Fire Emblem Warriors is coming to Nintendo Switch and New Nintendo 3DS consoles on October 20, bringing together many of our favourite Fire Emblem characters for a different take on the ‘Warriors’ formula, one that takes much inspiration from the mainline Fire Emblem series. Squadmates can team up together on the battlefield, unleashing devastating attacks that are more powerful than what either character can do by themselves. The weapon triangle of strengths and weaknesses that has always been central to Fire Emblem combat makes a return, and directing units is an important part of the experience, with players able to command their allies via a top-down map. Musou-style games require more strategic thinking than many players realise: Fire Emblem Warriors still gives you the satisfaction of cutting through enormous groups of enemies with each character’s unique attack style, but you’ll need to use your head to figure out the best way to turn the tide of battle.
For long-time fans of the series, one of the greatest treats will be seeing the best characters from different Fire Emblem games finally coming together, working on the battlefield and interacting in cutscenes. It’ll be the first time we have direct control over some of these characters, guiding them through the game and carefully choosing every sword slash. Here are the characters we’re most excited to play as.
First seen in: Fire Emblem (Game Boy Advance, 2003)
Lyn, alongside Roy, was our introduction to Fire Emblem in the West. After the success of Super Smash Bros. Melee, Fire Emblem for the Game Boy Advance cemented the franchise as one of Nintendo’s best. Lyn began Fire Emblem without much fighting experience, but soon found herself in possession of the Mani Katti, a sacred weapon that only she can carry. She’s brought that katana-like blade along with her for Fire Emblem Warriors, so you can use it to slice through enemy hordes.
First seen in: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light (NES, 1990, Japan); Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (Nintendo DS, 2008)
Marth is the original Fire Emblem star, debuting back in the series’ very first game on the original NES. He was the first warrior in the series to get his hands on the eponymous Fire Emblem (also known as the Shield of Seals) which he used to defeat Medeus the Shadow Dragon. Marth is a smart man who has experienced love and loss, who has fought for his homeland and seen his friends die alongside him. In Fire Emblem Warriors, he’ll bring his experience and fighting skills to the biggest battlefields he’s ever fought on.
First seen in: Fire Emblem: Gaiden (NES, 1992, Japan); Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadow of Valentia (Nintendo 3DS, 2017)
Celica, one of the main characters in the latest Nintendo 3DS Fire Emblem game, took to the battlefield in search of Mila, a missing god. Along the way she learned, in typical Fire Emblem fashion, that she had a much larger role in the conflict spreading across her homeland of Valentia. Celica was trained as a priestess, but she’s skilled with both a sword and magic attacks, and is devoted to the warriors by her side. She’s at her most ferocious in Fire Emblem Warriors, able to attack with her sword and huge balls of fire.
First seen in: Fire Emblem: Awakening (Nintendo 3DS, 2012)
Fire Emblem: Awakening introduced us to a lot of great characters – several of whom, including Chrom, Robin, and Frederick, are appearing in Fire Emblem Warriors – but Lucina stands out as the game’s most iconic character. In Fire Emblem: Awakening, she travelled through time to help her father and save the world from a terrible fate, uniting with her parents and proving to be one of the most valuable fighters in their brigade. In Fire Emblem Warriors, she uses the legendary Parallel Falchion sword to fight for justice and peace, values she has dedicated her life to.
First seen in: Fire Emblem: Fates (Nintendo 3DS, 2016)
Fire Emblem: Fates’ three-game structure meant that there were a lot of characters to keep track of, many of whom appear in Fire Emblem Warriors, but Xander stands out as a complex, somewhat tragic figure. The eldest sibling of the Nohr royal family, Xander is fiercely loyal and protective, but with a hard edge after years of harsh training. Although he was mistreated by his evil father his whole life, Xander has goodness in him – it’s good to see him having found allies in Fire Emblem Warriors, including the horse he rides in combat.
Fire Emblem Warriors is available on October 20 exclusively for Nintendo Switch, New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL and New Nintendo 2DS XL systems.
