As such, players will need to ensure that they get to land the first hit in order to avoid being put in a defensive position.

Keys:

Normal Attack •

Charge Attack •

Musou •

Jump/Mount

Main Attacks

Charge Attack 1: : Points sword forward to fire an elemental projectile. Can be powered up to fire three or five simultaneous shots at once with an orb equipped. Causes grounded foes to either collapse and airborne foes to be flung away. Note that this attack cannot pierce through enemy crowds, so caution is advised when using it even with a high-leveled orb.

Charge Attack 2: : Launches foe to the air via diagonal sword swing.

Charge Attack 3: : Unleashes a series of clean swipes from left to right repeatedly, finishing the attack with an arcing leftward swing that leaves foes briefly dazed. Tap repeatedly for additional hits.

Charge Attack 4: : Pauses briefly before stepping forward to launch a rightward swipe that knocks enemies away.

Charge Attack 5: : Scoops enemies high up via diagonal swipe. Pressing will have Cao Cao leap up and bring his targets down with two downward swings, one to the left and the other to the right. The extra hit makes this attack very effective when paired up with the fire or vorpal orbs.

Charge Attack 6: : Unleashes a series of two-handed diagonal sword swings while lunging forth step by step. Tapping continuously adds more swings done back and forth.

Normal Attack 1: : Damages enemies with an inward slash, an outward strike, a raised sweeping hit done diagonally, and an outward slash to the right for good measure.

Normal Attack 2: : Similar to the first normal attack string, but adds a half-circular side swing to the left.

Normal Attack 3: : Similar to the second normal attack string, but includes a wide frontal slash aimed to the right.

Musou Attacks

Musou Attack: : Performs complex sword swings while spinning around continuously, ending the barrage with a powerful inward slash.

True Musou Attack: Low Health + : Similar to the normal Musou animation, but includes several slashing motions to accompany the normal finisher.

Auxiliary Attacks

Dash Attack: Dashing + : Does a blunt thrust using the sword's pommel.

Jump Attack: : Lands a sword swipe to the right while up in the air.

Jump Charge: : Flips in the air and drives sword on the ground to produce a powerful tremor.

Parry: L1 + : Instantly performs the fourth charge attack to counter incoming blows.

Announcement: R3: Cao Cao taunts surrounding enemies while emitting wisps of light. Can break through an enemy's guard and leave them momentarily staggered. Aura may change color in Free Mode to match the user's chosen side.

Horse Attacks

Horse Charge Attack: : Swings sword powerfully to each side while on horseback. Can be performed while in the middle of doing the normal horse attack string.

Horse Normal Attack: : Lands a quick sword swing to the right and left repeatedly.

Horse Musou Attack: : Launches very strong sword swings to both sides while riding horse.

Bow Attacks

Normal Shot: Hold R1 + : Shoots a normal arrow.

Charge Shot: Hold R1 + : Fires a charged shot that dazes the target.

Musou Shot: Hold R1 + : Unleashes a Musou-powered arrow that knocks enemies down. Can fire multiple shots rapidly so long as the user has enough Musou.

Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires

Cao Cao gains an additional skill in this title.

Weapon Type: Sword

Skill - Ambush: Sets up an ambush unit near the enemy's vicinity.

Dynasty Warriors (PSP)

Cao Cao gains additional abilities and traits in this title.

Ability - Instructor: Allows sub-officers to level up at a faster rate than normal.

Boost - Vorpal Attack +: Imbues the player's charge attacks with a stronger vorpal element.

Skill - Recovery ++: Restores the party's life gauge by 100 points.

Dynasty Warriors Advance

Cao Cao normally fights using the sword in this title, though he also capable of performing his moveset with feather fans and axes.

Main Attacks

Charge Attack 1: A: Does a charging slash attack that quickly knocks down enemies. Enhancing the Storm power-up will cause Cao Cao to release an energy wave forward. This allows him to inflict damage on foes from a safer distance, though the energy wave itself cannot apply elemental attributes.

Charge Attack 2: B A: Delivers an arcing swipe that leaves foes stunned. Enhancing the Stun power-up will cause Cao Cao to release an energy wave forward. Effective against bowmen.

Charge Attack 3: B B A: Launches an ascending slice. Enhancing the Chain power-up will cause Cao Cao to release an energy wave forward. Tap B repeatedly for additional hits. Effective against spearmen.

Charge Attack 4: B B B A: Performs a wide round slash. Enhancing the Reach power-up will cause Cao Cao to release an energy wave forward. Effective against swordsmen.

Normal Attack: B B B: Launches a swing towards the left, right, and front. Can be cycled up to 9 hits depending on the weapon's overall stats.

Musou Attack: L + A: Unleashes a series of varying strikes to deal greater damage on surrounding enemies. The motions used for this attack include several circular slashes, a stronger variation of the normal attack string, and one last round swipe to end the assault.

Power-Ups

Cycle Order: Valor 🡺 Chain 🡺 Storm 🡺 Reach 🡺 Speed 🡺 Stun

Storm: Enhances first charge attack.

Stun: Enhances second charge attack.

Chain: Enhances third charge attack.

Reach: Enhances fourth charge attack.

Speed: Increases movement speed.

Valor: Unlocks current weapon's bonus effects.

Samurai Warriors: State of War

Cao Cao gains an additional skill in this title.

Sub-Officer Skill - Gloom: Raises dark elemental attacks by one level.

Charge Attack 1: : Stabs enemy with sword.

Musou Attack: : The animations are the same as in Dynasty Warriors 4, though it cannot be stopped until the player's Musou gauge is fully depleted. Similar to the Musou attacks employed by the Samurai Warriors cast, a shockwave burst is added at the end of the finisher.

Roll: R: Rolls on the ground to evade enemy attacks.

Fighting Style

Not much has changed for Cao Cao in this installment, though his third charge is more difficult to properly direct especially due to the base game's auto-lock feature. In Xtreme Legends, his final weapon eschews defense in favor of extra offense, meaning players will have to be careful in using Cao Cao like they did before.

When controlled by the AI, Cao Cao's charge attacks will be imbued with the vorpal element by default. In Advance, he uses the blast element when fought as an enemy.

Keys:

Normal Attack •

Charge Attack •

Musou •

Jump/Mount

Base Game

Main Attacks

Charge Attack 1: : Points sword forward to generate an orb of fire that detonates after a few seconds. Will instantly explode if it comes into contact with walls. Cannot activate other elemental effects provided by orbs.

Charge Attack 2: : Launches foe to the air via diagonal sword swing. Cannot activate elemental effects provided by orbs.

Charge Attack 3: : Unleashes a series of clean swipes from left to right repeatedly, finishing the attack with an arcing leftward swing that leaves foes briefly dazed.

Charge Attack 4: : Pauses briefly before stepping forward to launch a rightward swipe that knocks enemies away.

Charge Attack 5: : Cao Cao slams the point of his sword to the ground in a reverse grip while stomping forth, producing a dark purple launching circle.

Charge Attack 6: : Unleashes a series of two-handed diagonal sword swings while lunging forth step by step. Tapping continuously adds more swings done back and forth.

Normal Attack 1: : Damages enemies with an inward slash, an outward strike, a raised sweeping hit done diagonally, and an outward slash to the right for good measure.

Normal Attack 2: : Similar to the first normal attack string, but adds a half-circular side swing to the left.

Normal Attack 3: : Similar to the second normal attack string, but includes a wide frontal slash aimed to the right.

Evolution Attack: : Extends the normal attack string by cycling back to the first hit sequence.

Musou Attacks

Musou Attack: : Performs complex sword swings while spinning around continuously, ending the barrage with a powerful inward slash.

True Musou Attack: Low Health + : Similar to the normal Musou animation, but replaces the usual finisher with a powerful shockwave burst released via final swing.

Auxiliary Attacks

Dash Attack: Dashing + : Does a blunt thrust using the sword's pommel.

Jump Attack: : Lands a sword swipe to the right while up in the air.

Jump Charge: : Swings to the right, then to the left, and finishes the attack with an energy disk sent downward.

Parry: L1 + : Instantly performs the fourth charge attack to counter incoming blows.

Horse Attacks

Horse Charge Attack: : Swings sword powerfully to each side while on horseback. Can be performed while in the middle of doing the normal horse attack string.

Horse Normal Attack: : Lands a quick sword swing to the right and left repeatedly.

Horse Musou Attack: : Launches very strong sword swings to both sides while riding horse.

Bow Attacks

Normal Shot: Hold R1 + : Shoots a normal arrow.

