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The 10 Best Games Like Fire Emblem
What are the best games like Fire Emblem?
If you’ve just finished Fire Emblem: Three Houses, chances are you’re looking for a new game to play that captures the same magic.
While Fire Emblem as a series is unique in its own right, some other games have popped up with similar gameplay.
Today, we’re putting a spotlight on the top games like Fire Emblem, which are must-plays for fans.
The 10 Best Games Like Fire Emblem
When creating this list, we considered the gameplay mechanics and RPG elements of each and how they compare to Fire Emblem.
This has allowed us to find the best alternative games that are both different and familiar to Fire Emblem fans.
So, let’s not waste any more time and jump right into our list of the 10 best games like Fire Emblem:
10. XCOM 1 & 2
XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM: 2 kick off our list as two tactical turn-based games released in 2012 and 2016, respectively.
The first game serves as a reboot of the original game from 1994, while 2 is a direct sequel that takes place 20 years later.
What makes these games worth playing for Fire Emblem fans is that the combat system will feel strikingly familiar.
General gameplay is divided between turn-based combat and strategy, with players having to command their squads effectively.
Additionally, the combat has extremely high stakes, and it is possible to lose characters permanently if they die.
As a result, you will have to exercise caution if you want your entire team to survive until the end!
XCOM 1 and 2 may not have the same fantasy setting as Fire Emblem, but their sci-fi storylines are remarkably engaging.
9. Shadowrun: Hong Kong
Shadowrun: Hong Kong is another game in the tactical RPG genre, and it came to next-gen consoles in 2022.
Set in a futuristic version of Hong Kong, Shadowrun is filled with interesting characters that players can team up with.
An isometric game with 3D characters, the graphics are also noteworthy as they help bring the city to life.
Filled with muted colors and a cyberpunk aesthetic, this game is as gorgeous to look at as it is fun to play!
Like Fire Emblem, players control the actions of their team during combat using AP.
While all characters start with 2 AP, this can be increased or decreased based on various abilities, times, or spells.
What’s more, Shadowrun: Hong Kong boasts a level editor which allows players to create their own campaigns to share!
Currently considered one of the best turn-based PS5 games, Shadowrun is a must-play for any Fire Emblem fan.
8. Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark
Released in 2019, Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark is a turn-based tactics game that takes place in a steampunk fantasy world.
Created thanks to a very successful Kickstarter, Arbiter’s Mark has quickly become one of the most popular games on Steam.
Driven by an epic story, this game gives players control of Arbiter Kyrie, an agent of the Immortal Council.
As Kyrie, players must try to keep peace throughout the land and lead troops through many dangerous encounters.
Arbiter’s Mark also boasts a robust character creation system with over 30 classes and 300 abilities to make your character unique.
There is also a ton of customization when it comes to your troops, including 240 pieces of equipment you can equip them with!
You can also change their portraits, outfits, and colors to make them more distinctive during combat.
The engaging story also warrants mention, as it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
As players discover a concerning amount of corruption surrounding the Arbiters, things will get tricky fast!
7. Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
Mario is one of the most popular video game characters of all time, so of course, he’s going to be on this list!
However, this time Mario and the gang find themselves teamed up with Ubisoft’s Raving Rabbids, and the result is incredibly fun!
Created by Ubisoft for the Nintendo Switch, this game sees Mario and friends working together with Rabbids to save the Mushroom Kingdom.
During gameplay, players control Mario and a cast of Mario and Rabbids characters as they explore the world.
When players come across a territory held by enemy Rabbids, the turn-based combat will begin and end once all enemies are defeated.
Before a battle, players can change their loadouts and current selection of characters.
Each level is divided into different chapters, with each chapter comprised of three additional levels.
There is a ton to do in this game that makes it appealing to both Mario and Fire Emblem fans.
It also isn’t lacking in humor, especially when it comes to the Rabbids dressed up as Mario characters!
6. Heroes Of Might & Magic III
While the original game was released in 1999, this classic was revitalized with an HD remaster in 2015.
Heroes of Might & Magic III is one of the greatest turn-based strategy games of all time, and it still maintains universal acclaim.
At the start of the game, players can choose from seven different campaigns that tell the story from different perspectives.
There is also an option to play against AI or human opponents via a local or online connection.
Throughout the game, players command an army of up to seven troop units, with troops being purchased from various towns.
In order to obtain victory, the overarching goal is to defeat other armies and capture as many towns as possible.
The exact conditions for victory will depend on the map and can even require finding a resource or a grail artifact.
Despite its age, Heroes of Might & Magic III remains incredibly popular with fans both new and old.
It is on its way to getting an official board game via Kickstarter, thanks to its popularity!
If you love the Fire Emblem series, there’s a pretty good chance that you will easily become addicted to this game.
