Best Fire Emblem Games: A Definitive Guide

You've probably heard of Fire Emblem if you like turn-based tactical RPGs. With over 20 really long games in the series, it's incredibly difficult to know even how to begin. The Fire Emblem franchise has something for everyone, from the original classics that started it all to the latest entries with their amazing graphics and innovative features.

We'll be diving incredibly into the deep end into the universe of Fire Emblem and look at some of the series' best titles. You'll be hearing a lot of everything from the epic plot designs and standalone characters to the exciting gameplay mechanics and amazing amounts of replayability so you can make an informed decision about which game to play next.

So buckle up and grab your sword and shield and hang on for this unreal ride of tactical RPGs.

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15. Fire Emblem Heroes (Mobile)

Fire Emblem Heroes, developed by Nintendo, mixes basic gaming principles with revolutionary new features, making it stand out among its contemporaries. The combat system in the game is deep and entertaining, rewarding strategy and critical thought. You'll have a busy time constructing your own team, carefully choosing based on their own sets of strengths and weaknesses to boot.

One of Fire Emblem Heroes' primary qualities is its accessibility. Heroes is supposed to be more friendly for new players than earlier Fire Emblem games, which were famously challenging. We loved the informative tutorial that helped guide our way through the fundamentals of battle and character management, making it simple to pick up and play.

Fire Emblem Heroes has eye-catching graphics and a gripping plot, in addition to entertaining gameplay. Each of the characters is so unique and made us want more each time we played. It's also frequently updated, making for an amazing experience each time a new feature is added.

14. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light (Switch eShop)

We absolutely loved the completely simple and uncomplicated game mechanics of Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light. Making it an easy choice for one of the best fire emblem games ever.

Giving you an extremely easy-to-use interface that facilitates character interaction, map navigation, and gaming. with it's unique mix of JRPG elemental style character creation, a really slick way to navigate the map and traditional turn based fighting to give you truly the best of both worlds experience.

The classic gaming mechanics, interesting characters, and captivating storyline set this game apart from the rest. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light, as one of the initial entries in the series, laid the groundwork for the remainder of the series. The gameplay is well-balanced, seamlessly mixing strategy, tactical, and RPG components. The characters can be a little on the bland side, being on the NES and all. All things considered, the plot is extremely subversive and completely compelling at times, with political references and extremely dramatic conflicts.

Even though it was published in 1990 on an 8-bit platform and can feel a bit outdated at times, it still manages to captivate our interest with its razor sharp pixelized graphics and sound that have withstood the test of time. We loved the great chiptune music as we battled our way to each victory along the way.

13. Fire Emblem Warriors (Switch)

The core gameplay design elements in Fire Emblem Warriors might possibly the most important reason why can be considered one of the best games in the iconic franchise.

A genuinely unique gaming experience is created by the blend of hack-and-slash action and tactical RPG features. Moving their heroes about the battlefield intelligently to take down waves of adversaries while keeping an eye on their health and special powers.

The game also has some of the series' strongest graphics and aesthetics. Fire Emblem Warriors is a visual feast, from the exquisite character designs to the complex battle animations. You really can't go wrong with this quality of a release on the Switch.

12. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (DS)

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon's gameplay is simple to learn yet difficult to master. To gain the upper hand over the adversary, players must manage a team of characters with various powers and carefully move them across the battlefield. Players are rewarded for their strategic thinking and tactical planning in the game, making each victory feel well-earned and fulfilling.

The art style in Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon is vibrant and fascinating. The sprite work is stunning, and the character designs are unforgettable. The in-game soundtrack is also superb, perfectly setting the tone for each scene.

We simply loved every thrilling aspect of Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon every step of the way.

11. Fire Emblem Engage (Switch)

Nintendo and Intelligent Systems have taken advantage of the Fire Emblem tactical RPG series' success, but Fire Emblem Engage falls short of expectations. The game attempts to honour its history while introducing new components, but it ultimately lacks focus and fails to create an impression.

Taking on the role of Alear, a Divine Dragon that emerges from a thousand-year slumber with no memory in Fire Emblem Engage. The plot centres around the resurrection of the Fell Dragon Sombron and his corrupted forces, with Alear charged with gathering twelve Emblem rings in order to slay Sombron once more.

Fire Emblem Engage excels at gameplay, especially combat. The main plot bouts, which number over two dozen in all, provide pleasant encounters with a variety of maps and setups. In each mission, players can deploy up to twelve units of their choice, seeking to defeat specific adversaries or eliminate all opposition. As reinforcements appear in practically every story mission, unit selection is critical.

The fighting mechanics in Fire Emblem Engage follow the series' typical weapon triangle effectiveness formula, in which swords outperform axes, axes outperform spears, and spears outperform swords. Bows and magic are ranged choices, each with its own set of advantages versus specific enemy kinds.

