As with many Nintendo games out there, Fire Emblem doesn’t just have linear releases. Instead, there are other games in the franchise that don’t require you to know all of the lore or even the mechanics as they differ so much.

For example, we have Fire Emblem: Three Houses which is different from Fire Emblem Heroes, which is completely unlike Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes. Now, with Fire Emblem Engage, many are wondering if it is a mainline game or another spin-off with new features for the series. This guide answers that very question so you can be aware of what’s in store for you.

Is Fire Emblem Engage A Mainline Game Or A Spin-Off?¶

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Alear in !Fire Emblem Enage

If you’re planning on getting stuck into Engage and are wondering if you’ll need to brush up on your Fire Emblem lore before, then the answer is yes, because it is a mainline game. Engage is no Warriors or Heroes, it’s a fully-fledged entry in the main series, so buckle up for some scintillating turn-based strategy.

With Engage, it takes the total number of mainline Fire Emblem games to seventeen, dating back all the way to the Famicom in 1990. So, if you’ve played any of these, you’ll likely be at an advantage to those that are entering the franchise with this new title. Naturally, Fire Emblem Engage will feature many a character from all seventeen mainline iterations so you’ll likely see a few familiar faces if you choose to pick it up.

However, if Engage is your first Fire Emblem title, don’t fret as the game will unveil a bunch of different aspects lore-wise, as well as taking you through the core mechanics of the series with the usual tutorials. It will also introduce you to each character and have a story of its own right, meaning you technically don’t have to play any of the earlier entries to understand what’s going on.