Chapter 16: The Inevitable Choice
Chapter 16, "The Inevitable Choice," presents a pivotal moment in Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest, forcing You to confront the consequences of their allegiance. This chapter often features a challenging map with a significant number of enemy units, requiring careful planning and unit deployment. Expect to face units such as Knights and Archers, whose ranged attacks can be particularly dangerous if not managed. The objective typically involves reaching a specific point on the map or defeating a boss unit, often a high-ranking Nohrian official. Pay close attention to enemy weapon triangle advantages; for instance, lances are strong against swords, and axes are strong against lances. Units like Silas, a Cavalier, can be invaluable here due to their mobility and balanced stats. Consider pairing units to grant them defensive bonuses and access to dual attacks. The appearance of powerful enemy skills, such as Rally Defense, can significantly buff enemy stats, so prioritize eliminating buffed units quickly or using debuffing tactics. The map may also contain terrain features that offer defensive bonuses, such as forests providing +20 Avoid. Utilizing these strategically can turn the tide of battle. If you have recruited any units with the Armored Blow skill, they can be effective tanks against strong physical attackers, but be mindful of their lower resistance against magic.
A common pitfall in this chapter is underestimating the enemy reinforcements. Often, new waves of enemies will appear after a certain number of turns or when specific objectives are met. It is crucial to have a defensive strategy in place to handle these incoming threats without overextending your own forces. Units with high movement, like Pegasus Knights or Wyvern Riders, can be used to quickly seize objectives or intercept reinforcements. Remember to utilize your pair-up system effectively; a strong front-line unit paired with a supportive unit can create a formidable duo. For example, pairing a high-defense unit like Effie with a unit that can heal or provide stat buffs can create a self-sufficient combat engine. The chapter's boss might possess a unique weapon or skill, so scouting their abilities before engaging is paramount. If the boss has a skill like Vantage, which allows them to attack first when their HP is low, be prepared for a counter-attack.