With a little more than a month to go before Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave releases for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo released a Direct dedicated to the newest entry in this beloved tactics series. The 22 minute presentation covered what players can expect when traversing the continent of Dagda.
Warning: For anyone who is looking forward to the game and its story (being as “unspoiled” as possible), I would recommend not watching the Direct and not reading this article. In previous trailers, it has been established that Fortune’s Weave is connected to Fire Emblem: Three Houses (and technically Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes). Today’s Direct further confirmed more details, especially if you have an eagle eye and a good ear. Some screenshots used in this article contain additional information concerning the storylines for each of the Four Heroes that was briefly seen in today’s Direct.
Today’s Direct about Fortune’s Weave confirmed a number of speculations from fans ever since the announcement trailer for the game closed out Nintendo’s September 2025 Direct. As well as giving a rundown of what features new and returning players can expect as they unravel the stories behind Cai, Dietrich, Theodora, and Leda.
First, Fortune’s Weave will “start” off in the capital city of Dagsion (within the Dagdan Empire) in 1449. This places it hundreds of years after the events of Three Houses and Three Hopes (previously there was speculation that Fortune’s Weave could be a prequel to either of these two games). The focus during this portion of the game will be following any of the Four Heroes: Cai, Dietrich, Theodora, and Leda. As from the press release issued after today’s Direct:
- Cai – From the peaceful village of Ribeira, Cai sets out with his childhood friends to win the Heroic Games and save his imprisoned father.
- Dietrich – Washing ashore after an attack from an enormous monster, Dietrich decides to slake his thirst for battle by competing in the Heroic Games with new allies at his side.
- Theodora – Hailing from the kingdom of Saramis, Theodora leads her veteran retainers into battle to restore the honor of her goddess – the loathed Keeper of Death and Night – and defend the peace of her kingdom.
- Leda – Born into prestige and blessed with musical talent, Leda gives up everything to seek revenge against her father’s murderer. With companions in tow, she enters the Heroic Games after learning that the killer will be fighting as well …
Once again, there will be multiple routes. Though, compared to Three Houses, it will be much easier to jump around in-between these routes. A feature called the Pale Raven’s Perch within the Dagsion hub will be available. It will allow players to play each of the Four Heroes’ stories in parallel to one another (if one chooses to do so). Progress will be saved for each route when utilizing this feature. Something to note is that in this Direct is the menu for this feature includes a short summary and title for each of the Four Heroes (giving more information to where they fit into the story of Fortune’s Weave). Strengths is also listed for each of these character, giving a players a quick look at what weapons and tactics a character is more suited to. And, lastly, there is an input via the plus-button for “Flame Lord Info”. There has been no mention of this character yet in any official media for the game.
While playing as any of the Four Heroes, the end goal is to get through the Heroic Games and secure victory. Between matches, players will get to decide how they want to train and build out their team for the route(s) selected. This can be done within the Dagsion hub and outside of Dagsion via a world map feature.
Dagsion itself will be similar to Garreg Mach Monestaery in Three Houses. There will be different areas where you can train allies, purchase weapons and more, acquire buffs for battle, change classes, recruit more characters to join your team, build support between characters, and more. Though sadly a fishing spot wasn’t showcased. The following areas were highlighted during the Direct and mentioned in the press release:
- Arena – Train here to improve your skills, which can allow you to learn new moves and wield stronger weapons. On match days, you can watch battles between other participants to gain intel on your opponents.
- Shopping Arcade – Here you can purchase weapons and tools or enhance weapons using materials you’ve collected.
- Temple Row – Volunteer at temples here to acquire a blessing usable in battle, such as a temporary stat buff, damage reduction and more.
- Certification Exams – Speak to an exam proctor to obtain a new class for one of your units. Success is not guaranteed, so ensure they have the necessary skills before applying.
- Quests – Complete quests from townsfolk by the given deadline to receive in-game rewards. You never know who might ask for your help.
- Recruit – Add powerful warriors you meet to your ranks. They may turn you away at first, but giving gifts or sharing a meal may win them over.
- Inns – Rest, eat, and use turns to gain experience and gather materials automatically. Characters may also converse and show their support to each other here.
But wait, there’s more! Players will also be able to traverse the Dadgan continent. Time will pass as you visit towns, gather intel, run into random encounters (skirmishes), explore dungeons, and more. Within dungeons, you can encounter beasts and enemies. Instead of entering a typical battle for a Fire Emblem game, battles will be turn-based and are referred to as clashes in-game.
A rundown of how combat via matches in the Heroic Games and some encounters on the world map was also presented. Everything from battle basics, to different weapons and tactics (confirming the gun spotted in the announcement trailer is being classified as a gauntlet weapon), available classes and class progression (going from Beginner to Specialty to Advanced), confirmation on reverting back to previous turns via a time traveling mechanic (called Fortuna’s Blessing in Fortune’s Weave), and explaining the newly added Blaze Arts.
From the press release:
Classes, Combat and More – For all four paths, achieving victory will see you face fierce foes no matter where or when you take up arms.