Charge Shot: Hold R1 + : Fires a charged shot that dazes the target.

Musou Shot: Hold R1 + : Unleashes a Musou-powered arrow that knocks enemies down. Can fire multiple shots rapidly so long as the user has enough Musou.

Dynasty Warriors 5: Xtreme Legends

Xtreme Mode Skills

Special Ability 1 - Seal Power-Up: Gives the party unlimited Musou for 10 seconds. Occurs randomly.

Special Ability 2 - Suppress: Automatically puts down a defecting character's revolt, allowing players to avoid fighting them.

Destiny Mode Skills

Favored Action: Defeating Troops

Taught Skill Type: Search

Dynasty Warriors 5: Empires

Cao Cao gains additional abilities and traits in this title.

Weapon Type: Sword

Skill - Assault: Focuses on guard captains to capture bases.

Proposed Policy 1 - Search Wide: Searches for people within the whole map, enabling newfound officers to be potentially recruited.

Proposed Policy 2 - Fire Arrows: Equips the player's archers with fire arrows during a battle. Valid only for 1 turn.

Proposed Policy 3 - Ice Arrows: Equips the player's archers with ice arrows during a battle. Valid only for 1 turn.

Dynasty Warriors: Online

Although Cao Cao's moveset is available for player avatars to make use of, the actual character can be temporarily controlled by using their corresponding spirit item.

Domestic Bonus: +10 to Peace

Battle Bonus: +15 to Musou

Dynasty Warriors Vol. 2

Cao Cao gains additional abilities and traits in this title.

Ability - Boost +: Doubles the party's attack power for 30 seconds. Cooldown time is halved if allied morale is lower.

Support Skill 1 - Courage: Raises attack power if morale is low at start of battle.

Support Skill 2 - Vigor: Raises attack power if the player's level is between 1 to 5.

Team Combination

Benign Loyalty (楽しき主従; lit. "Fun Master and Servant")

Required Characters: Xu Zhu, Cao Cao

Bonus: +57 Life, +28 Defense

Cao Clan (曹父子; lit. "Cao Father and Son")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Cao Pi

Bonus: +28 Attack, +20 Growth

Firm Loyalty (堅き主従; lit. "Solid Master and Servant")

Required Characters: Dian Wei, Cao Cao

Bonus: +28 Attack, +28 Defense

Old Friends (旧友)

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Yuan Shao

Bonus: +144 Life

Sworn Friends (盟友)

Required Characters: Xiahou Dun, Cao Cao

Bonus: +28 Attack, +28 Defense

Dynasty Warriors DS: Fighter's Battle

Obstacle Effects

Obstacle Effect 1 - Rally: Rallies the user's troops, temporarily increasing their speed and attack power.

Obstacle Effect 2 - Confuse: Confuses the opponent, causing them to wander randomly.

Main Attacks

Normal Attack: Unleashes an ascending diagonal slash that leaves behind pale blue streaks. Can instantly down nearby targets.

Strong Attack: Floats to the air and produces a vortex that sucks in the player. After a few moments, Cao Cao swings his sword to release four tornadoes spiraling away from him in diverging directions.

Warriors Orochi

Modified Attacks

Charge Attack 1: : Functions similarly to its base game incarnation, though the sword pointing gesture can inflict elemental damage depending on what attributes Cao Cao's current weapon has. The sequel removes that trait entirely, but it can be replicated by wielding a weapon with the Almighty skill.

Charge Attack 6: : In Warriors Orochi 2, this move is not as effective as before due to its elemental activation only applying for the first and last hits.

New Attacks

Special Attack 1: R1: Cao Cao holds up his sword horizontally and feels it up while generating blue feathers to fly around him. Aside from damaging nearby foes, it also grants his team a temporary buff that increases their attack and defense. Note that the increase in attack power is more noticeable than the defense bonus due to the offense-oriented nature of the move's owner. Consumes 40 Musou points. Warriors Orochi 2 reduces the buff's duration to 10 seconds, lessening its overall usefulness.

Special Attack 2: Direction + R1: Raises arm to signal a backup arrow volley attack from above for about 5 seconds. The arrows track Cao Cao's movements and will randomly hit foes in front of him. Consumes 40 Musou points.

Aerial Thrust: : Cao Cao leans slightly forward in the air, allowing him to jump cancel attacks and evade enemies with general ease.

Team Abilities

Ability 1 - Focus: Increases the team's Musou.

Ability 2 - Acclaim: Increases experience points gained.

Ability 3 - Technique: Increases attack of Technique-type characters.

Warriors Orochi 2

Team Attacks

Assist Attack: Counter + L1 + or : Cao Cao performs his fourth charge attack to assist a teammate. Consumes a portion of Musou.

Triple Attack 1: Low Health + L2 + R2 + : Thrusts a violent air gust flying at mid-range.

Triple Attack 2: Low Health + L2 + R2 + : Sends a large current of air traveling forward.

Triple Attack 3: Low Health + L2 + R2 + : Crushes the vicinity with a surge of dark energy.

Triple Attack Finisher: Cao Cao unleashes several rapid swings and thrusts, then points his sword forward. As the whole team finishes up, a bright pillar of light generates at the intersection of their attack range and engulfs the surrounding area. Enemies caught by the blast sustain massive damage while being flung to the air and set on fire.

Unique Triple Attack: Low Health + L2 + R2 + : Should Cao Cao perform a triple attack with Liu Bei and Sun Jian, they will do a unique coordinated assault that represents their status as the founders of the Three Kingdoms. Cao Cao begins the attack by launching a surge of bright blue energy emblazoned with a fenghuang, his kingdom's guardian animal. The attack ends with all three kingdom founders generating a massive pillar of light brimming with electricity, devastating all foes within the surrounding area.

Strategy - Command: Raises the morale of allied forces.

Fighting Style

When controlled by the AI in Dynasty Warriors 5, most of Cao Cao's charge attacks will be imbued with the light element by default.

In Warriors Orochi, Cao Cao is incredibly deadly due to each hit of his sixth charge activating multiple weapon attributes.

Keys:

Normal Attack •

Charge Attack •

Musou •

Jump/Mount

Base Game

Main Attacks

Renbu String 1: Does a diagonal swipe to the front, a circular side swing, a frontal slash, and a quick stab.

Renbu String 2: Similar to the first Renbu string, but adds swipes towards the upper right, lower left, and lower right.

Renbu String 3: Similar to the second Renbu string, but adds a crouching swipe and three diagonal slashes.

Renbu String Infinite: Similar to the third Renbu string, but includes a series of wide angled cuts to further eviscerate foes.

Renbu String 1: Launches a spiraling slash aimed downward and a horizontal spin cut.

Renbu String 2: Similar to the first Renbu string, but adds a quick diagonal slice.

Renbu String 3: Similar to the second Renbu string, but includes a thrust that sends out a narrow projectile forward.

Renbu String Infinite: Similar to the third Renbu string, but ends the combo by generating a radial shockwave.

Charge Attack: Holding : Plunges sword into the ground, causing it to emit a burst of energy that knocks away surrounding enemies. Upon attaining maximum Renbu, the attack's blast radius becomes even larger.

Musou Attacks

Musou Attack: : Does an empowered version of the first to third Renbu string repeatedly with Cao Cao ending the combo by launching an ice energy wave forward to his left and another from the other direction while walking sideways.

True Musou Attack: Low Health + : Similar to the regular Musou attack, but adds the fire attribute to each hit.

Auxiliary Attacks

Dash Attack: Dashing + : Lands a quick swipe to the right while sliding briefly.

Dash Charge: Dashing + : Stops for a moment to deliver a powerful diagonal slash to the front.

Jump Attack: : Does a low diagonal slash aimed downward while up in the air.

Jump Charge: : Drives sword to the ground upon descending with the impact creating a powerful burst of energy.

Evasion: R1: Rolls forth while on the floor.

Special Move - Rockfall: L2: Causes large boulders to fall from the sky and damage groups of enemies below. When used on top of slopes, the boulders will roll down and inflict even more damage.

Grapple Attacks

Grapple Attack: L1 + : Launches a quick swipe to the left. Upon connecting successfully, Cao Cao will ram the bottom end of his sword on the opponent's torso before impaling them with the blade itself, causing the victim to crumple down.

Grapple Charge: L1 + : Does a graceful spin while doing a delayed sword swing. If it connects, Cao Cao will twirl around his enemy and slash them from behind, then move back to his original position to launch another similar swing.

Counter Attack: Counter + L1 + : Repels enemy attacks with a short strike while holding sword in an upright stance.

