Fire Emblem Engage Round-Up; Compiled Gameplay Information, Screenshots, Character Coverage & More

December 10, 2022January 19, 2023 Orpheus Joshua

Nintendo has been sharing gameplay-related information for their upcoming tactical JRPG, Fire Emblem Engage, via their official English and Japanese Twitter accounts ever since the title was first announced on September 13, 2022.

Information pertaining to gameplay and related systems will be summated here, as we’ve primarily provided coverage for character-centric reveals. Further, we have compiled every screenshot shared by the Twitter accounts of Nintendo of Japan and Nintendo of America.

For coverage regarding the already-revealed non-Emblem characters’ personalities, kingdoms, relationships, and correlative general gameplay details, this article’s conclusion contains a list of labeled hyperlinks to those instances, alongside other points, like the Expansion Pass cosmetics. Japanese character clips are also contained within those aforementioned links.

The Emblem characters’ gameplay capabilities are discussed in this article, as we have never specified those before. Sourced links are also granted for convenience.

We will continue to update this article in the future to reflect incoming news.

The following points comprise information sourced from tweets published by Nintendo of America:

Firstly, the weapon tree was established, which illustrates the affinity relationships the three weapon types have with each other.

Swords > Axes
Axes > Lances
Lances > Swords

Moreover, arts possess an advantage over bows, tomes, and knives. By attacking an enemy while boasting a weapon advantage, the Break status can be inflicted. This effect is particularly advantageous since Broken units can’t counterattack until after their next strike.

The protagonist, Alear, as well as other characters, can equip Rings to borrow the power of Emblems, who are characters from past games in the franchise. Stats are enhanced, and uniquely powerful abilities can be activated when utilizing them.

Further, characters equipped with these rings can titularly engage, or merge, with the Emblem characters. Engage Weapons, Engage Skills, and Engage Attacks can be triggered while in this state.

Emblems have two sets of skills, Sync and Engage. The former is passive, activating just by having the ring equipped sans merge, while the latter type unlocks when Engaged with an Emblem. The Engage state lasts three turns, with a filled meter in the UI allowing for its occurrence. Said meter can be refilled via combat. As a result, the best utilizations of Engage are highly dependent on context.

The following points comprise information sourced from tweets published by Nintendo of Japan. Note that official localization terms may differ in some cases:

This story occurs in the Elyos, a continent made up of a singular holy land and four prominent kingdoms. The battle between a malevolent being known as the Fell Dragon and humanity from 1,000 years ago signals the beginning of this tale.

This game’s protagonist and Divine Dragon, Alear, was in a deep slumber in the Holy Land of Lythos for 1,000 years after the Fell Dragon was sealed. However, when they finally awaken, they seemingly have a form of amnesia since they can’t recall any information about their life. Guardians have protected Lythos for generations, and the current ones seeing Alear awaken is naturally surprising.

The protagonist’s mother, Lumiere, protected Alear before seemingly perishing when unknown assailants arrived. She imparted them with the mission of gathering the rings to achieve peace. Now, “Aberrant” soldier creatures have spawned, ruthlessly attacking others, supposedly related to the Fell Dragon’s incoming revival. The Fell Dragon rose from the land of Gradlon 1,000 years ago, but the Rings and Divine Dragon have since sealed it to the seabed.

Units can benefit from the Battle Style stated on their status screen, with “Dragon, Cavalry, Mystical, Qi Adept, Backup, Armored, Flying, and Covert” explicitly stated. Further, these Styles are tied to the characters’ Classes, such as Alear’s initial class of “Divine Dragon Child” using the Dragon Battle Style, which hosts beneficial effects while in the Engaged state.

Cavalry users boast exceptional mobility, enabling impressively ranged movement.

Magic users will ignore enemies’ terrain benefits, likely allowing for offensive strategies.

Flying users are weak to bow-wielders, but their movement wholly negates terrain restrictions. Additionally, they can pass over tiles that can’t be walked across.

Backup users will participate in an attack on an enemy unit if an allied unit initiates it from nearby.

Covert users gain double the benefits from terrain, such as being more difficult to hit while in bushes.

Emblem Qi will spawn on specific parts of the maps, and concluding a turn on or performing an action while standing on these tiles will instantly charge the Engage gauge in its entirety.