- Classes – A unit’s abilities, weapons and movement range can drastically change depending on their class, with various categories to choose from:
- Beginner – There are five Beginner Classes, each dedicated to playing a foundational role in combat. They include gladiators who excel in handling weapons, diviners who wield magic, ornius riders with increased movement range and more.
- Specialty – There are over 10 Specialty Classes, each with specific abilities. Armored knights offer ironclad defense, wing soldiers can leap obstacles and cover long distances, charioteers can strike multiple enemies in a straight line, and more.
- Advanced – These classes are masters of their skills. Cataphracts have the mobility of horses and are heavily armored; guardians are skilled with white magic and spears; and elephant riders fight astride their giant mounts, to name a few.
- Means of Attack – In battle, units can employ various weaponry, including swords, gauntlets that aid in evasion, spears that can massively damage cavalry units, axes with low accuracy but high attack power, bows that strike at a distance, and magic which is effective against heavily armored foes and can heal or otherwise support allies. There are also swords that call down lightning, gauntlets that look like firearms and other unique weapons to find.
- Positioning – On the battlefield, positioning is key. Avoid potential counterattacks by attacking enemies who wield close-range weapons from a distance, and long-range opponents up close. Terrain can also be an advantage, and adjacent allies can receive buffs. Assess the situation and control the battle in your favor.
- Combat and Blaze Arts – Combat arts are attacks unleashed at the expense of weapon durability. There are attacks with greater power, longer range or other advantageous effects, so use them in decisive moments. Blaze Arts are special moves that can turn the tide of battle at the cost of a Hero’s health points. For example, Cai releases a burst of flames in a wide area; Dietrich’s ink-black cloak can warp him to locations on the battlefield; Leda plays her vihuela to buff allies, summon a powerful monster and more.
- Fortuna’s Blessing – After each move, you can turn back time to any previous point in battle. You are free to rethink your strategy if things don’t go as planned, or a favored unit is routed unexpectedly.
Of all the new classes featured, Elephant Rider was the standout as it’ll be the first time any sort of war elephant class is in a Fire Emblem game. Plus, of all the characters to show using the class, Anna was chosen. (Anna is a reoccurring character in the series appearing in all but two games.)
After getting the core gameplay established, Nintendo did reveal what was teased and speculated about – a time jump. And thus setting the stage for the mysterious playable character Eshmel and how Sothis fits into Fortune’s Weave.
It’s 1454 in Dagsion and the capital is a wreck. Dagda may face its end due to the revival of the demon god, Balor. The Four Heroes have vanished, so who will save the world? Sothis, in her adult form, is shown calling upon a soul. Referred to as “the story’s true protagonist” in this Direct, Eshmel is Fortune’s Weave’s playable character that will help decide the fate of the world (and will have male and female character options, similar to previously released Fire Emblem games where a playable character was implemented).
As Eshmel, players can face Balor on their own or get assistance from the Goddess of Fate, Fortuna. With her time traveling ability, players can have Eshmel go back in time to “change the fate” of the Four Heroes (Cai, Dietrich, Theodora, and Leda). It is implied that it’s possible to recruit all Four Heroes. Which means, there’s a chance for multiple endings concerning the game (going alone as Eshmel, recruiting only one of the Four Heroes, etc.).
In addition to more details about the game, more Fire Emblem content is being added to the Nintendo Music and Nintendo Today! apps. Currently 10 tracks from Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is available to listen to. As for Nintendo Today! a Fire Emblem theme will be available tomorrow and more information will be released about the game leading up to its release. Plus, fans can look forward to an Ask the Developer article releasing next month on September 15th.
Lastly, one thing that didn’t make the Direct or the press release, is DLC. The ESRB rating for Fortune’s Weave is T for Teen and lists the following reasons as to why: fantasy violence, use of alcohol, mild language, suggestive themes, and in-game purchases. Between that and the lack of amiibo support, be ready for more news about Fortune’s Weave later this year or next year.
Screenshot from the Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Dagdan Collection listing on Nintendo’s site. The T for Teen rating is due to fantasy violence, use of alcohol, mild language, suggestive themes, and in-game purchases.
No doubt the Direct will be analyzed in the coming days concerning new and old characters, areas on the world map, items, weapons, and more. So much was pulled from trailers under three minutes long and now with over 22 minutes of footage available, it’s inevitable. As well as looking into Irish mythology given some of the names shared today (Balor, for instance). That alone will help fans pass the time before Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave releases only on Nintendo Switch 2 on Thursday, September 17th. Pre-orders are available at retailers and via the Nintendo eShop (digital copies are priced $10 less than the standard physical release). Plus, additional copies of the Collector’s Edition were made available for pre-purchase via Nintendo’s online store. A surprise given how fast the initial pre-orders sold out back in June.
GALLERY
Written by Jennifer Burch
Illustrator, designer, writer and big Nintendo geek, you can find Jennifer with an N3DS within reach 24/7. As the oldest of three, she has survived many Mario Party, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart sessions intact in addition to getting her brothers hooked on some really weird games. (Cubivore anyone?)
