Should You Play the Fire Emblem Games in Order?

Should You Play the Fire Emblem Games in Order?
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When gamers think of iconic tactical JRPGs, many think of the Final Fantasy series. It’s been a front-running franchise since the early 1990s and continues pushing the genre forward with every new entry. However, with so many releases over the last 30 years, newcomers often have trouble figuring out what order they should play Fire Emblem to receive the full experience.

So, should you play the first game of fire emblem in order or jump into the modern releases? To answer this question and more, Fair Game Retro Video Games created a guide to teach you where to start in the Fire Emblem series.

Fair Game Retro Video Games is Sacramento, CA’s premier destination for retro gaming. Our selection of classic and modern video games, consoles, and accessories will help you relive the golden era of gaming while giving you a healthy dose of video game nostalgia. Whether you want to explore new titles or discover hidden retro favorites, Fair Game Retro Video Games is here for you.

The History of Fire Emblem

The Fire Emblem series started as a Japanese exclusive on the original NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) in 1990. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blades of Light quickly garnered a loyal following with its groundbreaking tactical gameplay and captivating storyline. Over the next 12 years, five sequels were released in Japan, with each entry innovating the series in unique ways.

However, Fire Emblem didn’t receive a worldwide release until 2003 with the Game Boy Advance exclusive Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade (simply called Fire Emblem outside Japan). The series became a worldwide cult sensation, gaining thousands of fans throughout Europe and the United States.

Since its first international release, Fire Emblem received eight additional entries (ten if you count each Fire Emblem Fates variation) and four spinoffs that continue to grow in popularity. However, many newcomers worry about becoming lost if they don’t start with the first entry. Unfortunately, obtaining the early Japanese exclusives and the rarer entries isn’t easy and can cost hundreds or more to purchase.

So, should you play the Fire Emblem games in order or start with the newest entry?

Where to Start the Fire Emblem Series

Figuring out where to start Fire Emblem isn’t easy since many didn’t release in the United States and haven’t received ports on modern consoles. For example, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is a GameCube exclusive and isn’t available on any other system. It also costs nearly $300 CIB (complete in box) and continues to rise in value.

Making matters worse, the early entries never received an English translation and are only available in Japanese. Although a few fan translations exist, most are poorly done and don’t do justice to the original versions.

Fortunately, most Fire Emblem games are stand-alone titles that don’t continue previous entries. They feature new storylines, characters, and more while maintaining Fire Emblem's iconic gameplay.

Where to Start the Fire Emblem Series by Console

So, should you play the Fire Emblem games in order? The answer is it depends on what video game consoles you have.

If you have a Nintendo Switch, it’s best to start the series in the following order.

  • Fire Emblem Warriors
  • Fire Emblem: Three Houses
  • Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
  • Fire Emblem Engage

The Switch also has several earlier entries available in its online store, allowing you to play the classics without purchasing the original games or hardware. It’s best to buy the earliest versions of the game and play them in order. Playing the early Fire Emblem games first will show you how the game’s progressed over the years and allow you to enjoy the new innovations.

However, if you still have a Nintendo DS or 3DS, start with Fire Emblem’s handheld releases. Fire Emblem Awakening is a favorite among fans and is a great starting point for the series. It’s hailed as one of the best, if not the best, Fire Emblem games and will help you decide if the franchise is worth your time.

Like the Nintendo Switch, the 3DS had many older Fire Emblem titles for sale in its online store. Some Japanese exclusives even received a rerelease for the DS and 3DS, allowing you to enjoy the early games without stressing your bank account.

Unfortunately, Nintendo shut down the 3DS eShop, making it difficult to find the digital titles.

If money isn’t an issue, start with the DS rerelease of the first Fire Emblem (Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon). The main character, Marth, plays a significant role in other titles, and the game features various quality-of-life enhancements. These enhancements include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Colored tiles for attack and movement
  • A weapon triangle
  • Online multiplayer
  • Class swap abilities

However, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon costs around $59 for cartridge only and $120 CIB. Although it’s arguably the best starting point in the series, many gamers don’t want to spend that kind of money just to enter the franchise.

Fire Emblem Games with Shared Storylines

Although most Fire Emblem games are stand-alone titles, some feature shared storylines with returning themes and characters. The series has six shared timelines that give players a better understanding of Fire Emblem’s unique universe.

Timeline of Jugdral, Valentia, and Archanea

The first and biggest shared storyline is the timeline of Jugdral, Archanea, and Valentia. These are fictional continents where various Fire Emblem stories take place. To experience the full timeline, play the following games in the order below.

  • Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War
  • Fire Emblem: Thracia 776
  • BS Fire Emblem
  • Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light
  • Fire Emblem Gaiden or Echoes: Shadow of Valentia (remake of Fire Emblem Gaiden)
  • Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem
  • Fire Emblem Awakening

It’s important to note that while all these games connect to each other, you can still play them as stand-alone titles without getting lost. Only one is a direct sequel (Mystery of the Emblem), making them all great entry points to the series.

Timeline of Elible

The timeline of Elible is a much shorter shared story and follows Eliwood and his son Roy. Play the following games in the order below to experience the timeline of Elible.

  • Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade
  • Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade

Unfortunately, only Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade received a United States release under the title Fire Emblem in 2003. It’s a prequel to The Binding Blade and was eventually renamed back to its original Japanese title after the release of Fire Emblem Heroes.

Timeline of Magvel

The timeline of Magvel is exceedingly unique since it’s completely separate from other Fire Emblem titles. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones is the only game in the timeline and features new characters and settings while staying within Fire Emblem’s iconic world.

Timeline of Tellius

The timeline of Tellius consists of two games:

  • Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
  • Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn

It’s one of the rare timelines featuring a direct sequel. Fire Emblem Path of Radiance follows a hero named Ike and his military, and Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn continues his journey through the Fire Emblem Universe. It’s best to play them in order to experience the full story, but both games are relatively rare and carry a high price tag.

Again, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance costs around $300 and is a GameCube exclusive. Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn’s price hovers around $159 and is only available on the Nintendo Wii. Although both are fantastic games, Nintendo hasn’t ported them to other consoles, requiring you to spend over $450 to experience the duology.

Timeline of Valla, Nohr, and Hoshido

The timeline of Valla, Nohr, and Hoshido consists of the Fire Emblem Fates trilogy and features three alternative storylines. Each story takes place simultaneously and gives players a unique experience with each playthrough. Play the following Fire Emblem games in the order below to enjoy the complete timeline.

  • Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright
  • Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest
  • Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation

Timeline of Fodlan

The timeline of Foldlan is the last shared timeline in the Fire Emblem series and features two games:

  • Fire Emblem: Three Houses
  • Fire Emblem: Three Hopes

What makes the timeline of Foldlan interesting is it somehow connects to the timeline of Jugdral, Valentia, and Archanea. However, the story doesn’t explain their connection.

Fire Emblem Games in Chronological Order

Although you can jump into Fire Emblem at any game, hardcore fans will recommend playing them in chronological order. Playing Fire Emblem chronologically is the best way to experience the franchise and understand the unique characters, settings, themes and different story. Although tracking each game down will take time and thousands of dollars, many dedicated fans believe it’s with the effort.

Below is every Fire Emblem game and the date of their release date.

Contact Fair Game Retro Video Games for All Your Retro Gaming Needs in Sacramento, CA

Next time you ask yourself, “Should you play the Fire Emblem games in Order?” contact Fair Game Retro Video Games. Our team will teach you the Fire Emblem game order and tell you the perfect game to jump into the series. 

Give Fair Game Retro Video Games a call at (916) 944-4263 and see what we can do for you today!

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