Best Fire Emblem Games to Get Into the Series
Nintendo has a wide selection of first-party game series that make getting any Nintendo console worth it. From The Legend of Zelda to Mario, it isnāt a stretch to say that Nintendo has some of the best first-party franchises. While not nearly as well known, the Fire Emblem games are also extremely solid.
However, the lack of popularity may mean that it could be hard for newcomers to get into the franchise. While they arenāt exactly too connected for the most part, here are the best Fire Emblem games that you should play if you want to get into the series.
5: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon
Shadow Dragon remakes the first Fire Emblem game, so players wonāt have to worry about previous references or anything like that. The story is about Marth, who is driven out of his kingdom and spends the entire game rebuilding his army to take it back from the Shadow Dragon.
This version adds tutorial chapters and the weapon triangle, introducing players to the basics of the franchise. Like other Fire Emblem games, it has Grid battles, breakable weapons, and permanent deaths, with the dual-screen layout putting the map on the bottom screen while the top screen displays map and unit information. Players can also access optional Gaiden chapters to unlock extra units. The easiest way to play it now is with a DS cartridge on a DS or 3DS.
4: Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
Nothing in the Sacred Stones depends on earlier games. The game follows twins Eirika and Ephraim who save their homeland after the Grado Empire launches an invasion, with the story splitting into two routes midway for each twin. It’s a straightforward experience for new players because it has a story that’s easy to follow without knowing anything about the series.
Itās a very forgiving game for newcomers. The world map allows players to backtrack to earlier locations for optional battles and extra training, so they can strengthen their characters if theyāre struggling in a main story area. Trainee units like Ross and Amelia let players choose their own promotion paths. The easiest way to play The Sacred Stones is to subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack and use the Game Boy Advance app.
3: Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Path of Radiance can be a good starting point because the main character, Ike, learns about the world alongside the player, which slowly introduces the differences between human beorc and shapeshifting laguz. In the story, Ike is forced into a war when Daein invades Crimea.
Battles use the FE grid formula, while laguz units introduce a new mechanic without overwhelming the player. Players can build support relationships by having characters fight in the same chapters, then view their support conversations between chapters. Itās the seriesā first 3D game and hasnāt aged well visually. Players can play it through the GameCube library on the Switch 2, but only if they are subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
2: Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
The Blazing Blade was the first Fire Emblem game to launch outside Japan. Therefore, it is the franchise’s first exposure for Western fans. This gameās story begins with a swordswoman, Lyn, who goes on a journey across Lycia. The story eventually changes to Eliwood and Hector.
This gameās tutorial is what makes it a good first game. Early chapters walk players through movement, explain the weapon triangle, and terrain a little at a time. All of this stops the game from feeling overwhelming. After that, the game introduces new mechanics one at a time. Itās playable on the Game Boy Advance App for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers.
1: Fire Emblem: Awakening
Awakening is the first FE game released in the West that includes a playable Avatar. The avatar’s default name is Robin, and they can fight and are part of the story. The second protagonist is Chrom, who leads the Shepherds to protect the nation of Ylisse. Fire Emblem: Awakening has a huge cast. But most of them are very likable, and itās easy to get attached to them.
This game uses the best mechanics from previous games with modern improvements on top. It has Casual Mode, which disables permanent death, and players can change difficulty based on how good they are. Awakening introduced the popular Pair Up mechanic, which lets units fight together and increase their relationship status. This adds replayability since players are encouraged to form different pairings and see how each unique duo interacts.Ā
The easiest way to play Fire Emblem: Awakening is by getting a used 3DS cartridge because the eShop closed in 2023, and it hasnāt been re-released on the Switch.