Treasure chests and be found and opened when a unit is close enough. It appears that anyone, regardless of Class/Style, can open them. Enemies who happen to procure the contents of a treasure chest can be defeated before they flee to gain that item.

The daggers used by Thieves can inflict poison, which increases the amount of damage the afflicted receive. However, being hit with a dagger while poisoned will make the poison even more potent. Only antitoxins and staves can remedy this ailment.

Doors can be destroyed simply by attacking them. Alternatively, thieves can unlock them when close by, enabling swifter map traversal.

The staves used by the Monk class provide various beneficial effects, such as healing and impeding enemy movement with obstacles. However, they’re finite.

Emblem Marth is highly agile. He can enhance your evasion/lower enemy accuracy (one or the other). His weapon, while Engaged, is highly effective against Armored and Cavalry units. His Engage Skill enables an additional attack to be dealt. His Engage Attack deals considerable damage and is amplified when utilized by a Draconic member, like Alear.

Emblem Sigurd is highly mobile, and his Engage weapon is strong against Cavalry units. He’s powerful, working well with healers and Armored units. His Sync Skill allows for an additional instance of movement after attacking. Further, his Engage Skill grants 5 extra tiles of movement, with 7 total for Cavalry units. His Engage attack is effective against enemies in a line formation.

Emblem Celica utilizes magic, making her ideal for Mystical users. She’s also effective against “Aberrant” enemies. In fact, her Sync Skill can deflect some damage dealt by “Aberrants.” Further, her Engage weapon devastates “Aberrant” enemies. Her Engage Skill divides magic attacks into two usages. This does weaken their damage output. Although, it can be used in several scenarios, such as taking out two enemies whose health gauges are low. Her Engage Attack, which is pretty wild, teleports the playable unit to distant foes, unleashing a potent magic strike. This ignores any present terrain effects, and Flying Battle Style users can move an additional 5 tiles.

Emblem Byleth raises the stats of allied units. His Syncro Skill lets his user attempt another attack if their initial one misses. His Engage Weapon appears to be Battle Style-dependent, making it multi-faceted. For example, Mystical units gain two additional tiles of attacking range. Adding on to his context-dependency, his Engage Skill will raise allies’ stats depending on the user’s Battle Style. Lastly, his Engage Attack can let four nearby allies move again while enhancing their stats.

Emblem Corrin is supportive, utilizing buffs and debuffs, as well as impacting the terrain and enemy turns. Her Syncro Skill alters the effects of the terrain depending on the user’s Battle Style. As an example, Flying units spawn tiles with healing effects. However, Dragon units appear to have the choice of any terrain type they desire. Her Engage Weapon reverses the weapon affinity triangle, meaning it should be used with care. Corrin’s Engage Skill prevents the movement of enemies who are one tile away. Lastly, her Engage Attack fires a shot across three tiles, then instills those same tiles with effects that lower enemy evasion.

Emblem Lyn is incredibly offensive, both for close-ranged and long-ranged users. If the user’s speed eclipses the enemy unit, Lyn’s Syncro Skill allows another attack to be performed before the enemy can counterattack. Her Engage Weapon boasts an immense critical rate. Her Engage Skill summons four duplicates of herself nearby that can become decoys to lure enemies away; plus, they can participate in an attack the user initiates, seemingly similar to the Backup style. Lastly, her Engage Attack fires five arrows from quite a distance, with Covert units gaining an astonishing additional 10-tile range.

Emblem Roy has offense and defense that are balanced for the frontlines of battle. His Syncro Skill passively activates, letting him survive a fatal blow if his health beforehand was at least 30% full. Further, like Corrin, his Engage Weapon reverses the affinities of the weapon triangle. Next, his Engage Skill temporarily amplifies his stats by increasing his level. Lastly, his Engage Attack is a horizontal maneuver covering three tiles, manifesting a barrier of fire halting enemy approaches. Those of the Dragon Battle Style can benefit from a three-tile increase of range as well, resulting in six tiles.

Units can be conversed with during combat if the Talk icon is present and the controlled unit during the turn is close by. It’s encouraged to Talk as often as possible for gameplay benefits like allies joining. Plus, depending on the context and involved characters, a specific unit will be needed to converse.

All characters can equip any Ring the player desires, which can be outfitted prior to a battle.