Counter Charge: Counter + L1 + : Performs a quick spin slash to knock away attacking enemies.

Deadlock Attack: Deadlock + : Upon winning a deadlock, Cao Cao will deliver a broad slash across the enemy's torso before hacking at their legs to unbalance them. As his victim lies down unwillingly, he then turns his back while plunging his sword on them.

Horse Attacks

Horse Charge Attack: : Briefly caresses sword before using it to deliver a powerful two-handed swipe towards the right. Can be performed while in the middle of doing the normal horse attack string.

Horse Normal Attack: : Lands multiple swings to the right while on horseback. The number of hits can be increased by filling up the Renbu gauge.

Horse Musou Attack: : Unleashes continuous powered swings towards the right, then delivers a delayed sword swipe with more strength to it.

Officer Skills

Evade: Increases movement speed for 30 seconds when knocked down and near death.

Thunder Resist: Nullifies lightning elemental attacks.

Extension: Lengthens the duration of power-up items found on the battlefield.

Victor's Aura: Increases the chances of success for raids and keeps enemies confused for a longer period of time.

Wardrums: Makes it easier to improve the morale of allies while increasing its effect on them.

Special Start: Allows character to begin each battle with one tome.

Bonus Special: Receives one tome for defeating 300 enemies each time.

Pouch: Allows character to carry up to 2 tomes while making them appear more frequently.

Bag: Allows character to carry up to 3 tomes while making them appear much more frequently.

Tome Skills

Hinder: Reduces speed of nearby enemies upon activating special move.

Command: Improves the morale of allies and adds their KO count to the character's own.

Boulders: Increases damage inflicted by Rockfall.

Landslide: Increases the size of the rocks that fall down during Rockfall.

Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires

Cao Cao gains additional abilities and traits in this title.

Special Move - True Speed: Allows the user to continuously perform running attacks while receiving a slight boost in attack power and hit speed. Also increases speed of horse if activated while riding. Cao Cao runs forward while positioning his sword to the right in a reverse grip.

True Speed Attack: True Speed + : Unleashes a side slash to the right while running.

True Speed Charge: True Speed + : Delivers a stronger swipe to the lower left before pausing briefly.

Officer Card - New Policies (改革政策; lit. "Reform Policies"): Increases the amount of gold received at the beginning of the month.

Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce

Cao Cao is affiliated with the sword (type 2) in this title.

Skills

Fury Awakening Aura: Cao Cao releases a blue surge of energy while causing wings to briefly materialize during his fury transformation. Can be imbued with additional effects via certain chi skills.

Type Skill - Channel: Increases amount of fury points gained from performing charge attacks. Only available in Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce.

Support Skill - Health Recovery: Restores an ally's health by a moderate amount. Only available in Shin Sangoku Musou Multi Raid 2.

Team Ability - Morale Boost: Decreases the amount of points taken off the player's team gauge. Only available in Shin Sangoku Musou Multi Raid 2.

Card: Lord Type, Fire Element, +30 (+25 in Multi Raid 2) to Blacksmith

Enemy-Only Attacks

Shockwave Attack: Unleashes a small radial shockwave to repel nearby foes while providing additional breathing room for incoming attacks. Only used in Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce.

Enemy-Only Attack 1: Sends down lightning bolts to rain down around the area. Taken from Cao Cao's preferred weapon moveset, but is instantly performed without having to do a 20-hit combo. Cao Cao will use this move against the player in pivotal story missions such as the Battle of Xu Chang.

Enemy-Only Attack 2: If defeated twice during Wu's Battle of Chi Bi mission, Cao Cao will leap high up near his ship's mast and summon water spheres that rain down hard wherever he goes.

Card Combination

Nemesis Bond (好敵手の研鑽; lit. "Comprehension of Close Adversaries")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Yuan Shao

Bonus: +30 to Storehouse

Cao's Influence (曹家の采配; lit. "Cao Family's Control")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Cao Ren, Cao Pi

Bonus: +50 to Workshop (Blacksmith in Multi Raid 2)

Governed by the Ding (鼎の政)

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Sun Jian, Liu Bei

Bonus: +99 to Blacksmith (Multi Raid 2 only)

Fighting Style

When controlled by the AI in Strikeforce, Cao Cao's attacks will be imbued with the yin element by default.

Keys:

Normal Attack •

Charge Attack •

Musou •

Jump/Mount

Base Game

Cao Cao is affiliated with the sword in this title. When equipped with it, Cao Cao can perform the following unique attacks listed below.

EX Attack: : Bombards foes in front of Cao Cao with a volley of ice arrows raining from above.

Musou Attack - Conquest (覇道; lit. "Supreme Path"): : Sends several large ice shards forward, causing foes in front of Cao Cao to be knocked over or frozen.

Aerial Musou Attack - Arctic Storm (氷嵐; lit. "Ice Storm"): : Sends several large ice shards downward from the air, freezing enemies below or causing them to collapse.

Notable Skills

• Defense Up ++: Increases defense by a large amount.
• Speed Up +: Increases speed by a medium amount.
• Attack Range Up: Increases attack range.
• Elemental Invulnerability: Nullifies enemy elemental attacks.

Dynasty Warriors 7: Xtreme Legends

Titles

Lieutenant General (偏将軍) - Slightly increases Legend Mode rewards.

Defense General (典軍校尉) - Slightly increases damage inflicted on enemies when using EX weapons.

River General (横江将軍) - Marginally increases attack and defense against officers when using speed-type weapons.

Campaign General (討逆将軍) - Marginally absorbs health from enemies when damaging them using speed-type weapons.

Front General (前将軍) - Moderately increases defense against projectile and shockwave attacks when using power-type weapons.

Grand Tutor (太傅) - Significantly increases defense against projectile and shockwave attacks when using power-type weapons.

Revered Lord (相国) - Moderately absorbs health from enemies when damaging them using speed-type weapons.

King of Wei (魏王) - Moderately increases damage inflicted on enemies when using speed-type weapons.

Dynasty Warriors 7: Empires

Officer Skills

• Fame Type: Orderly
• Subordinate Special Command - Joint Exercises: Selects a single officer to train with. Increases orderly fame by 1,000 and brave fame by 500 when used.
• Ruler Special Command - Custody: Takes custody of the Emperor, giving the user additional authority. Increases orderly fame by 5,000 when used.

Dynasty Warriors Next

Cao Cao is affiliated with the sword in this title.

Unique Attacks

EX Attack: : Serves the same function like in the base game.

Musou Attack: : Cao Cao performs Conquest as their main Musou attack with the game classifying it as a Multi-Strike type.

Speed Musou Attack - Spurt: Tap Both Sides of Screen: Cao Cao causes a giant icicle to rise from the ground followed by multiple ice shards sprouting upward. He then ends the barrage by generating a blue radial shockwave.

Direct Breaks

Direct Break (Default) - Shield Troop: Envelops the player within a protective barrier, inflicting damage to surrounding foes.

Direct Break (Alternate) - Cavalry: Commands a group of cavalry units to charge forward.

Direct Break (Downloadable) - Juggernauts: Causes a juggernaut to fire a beam of ice before triggering an explosion.

Stratagems

Stratagem Card (Default) - Source of Ambition (覇軍の本営; lit. "Conquering Army's Headquarters"): Greatly increases defense of allied main camp.

Stratagem Card (Alternate) - Hero of Chaos (乱世の奸雄; lit. "Opportunist of a Turbulent Age"): Increases the level of one player-owned territory.

Stratagem Card (Downloadable) - Stern Leadership (冷厳なる経営; lit. "Relentless Management"): Provides player with more bases at the start of a battle.

Allied Stratagem: If deployed as a playable officer, Cao Cao will train his troops and cause every allied infantry unit to fight more aggressively while increasing their attack power during battle. Has a chance of happening from time to time.

Shin Sangoku Musou VS

Cao Cao is affiliated with the sword in this title, though his EX attack and second Musou attack are absent.

Changed Attacks

Charge Attack 2: Y X: Does an upper right slash via forward step.

Charge Attack 3: Y Y X: Slashes in a zigzag formation multiple times, ending in a downward slash to the left that stuns foes. Behaves similarly to Cao Cao's original third charge attack from the fourth and fifth installments.

Charge Attack 4: Y Y Y X: Turns around before unleashing a diagonal energy wave via two-handed sword swing.

Charge Attack 6: Y Y Y Y Y X: Punches the ground to produce two large icicles jutting out from the ground diagonally in a crossed manner, then launches a charging spin slash that causes them to shatter into pieces.

Dash Attack: Dashing + Y: Does a turning swipe while sliding briefly.

