Is Each Fire Emblem Game Standalone? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: mostly, yes. While the Fire Emblem series shares a common fictional world, most entries function as standalone experiences with their own unique stories, characters, and conflicts. This design philosophy allows newcomers to jump into the series at virtually any point without feeling lost, a quality that has contributed significantly to Fire Emblem’s broad appeal. However, the nuances of this interconnectedness are worth exploring, particularly for those eager to delve deeper into the franchise’s lore.
Understanding the “Standalone” Nature
The core of Fire Emblem’s standalone nature lies in its focus on distinct narrative arcs. Each game typically introduces a new continent or kingdom facing a unique threat, with a fresh cast of characters embarking on a compelling journey. You won’t find recurring protagonists or overarching plots that require prior knowledge of other games in the series. This makes the franchise highly accessible, eliminating the need to complete every installment to understand and enjoy the latest title. For instance, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a completely self-contained narrative, allowing players to immerse themselves in its political intrigue without any prior Fire Emblem experience. Similarly, Fire Emblem Engage brings together characters from across the series, but understands the need to not require previous knowledge for players to enjoy the game.
However, there are exceptions and nuances to consider, which are usually more relevant to longtime fans of the series.
Exceptions to the Rule
While many games are independent, some entries are direct sequels or prequels. The most prominent example is the Tellius saga, composed of Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (GameCube) and its direct sequel, Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (Wii). These two titles share the same setting, characters, and continue a single, larger storyline. Another prominent exception comes from the Archanean saga, comprised of games like Shadow Dragon, Mystery of the Emblem, and New Mystery of the Emblem, all of which share the same location and characters.
Additionally, some titles, like Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade and Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade, share thematic elements and even some supporting characters, but can still be played and enjoyed independently, with the second game being a prequel to the first. The concept of alternate timelines and parallel dimensions is also used throughout the series, sometimes to create a crossover situation, but never to the detriment of anyone coming into the series for the first time.
The Shared Universe
Despite their standalone stories, almost all Fire Emblem games inhabit the same larger fictional multiverse. This shared world often includes recurring lore, subtle references, and similar character classes, creating a sense of cohesion. However, this interconnection is often a treat for dedicated fans rather than a prerequisite for understanding any individual title.
For example, while Fire Emblem Engage celebrates the series’ history by featuring characters (known as Emblems) from many previous titles, you can still follow its narrative without having played any of the previous Fire Emblem titles. The game provides enough background information and contextual clues to ensure all players, whether veterans or newcomers, can fully participate in the story. Think of it like the Final Fantasy franchise, where games share common elements and themes, but are primarily standalone narratives.
Chronological Order: A Matter of Preference
Hardcore fans often recommend experiencing the games in chronological order to fully appreciate the subtle connections and thematic evolution across the franchise. While it’s not necessary for understanding any individual title, this approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the fictional world and its history. This order is often not the release order and is more often a subject of discussion. It is worth noting that official timelines exist for only games 1-5 and 9-10, while other games are often placed depending on common lore and fan theories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to the standalone nature of Fire Emblem games to provide further clarity and guidance:
1. Do I need to play other Fire Emblem games before Engage?
No. While Engage features characters from previous games, it’s a completely self-contained experience. You don’t need prior knowledge of the series to enjoy or understand its story. Engage is a fine starting point for any new players.
2. Are all Fire Emblem games connected?
The answer is both yes and no. They are all connected in a larger fictional multiverse, but most stories are independent and self-contained. Shared lore, character classes, and subtle references are often included as fun nods to existing fans.
3. Is Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones standalone?
Yes. The Sacred Stones takes place on the continent of Magvel and has no direct story connection to any other Fire Emblem title. Its narrative is independent.
4. Do I have to play all Fire Emblem games in order?
Absolutely not. You can jump into Fire Emblem at any game. While playing them chronologically can be enriching, it is certainly not a requirement to enjoy any specific game.
5. Should I start with Fire Emblem Three Houses or Engage?
Both are excellent starting points. Three Houses offers a deep, character-driven story, while Engage leans more into classic Fire Emblem gameplay with a celebration of the franchise’s history. Three Houses is widely considered to have a better story, but this is not to say Engage is not worthwhile.
6. Is there an official Fire Emblem timeline?
Official timelines exist for Fire Emblem games 1-5 and 9-10. However, games outside this range are placed in the chronological order via fan theory.
7. How many Fire Emblem games exist?
There are currently seventeen games in the core Fire Emblem series. 14 are original games and 3 are remakes.
8. Is Fire Emblem Three Houses a spin-off?
No. Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a mainline entry in the Fire Emblem series. Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is the spin-off, acting as a “musou-style” follow-up to Fire Emblem Three Houses.
9. What is the easiest Fire Emblem game to get into?
Many recommend starting with Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade (also known simply as Fire Emblem) or Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones as excellent beginner-friendly entries. Awakening is also popular as a starting title.
10. Which Fire Emblem game has the best story?
Fan favorites include Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Fire Emblem: Awakening, and Fire Emblem: Three Houses. These are often cited for their compelling narratives and well-developed characters.
11. Is Fire Emblem hard to play?
While some entries are more challenging than others, the series is known to be more accessible than its reputation suggests. Most entries have difficulty settings to adjust to varying skill levels.
12. Is Fire Emblem: Three Houses repetitive?
Yes, Three Houses is known for its repetitive tasks during multiple playthroughs.
13. Can I play Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes without playing Three Houses?
While you can, playing Three Houses first is recommended because Three Hopes will spoil many key reveals in the first few minutes. It will also add much needed context and knowledge.
14. Is Fire Emblem: Three Houses worth buying?
Yes, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is widely considered an excellent game with engaging gameplay and high replay value, making its price worthwhile. It should be noted that the DLC is not canon and therefore often considered not to be worth it.
15. Can you play old Fire Emblem games on the Switch?
Yes, through the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, you can play Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade. Many other older titles are playable through used consoles and emulators.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while most Fire Emblem games are standalone, each offering a new adventure in a shared universe, the degree of interconnection is often more of an extra for dedicated fans than a necessity for newcomers. The standalone nature of the games is one of the series’ greatest strengths, allowing anyone to jump in and enjoy any specific title. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer, the world of Fire Emblem is both inviting and immersive. With this understanding of the interconnectivity and differences across titles, you are well-equipped to embark on any Fire Emblem adventure that catches your eye.