Cavalier & Paladin/Great Knight
The Cavalier line represents a robust mounted infantry unit in Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest, offering excellent mobility and solid combat stats. Starting as a Cavalier, these units wield swords and lances, providing versatility against a wide range of foes. Their innate ability, Canto, allows them to move again after attacking, a crucial mechanic for repositioning or escaping danger after engaging an enemy. This mobility is paramount on Conquest's often challenging maps, where strategic positioning can mean the difference between victory and a costly defeat. For instance, a Cavalier can initiate an attack on an enemy Knight, then retreat to safety behind allied units, preventing a counterattack.
Promoting a Cavalier leads to two distinct advanced classes: the Paladin and the Great Knight. The Paladin retains the sword and lance proficiency but gains increased movement and often better defensive stats, making them excellent frontline units capable of covering significant ground. They are particularly effective at intercepting fleeing enemies or reinforcing distant allies. The Great Knight, on the other hand, gains access to axes in addition to swords and lances. This expanded weapon triangle coverage makes them exceptionally versatile, able to engage almost any enemy type effectively. Great Knights also possess the Armored Blow skill, which grants a significant defensive boost when initiating combat, making them formidable tanks, especially when facing strong physical attackers like the Nohrian Guard.
When leveling Cavaliers, prioritize increasing their Strength and Speed to maximize their offensive potential and ensure they can double-attack weaker foes. Their Resistance is typically lower, making them vulnerable to magic users like Sorcerers. Therefore, pairing them with units that can cover their magical weakness, such as a tactician with high Resistance or a unit with the Miracle skill, is a sound strategy. Consider using a Second Seal to reclass a Cavalier into a Wyvern Rider for a temporary boost in Strength and access to axes, or into a Pegasus Knight for increased Resistance and flight, before returning them to their advanced class for optimal stat growth.
- Cavalier Base Stats (Example): HP 24, Str 8, Mag 1, Skl 7, Spd 8, Lck 5, Def 9, Res 3, Mov 7
- Paladin Promotion Bonus (Example): +2 Str, +1 Skl, +2 Spd, +3 Def, +1 Res
- Great Knight Promotion Bonus (Example): +3 Str, +1 Mag, +1 Skl, +1 Spd, +2 Def, +1 Res