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Can Rogues Steal in Fire Emblem? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, Rogues can steal in Fire Emblem, but it’s not quite as simple as just waltzing up to an enemy and relieving them of their valuables. The mechanics and specific rules surrounding stealing vary slightly depending on the particular Fire Emblem game you’re playing, but the core concept remains the same: certain classes, primarily Thieves and their promoted forms like Rogues, possess the unique ability to pilfer items from enemies during battle.

This article will dive into the details of stealing in Fire Emblem, focusing on the mechanics, limitations, and strategic considerations that make this ability a valuable asset in your tactical arsenal. We’ll explore how stealing works in various games, who can steal, what they can steal, and why you should (or shouldn’t) bother with it.

The Mechanics of Stealing

The core mechanic revolves around a speed comparison. To successfully steal an item, the stealing unit (Thief, Rogue, etc.) must have a higher Speed stat than the enemy they are trying to steal from. This means that even if an enemy possesses a valuable item, if your Thief is too slow, they’ll be unable to swipe it.

Furthermore, the stealing unit must have an empty slot in their inventory. They can’t be carrying a full load of weapons, staves, or items. This encourages strategic item management and planning your approach carefully.

Finally, the stealing unit must be adjacent to the target enemy on the battlefield. This adds a layer of risk, as the Thief will be vulnerable to attack during their turn. Therefore, proper positioning and support are crucial for successful stealing operations.

Who Can Steal?

Typically, the ability to steal is restricted to specific character classes. The most common classes capable of stealing are:

Thief: The basic class specializing in lockpicking and stealing.
Rogue: A promoted form of the Thief, often gaining improved stats, skills, and lockpicking abilities.
Other similar classes may exist depending on the specific Fire Emblem title, but these are the main culprits!

While some other classes might be able to use Lockpicks to open doors and chests, only Thieves and their promoted classes can actually steal items from enemies.

What Can Be Stolen?

The list of stealable items varies significantly from game to game. Common stealable items include:

Weapons: Swords, lances, axes, bows, and magic tomes can all be fair game.
Healing Items: Potions, Vulneraries, and Elixirs are often prime targets, especially in challenging battles.
Stat-Boosting Items: Items that permanently increase a unit’s stats, such as Energy Drops or Speedwings, are highly valuable steals.
Promotion Items: Items needed to promote units to advanced classes are rare and highly sought after. Stealing them can significantly accelerate your team’s growth.
Keys: In some games, Thieves can steal keys to unlock doors and chests.

However, it’s important to note that certain items are usually unstealable. These typically include:

Equipped Weapons: Enemies will usually not let go of the weapon they are currently holding.
Unique or Story-Critical Items: Important items related to the game’s plot are typically protected from theft.
Items Protected by Skills: Some enemies might have skills or abilities that prevent them from being stolen from.

Is Stealing Worth It?

The value of stealing depends heavily on the specific game and your playstyle. In some Fire Emblem titles, stealing is almost essential for acquiring valuable resources and progressing efficiently. In others, it’s less critical but still a useful option to have.

Reasons to steal:

Acquire valuable items: Stealing promotion items, stat boosters, or rare weapons can significantly enhance your team’s power.
Deprive enemies of healing: Preventing an enemy from healing can make them much easier to defeat.
Gain a strategic advantage: Stealing a key to unlock a door or chest can open up new routes and opportunities.
Resource Management: It is a good way to acquire more items without spending gold!

Reasons to avoid stealing:

Risk: Stealing requires positioning a vulnerable unit next to an enemy, making them a prime target for attack.
Speed Dependence: Success relies on having a faster Thief than the enemy, which can be unreliable in some situations.
Opportunity Cost: Focusing on stealing might mean sacrificing opportunities to attack or support other units.
Limited Stealable Items: Some games have fewer worthwhile items to steal, making the effort less rewarding.
Ethical Considerations: For the “good-aligned” players, stealing can feel, well, wrong!

