What Order Should I Play Fire Emblem? A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re diving into the world of Fire Emblem, a franchise known for its intricate tactical gameplay, compelling stories, and memorable characters. But with a long history and many titles across various platforms, knowing where to start can be daunting. The simple answer is: there isn’t one single “correct” order, but rather several approaches based on your preferences and goals.

For newcomers, we recommend starting with Fire Emblem: Three Houses on the Nintendo Switch. It’s accessible, features modern gameplay mechanics, and boasts a self-contained story requiring no prior series knowledge. Alternatively, Fire Emblem Awakening on the 3DS is another fantastic entry point, renowned for revitalizing the series.

However, if you’re drawn to the idea of experiencing the series’ evolution and recurring themes, then a chronological order might be more appealing. This means exploring the games based on their place in the overall timeline, though this is not always clear cut and many games exist in self-contained worlds. Games 1-5, and 9-10 are typically considered to have the most defined connections in terms of timeline and recurring characters.

Here’s a breakdown of different approaches and why they might suit you:

Approaches to Playing Fire Emblem

1. The Newcomer’s Path: Accessibility and Modern Gameplay

If you’re brand new to the series or tactical RPGs, starting with Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Nintendo Switch) is your best bet. It features a compelling story, engaging characters, and a unique blend of tactical battles and social simulation. It’s also entirely standalone, making it a perfect entry point. Following Three Houses, Fire Emblem Engage (Nintendo Switch) builds on that modern gameplay formula, while also having its own standalone story with fun gameplay mechanics and unique characters.

Fire Emblem Awakening (3DS) is another excellent choice for beginners. It’s often credited with saving the series from cancellation and is very welcoming to new players. It’s also a fantastic entry point to classic Fire Emblem gameplay, with a gripping story and cast.

Key Advantages:

• Standalone Stories: No need to worry about previous lore.
• Modern Mechanics: Easy to grasp controls and gameplay.
• High Production Values: Polished graphics and engaging soundtracks.

2. The Chronological Explorer: Following the Intended Timeline

For those who want to understand the series’ history and connections, playing chronologically can be incredibly rewarding, even if there is no overarching story that connects all the games. This does mean you will need to go from modern gameplay in Three Houses back to older ones for games further back in the timeline. The older games can be less forgiving, but are fun and rewarding experiences nonetheless.

The timeline is roughly as follows:

• Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War (Super Famicom): This begins one set of storylines in the games.
• Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 (Super Famicom): A side story that takes place in the middle of Genealogy.
• BS Fire Emblem (Satellaview): A more rare and obscure game in the series.
• Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light (NES): The first game in the series and the first that begins the Archanea timeline, remade in DS and other consoles.
• Fire Emblem Gaiden/Echoes: Shadows of Valentia (NES/3DS): A remake of the second entry in the series, set on the continent of Valentia.
• Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem (Super Famicom): Part of the Archanea timeline, continuing where Shadow Dragon left off.
• Fire Emblem Awakening (3DS): Takes place far after the events of Archanea.

After these games, many of the other titles follow separate storylines, such as:

• Fire Emblem (GBA) and Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones (GBA): Two standalone titles that do not have any overarching connection.
• Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (GameCube) and Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (Wii): Two connected titles that follow the Greil Mercenaries.
• Fire Emblem Fates (3DS): Three separate storylines that are connected to each other, not other games.

Key Advantages:

• Understanding Recurring Themes: Observe how storytelling and game mechanics evolved.
• Appreciating the Series’ History: Experience the origins of Fire Emblem.
• Deeper Lore: Uncover connections between characters, factions and worlds.

3. The Gameplay-First Approach: Playing for Challenge and Variety

If you are more concerned with the gameplay of the franchise, you might consider starting with Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest. This title is famous for its challenge and intricate map design. Once that game has been completed, you may want to go back and play Fire Emblem Awakening for a more accessible and traditional gameplay experience.

