Pair Up and Attack Stance Mechanics
The "Pair Up" mechanic in Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright introduces a significant layer of tactical depth by allowing two units to combine their efforts on the battlefield. When two allied units are adjacent to each other, one can choose to "Pair Up" with the other. The unit initiating the Pair Up becomes the primary unit, and the allied unit becomes the secondary unit, essentially merging into a single combat entity. This pairing offers several strategic advantages. Firstly, it allows the primary unit to leverage the stats and abilities of the secondary unit. For example, if a strong offensive unit like Ryoma is paired with a defensively oriented unit like Gunter, Ryoma can benefit from Gunter's increased Defense and Resistance when engaging in combat. This can make even fragile units more survivable or allow strong units to become even more potent.
Secondly, Pair Up affects movement and combat. When units are paired, their combined movement range is determined by the primary unit's movement stat, but they move as a single entity. This can be used to position two units together for a coordinated attack or to protect a weaker unit by keeping them close to a stronger ally. In combat, the primary unit takes the lead. However, the secondary unit can provide support. Depending on the stats and skills of both units, the secondary unit can contribute to the primary unit's attack, potentially increasing damage or granting additional hits. Crucially, the secondary unit can also provide defensive bonuses, increasing the primary unit's Avoid (evasion) and Defenses. This makes Pair Up an excellent tool for protecting vulnerable units or for creating powerful offensive juggernauts. The game visually indicates the potential benefits of Pair Up, showing how stats like Strength, Skill, Speed, Defense, and Resistance are modified when units are paired. For instance, pairing a unit with high Speed with another unit can increase the chance of a "double attack," where the primary unit attacks twice in a single combat round.
The "Attack Stance" is a related mechanic that occurs when a unit is adjacent to an enemy but does not initiate an attack. Instead, they can choose to enter an "Attack Stance." In this stance, the unit will automatically counter-attack if an enemy attacks them during the enemy's turn. This can be a useful defensive tactic, especially for units that are not meant to be on the front lines but can still contribute to damage output. However, units in Attack Stance do not benefit from the defensive bonuses of Pair Up. The decision to Pair Up or to leave units separate depends heavily on the specific map, enemy composition, and the strengths of your own units. For example, pairing a powerful offensive unit with a healer might allow the healer to stay safe while still being able to provide support when needed. Conversely, pairing two strong offensive units can create an unstoppable force capable of quickly eliminating threats. Understanding when and how to utilize Pair Up and Attack Stance is a key element of mastering the combat system in Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright.