Dynasty Warriors: The Rise of Shu

In the chaos of the late Eastern Han Dynasty, as warlords carved up China and the Yellow Turban Rebellion tore the empire apart, three men forged a brotherhood that would echo through centuries of legend, literature, and yes — button-mashing video games. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei swore an oath in a peach garden that would birth the Kingdom of Shu Han and inspire Koei’s long-running Dynasty Warriors series. Their story is one of loyalty, ambition, and larger-than-life heroics. The Oath That Started It All Around 184–185 AD, during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Liu Bei — a humble sandal-weaver with imperial blood in his veins — met two warriors who would become his sworn brothers. In the famous Peach Garden Oath (romanticized in Romance of the Three Kingdoms ), the trio vowed: “We three brothers, though not born on the same day, shall die on the same day.” Liu Bei was the visionary leader, Guan Yu the loyal pillar of righteousness, and Zhang Fei the fiery, unstoppable force. Their bond wasn’t just personal — it became the emotional core of Shu’s rise. Liu Bei: The Benevolent Founder Liu Bei (161–223 AD), styled Xuande, always claimed distant descent from the Han imperial family. In Dynasty Warriors , he’s often portrayed with twin swords and a kind-hearted demeanor, emphasizing his philosophy of ruling through virtue rather than fear. Starting with little more than charisma and a small militia, Liu Bei wandered through various warlord alliances — serving under Gongsun Zan, Lu Zhi, and even briefly Cao Cao — before carving out his own path. His greatest strength was attracting talent: he eventually gathered brilliant minds like Zhuge Liang (the Sleeping Dragon) and the Five Tiger Generals. After years of hardship, including the dramatic flight from Xinye and the Battle of Red Cliffs alliance with Sun Quan, Liu Bei established the Kingdom of Shu in 221 AD, declaring himself Emperor. In the games, playing as Liu Bei feels like leading a righteous crusade. His story mode captures the tragic nobility of someone who fought his whole life for a restored Han dynasty, only for fate (and superior Wei forces) to stand in his way. Guan Yu: The God of Loyalty and War If Liu Bei was the brain and heart, Guan Yu (d. 219 AD) was the unbreakable sword. Tall, bearded, and wielding the massive Green Dragon Crescent Blade, Lord Guan is one of the most iconic characters in Dynasty Warriors — often a one-man army who can clear entire battlefields. Historically and in legend, Guan Yu embodied loyalty and righteousness. When captured by Cao Cao, he served temporarily but famously rode thousands of miles to rejoin Liu Bei, slaying guards along the way. His defense of Jing Province and eventual death at the hands of Sun Quan’s forces (and subsequent deification) cemented his status as a folk hero. Today, Guan Yu is worshipped in temples across Asia as a god of war, loyalty, and business. In the games, his moveset is pure dominance — sweeping arcs that send enemies flying, perfect for players who love feeling unstoppable. Zhang Fei: The Fierce Tiger of Yan Zhang Fei (d. 221 AD), styled Yide, was the wild card. Known for his thunderous voice, love of wine, and explosive temper, he’s the muscle of the brotherhood. In Dynasty Warriors , his serpent spear and berserker style make him a crowd-clearing beast who yells battle cries that still live rent-free in fans’ heads. Zhang Fei’s legendary stand at Changban Bridge — where he reportedly scared off Cao Cao’s entire vanguard with a single roar — is pure Dynasty Warriors fantasy fuel. He was fiercely loyal but flawed; his harsh treatment of subordinates eventually led to his assassination by his own officers. The Rise of Shu and Its Legacy Together, these three helped turn a ragtag force into one of the Three Kingdoms. Though Shu was the smallest and most resource-poor, their story became synonymous with righteousness against tyranny (Cao Cao’s Wei often cast as the antagonist). The fall of Shu after Liu Bei’s death, Zhuge Liang’s Northern Expeditions, and the eventual conquest by Wei (later Jin) is bittersweet, but their legend only grew. Romance of the Three Kingdoms turned them into archetypes. Koei’s Dynasty Warriors series made them superstars — hyper-stylized warriors dashing across massive battlefields, pulling off impossible combos, and living out the epic you always wanted. Whether you’re a history buff or a longtime DW fan who’s sunk hundreds of hours into Musou attacks, the Peach Garden Oath remains one of the most powerful origin stories in Chinese lore. In an age of shifting alliances and betrayal, three brothers stood together. “Though we die on different days, our hearts beat as one.” That spirit is what made Shu rise — and what keeps players coming back to Dynasty Warriors generation after generation.