Fates: Birthright

Choose your blood over your bonds in the war between Hoshido and Nohr.

Birthright is one of three distinct story paths in Fire Emblem Fates for the Nintendo 3DS, developed by Intelligent Systems and released internationally in 2016. In this route, the customizable protagonist Corrin chooses to support their birthplace, Hoshido, against their adopted home, Nohr. Unlike previous entries that offered a single linear narrative, Fates splits into three versions: Birthright and Conquest as physical releases, with Revelation arriving later as downloadable content. This path is generally regarded by reviewers as the ideal starting point for new players entering the series, offering a more traditional experience compared to its counterparts.

Quick Facts

Protagonist: Corrin
Game: Fire Emblem Fates
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Path type: Standard Campaign

Lore & Background

The overarching conflict begins when Corrin is unwillingly drawn into a war between the Kingdoms of Hoshido, their birthplace, and Nohr, where they were raised. In Birthright, the Avatar rallies against the forces that took them as a child to fight for their biological family. The story centers on the tension of fighting against adoptive siblings Xander, Camilla, Leo, and Elise, who wield the Legendary Weapons of Nohr: Siegfried and Brynhildr. The narrative follows the Avatar alongside key figures like Azura, a member of the Nohrian royal family who was kidnapped by Hoshido, and Hoshidan siblings Ryoma, Takumi, Hinoka, and Sakura. The war is ultimately driven by the true mastermind behind the conflict, Anankos, ruler of Valla.

Reader's Guide

Birthright is designed for players seeking a more traditional tactical role-playing experience with opportunities to gain extra gold and experience per completed map. Gameplay revolves around moving units across a grid-based battlefield where turns alternate between player and enemy actions. The weapon triangle in Fates differs from previous titles: swords and magic defeat axes and bows; axes and bows best lances and hidden weapons; and lances and hidden weapons overpower swords and magic.

Unlike earlier games, weapons do not break due to durability (except staves), though stronger weapons may lower user stats, such as the Brave Sword allowing double attacks while reducing defense. Players can utilize Seals to change or evolve classes, including the new Partner Seal for spouses and Friendship Seal for best friends. The My Castle feature allows players to build a base, run farms, cook food with positive or negative effects, and interact with characters in personal quarters.

Did You Know?

Birthright is generally viewed by critics as a good starting place for new players due to its balanced gameplay.
Amiibo support allows four characters from Super Smash Bros. (Marth, Ike, Robin, and Lucina) to be recruited as allies after talking to them three times in My Castle.
The new Phoenix mode revives fallen units on the following player turn, distinct from Classic Mode's permanent death.