Fire Emblem Awakening is a tactical role-playing game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. Released in 2012, it is the thirteenth installment in the Fire Emblem series and has gained a substantial fanbase due to its deep characters, engaging story, and strategic gameplay. This character guide aims to provide an overview of the notable characters, their strengths, weaknesses, and some tips on how to utilize them effectively in your playthrough.
Understanding the Characters
In Fire Emblem Awakening, players will encounter a diverse cast of characters, each with unique personalities, backgrounds, and abilities. The characters can be categorized into different classes, and their growth rates can significantly affect their performance in battle. Here, we will delve into the main characters and some of the supporting cast.
Main Protagonists
1. Chrom
- Class: Lord
- Strengths: High strength and speed make him a formidable front-line fighter. His dual strike ability allows him to deal extra damage.
- Weaknesses: Lacks magical abilities, which can limit his effectiveness against certain enemies.
- Tips: Focus on building Chrom’s strength and speed to maximize his damage output. Pairing him with a strong support character can enhance his combat effectiveness.
2. Robin
- Class: Tactician (can promote to Sorcerer or Grandmaster)
- Strengths: Versatile class with access to both swords and magic. Robin’s ability to adapt to various situations makes them a valuable asset.
- Weaknesses: Initial stats are lower compared to other characters, requiring careful management to develop.
- Tips: Invest in both magic and physical skills for versatility. Use Robin's high resistance to tank magic hits while dealing damage.
3. Lucina
- Class: Lord (can promote to Great Lord)
- Strengths: Excellent growth rates in strength and skill. Her ability to inherit skills from Chrom can make her a powerful unit.
- Weaknesses: As a late-game character, her initial training may lag behind others.
- Tips: Prioritize leveling her up as soon as she joins. Make use of her unique ability to wield the Falchion effectively.
Supporting Characters
1. Frederick
- Class: Great Knight
- Strengths: High defense and damage output. He is an excellent tank that can absorb hits for squishier units.
- Weaknesses: Limited mobility due to his heavy armor class can restrict his positioning on the battlefield.
- Tips: Use Frederick to protect weaker characters and control the battlefield. Pair him with faster units to cover his weaknesses.
2. Cordelia
- Class: Pegasus Knight
- Strengths: High speed and resistance, making her effective against magic users. Cordelia can fly over obstacles, providing tactical advantages.
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable to bows and can struggle against well-defended enemies.
- Tips: Use her mobility to flank and hit vulnerable targets. Pair her with characters who can cover her weaknesses against archers.
3. Tharja
- Class: Dark Mage (can promote to Sorcerer)
- Strengths: High magic and resistance stats make her a strong offensive unit. Her dark magic can deal significant damage.
- Weaknesses: Low defense makes her susceptible to physical attacks.
- Tips: Position Tharja behind tanky units to protect her while she unleashes powerful spells.
Character Relationships and Supports
A unique feature of Fire Emblem Awakening is the support system, which allows characters to build relationships through conversations that affect gameplay. These relationships can enhance combat effectiveness through support bonuses and can lead to character pairings that influence the next generation of heroes.
Building Supports
- Pairing Characters: To maximize the effectiveness of your team, consider pairing characters that have strong bonds. For example, Chrom and Robin have a special relationship that boosts their stats when fighting together.
- Support Conversations: Engage in support conversations between characters to unlock new skills and bonuses. Pay attention to the characters' personalities for optimal pairings.
- A and S Ranks: Aim for A and S rank supports to unlock unique conversations and potential marriages that yield children characters with inherited skills.
Notable Pairings
1. Chrom and Robin
- This pairing is powerful due to their natural synergy and strong growth rates.
2. Frederick and Cordelia
- This pair offers a solid combination of tanking and high damage output, allowing for effective team strategies.
3. Kellam and Nowi
- This pairing can yield a strong child unit while balancing magical and physical strengths.
Character Development and Classes
In Fire Emblem Awakening, characters can change classes and develop skills through a unique system. Understanding how to manage class progression can significantly impact gameplay.
Class Changing
- Second Seals: Obtain Second Seals to allow characters to change their class. This can enhance their abilities and open up new tactical options.
- Master Seals: Use Master Seals to promote characters to more advanced classes, significantly boosting their stats and unlocking new skills.
Skill Inheritance
As characters marry and have children, they pass down skills. Here are some tips for effective skill inheritance:
- Choose Skills Wisely: Select skills that complement each character's strengths. For instance, passing down skills that boost critical hit chances can benefit characters who rely on high damage output.
- Balance Offspring: Consider the strengths and weaknesses of both parents to create well-rounded children with a mix of abilities.
Final Tips for Managing Your Characters
1. Level Up Strategically: Use experience points wisely. Focus on leveling characters who will be pivotal later in the game.
2. Utilize Terrain: Position characters on advantageous terrain for bonuses. Utilize flying characters to navigate difficult landscapes.
3. Monitor Weapon Durability: Keep an eye on weapon durability, especially for characters like Robin and Tharja, who rely heavily on magical attacks.
4. Engage in Side Quests: Complete side quests to level up characters and unlock new supports. This can provide crucial experience and resources.
Conclusion
The Fire Emblem Awakening Character Guide highlights the diverse personalities and tactical options available within the game. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each character, as well as how relationships and class changes work, is essential to mastering the game. Whether you opt for a powerful frontline fighter like Chrom or a versatile tactician like Robin, each character brings something unique to the battlefield. By utilizing this guide, players can forge stronger bonds and develop their characters to face the challenges ahead effectively. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the main characters in Fire Emblem: Awakening?
The main characters include Chrom, Robin, Lucina, Frederick, and Lissa, each playing a crucial role in the story and gameplay.
What is the best class for Robin in Fire Emblem: Awakening?
Robin is versatile and can excel in multiple classes, but many players prefer Sorcerer for its powerful magic and skills, or Grandmaster for a balanced approach.
How can I obtain the best weapons in Fire Emblem: Awakening?
The best weapons can be obtained through story progression, side quests, or by completing the 'Future Past' DLC chapters, where you can find legendary weapons.
What are the benefits of pairing characters in Fire Emblem: Awakening?
Pairing characters increases their support levels, boosts stats, and can unlock powerful offensive and defensive abilities in battles.
Which characters have the best support conversations?
Characters like Chrom and Robin, Lucina and Chrom, and Frederick and Lissa have some of the most engaging and impactful support conversations.
How does the marriage system work in Fire Emblem: Awakening?
The marriage system allows characters to form bonds that enhance their abilities and create children who can join the fight in later chapters.
What are some recommended strategies for leveling characters in Fire Emblem: Awakening?
Utilize skirmishes, pair up characters for shared experience, and focus on using characters in battles they are strong against to maximize leveling efficiency.
Are there any hidden characters in Fire Emblem: Awakening?
Yes, characters like the children of the main cast can be considered hidden characters, as they only appear after certain conditions are met, such as the marriage of their parents.