When preparing for a battle, ally positions can be altered. Further, terrain info, foes’ strength, and other factors can be checked.

Villages will be present on battlefields at points. Choosing to inform the citizenry of danger prior to enemies attacking them will grant players items and currency.

The terrain has a range of effects. Bushes are used as an example, requiring greater movement when moving away from them but enabling greater evasion from enemies.

The Emblems within the Rings can be conversed with in their hub room.

Skill Inheritance has been introduced, letting units inherit skills from Emblems if enough SP is available. This resource is earned by growing closer to the character and fighting with them. Further, these inherited skills can still be used if the Ring housing the respective Emblem is not equipped.

Performing battles alongside Emblem characters shall accumulate Bond experience, gradually heightening the Bond Level. Stat increases, and brand-new skills are learned as the Bond Level is raised.

Bond Shards found throughout the game are used to craft Bond Rings, which increase stats. Duplicates can be merged for stronger iterations.

After battles conclude, the environment can be explored to converse with units, discover items, and gain Bond Shards.

An item called the Dragon’s Time Crystal will turn back time to a previous point in the battle to remedy mistakes.

The Training Area was introduced, letting players grind experience in mock battles with allies. However, opponents are random, and standard training can only be performed so many times.

Alternatively, Special Training, unlocked via spending Bond Fragments, provides battles against specific Emblems. Attempts here are unlimited.

At the Cafeteria, where many allies are conversable, there is also a Jukebox that alters the music that players in the Somniel.

Conversation in the Somniel has been emphasized as a worthwhile pastime.

The Rings housing the Emblems can be polished after battle to strengthen bond levels.

Those embodying the Martial Arts Battle Style can protect nearby allies from damage if the user is at max health. The protected ally will receive no damage, but the protector will lose up to 20% of their health.

Weapon ranges are emphasized, with counterattacking impossible for units whose range is one tile. However, bow wielders are unable to counterattack against close foes despite their range eclipsing a singular tile.

At the Notice Board in the Somniel, players can invest in countries and view prior achievements. To elaborate, gold is used for investment, and reaching thresholds will heighten the country’s corresponding level while also granting rewards. Other benefits of investment are that rarer enemies and materials will spawn when battling and exploring, respectively. Achievements comprise Bond Fragments earned from performing a multitude of feats.

The Somniel will have fast travel, with ally unit details and locations also viewable. Further, Somniel information can be accessed in the main menu while in the hub.

The chef at the Somniel can cook dishes to be shared amongst Alear and their allies. Stat boosts will occur if the dish’s quality is great, and allies’ support values will be enhanced. Further, if the dish is excellent, a bento may be received afterward, allowing players to eat them during battle to restore health.

When exploring the Somniel, players can sometimes pick up glowing items that can be gifted to allies to heighten bond levels.

By possessing an item known as a Master Seal, units can be promoted to stronger Class variations, granting higher stats and more weapon variety. Alternatively, Second Seals can alter one’s Class to another in the same tier. Further, changing to a different Class requires Talent, which illustrates the Classes a Unit has a natural talent for. Talents can also be passed down from Emblems onto units lacking it, allowing them to utilize a Class they would normally not be able to.

At the Smithy, currency and materials are used to enhance weaponry. Additionally, Emblems can become engraved onto a singular weapon of your choosing, boosting their capabilities. Still, the chosen weapons can be altered.

Allied units and Emblems can converse if their Bond Level is high enough. Then, once the scene concludes, their Bond Level will heighten further. In combat, if allied units heal each other and fight close together, their Support values shall increase, initiating Support Conversations. Support Values will increase even more after these scenes conclude, and the involved units will gain substantially greater bonuses when next to each other.

The world map was officially introduced, letting players traverse to chapters and the Somniel hub.

Wielders of larger weapons are forced to go second in combative exchanges, but they’re guaranteed to cause a Smash, also pushing the enemy a tile back. Additionally, the impacted unit colliding with terrain or another unit will cause a Break, though both effects can’t occur simultaneously.

The tip of the Somniel houses Trials comprising online and offline challenges. The offline-only battles are consecutive, occurring across various maps, with experience being granted to participating units alongside materials. Alternatively, the online-only trials have players cooperate to complete a map, with the one in control swapping each turn. Another online trial mode lets players upload maps they’ve crafted with placed units, enabling combat with other players’ units.

