While Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave allows players to finish the game after only a single route, embarking on a second playthrough significantly eases the path to victory, particularly by enhancing character recruitment and overall progression. This approach is beneficial for tackling the game's demanding final campaign against Balor.
The Value of Replay
Upon completing any route, starting a new one carries over accumulated map progress, allowing players to access all previously discovered locations and their associated vendors from the outset. Furthermore, subquests completed in a prior playthrough are automatically cleared, granting a lump sum of gold, renown, and other rewards for each chapter. This consistent influx of resources simplifies the early stages of subsequent routes, making it easier to manage finances and acquire better equipment. While most subquests reset, Leda's "Monster in the Night" quest is an exception due to plot requirements.
This replayability offers a substantial advantage in recruiting new characters. Many potential allies require a renown level of seven or higher. The increased gold and renown gained from cleared subquests in a second route expedite reaching these recruitment thresholds. Characters like Cai offer additional "kindness" quests that further boost gold and renown acquisition, providing a distinct edge for those prioritizing character collection.
Impact on Character Progression
Recruiting characters earlier in a playthrough allows for more extensive training, which is crucial for their development. The game's unique character system aggregates the stats of a character across all played routes. This means that a character recruited earlier and trained more thoroughly in one route will contribute a stronger base to their final, amalgamated version. This is especially important for the expansive and challenging Act 3, where a well-developed roster is essential for overcoming numerous difficult battles.
Image: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo via Polygon
The benefits of playing multiple routes extend beyond mere convenience. The consistent rewards and accelerated recruitment process ensure players are better equipped to face the game's escalating challenges. By leveraging the carry-over mechanics and resource bonuses from previous playthroughs, players can cultivate a more powerful and versatile army, thereby increasing their chances of success in the climactic final confrontation.