5. Pathfinder: Kingmaker
Pathfinder: Kingmaker is a fun isometric RPG that is inspired by classics such as Baldur’s Gate.
Character customization is a large part of this game, along with a dynamic alignment system that changes based on player choices.
Players can also choose between real-time or turn-based combat, depending on personal preference.
There is also a large focus on realm-building, and the choices players make as a local lord will impact the world as a whole.
While the game starts with your singular character, party members can be gathered as the game progresses.
Based on your playstyle, Kingmaker can take anywhere between 80 to 140 hours to complete.
Aside from the combat and exploration, there is a lot of political intrigue to navigate, which keeps things interesting.
Although it can require a bit of patience to play this game well, the rewards are well worth the wait and investment.
Comparable to the best Fire Emblem games, Pathmaker: Kingfinder is a modern classic of the RPG genre.
4. Valkyria Chronicles 4
This tactical RPG was published by Sega in 2018 as the fourth installment in the series.
Focused on Squad E of the Federation, this game follows Commander Claude Wallace and his friends as they fight a desperate war.
There are six character classes for players to choose from, including a new soldier class called Grenadier.
However, what really makes this game stand out is its unique combat system that blends turn-based strategy with a first-person shooter.
While it doesn’t sound like this system should work, it ends up blending together seamlessly to make combat feel more dynamic.
Best of all, every soldier in your army comes with an interesting backstory and side quest that makes you more invested in them.
Instead of being nameless cannon fodder, Valkyria Chronicles 4 makes it impossible not to care about those under your command.
Valkyria Chronicles 4 is very similar to Fire Emblem, not just in combat but in characterization.
If you’re someone who particularly enjoys getting to know the characters in Fire Emblem, you’ll definitely love this game.
3. Final Fantasy Tactics
One of the best Final Fantasy games of all time, Final Fantasy Tactics was first released in 1998.
This game was how fans of the tactical RPG genre got their fix before Fire Emblem’s release in the West.
Following the story of Ramza Beoulve, this game has two play modes: the world map and battles.
Every battle takes place on a 3D isometric plane that factors in elements like terrain and weather.
However, on the world map, players move along predetermined paths between towns and battle areas.
Final Fantasy Tactics also boasts a character class system that allows players to create characters to fill various roles.
The main story is set following a war that has left the Kingdom of Ivalice split between two candidates for leader.
This split ends up leading to another conflict which is what players will find themselves having to navigate.
Even if you’re not a die-hard fan of Final Fantasy, this is one of the classic games you can’t miss if you’re a Fire Emblem fan!
2. Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition
Featuring one of the best female video game characters of all time, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is an amazing game.
Technically the fifth main entry in the Divinity series, this game is set in Rivellon, a world beset by interdimensional creatures.
To protect the world, players are given control of a Sourcerer, a person able to use a powerful type of magic called Source.
While players can create custom characters, there are also six pre-made characters with their own backstories you can choose from.
You can also create an undead character in this game, something that wasn’t possible in the original.
Throughout the game, players must explore the world and complete quests in order to grow stronger.
While it is a free-roaming game, all combat is turn-based, and players can use a variety of weapons and spells to take out enemies.
Its narrative is also praise-worthy, with a story filled with enough secrets to keep players engaged for years.
Like Fire Emblem, this game is incredibly engaging, and it is filled with unforgettable characters you can’t help but love.
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
The third game in the classic RPG series, Baldur’s Gate takes our number one spot and for good reason.
Set in the Forgotten Realms campaign from Dungeons & Dragons, this game encompasses everything great about old-school RPGs.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, players can create their own characters with a lot of room for customization.
You can choose from a wide variety of D&D races and classes or play a pre-crafted character with a unique backstory.
Events kick off when your character is abducted and a parasite implanted into their brain.
This awakens a slew of new powers and abilities that can be used in combat to give you an edge.
While you can play this game alone, it also supports online multiplayer with up to four players.
All combat is turn-based and inspired by the D&D 5e ruleset, including team-based initiatives, advantages, and disadvantages.
Although Baldur’s Gate 3 is still in early access, it is one of the most popular games on Steam.
Best of all, you don’t need to have played the previous games in the series to jump in and enjoy this one.
Fans of Fire Emblem will feel right at home thanks to the combat system and engaging characters.
Summary
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the 10 best games like Fire Emblem and found some new favorites to play!
Although there are a lot of turn-based strategy games, not all of them are geared toward Fire Emblem fans.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is especially similar, and it has a lot to enjoy if you love Fire Emblem but need something new to play!
Here’s a quick recap of the 10 best games like Fire Emblem:
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition
- Final Fantasy Tactics
- Valkyria Chronicles 4
- Pathfinder: Kingmaker
- Heroes Of Might & Magic III
- Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
- Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark
- Shadowrun: Hong Kong
- XCOM 1 & 2