Dynasty Warriors Next/Direct Break

Direct Break is an exclusive attack feature introduced in Dynasty Warriors Next. When the green bar on the bottom left (known as the Break gauge) has been filled up, players can unleash a powerful attack by tapping the screen once. Aside from dealing damage to all enemies on-screen, it has an additional effect of capturing any base other than main camps instantaneously. Also, bases gained via Direct Break cannot be taken again by enemy troops. The type of Direct Break used depends on what troops the player's character has under their command.

Icon	Troops	Effect
	Swordsmen	Commands a group of swordsmen to perform a joint melee assault.
	Spearmen	Causes a group of spearmen to charge with spears pointed forward.
	Pikemen	Causes a group of pikemen to strike the earth, causing multiple shockwaves to travel forth.
	Shield Troop	Envelops the player within a protective barrier, inflicting damage to surrounding foes.
	Archers	Causes a rain of arrows to surround the player, damaging enemies within close proximity.
	Cavalry	Commands a group of cavalry units to charge forward.
	Elephant Troop	Summons a group of elephant riders to trample the enemy.
	Sorcerers	Conjures a wall of lightning around the player, shocking nearby foes.
	Bombardiers	Calls a group of bombardiers to throw explosives in tandem.
	Juggernauts	Causes a juggernaut to fire a beam of ice before triggering an explosion.
	Tigers	Summons several tigers that emit a shockwave-inducing howl.
	Pandas	Causes a group of pandas to charge at the enemy.
	Bear Troop	Summons a group of bear riders to dash forward.

Strategy

An effective way to fill up the Break gauge is to perform long combos against a large group of enemies. This can be done by using Speed Musou attacks to score massive hits or chain maneuvers to prolong combo strings. Ginseng, certain stratagems, and any weapon with the "Break" attribute also help improve the player's ability to maximize the gauge.

With the exception of shield troops, archers, and sorcerers, players remain stationary during a Direct Break. At times, positioning oneself before activating the attack is necessary in order to inflict the most amount of damage possible. The effects of the three aforementioned units provide excellent cover and mobility, enabling the player to fight how they see fit. It also serves as a substitute for players quickly escaping dangerous situations in the event that they don't have enough Musou.

It is ideal to trigger Direct Breaks on sanctums to ensure further protection for other bases nearby. Areas captured through this method may also serve as bait to keep enemy officers occupied while allied troops can rush towards their main camp.