The newcomer on the block offers a ton of value here. It's clear to see why Fire Emblem Engage on the Switch is an excellent addition to the franchise.

10. Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes (Switch)

In comparison to Three Houses, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes takes a different approach, with a shorter academy period that acts as a tutorial for those inexperienced with Musou mechanics. This portion effectively eases players into the game, preparing them for the bulk of the plot that follows a small time skip. During this stage, the nation of Fodlan is at war, and the protagonist, Shez, becomes crucial in turning the balance in favour of their chosen group.

Fans of the Fire Emblem series will recognise the storytelling in Three Hopes as familiar. The plot unfolds mostly through voiceover segments between bouts, with individual remarks during combat adding dimension to each unit. The game avoids rehashing information from Three Houses, offering just enough context for new players to understand the tale without overwhelming them.

The fighting in Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is enticing and draws you in. It's the reason you could easily pump in more than 80 hours in a game with few other fascinating qualities. It's a good starting place for newbies to Nintendo's tactical RPG series. If, like us, you want to recreate the feelings caused by games like Three Houses or Fates, you should instead repeat those titles.

9. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore (Switch)

The Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei franchises collide in Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore. Set in modern-day Tokyo and tells the completely wild story of Itsuki Aoi, a high school student who becomes entangled in an extraterrestrial invasion. Itsuki and his buddies join forces with characters from the Fire Emblem series to combat evil and preserve the world.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore combines turn-based combat, RPG systems, and rhythm game features in an original way. The fighting system in the game is fast-paced and strategic, demanding us to make quick decisions and manage their resources intelligently. The addition of rhythm game components adds depth to the gameplay, making conflicts even more interesting and entertaining.

We were blown away the first time we saw #FE Encore for the first time. To this day, we're reminded at how good it is every time we launch our Nintendo Switch.

8. Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (Wii)

We absolutely adored Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn because of its fantastic plot, some incredibly well developed characters, and overall great gameplay.You'll take on the role of several main characters throughout each of the game's four distinct chapters. We really thought the plot was incredibly well cast and gave us a sense of engagement the entire way through.

Character growth is also excellent in Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn. Each character has a distinct past, which players can learn about through support chats. The main dialogues are wonderfully written, and it's difficult not to feel immersed in their experiences. When it comes to keeping the characters safe throughout the game, making us feel a sense of duty.

Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn boasts an excellent class system that allows players to customise each character's role. Players can modify their character's class and skills, allowing for infinite replayability. The difficulty curve of the game is also well-balanced, making it accessible to newbies while being challenging to experienced.

7. Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia (3DS)

Fire Emblem Echoes has a distinct gameplay style that distinguishes it from other Fire Emblem games. We loved every minute of the dungeon crawling system that let us explore some really cool dungeons along with some rather unique hidden areas throughout the world of Valentia. To couple that, the use of the 3D effects were so cool and we wish there were better ways to experience this on a device other than the native 3DS.

The storyline of Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia has quite simply nothing else like it in the entire franchise. This game completely revamps Gaiden's storyline, which was previously a letdown in the series. Shadows of Valentia includes voice-acted dialogue, which enhances the player's immersion.

6. Fire Emblem Fates (3DS)

Fire Emblem Fates is a very deep game.

The intricate plot is extremely deep when you put things into perspective, with a branching narrative that evolves as you progress through the game. The game makes great use of the massive set of character rosters, each bringing their own unique set of skills and dialogue forward.

The gameplay is hard and while extremely fascinating can be tricky to overcome the various glasses and weaponry you have at your arsenal. The sense of being put into command is like no other in Fire Emblem Fates. We couldn't tell you how many plotlines there were to unfold during the gameplay, being able to personalise your overall experience. Fire Emblem Fates has you covered whether you prefer a more story-driven experience or a hard tactical game.

5. Fire Emblem (GBA)

The overall main plot is one of the most amazing aspects of Fire Emblem on the GBA. The game recounts the adventures of young Lyn, Eliwood, and Hector as they try to stop a sinister conspiracy from engulfing Elibe. The story is amazingly interesting, with a well-written cast every step of the way, and we were blown away with how many twists and turns that kept us entertained the entire time.

Another reason for the popularity of Fire Emblem on the GBA is its extremely unique set of main characters. Each character in the game has an own biography, personality, and talents. The game also includes character support discussions, which not only help fill in more of the game's tale, but also provide depth to each character.

Without the turn-based strategy gameplay, no Fire Emblem game would be complete. And Fire Emblem on the Game Boy Advance delivers in spades. The game incorporates the series' hallmark permadeath, in which a fallen unit remains dead for the duration of the game, giving an extra layer of drama to conflicts. The GBA game also features the weapon triangle system, in which some weapons are more effective against specific sorts of foes, adding a degree of strategy to encounters.

4. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones (GBA)

The Sacred Stones captures everything that makes the Fire Emblem series so fantastic. It has an excellent storyline, with a fascinating scenario that keeps you involved and invested from start to finish. The Sacred Stones keeps your mind occupied every step of the way with its demanding gameplay and sophisticated fighting system.

What distinguishes The Sacred Stones is its tremendous character development. The game genuinely shines in making you care for your army and their stories, thanks to a broad group of memorable individuals. Each character has a distinct narrative, personal ambitions, and class growth pathways, allowing for virtually infinite replayability.

In compared to the other games in the series, The Sacred Stones stands out for giving you more control over the gameplay, allowing you to fully customise your army via branching class paths. Furthermore, The Sacred Stones has a well-balanced difficulty curve with plenty of opportunities to level up and progress.

3. Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Switch)

Fire Emblem: Three Houses boasts a captivating tale that no other game in the series can equal. The main storyline the game is told through some seriously neat cutscenes with beautifully displayed dialogue and some massive character development along the way.

We won't spoil too much about the main storyline but it revolves around three houses with some unique twists. Byleth, who's mercenary turned teacher tasked with guiding one of the three households.

Second, the game's gameplay mechanics are novel and exciting, putting a fresh spin on the strategy RPG genre. The game has a time management system that allows players to prioritise teaching and creating connections with their pupils. Giving you an overall success in the main storyline that unfolds right before your eyes.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a fantastic addition to the Switch library and deserves a ton of love for fans of the series.

2. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (GCN)

Fire Emblem: Path of Raiance has an extremely complex and very intriguing tale, couple that with an incredibly memorable cast of characters that will keep you fascinated from beginning to end. With a deep and tactical warfare system that will put your talents to the test, the gameplay is hard yet rewarding.

Path of Radiance's distinct approach to storytelling distinguishes it from other Fire Emblem titles. The game delves into complex subjects like racism and xenophobia while telling a gripping and emotionally resonant story. The characters feel like genuine individuals, with their own motives, anxieties, and desires, and as you go through the game, you'll find yourself becoming immersed in their stories.

Path of Radiance's presentation is another notable element. The game boasts stunning 2D artwork and rich character animations that help bring Tellius' world to life. The soundtrack is also excellent, with a sweeping orchestral theme that suits the game's big battles and emotional moments well.

1. Fire Emblem: Awakening (3DS)

Several aspects distinguish Fire Emblem Awakening from its contemporaries. For starters, it has fantastic gameplay mechanics that make it accessible to both newbies and seasoned veterans. The game's "Casual Mode" provides enough versatility for anyone to join in and start playing without feeling overwhelmed. We promise we won't turn this into a mini review, but it's simply that good. Well deserving of our number one spot on our list of the best Fire Emblem games ever.

The plot is also not to be overlooked. The game is situated in a fascinating, medieval-inspired setting full with political intrigue, huge battles, and unforgettable character exchanges. The tale hits an excellent mix between feeling of purpose and unpredictability, keeping the player interested from beginning to end.

What truly distinguishes Fire Emblem Awakening is its ability to instill a strong sense of individuality you. Every piece of the game has been meticulously designed to elicit a specific mood or experience. The soundtrack is evocative, the characters unique, and the combat huge and difficult. All of these features combine to produce a game that is simply stunning and absolutely unique.

Which Fire Emblem game is the best to start with?

After careful study, we believe Fire Emblem: Awakening is the finest game to begin with. Being extremely accessible is an advantage along with the fact that is has so much to offer in terms of sheer gameplay.

For novices to the series, Fire Emblem: Awakening is an excellent starting point. It contains a tutorial mode that is ideal for newcomers to the series, and the story is straightforward without being overly simplistic. The game also has a powerful character customization system that allows you to personalise your experience.

What is the most successful Fire Emblem game?

So, which Fire Emblem games ranked first on our list?

Without giving too much away, we can say that these games are well-liked by fans and have won multiple awards.

In addition, we will provide in-depth analysis and evaluations for each of these games to help you understand why they are so popular.

Fire Emblem: Awakening is clearly the winner here in the success department as it received a massive sales boost in an otherwise declining franchise throughout the years.

Which Fire Emblem games are worth playing?

We'll present an in-depth overview of each title, from the famous Fire Emblem: Awakening to the recently released Fire Emblem: Three Houses are certainly worth your time.

We felt that these were the most recent additions and will certainly not have you hunt down an old console or look for a ROM hack to play the game with the correct translations.

What is the most complex Fire Emblem game?

We may conclude from our analysis of the Fire Emblem series that Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is the most sophisticated game in the series.

Keep in mind that complexity is not always a good indicator of quality, and each player may have a distinct choice for gaming depth and plot richness.

What matters most is selecting a Fire Emblem game that appeals to you and allows you to fully immerse yourself in its environment and characters even though Path of Radiance is easily our choice for the most complex Fire Emblem game.