Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Review: A Massive, Repetitive Epic

Key points

• Released September 17, 2026, on Nintendo Switch 2, developed by Intelligent Systems.
• Features a three-act structure: four parallel character routes, a war segment, and a final campaign against the underworld lord Balor.
• Players can switch between the four main protagonists (Cai, Theodora, Dietrich, Leda) and merge their progress into a unified team.
• Game Informer awarded an 8.75/10, praising the story and combat but criticizing repetitive dungeons and side quests.
• The game takes over 130 hours to complete, with significant time spent on repetitive tasks and resource management.

Background

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave is the latest entry in Nintendo's tactical RPG series, following Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Fire Emblem Engage. It is set in the continent of Dagda, south of Fódlan, and features a Romanesque-inspired setting with gladiatorial combat. The game was previously noted for its extensive voice cast and the inclusion of gun-wielding characters, a first for the series. It was also reported that the game initially planned for eight protagonists before being reduced to four, with a fifth character, Eshmel, added to unify the narratives.

How outlets are covering it

Game Informer praised the game's ambitious scope, memorable characters, and excellent strategy battles, but criticized the repetitive nature of dungeons and side quests, noting that the game can feel like a chore to complete. The Verge highlighted the game's open-ended structure, allowing players to tailor their experience and merge stats from multiple routes, calling it their favorite Switch 2 game so far. CNET appreciated the narrative depth and character backstories but found the game too long and repetitive, noting that they lost interest after about 20 hours. Nintendo's developer interview emphasized the game's focus on how people choose to lead their lives, with the four protagonists' stories converging into a single narrative in the final act.

Why it matters

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave represents a significant shift in the series, moving away from the academy-focused structure of Three Houses to a more open-ended, multi-protagonist narrative. Its success or failure will likely influence the future direction of the Fire Emblem series and Nintendo's approach to tactical RPGs. The game's length and complexity may also impact player engagement and completion rates, potentially affecting the game's long-term popularity.

What to watch

Players who have not yet started Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave may want to consider the game's length and repetitive nature before committing. Those who enjoy deep character development and strategic combat may find the game rewarding, but should be prepared for a significant time investment. Nintendo may also release additional content or updates for the game in the future, potentially addressing some of the criticisms regarding repetition and length.