Paralogues have been introduced, accessible from the world map. These battles are optional, but it’s encouraged to take them on as the rewards can be quite beneficial, such as gaining new allies.

Units who embody the Armored Class can’t be broken by weapons they are disadvantageous to. Their stats make them ideal for protecting fragile units, but they’re especially weak against magic.

Fog of War is a map effect that disrupts visibility. Bonfires and torches can light the way, however, as well as the abilities of Emblem Micaiah.

The three difficulty options are Normal, Hard, and Lunatic, with self-explanatory entry points dependent on the player’s level of skill. Moreover, Classic and Causal playstyles have returned, with the former permanently killing characters if they fall in battle, while the latter has all units live regardless.

Animals found throughout the world can be sheltered at the Somniel where they can graze and roam, eventually dropping materials like food. Additionally, utilizing the previously introduced country investments, players will be able to increase how many animals they can house.

Seadall can perform fortune telling, revealing various facets about your allies.

Alear can participate in Strength Training, of which there are three types. Specific stats are enhanced based on the chosen exercise.

When fishing, timing is crucial for success. Players must be attentive when fish bite, pulling the left stick while watching their movements.

When doing the Wyvern Riding minigame, players must shoot down targets while flying around the Somniel. A favorable strategy comprises targeting the crystals that impact others in the vicinity.

When resting in the protagonist’s room, time can be passed, with one of many allies able to wake them up after.

The Flea Market at the Somniel allows players to buy rare items not commonly found in other shops. The selection will also alter over time.

The Profile Card menu contains gameplay records and communication elements that be seen and received online. The more cards users receive from other players, the more elements will be implemented. Further, the image used on the card is taken by the player via a Photo Mode, with various avenues of customization, including the location, accessories, and poses.

Spirits of the Dead may appear on maps when connected to the internet, comprising the battle history of players who have fought in the same locale. Interacting with them will grant experience and items.

Further, being connected to the internet will allow players to view the units and Emblems that were used to win a particular battle, letting potential strategies bloom.

In previously visited areas, optional battles can be fought for additional rewards.

English voice-acted cutscenes of the Emblem iterations of Marth and Celica were shared, viewable below:

Here's a conversation between Emblem Celica and Alear. She seems to be lending a hand for the cause of peace. #FireEmblem pic.twitter.com/XMAFC0uMQG

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) October 25, 2022

Here's a conversation between Emblem Marth and Alear. It seems like Marth was watching over Alear the entire time that they slept. #FireEmblem pic.twitter.com/A8UManPuBo

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) October 23, 2022

A brief look at the hub, Somniel, was shared, viewable below:

Take a quick look around Somniel, Alear's home base in #FireEmblem Engage! Here you can shop, interact with your Emblems, and so much more! pic.twitter.com/KubJe4TfBN

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) October 22, 2022

Brief looks at Anna in combat alongside her English voice were showcased:

Anna starts as the Axe Fighter class. Her swings are fierce but leave her open to retaliation, so be especially careful when fighting sword-wielding foes. #FireEmblem pic.twitter.com/KUbSNUOZsI

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) December 27, 2022

Roughly nine minutes of English gameplay footage was shared via GameSpot and IGN:

An English trailer showcasing the Somniel hub is viewable below:

The following screenshots originate from Nintendo of America’s Twitter account:

The following screenshots all originate from the official Fire Emblem Japan Twitter account. Note that the zoomed-in shots were used to emphasize a specific gameplay element.

Pre-ordering the title from GameStop will grant a free Tarot Card Deck.

Famitsu’s January 18, 2023, issue has shared new artwork, viewable below:

Fire Emblem Engage is releasing for Nintendo Switch on January 20, 2023.

This game follows the new protagonist Alear after their mother, Lumiere, seemingly perishes and imparts them with the mission of utilizing special rings to bring peace to the world.

These rings summon notable heroes from other Fire Emblem titles, including fan favorites such as Lyn, Corrin, Marth, and Byleth. And aside from granting evident gameplay benefits and alterations, they also converse with the new Engage characters, acting as vehicles for potential growth.

Check out our review of Fire Emblem Warriors Three Hopes.

The title recently sold over 1 million units worldwide.

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