Jump Charge: B X: Sends down an energy wave while up in the air, then unleashes a mobile shockwave forward upon landing.

Additional Attacks

Ranged Attack: Lock-On Enemy + Y: Hops back while sending out three lightning bolts to shock the target from a distance. Takes cues from one of Cao Cao's special attacks in Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce.

Ranged Charge: Lock-On Enemy + X: Sends out a wide ice wave to freeze the target solid for a brief period of time.

Strong Charge Attack: Hold X During Charge Attack: Prolongs charge attack to further strengthen its damage output. Can break through the enemy's guard.

Evasion: R: Tumbles in mid-air to avoid enemy attacks.

Musou Attacks

Normal Musou Skill - Ice Armor (氷鎧): ZL or Y + B: Causes opponents to slow down each time they hit the user.

Rare Musou Skill - Blackout (氷鎧): ZL or Y + B: Obstructs the sight of nearby enemy officers.

Musou Attack: A: Cao Cao performs Conquest as their ground Musou attack.

Musou Rush: Hold A: Cao Cao duels an enemy officer through one of several mini-games that tests their individual reflexes against one another. Should the opponent lose, Cao Cao will knock the opponent away with two round slashes up close, then conjure multiple icicles that rise up from the ground continuously. As the icicles repeatedly hit their mark during their ascent, a large chunk of ice falls down on the victim and crushes them before Cao Cao causes it to crack into shards. If the opponent wins, Cao Cao will tumble back on the ground without hurting their target. This also happens after winning a Musou Rush mini-game initiated by the opponent. Can only be used if a hostile officer happens to be nearby.

Team Combination

Land Divided Into Three (天下三分)

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Sun Quan, Liu Bei

Personal Tactic - Conquest Plan (覇道の計): Periodically releases radial shockwaves to knock foes into the air.

Contest of Conquerors (覇の競演)

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Sun Ce, Yuan Shao

Personal Tactic - Annihilation Plan (撃滅の計): Bombards the battlefield with raining projectiles that explode upon contact.

Counselor Bond (参謀の絆)

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Cao Pi, Jia Xu

Personal Tactic - Shackle Plan (束縛の計): Activates the Shackle skill effect on a wider scale, disabling all enemy officers.

Shin Sangoku Musou Online Z

Uses many of the same attacks offered by the blue dragon sword moveset albeit with some differences.

Modified Attacks

Charge Attack 1: This move is identical to the thrust charge attack, but dazes foes instead of knocking them back.

Charge Attack 3: Slashes in a zigzag formation multiple times, ending in a downward slash to the left. A copy of the broadsword's third charge attack. Tapping again will have the user extend the move by freezing foes in ice.

Charge Attack 4: Similar to what the blue dragon sword moveset has access to, though energy wave is colored purple.

Evolution Attack: Extends the normal attack string by charging forward with a round strike that leaves behind yellow green streaks.

Musou Attack: Releases an energy burst that burns and dazes foes before performing Cao Cao's Conquest Musou attack from Dynasty Warriors 7.

Special Abilities

Best Formation 1 - Scale Formation: 1 to 5 Units, Offense Type

Best Formation 2 - Parallel Formation: 5 Units, Defense Type

Best Formation 3 - Geese Formation: 5 Units, Balanced Type

Support Skill - Hero of Chaos (乱世の奸雄): Attacks all enemy units.

Dynasty Warriors: Overlords

Main Attacks

Strong Attack 1 (Dash): Launches a powerful thrust with one hand, inflicting 130% attack damage to foes in front. Its bonus effect enables the first hit to deal 44% attack damage to elite enemies while inflicting them with a debuff that increases the amount of damage they take by 18% for 8 seconds.

Strong Attack 1 (Break): Delivers a momentous burst of blue energy via elbow strike. Inflicts 170% attack damage. Its bonus effect allows it to deal an additional 380% attack damage on hit and greatly reduces their super armor bar. The effect itself triggers every 30 seconds.

Strong Attack 1 (Armor): Performs a quick horizontal cut to the right followed by a larger cold slash to the left. Deals 160% attack damage. Its bonus effect grants nearby friendly units a shield that adds a 9% bonus to their health, a 30% damage reduction, and a minor super armor effect. It lasts for 8 seconds and triggers every 40 seconds.

Strong Attack 1 (Gather): Channels energy into sword and plunges it into the earth, releasing a radial shockwave that inflicts 140% attack damage to surrounding enemies instantly. Its bonus effect deals an additional 18% damage to all enemy troops within range and pulls them closer to the user. The effect itself triggers every 10 seconds.

Strong Attack 2: Leaps into the air via ascending swing and launches a crescent slash downward. Deals a total of 270% attack damage to enemies in front.

Strong Attack 3: Lands five criss-crossing swipes in a row followed by a dizzying round slash, inflicting a total of 330% attack damage.

Strong Attack 4: Performs a circular swipe that sends out an energy wave forward, inflicting 140% attack damage to enemy crowds approaching Cao Cao.

Strong Attack 5: Hits foes with a forceful stab on the ground, releasing a slanted pillar of blue energy that deals 170% attack damage to foes while sending them airborne.

Strong Attack 6: Swiftly draws out sword and slashes radially while facing the other direction. Deals 210% attack damage to foes.

Normal Attack 1: Does a leftward diagonal slash that deals 90% attack damage. Has a chance of slowing targets down.

Normal Attack 2: Lands a horizontal cut to the left that inflicts 90% attack damage towards foes. Has a chance of slowing targets down.

Normal Attack 3: Turns around before landing a slightly stronger horizontal cut to the left. Deals 110% attack damage to enemies in front. Has a chance of slowing targets down.

Normal Attack 4: Pivots forth to land a lower left slash that deals 130% attack damage. Has a chance of slowing targets down.

Normal Attack 5: Hits foes with a forceful stab to the front that inflicts 150% attack damage. Has a chance of slowing targets down.

Normal Attack 6: Twists to the right before unleashing a broad diagonal slash to the right. Deals 200% attack damage to enemies and has a chance of slowing them down.

Special Attacks

EX Attack: Summons raining icicles to fall down on the ground in front of Cao Cao, dealing 220% attack damage to foes. Has a high chance of freezing enemies temporarily.

Musou Attack: Performing a rendition of his Conquest Musou attack, Cao Cao releases numerous icicles towards the enemies in front of him. Deals a total of 620% attack damage and has a chance of slowing targets down momentarily.

Auxiliary Attacks

Dash Attack: Does a turning swipe while dashing about briefly.

Switch Attack: Executes a radial slash to repel nearby foes upon landing down. Only used in certain competitive modes.

Counter Attack: Dazes foes the moment they hit while blocking.

Evasion: Dashes forward slightly to evade incoming enemy attacks.

Horse Attacks

Horse Normal Attack: Lands repeated round slices to the right.

Horse Kick Attack: Has horse unleash powerful kicks with its forelegs. Has a cooldown time of 8 seconds.

Horse Stomp Attack: Has horse stomp the ground hard. Has a cooldown time of 6 seconds.

Horse Musou Attack: Commands horse to charge forward at high speed for a short duration of time.

Joint War Enemy-Only Attacks

Enemy-Only Attack: When fought as a Joint War boss in the Fierce Battle at Mount Rang mission, Cao Cao will occasionally generate ice barrels and stab the ground to make them detonate, freezing players in the process. While this maneuver is not as damaging as Xu Zhu's fire barrel attack, it does provide Cao Cao with a defense buff that lasts for a while.

Guild Expedition Enemy-Only Attacks

Enemy-Only Attack 1 - Frozen Halo: During the first tier mission of the Luoyang expedition stage, Cao Cao will unleash a chilling aura that attaches frozen marks to players. This causes them to receive continuous damage while inadvertently providing immunity against Xiahou Dun's Flame Halo effect.

Enemy-Only Attack 2 - Iron Armor: During the second tier mission of the Xu Province expedition stage, Cao Cao will receive a 20% increase in defense if he is not defeated within 10 minutes.

Enemy-Only Attack 3 - Rain of Fire Arrows: Summons a rain of fire arrows to constantly track the player's movements and damage them. Sets targets on fire instantly. Used by Cao Cao in the Xu Province expedition stage.

Enemy-Only Attack 4 - Tracing Ice Bolt: During the third tier mission of the Wan Castle expedition stage, Cao Cao will periodically summon an ice bolt to home in on the player. Once an ice bolt hits the ground, it produces frost that hampers any unit that walks into it.

General Tactics

Ambitious Hero: Increases defense in battle by 4%. Effects increase the higher Cao Cao's star ranking becomes.