Ultimately, the decision to steal is a strategic one. Weigh the potential benefits against the risks and limitations, and consider whether it aligns with your overall game plan.

Tips and Tricks for Successful Stealing

Prioritize Speed: Focus on increasing your Thieves’ Speed stats. Equip them with Speed-boosting items or skills, and promote them to classes that prioritize Speed.
Use Support Units: Pair your Thieves with support units that can provide stat buffs, healing, or defensive cover.
Exploit Enemy Weaknesses: Target enemies with low Speed stats or those who are already weakened.
Plan Your Route: Carefully plan your Thief’s movement and attacks to avoid unnecessary risks.
Be Patient: Don’t be afraid to wait for the right opportunity to steal. Sometimes, it’s better to wait for an enemy to move into a more vulnerable position.
Game Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with which items can be stolen from which enemies. This knowledge will greatly improve your efficiency.

Stealing in Different Fire Emblem Games: Examples

While the general mechanics are similar, the specifics of stealing can vary between Fire Emblem games:

Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones: Colm, as mentioned in the original document, is a valuable asset for stealing, especially if promoted to a Rogue. His ability to steal without using a lockpick can save you precious resources.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses: As noted earlier, stealing is less impactful in Three Houses compared to previous titles.
Fire Emblem: Awakening & Fates: Stealing is very useful in these games. Several rare and powerful items can be stolen from enemies.
Fire Emblem Engage: The newest entry also brings back steal, which can provide an edge in a hard battle!

Final Thoughts

Stealing is a unique and strategically interesting mechanic in the Fire Emblem series. While it’s not always essential, it can provide a valuable advantage in acquiring resources, weakening enemies, and gaining a tactical edge. By understanding the mechanics, limitations, and strategic considerations involved, you can effectively utilize Thieves and Rogues to enhance your Fire Emblem experience. The nuances and strategic aspects of games like Fire Emblem are of interest to groups like the Games Learning Society, which studies the educational and social impact of games. You can learn more about their work at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about stealing in Fire Emblem:

Can anyone steal in Fire Emblem? No, only specific classes, primarily Thieves and Rogues (and sometimes other promoted classes) can steal.
What stat determines stealing success? The Speed stat. The stealing unit must have higher Speed than the target enemy.
Does the stealing unit need an empty inventory slot? Yes, the unit attempting to steal must have at least one empty slot in their inventory.
Can I steal equipped weapons? Generally, no. Enemies usually won’t let go of the weapon they are currently wielding.
Can I steal items from bosses? It depends on the game and the specific boss. Some bosses have stealable items, while others do not.
What are some common stealable items? Potions, stat-boosting items, promotion items, and weapons.
Is stealing important in every Fire Emblem game? No, the importance of stealing varies depending on the specific game. In some, it’s crucial, while in others, it’s less essential.
How can I improve my Thief’s Speed? By leveling them up, equipping them with Speed-boosting items, or promoting them to classes with higher Speed growth.
What happens if a Thief fails to steal an item? The Thief simply doesn’t steal the item, and their turn ends.
Can enemies steal from me? No, only player-controlled units can steal in Fire Emblem.
Does difficulty level affect stealing? Not usually, however it can be harder to Steal when you can’t reach a higher level of speed compared to the enemies in harder difficulties.
Can I steal multiple items from the same enemy? No, once you steal one item from an enemy, you cannot steal another item from them.
Are there skills that affect stealing? Some games may have skills that increase the success rate of stealing or prevent enemies from being stolen from.
Is Colm a good Thief in Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones? Yes, Colm is a good Thief, especially if promoted to a Rogue, due to his ability to unlock doors and chests without using keys and to steal, he is particularly useful.
Can you steal Dark Seals from the Death Knight? Yes, you can steal Dark Seals in games where the Death Knight carries them.

Can rogues steal Fire Emblem?