Lances & Naginatas
Lances and Naginatas are essential for controlling the front lines and engaging heavily armored or fast-moving enemies in Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest. Units like Silas, a loyal knight, or Effie, a formidable armorer, excel with lances, offering a good balance of might and reach. Lances are strong against swords and weak against axes, making them ideal for countering sword-wielding opponents like the Nohrian soldiers or the player's own sword-focused allies if they stray into danger. Naginatas, primarily used by the Sky Knight and Pegasus Knight classes (such as Caeldori), offer similar benefits but often come with higher critical hit rates and can be effective against both infantry and cavalry. The effective range of lances and naginatas allows them to strike from a safe distance, preventing counter-attacks from many melee units. A well-timed charge with a lance, such as the Steel Lance, can break through enemy formations and create openings for your other units. The Javelin, a special type of lance, allows for ranged attacks, adding another layer of tactical flexibility.
When planning your assault, remember the weapon triangle's impact. Deploying lance users against sword-wielding enemies is a sound strategy, but be wary of axe-users like Arthur, who can easily overpower them. The effectiveness of lances is also tied to their weight; heavier lances might reduce a unit's Speed, potentially preventing them from doubling their opponent. Consider the enemy's movement capabilities; units with high movement, like cavalry, can quickly close the distance, making lance users a vital defensive asset. In chapters like Chapter 10, where numerous sword-wielding enemies appear, a strong contingent of lance users can be the key to victory. Furthermore, certain skills associated with lance-wielding classes, such as the Aegis skill from the Knight class, can reduce incoming damage from ranged attacks, making them more resilient. The strategic use of Javelins can also help soften up enemy groups before your main force engages, especially against formations of archers or mages.