Xander (Paladin)
Xander, the Crown Prince of Nohr and elder brother to Corrin, is a formidable unit in Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest, serving as a loyal and powerful general. He joins the player's army early in the game and remains a steadfast ally throughout the campaign. Xander's base class is the Paladin, a prestigious mounted class renowned for its balanced stats and excellent mobility. As a Paladin, Xander wields lances and possesses high Strength, Defense, and Resistance, making him a capable frontline combatant who can engage both physical and magical threats. His personal skill, Inspiring Oath, grants adjacent allies a +4 bonus to Hit and Avoid, making him not only a strong individual unit but also a valuable support character who can enhance the survivability and accuracy of nearby allies. This skill is particularly useful in tight formations or when defending key positions.
Xander's growth rates lean towards making him a durable and offensive powerhouse. He typically boasts high gains in HP, Strength, Defense, and Resistance, ensuring he can withstand significant punishment while dishing out substantial damage. His Speed growth is decent, allowing him to double-attack some slower enemies, but it's not his primary strength. His innate weapon proficiency with lances means he can effectively utilize a wide array of powerful lances available throughout Conquest. You can further customize Xander through class seals. Upon reaching level 10 as a Paladin, he can promote to a Great Knight, gaining access to axes and even more defensive capabilities, or he can re-class to a Wyvern Lord (if You has the appropriate Heart Seal or Second Seal), which grants him flight and access to axes and lances, offering a different strategic approach. His support options are also extensive, allowing him to build strong bonds with many characters, further enhancing his utility through paired-up bonuses. When paired with a unit that complements his strengths, such as a fast offensive unit, Xander can become an unstoppable force on the battlefield. His presence on the map often dictates the flow of battle, as his ability to tank hits and deal significant damage makes him a prime candidate for spearheading assaults or holding critical choke points. His loyalty to Nohr and his complex relationship with Corrin are central to the narrative of Conquest, making him a compelling character both in terms of gameplay and story.