Freezing Souls: Deals 12% more damage to slowed or frozen enemies. Effects increase the higher Cao Cao's star ranking becomes.

Coldness of Wei: Causes EX attack to freeze foes for 1 additional second. Duration increases the higher Cao Cao's star ranking becomes.

Musou Tactics

Musou Tactic 1: Increases Musou regeneration speed by 7% while conserving 48 Musou points when performing a Musou attack.

Musou Tactic 2: Causes normal attacks to have a 50% chance of increasing Cao Cao's defense by 13.5% for 6 seconds. Upon filling up a Musou slot, it also generates a shield effect worth 169% defense for 10 seconds.

Musou Tactic 3: Causes charge attacks to grant 13 extra Musou points while guaranteeing that Cao Cao's Musou attack freezes foes completely.

Combat Soul Skills

Heaven Combat Soul Skill: Recovers 9 Musou points per second when near slowed or frozen enemies. Bonus increases the higher the combat soul's ranking rises. Upon attaining Musou Mode, it instead causes Cao Cao's EX attack to enhance his fourth charge with a stackable buff upon successfully hitting a target. The buff boosts attack damage by 180% and can be stacked up to 3 times. If the enhanced fourth charge attack hits an enemy frozen by Cao Cao's Musou attack, it will deal extra damage equivalent to 533% attack in total.

Earth Combat Soul Skill: Causes fourth charge attack to have a 15% chance of freezing the enemy on contact. Note that the target's freeze resistance may affect the skill's success rate. Bonus increases the higher the combat soul's ranking rises. Upon attaining Musou Mode, it instead works in conjunction with one of his defensive tactics to freeze foes instantly upon successfully blocking an attack. Also boosts attack power by 40% for 4 seconds if Musou attack is performed within 16 seconds after the freezing effect is triggered.

Human Combat Soul Skill: Deals 10% more damage against slowed or frozen foes near Cao Cao. Bonus increases the higher the combat soul's ranking rises. Upon attaining Musou Mode, it instead causes Musou attack to deal 920% extra damage against frozen enemies while boosting its overall attack power by 33%.

Skin Skills

Suit Skill: Gains a 7% boost in defense for 10 seconds after hitting frozen enemies.

Ornament Skill: Gains a 7% boost in attack for 10 seconds after hitting frozen enemies.

Exclusive Suit Skills

The following skills only take effect if Cao Cao is equipped with his Rising Phoenix costume.

Tyrant: Causes EX attack to inflict foes with one stack of the Ghost debuff for 50 seconds. Targets afflicted by it have their attack power reduced by 6% which can be stacked up to three times.

Descend: Upon performing Musou attacks on foes affected by the Ghost debuff, Cao Cao is granted a 10 second attack boost worth 12%. Can be stacked up to 6 times.

Tremble: Upon performing Musou attacks on foes affected by two or more stacks of the Ghost debuff, they end up frozen in ice for a few seconds. Also activates a stronger freeze effect when under the effects of Musou Mode.

Further debilitates foes with 2 stacks of the Ghost debuff via Musou attack.

Horse Skills

Golden Scale: Causes EX attack to deal 36% more damage to frozen and slowed enemies for 10 seconds.

Bachong: Causes EX attack to deal 54% more damage to frozen and slowed enemies for 10 seconds.

Clustered Gleam: Causes EX attack to deal 90% more damage to frozen and slowed enemies for 10 seconds.

Ghost Candle: Causes EX attack to deal 90% more damage to frozen and slowed enemies for 10 seconds.

Shadow Runner: Causes EX attack to deal 90% more damage to frozen and slowed enemies for 10 seconds.

Purple Sun: Increases damage dealt in battle by 10%.

Team Combination

Drinking Alone by Moonlight

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Guo Jia

Bonus: +13,333 Health, +1,058 Attack

Elai Guards the Lord

Required Characters: Dian Wei, Cao Cao

Bonus: +13,333 Health, +1,058 Attack

Mutual Appreciation

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Cai Wenji

Bonus: +13,333 Health, +1,058 Attack

Joint Skill: If paired up with Cai Wenji, Cao Cao will be able to perform a unique joint attack alongside her. As his partner plays her harp while sitting down, Cao Cao walks near her and stabs the ground, causing icicles to rise up. The platform is eventually encased in ice as Cai Wenji's sorcery causes it to rise up in the air along with several glaciers pointed to the front. After conjuring a large glyph representing the Chinese astrological chart, the two of them manipulate the floating glaciers to rain down heavily on the ground.

Ties of Friendship

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Guan Yu

Bonus: +13,333 Health, +1,058 Attack

Wei & Shu Emperors

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Liu Bei

Bonus: +8,356 Health, +663 Attack

Fight For What

Required Characters: Dian Wei, Xu Zhu, Cao Cao

Bonus: +20,000 Health, +1,587 Attack

Growing Up Together

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren

Bonus: +15,022 Health, +1,192 Attack

Special Skill: Gives attacks a 12% chance of summoning a cold frost to strike the enemy, dealing 150% attack as extra damage and freezing them for 3 seconds. Has a 4 second cooldown time. Also causes attacks to have a 15% chance of activating Cao Cao's Musou Mode and inflicting 400% attack damage on nearby foes within a 5 meter radius while causing them to stiffen 200 milliseconds. When under the effects of Musou Mode, all debuffs are upgraded considerably for 6 seconds with an interval of 12 seconds. In Cao Cao's case, he is able to inflict the Musou freeze effect which forces foes to remain frozen for 8 seconds longer while reducing their defenses by 25%. Note that each hit shaves off the ailment's duration by 1 additional second.

Warriors Orochi 3

Cao Cao retains his weapon moveset from Dynasty Warriors 7 albeit with some changes and additions.

Changed Attacks

Charge Attack 2: : Does an upper right slash via forward step.

Charge Attack 3: : Slashes in a zigzag formation multiple times, ending in a downward slash to the left that stuns foes. Behaves similarly to Cao Cao's original third charge attack from the fourth and fifth installments.

Charge Attack 4: : Hurls an energy wave forward.

Charge Attack 6: : Slams the ground with palm before doing a turning slash forward.

Jump Charge: : Flips in mid-air before slamming weapon unto the ground to produce a minor impact.

Team Abilities

Ability 1 - Impact: Refills Musou by a set amount for every 100 KOs per member.

Ability 2 - Stamina: Refills life by a set amount for every 100 KOs per member. Only available in Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate.

Special Attacks

Musou Attack: : Cao Cao performs Conquest as their ground Musou attack.

Counter Attack/Break Guard: Counter + L1 + : Quickly swats away an enemy's attack, causing them to stagger briefly.

Assist Attack: Counter + L1 or R1: Cao Cao performs the fourth charge attack to assist a teammate while surrounded within an updraft of wind for extra coverage.

Grounded Type Action: R1: Levitates in the air and briefly caresses sword before slashing it outward to conjure a vortex of dark energy, hitting foes multiple times and sending them airborne.

Midair Type Action: R1: Unleashes a barrage of icicles that fall down on the enemy below, freezing them almost instantaneously. This move is based on Cao Cao's Arctic Storm Musou attack from the eighth game, though less powerful damage-wise and more affordable in terms of Musou consumption.

Shift Step: Direction + L1 + : Performs a sidestep strafe primarily used for evasive purposes. Can be canceled into an instant dash attack by tapping while in shift step position. In Ultimate, pressing upon being hit will cause the user to automatically back away from their attacker.

Normal Strategy Card: Conqueror's Command (覇道の大号令; lit. "Hegemon's Grand Order"): Reduces the opponent's speed and defense, making them more vulnerable to incoming attacks.

Golden Strategy Card: Last Stand (背水の陣; lit. "Backwater Formation"): Reduces the current officer's life in exchange for disabling the opponent's ability to switch between different characters.

Team Attacks

Triple Rush 1: Lands a fast upper swing that sends out a mobile shockwave traveling on the ground at a set distance.

Triple Rush 2: Quickly swings sword from left to right repeatedly.

Triple Rush 3: Does a quick aerial swing to unleash a massive energy wave down on the ground, creating a burst effect that disperses enemy crowds below.

Unique Triple Rush: If Nobunaga Oda and Nemea are Cao Cao's teammates, they will be able to perform a unique triple rush togather. For his part, Cao Cao follows up Nobunaga's attack with two slashes that produce energy waves and an overhead slice.

Fighting Style

Keys:

Normal Attack •

Charge Attack •

Musou •

Jump/Mount

Base Game

Cao Cao is affiliated with the general's sword in this title. When equipped with it, Cao Cao can perform the following unique attacks listed below.