If challenge isn’t your primary goal, then you can experience the GBA titles, the Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn games, as well as the various other titles in any order you prefer.

Key Advantages:

• Exploring Different Playstyles: Each game has its own distinct flavour and rules.
• Mastering Tactical Gameplay: Focus on the challenge of the games rather than the stories.
• Enjoying a Variety of Mechanics: Explore the different additions to the core formula.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to play any Fire Emblem games before Three Houses?

No. Fire Emblem: Three Houses is entirely standalone and requires no prior knowledge of the series. It’s designed to be a perfect entry point for new players.

2. Which Fire Emblem Fates should I play first?

For newcomers to Fire Emblem, it’s recommended to play Birthright first, followed by Conquest, and then Revelations. However, if you’re very experienced with tactical RPGs, you may want to start with Conquest for the challenge.

3. Are all Fire Emblem games connected?

The Fire Emblem games exist in a single fictional universe, but they are mostly set in different time periods and locations, featuring distinct stories and characters. Some games have direct connections (like Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn), but most are standalone or part of a self-contained story arc.

4. Do I need to play Fire Emblem in order?

While you can jump into any Fire Emblem game, playing them chronologically is the best way to understand the nuances and recurring themes of the franchise. That being said, this is by no means essential, and every game can be played and enjoyed on its own merit.

5. Is there an official Fire Emblem timeline?

There are official timelines for games 1-5 and 9-10, but many other games exist without clear placement in the overarching storyline. This does mean that many games exist in their own pocket universes.

6. Should I play all 3 Fire Emblem Fates?

Yes, if you want the most complete experience. Each game – Birthright, Conquest, and Revelations – offers a different perspective and unique story, making all three worth playing.

7. What’s the difference between Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright and Conquest?

Birthright is considered the more accessible title with a focus on story and simpler maps, while Conquest is more challenging, with more intricate map design and a higher difficulty curve.

8. Should I play Fire Emblem Revelations first?

No. Revelations should be played after completing at least one, if not both, of the other Fates campaigns. Nintendo also recommends playing Revelations after Birthright and/or Conquest.

9. What order should I play Fire Emblem on Switch?

On Switch, it’s good to start with Fire Emblem Warriors, then move to Three Houses, followed by Warriors: Three Hopes, and finally, Engage. These are all stand alone titles, so if you are only interested in experiencing the RPG and story aspects, it may be best to start with Three Houses, then Engage.

10. Is Fire Emblem: Three Houses repetitive?

Three Houses can feel repetitive on multiple playthroughs due to shared elements, but this has been slightly addressed in Three Hopes. You will need to go through the same school activities and general story beats in each path, so keep this in mind.

11. Is it OK to start with Fire Emblem: Three Houses?

Absolutely! It’s a perfectly acceptable starting point for anyone new to the series, due to it’s accessible mechanics and standalone story.

12. Should I play male or female in Fire Emblem Engage?

There are no major differences in Fire Emblem Engage based on your chosen gender. The gameplay, dialogue, and available character interactions are identical.

13. Is Fire Emblem hard to play?

The Fire Emblem series can range from challenging to accessible, depending on the game and difficulty setting. Each game offers a variety of different difficulties, making it easy to enjoy each game regardless of skill level.

14. Do I need both Fire Emblem Fates games?

You don’t need both games to enjoy the story, as each can be seen as its own standalone saga, however, playing all three gives you the complete experience. It comes down to whether you simply want to play the games for the story, or if you want a more complete understanding of all the characters and stories available.

15. Which Fire Emblem Fates is better?

Birthright is better for newcomers and those who enjoy the story, while Conquest is recommended for series veterans seeking a challenge. Ultimately, the “better” game is subjective and depends on what you seek from a Fire Emblem title.

Ultimately, the “correct” order is the one that suits your preferences. Start with what interests you most and enjoy the journey through this beloved strategy RPG series!