In Dynasty Warriors: Origins, you primarily play as the Wanderer, striving for peace. Your journey offers significant story choices, often with companions joining you in battle. While companions fight alongside you, you can occasionally control them. Their strength often surpasses the Wanderer's, making switching a strategic advantage. Here's how:
Character switching is limited to battles where you have a companion. Before battle, the companion selection is the last option in the pre-battle menu. You can choose to fight solo, but companion switching isn't available then. Once the battle starts, your companion's health bar appears below yours in the bottom right.
Below their health bar is a blue meter, similar to your Musou gauge. This fills as you:
Most combat actions gradually fill this meter.
When full, a "Change Character" button appears beside the meter. Press and hold this button (View on Xbox, C on PC, Touchpad on PlayStation) for a second to switch.
Switching characters mid-battle is recommended. Companions are powerful, but control is temporary (approximately one minute). The blue meter, once used to switch, slowly depletes, showing remaining control time. Your new character starts with full Bravery and a range of effective combat arts.
Switching initiates a powerful attack; aim carefully. Your companion also has a full Musou gauge and health bar, allowing immediate use of their special attack.