Fates: Birthright

Lore & Background

The overarching conflict begins when Corrin is unwillingly drawn into a war between the Kingdoms of Hoshido, their birthplace, and Nohr, where they were raised. In Birthright, the Avatar rallies against the forces that took them as a child to fight for their biological family. The story centers on the tension of fighting against adoptive siblings Xander, Camilla, Leo, and Elise, who wield the Legendary Weapons of Nohr: Siegfried and Brynhildr. While the source does not detail specific plot twists unique only to this route's ending, it establishes that Corrin has the ability to transform into a dragon. The narrative follows the Avatar alongside key figures like Azura, a member of the Nohrian royal family who was kidnapped by Hoshido, and Hoshidan siblings Ryoma, Takumi, Hinoka, and Sakura. The war is ultimately driven by the true mastermind behind the conflict, Anankos, ruler of Valla.

In Their Own Story

The campaign follows Corrin's journey as they stand with Hoshido against Nohr. Early in the game, players customize their Avatar's gender, appearance, and name before facing three difficulty settings: Normal, Hard, and Lunatic. As Corrin fights alongside allies like Gunter and Azura, they utilize Dragon Veins to alter the battlefield environment. The narrative explores the tragedy of siblings forced into combat, with characters developing relationships through Support conversations that can lead to marriage and children. In this path, battles often feature opportunities to gain extra gold and experience, reflecting a gameplay style similar to Fire Emblem Awakening. The story culminates in the fight against the forces led by Corrin's adoptive family members, driven by the manipulation of Anankos.

Reader's Guide

Birthright is designed for players seeking a more traditional tactical role-playing experience with opportunities to gain extra gold and experience per completed map. Gameplay revolves around moving units across a grid-based battlefield where turns alternate between player and enemy actions. The weapon triangle in Fates differs from previous titles: swords and magic defeat axes and bows; axes and bows best lances and hidden weapons; and lances and hidden weapons overpower swords and magic. Unlike earlier games, weapons do not break due to durability (except staves), though stronger weapons may lower user stats, such as the Brave Sword allowing double attacks while reducing defense. Players can utilize Seals to change or evolve classes, including the new Partner Seal for spouses and Friendship Seal for best friends. The My Castle feature allows players to build a base, run farms, cook food with positive or negative effects, and interact with characters in personal quarters.

Did You Know?

• Unlike previous Fire Emblem titles, Fates was released in three separate versions: Birthright, Conquest, and Revelation.
• Birthright is generally viewed by critics as a good starting place for new players due to its balanced gameplay.
• The weapon durability system was removed from most weapons in this game; instead, stronger weapons lower the user's abilities.
• Amiibo support allows four characters from Super Smash Bros. (Marth, Ike, Robin, and Lucina) to be recruited as allies after talking to them three times in My Castle.
• The new Phoenix mode revives fallen units on the following player turn, distinct from Classic Mode's permanent death.