EX Attack 1: : Bombards foes in front of Cao Cao with a volley of ice arrows raining from above. Can be canceled with a shadow sprint, enabling the player to quickly follow up with another attack.

EX Attack 2: : Commands shadow to perform multiple swings that leave behind dark blue streaks. Introduced in Xtreme Legends.

Musou Attack - Conquest (覇道; lit. "Supreme Path"): : Sends several large ice shards forward, causing foes in front of Cao Cao to be knocked over or frozen.

Alternate Musou Attack - Phoenix Blade (鳳皇剣舞; lit. "Feng Emperor Sword Dance"): R1 + : Coats blade in dark blue energy before attempting to stab an enemy. Should the attack connect successfully, Cao Cao will deliver several slashes in a row followed by a concaving double swipe with the help of his shadow. If the attack fails to connect, he will instead stab the ground and surround himself within a deep blue whirlwind while summoning a shadow that delivers multiple swings in front of him. Its power has been increased significantly in the 1.02 version patch.

Aerial Musou Attack - Arctic Storm (氷嵐; lit. "Ice Storm"): : Sends several large ice shards downward from the air, freezing enemies below or causing them to collapse.

Rage Attack: Repeatedly performs horizontal spin swipes done counterclockwise while turning forward. It ends with Cao Cao's shadow doing a single swipe that sends nearby opponents flying away via radial energy burst.

True Rage Attack: If Cao Cao manages to perform a 100-hit combo during his Rage attack, he will change his attack pattern by running forth while sending out shadows to slash back and forth continuously in a skidding manner, adding in a few more frontal strikes from them to lift foes up once he stops moving.

Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends

Bodyguard Skills

Battle Skill - Gather Supplies: Extends the time limit in accordance with the current number of enemies defeated by the player.

Assistance Skill - Rally: Slowly restores the player Musou when they are near death.

Rouse Skill - Assault: Increases the attack power of bodyguards when they are near death.

Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires

Ways of Life Skills

Ways of Life - Hero of Chaos: Brave Type, 5,000 Employment Cost

Fixed Strategy - Scout: Attempts to recruit officers from other factions.

Stratagem Card 1 - Asura Might: Allows the user to destroy spot turrets and instant bases with one hit for 40 seconds.

Stratagem Card 2 - Temper: Fills up 2 Musou bars.

Stratagem Card 3 - Indomitable: Prevents the user and their nearby allies from being knocked back by enemy attacks for 15 seconds.

Stratagem Card 4 - Scale Formation: Increases attack of all allied units for 90 seconds. Requires an allied unit to temporarily withdraw for card to take effect.

Stratagem Card 5 - Snake Formation: Increases speed of all allied units for 90 seconds. Requires an allied unit to temporarily withdraw for card to take effect.

Awarded Stratagem Card - Base Seizure: Turns an enemy base into an allied base. Cannot be used on the enemy's main camp or instant bases. Requires 2 allied units to temporarily withdraw for card to take effect.

Shin Sangoku Musou Blast

Original Card

Unit Type: Cavalry

Musou - Wei Military Frost Plan (魏武大氷計): Hits enemies with a barrage of giant icicles. Based on Cao Cao's Conquest Musou attack from the original game.

Skill - Blizzard Barricade Formation (氷嵐封鎖陣): Conjures a block of ice to damage and freeze enemies within range. Disables weather effects and enemy tactics for 10 seconds.

Team Effect - Wei Attacking Formation: Increases effectiveness of Musou attacks and skills in proportion to the amount of Wei officers on the team.

"Young Lord" Card

Unit Type: Cavalry

Musou - Wei Military Frost Plan (魏武大氷計): Hits enemies with a barrage of giant icicles.

Skill - Vengeful Settlement (報仇雪恨): Conjures a block of ice to damage and freeze enemies within range. Disables weather effects and enemy tactics for 10 seconds.

Team Effect - Wei Attacking Formation: Increases effectiveness of Musou attacks and skills in proportion to the amount of Wei officers on the team.

Dynasty Warriors: Godseekers

Type Ability

Critical Bonus: Increases the probability of landing a critical hit when attacking.

Normal Attacks

Phantom Mist (幻震; lit. "Illusion Jolt"): Hits a single foe. Lowers enemy's ability by 10%.

Phantom Strike (幻斬; lit. "Illusion Slash"): Hits a single foe.

Phantom Flurry (幻連斬; lit. "Illusion Chain Slash"): Hits multiple foes.

Phantom Crescent (幻円斬; lit. "Illusion Round Slash"): Hits multiple foes.

EX Attacks

Phantom Mist EX (幻震Ex; lit. "Illusion Jolt EX"): Hits a single foe. Lowers enemy's ability by 10%.

Phantom Flurry EX (幻連斬Ex; lit. "Illusion Chain Slash EX"): Hits multiple foes. Has a chance of frightening enemies.

Musou Attacks

Conquest (覇道; lit. "Path to Conquest"): Hits multiple foes. Has a chance of freezing enemies.

Phoenix Blade (鳳皇剣舞; lit. "Fenghuang Sword Dance"): Hits multiple foes.

Arctic Storm (氷嵐): Hits multiple foes. Has a chance of freezing enemies.

Red Skills

Hammer of Ruin: Increases damage of attacks against siege weapons by 300%.

Flash: Increases critical hit rate by 15%.

Flash Duo: Increases critical hit rate by 30%.

Flash Ultra: Increases critical hit rate by 50%.

First Strike: Increases strength by 50% and mobility by 2 for one turn only.

Swift Foot: Increases mobility by 1.

Last Stand: Decreases amount of energy used for attack by 1 when health is less than 30%. However, it can never be lower than 1.

Musou Master: Increases attack strength of Musou attacks.

Blue Skills

Deflection: Reflects all the reductions of the parameters to the enemy that attacked the character.

Induce State: Increases the chances of influencing enemy state by 10%.

Influence Duo: Increases the chances of influencing enemy state by 20%.

Influence Ultra: Increases the chances of influencing enemy state by 30%.

Stun Effect: Occasionally induces enemies into a stunned state with attacks.

Frighten Effect: Occasionally induces enemies into a frightened state with attacks.

Burn Effect: Occasionally induces enemies into a burnt state with attacks.

Freeze Effect: Occasionally induces enemies into a frozen state with attacks.

Shock Effect: Occasionally induces enemies into a shocked state with attacks.

Poison Effect: Occasionally induces enemies into a poisoned state with attacks.

Break Defense: Causes attacks to break through the enemy's guard.

Green Skills

Recovery: Restores the health of the unit and any allied units within 1 adjacent square by 5% at the start of each turn.

Recovery Duo: Restores the health of the unit and any allied units within 1 adjacent square by 10% at the start of each turn.

Recovery Ultra: Restores the health of the unit and any allied units within 1 adjacent square by 15% at the start of each turn.

Furor: Increases the energy of units in Synchro Mode.

Bolt: Increases the mobility of units in Synchro Mode.

Proficiency: Increases the effective area of items used.

Purple Skills

Learner: Increases experience earned by 30%.

Learner Duo: Increases experience earned by 50%.

Learner Ultra: Increases experience earned by 100%.

Stun Attack: Increases damage to enemies in a stunned state by 30%.

Frighten Attack: Increases damage to enemies in a frightened state by 30%.

Burn Attack: Increases damage to enemies in a burnt state by 30%.

Freeze Attack: Increases damage to enemies in a frozen state by 30%.

Shock Attack: Increases damage to enemies in a shocked state by 30%.

Poison Attack: Increases damage to enemies in a poisoned state by 30%.

Merciless: Enables character to occasionally defeat an enemy unit in a single attack.

Thievery: Steals items from enemies the character attacks.

Dynasty Warriors: Unleashed

Main Attacks

Strong Attack 1 - Arbitrate (独断): Summons an avatar to attack enemies in front of Cao Cao multiple times while weakening them. Has a cooldown time of 13 seconds (12 seconds in the Japanese server).

Strong Attack 2 - Solitude (孤高): Conjures a decoy that knocks enemies into the air and attacks them with multiple slashes, dealing damage and lowering their defense power. Has a cooldown time of 16 seconds (15 seconds in the Japanese server).

Strong Attack 3 - Overwhelm (横行; lit. "Rampant Run"): Thrusts forward to conjure an avatar that dashes forward while spin slashing. Also lowers the enemy's critical resistance in the Japanese server. Has a cooldown time of 20 seconds (17 seconds in the Japanese server).

