Chapter 13: The Invisible King

Chapter 13: The Ice Dragon

Chapter 13 in Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation, titled "The Ice Dragon," presents a significant strategic challenge centered around the formidable Ice Dragon, Glacies. This chapter takes place on a treacherous ice-themed map, emphasizing the need for careful movement and positioning to avoid being overwhelmed by both the environment and the dragon's potent attacks. The primary objective is to defeat Glacies, but the map's layout and the presence of numerous powerful enemies, including reinforcements, demand a well-thought-out approach.

Map Overview and Objectives

The map for Chapter 13 is a large, open area with several key features:

• The Ice Dragon (Glacies): Glacies is the central boss unit, located towards the upper portion of the map. She possesses extremely high stats, including immense defensive capabilities and powerful breath attacks that can hit multiple units.
• Reinforcements: Enemy reinforcements will appear from the sides and rear of the player's starting position throughout the chapter, forcing players to manage their flanks.
• Terrain: The map is covered in ice tiles, which can impede movement for units not equipped for cold weather or lacking specific skills. Some areas may also feature snowdrifts that further reduce movement.
• Objective: Defeat Glacies.

Recommended Units and Loadouts

Success in "The Ice Dragon" hinges on bringing the right units and equipping them appropriately. Consider the following:

• High-Defense Units: Units with high defense and resistance are crucial for tanking Glacies's attacks and holding choke points against enemy waves. Knights, Generals, and certain advanced classes like the Great Knight or Paladin are excellent choices.
• Strong Offensive Units: You'll need units capable of dealing significant damage to Glacies. High-strength physical attackers (Myrmidons, Swordmasters, Berserkers) and potent magic users (Mages, Dark Mages, Sorcerers) are essential.
• Flying Units: While vulnerable to archers, flying units can bypass the difficult terrain and reach advantageous positions quickly. They can also be effective at picking off isolated threats or engaging Glacies from unexpected angles. However, be cautious of enemy archers.
• Healers: A dedicated healer or units with healing staves are vital for sustaining your frontline units against Glacies's relentless assault.
• Skills:
  • Movement Skills: Skills that increase movement or allow passage over difficult terrain (e.g., "Pass," "Mountainer") can be invaluable for navigating the icy map.
  • Damage Boosts: Skills that increase damage against dragons or provide stat bonuses in combat are highly beneficial.
  • Defensive Skills: Skills that reduce damage taken or increase defensive stats will help your units survive.
• Weapons: Bring several effective weapons. Effective weapons against dragons (like the "Wyrmslayer" or certain magical spells) are extremely useful. High-power, accurate weapons are also recommended.

Walkthrough: Step-by-Step Strategy

This walkthrough assumes a standard approach, focusing on controlling the map and systematically eliminating threats before engaging Glacies.

1. Initial Deployment: Deploy your strongest defensive units on the front lines to absorb the initial enemy push. Place your offensive powerhouses and healers behind them, ready to support and counter-attack. Position flying units strategically to exploit any openings or cover flanks.
2. Advance Cautiously: Do not rush headlong into the map. The ice terrain will slow your units. Advance in a controlled manner, forming a defensive line that pushes forward. Prioritize eliminating any immediate threats that can disrupt your formation.
3. Manage Reinforcements: Enemy reinforcements will begin appearing around Turn 3 or 4, typically from the left and right edges of the map, and sometimes from the rear. Designate specific units to intercept these waves. Flying units can be particularly effective at intercepting reinforcements before they reach your main army.
4. Clear the Path to Glacies: Systematically defeat the enemy units guarding the approach to Glacies. Pay close attention to enemy archers, as they can pose a significant threat to your flying units and lightly armored characters. Use terrain to your advantage, creating choke points where your stronger units can hold off multiple enemies.
5. Engage Glacies: Once the path is relatively clear and you have a strong force ready, begin your assault on Glacies.
   • Positioning is Key: Glacies has a wide attack range. Ensure that only your strongest, most resilient units are within her attack range. Keep your healers and weaker damage dealers at a safe distance.
   • Focus Fire: Concentrate all your offensive power on Glacies. Use your most powerful weapons and skills. If you have units with dragon-slaying capabilities, they should be your primary damage dealers.
   • Heal Consistently: Glacies hits hard. Be prepared to heal your frontline units every turn, or as needed, to keep them alive.
   • Watch for Counter-Attacks: Glacies will counter-attack. Ensure that the units engaging her can survive her retaliation.
6. Victory: Once Glacies's HP reaches zero, the chapter will conclude, and you will earn your rewards.

Rewards and Items

Upon completion of Chapter 13, You can expect to receive the following:

• Experience Points: Significant EXP for all participating units.
• Gold: A substantial amount of gold.
• Item: A unique and powerful item, often a Dragonstone or a potent weapon. (Specific item may vary slightly based on game version or previous choices, but typically includes a valuable reward for defeating the Ice Dragon).

Common Pitfalls and Missables

• Overextending: Rushing too far into the map without securing your flanks can lead to being surrounded by reinforcements.
• Ignoring Terrain: Underestimating the movement penalties of the ice terrain can lead to units being isolated or unable to reach critical positions in time.
• Underestimating Glacies: Glacies is one of the most powerful dragons in the game. Do not engage her with under-leveled or poorly equipped units.
• Vulnerability of Fliers: While useful, flying units are extremely vulnerable to enemy archers. Keep them protected or ensure they can engage threats before being targeted.
• Dragon-Effective Weapons: Forgetting to equip or use units with weapons effective against dragons will significantly prolong the fight and increase the risk of casualties.

By carefully planning your unit deployment, managing reinforcements, and focusing your offensive power, you can overcome the challenge of "The Ice Dragon" and progress further in Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation.