Chapter 17: Bearer of Hope
Chapter 17, "Bearer of Hope," continues the narrative thrust of Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest, often introducing new enemy types and strategic challenges. This chapter might focus on a defensive objective, such as protecting a specific unit or location from waves of attackers. The enemy composition can be varied, potentially including mages, flyers, and infantry units, demanding a balanced army composition. Units like the Archer Takumi, if you managed to recruit him, can be exceptionally useful for picking off flying units from a distance. Pay attention to the map layout; choke points, such as narrow bridges or doorways, can be exploited to funnel enemies and create kill zones. Units with high defense and resistance, like the Knight Arthur, can hold these positions effectively. The chapter may also introduce environmental hazards or special map mechanics that players must navigate. For instance, certain tiles might inflict damage at the start of a turn, or areas could be shrouded in fog, reducing unit vision. Having units with the Pass skill can be beneficial for bypassing enemy lines or reaching objectives quickly in fog-bound areas.
When facing multiple enemy types, prioritize threats. Mages, for example, can deal significant damage to units with low resistance, while heavy armor units can be slow but incredibly resilient to physical attacks. Consider using debuffing skills or weapons to weaken key enemy units before committing your main force. Skills like Seal Resistance can make mages more vulnerable to magical attacks. If the chapter involves protecting a specific NPC, ensure you have units capable of intercepting enemies before they reach their target. Units with high movement and the ability to draw enemy aggro, such as a Paladin with the Defender skill, can be instrumental. It's also wise to have a healer, like Elise, readily available to mend any damage sustained during defensive maneuvers. The chapter might culminate in a boss battle that requires a specific strategy to overcome. For example, a boss with high HP and a powerful attack might necessitate a coordinated assault from multiple units, potentially utilizing critical hit chances or powerful combat arts.