Strong Attack 4 - Freezing Arrow (氷矢): Releases raining ice arrows that freeze enemies momentarily. Has a cooldown time of 25 seconds (24 seconds in the Japanese server).

Normal Attack: Performs their preferred weapon's normal attack string.

Special Attacks

Musou Attack - Conquest (覇道; lit. "Path to Conquest"): Unleashes a fierce storm of ice arrows upon the enemy, freezing them almost instantly. Gets overriden by the character's Rage attack once all three Musou gauges have been filled up.

Musou Rage Attack: Performs Rage attack once all three Musou gauges have been filled up.

Switch Attack: Performs a descending spin slash while surrounded within a whirlwind.

Special Maneuver - Shield: Projects a barrier to negate damage and debuffs.

Team Attacks

Triple Attack 1: Performs a shortened version of Solitude to contribute to the combo.

Triple Attack 2: Performs switch attack to contribute to the combo.

Triple Attack 3: Performs a shortened version of Overwhelm to contribute to the combo.

Enemy-Only Attacks

Enemy-Only Attack 1: As the final boss of the second Battle of Chibi scenario, Cao Cao will regularly cause large ice glaciers to pop out from the ground six times. These can track the player's movements, so avoiding them through constant mobility is highly recommended.

Enemy-Only Attack 2: Summons four large shadow clones that unleash strong circular swipes forward at each of the four cardinal directions. Can easily wipe out the player's team if they are not careful in avoiding the attack.

Global Server-Exclusive Passive Skills

Primary Skill - Hegemon of Chaos: Increases attack of all officers by 10%.

Secondary Skill: Increases attack speed of shield-type officers by 15%.

Tertiary Skill: Increases max health points of Wei officers by 30%.

Japanese Server-Exclusive Passive Skills

Primary Skill: Increases Musou regeneration by 30%. Activates after filling up one Musou bar.

Secondary Skill: Increases charge skill power by 30%. Activates after filling up two Musou bars.

Team Combination

Battle of the North (北方の争覇; "Northern Conquest")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Yuan Shao

Bonus: Skill Cooldown -3.5%, Defense +4.5%

Best Strategist (刹那の夢; "Momentary Dream")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Guo Jia

Bonus: Skill Cooldown -5%, Musou Generation +4%

Brotherly Bond (覇道の絆; "Bonds of the Path to Conquest")

Required Characters: Xiahou Dun, Cao Cao

Bonus: Critical Chance +4.5%, Max Health +3%

Cousins (従兄弟; "Cousins")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Cao Ren

Bonus: Max Health +4.5%, Skill Cooldown -4%

Cunning of Sima Zhao (自らは皇帝にならず; "Those Who Did Not Become Emperors")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Sima Zhao

Bonus: Critical Damage +4.5%, Element Advantage +5%

Evil Partners (野心と奇才; "Ambition and Genius")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Sima Yi

Bonus: Skill Cooldown -4.5%, Element Advantage +5%

Eye for An Eye (怨敵; "Sworn Enemies")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Ma Chao

Bonus: Skill Cooldown -4.5%, Attack Speed +5%

Great Courage (覇道阻む龍; "Dragon Barring the Path to Conquest")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Zhao Yun

Bonus: Attack Speed +5%, Attack +3.5%

Safe-Conduct (奸雄と軍神; "The Scoundrel and the God of War")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Guan Yu

Bonus: Skill Cooldown -3.5%, Element Advantage +5%

Safeguard (宛城に燃ゆ; "Wan Castle Burns")

Required Characters: Dian Wei, Cao Cao

Bonus: Shield Damage +4.5%, Skill Cooldown -4%

Shu Loyalty (体は曹、心は漢; "Body for the Cao, Heart for the Han")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Xu Shu

Bonus: Skill Cooldown -4%, Critical Damage +5%

Trusted Fellow (曹操と忠義の虎; "Cao Cao and the Loyal Tiger")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Xu Zhu

Bonus: Skill Cooldown -4%, Shield Damage +5%

Turning Coat (反目の軋み; "Hostile Discord")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Chen Gong

Bonus: Skill Cooldown -4.5%, Musou Generation +3.5%

Wei and Son (覇道と次代; "The Path to Conquest and the Next Generation")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Cao Pi

Bonus: Critical Chance +4.5%, Shield Damage +4.5%

All Against Him (反董卓の諸侯; "Anti-Dong Zhuo Warlords")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Sun Jian, Yuan Shao

Bonus: Skill Cooldown -4%, Defense +4%, Attack Speed +3.5%

Team Attack: Cao Cao will be able to perform a triple attack if he happens to be partnered with Sun Jian and Yuan Shao. He is the first to act during the whole combo. Only applies to the global server.

Bronze Swallow (銅雀台の賦; "Poem of the Bronze Sparrow Terrace")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Xiaoqiao, Daqiao

Bonus: Skill Cooldown -3.5%, Attack Speed +4%, Element Advantage +4.5%

Team Attack: Cao Cao will be able to perform a triple attack if he happens to be partnered with Xiaoqiao and Daqiao. He is the last to act during the whole combo. Only applies to the global server.

Devotion's End (訣別の過去; "Farewell to the Past")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Shu Emperor, Lu Bu

Bonus: Max Health +4.5%, Attack +4%, Critical Chance +5%

Divided Kingdom (天下三分; "Three Kingdoms Plan")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Sun Quan, Liu Bei

Bonus: Max Health +3.5%, Defense +4%, Skill Cooldown -3.5%

Team Attack: Cao Cao will be able to perform a triple attack if he happens to be partnered with Sun Quan and Liu Bei. He is the second to act during the whole combo. Only applies to the global server.

Swear to the End (野心抱く者; "Ambitious Individuals")

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Jiang Wei, Chen Gong

Bonus: Critical Chance +4.5%, Critical Damage +4.5% (+7% in the Japanese server), Attack +4%

Global Server-Exclusive Team Combination

Begin and End

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Jiang Wei

Bonus: Attack +3.5%, Critical Damage +4.5%

Japanese Server-Exclusive Team Combination

Ingenuity of the Chaotic Era (乱世の謀才)

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Jia Xu

Bonus: Attack Speed +5%, Skill Cooldown -4.5%

Value of Loyalty (忠義の価値)

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Pang De

Bonus: Max Health +4.5%, Skill Cooldown -5%

Warriors Orochi 4

While retaining the same moveset from Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends, Cao Cao wields the Lævateinn as their sacred treasure in this title. When equipped with it, Cao Cao can perform the following attacks listed below.

Special Attacks

Musou Attack: : Cao Cao performs Conquest as their ground Musou attack.

Normal Magic: R1 + : Does a prolonged hovering dash that briefly sets the surrounding area on fire, burning nearby foes along the way. Can control the direction of movement while performing the attack. Tapping or will instantly cancel the magic's effects.

Charge Magic: R1 + : Summons a large meteor to crash down on a specified position, inflicting damage within a massive radius. Can also affect downed foes.

Unique Magic: R1 + : Cao Cao rains several icicles down on the ground in front of him, then delivers a fiery slash to quickly shatter them into smaller shards.

Summon Magic: R1 + : Summons mount to Cao Cao's side.

Miscellaneous Skills

Unity Magic Bonus: Power +2, Technique +4, Speed +3

Musou Effect - Revive: Grants nearby allies the ability to be revived from the location they were last in once. Only applies in Battle Arena.

Divine Blessing 1 - Breakneck: Increases movement speed and attack speed. Only applies in Battle Arena.

Divine Blessing 2 - Scattershot: Increases attack speed, charge attack power, and magic attack power. Only applies in Battle Arena.

Infinity Support Skill - Crystals: Increases the possibility of obtaining crystals. Only applies in Infinity Mode.

Type Skills

Critical Hit: Passive: Causes attacks to inflict more damage against airborne enemies.

Spirit Charge: Attack + : Cancels most attacks into a spirit charge that breaks through the enemy's guard while consuming a portion of Musou.

Type Upgrade Skill 1 - Flak: Increases damage inflicted upon airborne enemies.

Type Upgrade Skill 2 - Torrent: Enhances the character's switch combo.

Type Upgrade Skill 3 - Shadow Blade: Increases damage caused by spirit charges.

Type Upgrade Skill 4 - Shadowless: Enables the character to sometimes conserve Musou when doing a spirit charge.

Type Upgrade Skill 5 - Tempered: Temporarily increases defense when somersaulting with little health left.

Team Combination

Rulers of the 3 Kingdoms (三國の君主): Deploying Cao Cao together with Sun Quan and Liu Bei will have their team's movement speed be doubled every 300 KOs.

