Free Mode is a mode in several Warriors titles that allows characters to be leveled up in stages not found during their personal story. Since it generally ignores story related cutscenes, it is a convenient method for players to survey a stage and build up weaker characters. In most games, it is also a good way to search for weapons, additional bodyguards, and unique items. For select characters, it may also trigger unique character interactions not usually seen in other game modes.
Free Mode allows players to play through a set of stages earned while progressing through characters' individual story modes (or kingdoms/factions in Dynasty Warriors 4). These stages typically grants permission to choose between both sides -or occasional third parties- for the chosen map; this option is omitted in the Warriors Orochi series. Battles within this mode follow a general scenario present within all participating characters' stories, often taking out special events from unique stories. Samurai Warriors and its expansion substitutes this system with the ability to choose a character specific map instead (such as Noh's version of Honnōji from her upper path story).
In Dynasty Warriors 3 and Dynasty Warriors 6, this mode is the only way to level playable characters without Musou Modes. A similar instance also occurs in Samurai Warriors 2 and Samurai Warriors 3 for several characters, though these characters can alternatively level up in the games' alternate battle modes. The new characters in Warriors Orochi Z are mainly featured in their Dream Modes and are not present during the series's main story. Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage adds Heart and Outlaw as downloadable content into the game and may partake in various challenge events with them.
Playable characters that fall into this category are usually dubbed "Free Mode characters" by fans. These characters have unique traits to distinguish them for unique NPCs, player-created characters, or other generals on the field. However, the notion to prohibit them from having their own scenarios is met with mixed impressions, especially with the fans who desire to experience more facets of the game's stories.