Fighting Style

Keys:

Flow Attack •

Reactive Attack •

Musou •

Jump/Mount

Base Game

Cao Cao is affiliated with the general's sword in this title. When equipped with it, Cao Cao can perform the following unique attacks listed below.

Unique Attacks

Unique Flow Attack Finisher: Enemy Airborne + : As Cao Cao hacks his opponents in mid-air, he finishes the assault by causing numerous ice shards to rain down on the ground in front of him.

Unique Trigger Attack: R1 + : Unleashes two spinning slashes with the first one done clockwise and the second performed counterclockwise. Stuns and freezes foes at the same time. Based on the the sixth charge attack utilized by the general's sword moveset in Dynasty Warriors 8.

Special Technique: R1 + : Pelts enemies in front of Cao Cao with numerous ice shards that have freezing capabilities. This move is derived from his first EX attack in previous installments.

Musou Attack: : Delivers a series of diagonal spin swipes done in alternating order while moving at a brisk pace. Cao Cao ends his frontal assault by unleashing a wide frigid slash that produces several ice crystals popping in and out in front of him, freezing foes caught by them. This attack incorporates aspects of Cao Cao's old Musou attack from past games and his Conquest Musou from the more recent installments.

Aerial Musou Attack: : Sends several large ice shards downward from the air, freezing enemies below or causing them to collapse. Based on Cao Cao's Arctic Storm Musou attack from previous titles.

Horse Maneuvers

Summon Horse: L2: Summon horse to the battlefield. Holding L2 as the horse approaches will allow the character to automatically mount them.

Auto-Run: Riding Mode + L2: Automatically runs towards a specified destination. If a destination has not been set, the horse will instead run towards the location of the player's currently selected mission.

Sprint: Riding Mode + Direction + R1: Causes horse to run at a faster pace. Doing so depletes their stamina each time.

Jump: Riding Mode + Direction + R2: Causes horse to jump high while running.

Horse Fast Attack: Riding Mode + : Performs a fast and seamless attack while mounted. The attack itself varies depending on what type of weapon is equipped and whether the enemy is grounded or airborne.

Horse Trigger Attack: Riding Mode + : Performs an attack that sends enemies flying into the air. May vary depending on what type of weapon is equipped.

Horse Musou Attack: Riding Mode + : Causes horse to sprint by consuming Musou instead of stamina.

Dismount Horse: Riding Mode + : Dismounts from horse and resumes default fighting stance.

Bow Maneuvers

Shooting Mode: 🡻: Pulls out bow and assumes archery stance. Can be cancelled by tapping 🡻 again.

Switch Arrows: 🡸 or 🡺: Switches between different types of arrows.

Bow Attack: Shooting Mode + : Fires current arrow at a target. Can lock on targets by tapping R3.

Lower Bow: Shooting Mode + : Lowers bow while squatting down.

Dynasty Warriors 9: Empires

Officer Skills

Secret Plan - Embody the Conqueror (覇王の大号令; lit. "Hegemon's Grand Order"): Temporarily increases ally's attack and own speed by a great amount.

Military Unit: Cavalry

Title: Hero of Chaos (乱世の奸雄; lit. "Opportunist of a Turbulent Age")

Unique Political Ploy - Seeds of Discord: Proposes independence to rulers of other factions.

Reputation Bonus: Brave +25%, Commanding +80%, Ingenious +50%, Benevolent -25%, Evil +80%

Shin Sangoku Musou Apuri

Base Attacks

Normal Attack: Performs unique flow attack string from the base game using the general's sword. Available by default.

Aerial Attack: Performs aerial flow attack string from the base game.

Repel Attack: Performs knock-down trigger attack from the base game to repel foes.

Launch Attack: Performs launch trigger attack from the base game to lift foes into the air. Can be followed up with aerial flow hit string activated by repeatedly tapping the normal attack icon.

Stun Attack: Performs stun trigger attack from the base game to daze foes momentarily. Can be followed up with stun flow hit string activated by repeatedly tapping the normal attack icon.

Guard Break Attack: Performs guard break attack from the base game to break the enemy's guard. Can be followed up with down flow hit string activated by repeatedly tapping the normal attack icon.

Chain Attack: Performs down flow attack from the base game to repeatedly strike at foes. Does heavy damage, but cannot deplete the target's spirit. This move is mostly available to attack-type versions of Cao Cao.

Endurance Attack: Performs separating attack from the base game while generating a protective aura that temporarily boosts defense. This move is mostly available to defense-type versions of Cao Cao.

Sneak Attack: Performs dash attack from the base game to inflict heavy damage on the opponent's spirit. This move is mostly available to speed-type versions of Cao Cao.

Missile Attack: Leaps into the air and fires a projectile that turns into a large tornado upon hitting the ground. Does decent damage from a distance, but cannot deplete the target's spirit. This move is mostly available to snipe-type versions of Cao Cao.

Recover Attack: Performs separating attack from the base game while generating a healing circle that gradually restores health. Has no elemental variations with each upgraded version. This move is mostly available to special-type versions of Cao Cao.

Special Attacks

Unique Attack 1 - Path to Conquest (覇道): Performs special technique from the base game. Available by default.

Unique Attack 2 - Glacial Sword Dance (氷河剣舞): Performs unique trigger from the base game using the general's sword. Initially available for UR rank versions of its user, this move can be learned upon reaching level 170.

Musou Attack: Performs Musou attack from base game minus the looping animation. Consumes one full Musou gauge.

Aerial Musou Attack: Performs aerial Musou attack from base game. Consumes one full Musou gauge.

Super Musou Attack: Performs full Musou attack from base game. Consumes two full Musou gauges.

Auxiliary Attacks

Counter Attack: Performs counter attack from the base game by tapping the orange counter icon near the opponent once it pops up.

Finishing Attack: Performs finishing attack from the base game by tapping the golden finisher icon that appears once the opponent's spirit has been fully depleted.

Normal Evasion: Does a normal evasion maneuver on the ground to avoid enemy attacks. Can only be performed by attack-type and special-type versions of Cao Cao.

Swift Evasion: Hovers in the air to avoid enemy attacks in an instant. Can only be performed by speed-type and snipe-type versions of Cao Cao.

Piercing Evasion: Charges forth while hunched to avoid enemy attacks while dealing chip damage to foes blocking the way. Can only be performed by defense-type versions of Cao Cao.

Normal Version Attacks

Class Type: Attack

Mystic Version Attacks

Class Type: Special

Abyss Version Attacks

Class Type: Snipe

Dynasty Warriors 3 Version Attacks

Class Type: Speed

Other Skills

Memory Abilities

Cunning As the Blue Wind (奸雄、蒼き風のごとく)

Characters: Cao Cao

Rank: SR

Bonus: +227 Health, +227 Willpower

Skill - Anti-Missile (防射): Reduces damage from archers by 15%.

A Night of Poetry (詩情湧く夜)

Characters: Cao Cao, Cai Wenji

Rank: SSR

Bonus: +386 Attack, +386 Musou, +386 Willpower

Skill - Recover (快復): Recovers 10 Musou points every 4 seconds.

Cao Family (曹一族)

Characters: Cao Cao, Cao Ren, Cao Pi, Cao Xiu

Rank: SSR

Bonus: +386 Attack, +386 Defense, +386 Willpower

Skill - Restore (全快): Recovers 10 health and Musou points every 4 seconds.

Strategizing the Board (盤上の駆け引き)

Characters: Xiahou Dun, Cao Cao

Rank: SSR

Bonus: +257 Attack, +257 Musou, +257 Willpower

Skill - Robusticity (強健): Provides immunity against damage from archers.

Team Combination

Burning Ambition (野心燃ゆ)

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Chen Gong

Bonus: +100 Attack, +50 Willpower

Declaring Conquest on the Central Plains (中原に覇を唱え)

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Yuan Shao

Bonus: +50 Health, +100 Musou

Dream of Fulfilling the Cause (大業成就の夢)

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Guo Jia

Bonus: +50 Health, +100 Musou

My Zifang (我が子房)

Required Characters: Cao Cao, Xun Yu

Bonus: +100 Attack, +50 Musou

Those Who Stand Together (共に立つ者)

Required Characters: Xiahou Dun, Cao Cao

Bonus: +100 Attack, +50 Health

Beginning the Path of Conquest (覇道のはじまり)

Required Characters: Xiahou Dun, Cao Cao, Xiahou Yuan

Bonus: +50 Attack, +100 Health, +50 Musou

Fighting Style