Fire Emblem Heroes
Fire Emblem Heroes

Lances

Master Fire Emblem Heroes' Lances, a vital weapon type for Blue units. Learn how they counter Red units and their diverse combat effects.

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Lances

Lances are a cornerstone weapon type in Fire Emblem Heroes, offering a diverse range of effects and playstyles. They are primarily wielded by Blue units, giving them a natural advantage against Red units (Swords, Red Tomes) and a disadvantage against Green units (Axes, Green Tomes).

Understanding Lance Types and Their Impact

While all lances deal physical damage, their secondary effects and stat distributions can drastically alter a unit's role. Here's a breakdown of common lance archetypes and how to best utilize them:

1. Standard Lances (High Might)

  • Description: These lances prioritize raw attack power, making them excellent for units focused on dealing heavy damage. They often lack complex secondary effects but provide a solid stat boost.
  • Key Examples:
    • Brave Lance: Grants a guaranteed follow-up attack if unit initiates combat. Ideal for units with high Attack and moderate Speed to secure KOs, or slower units who need to double.
    • Slaying Lance: Reduces Special cooldown count by 1. Essential for units relying on powerful Specials like Ignis, Glacies, or Aether to activate more frequently.
    • Silver Lance: A high-might, no-frills lance. Good for units who just need a strong base attack and have their unique skills or A/B/C slots provide utility.
  • Strategy: Pair these with offensive A-skills like Death Blow 4 or Swift Sparrow 3 for maximum damage output. For Slaying Lances, consider Special Spiral in the B-slot to chain Specials.

2. Defensive Lances (Stat Boosts & Sustain)

  • Description: These lances focus on enhancing a unit's survivability, often by boosting defensive stats or providing healing.
  • Key Examples:
    • Berkut's Lance: Grants +4 Res when attacked. Excellent for units with good Defense but lacking Resistance, turning them into mixed tanks.
    • Safeguard: Grants +4 Def when attacked. Similar to Berkut's Lance, but for physical tanking.
    • Barrier Lance: Grants +7 Res when attacked. A more potent version of Berkut's Lance, often found on cavalry or flier units.
    • Harmonic Lance: Heals 7 HP after combat if unit initiates. Provides valuable sustain for units who frequently engage in combat.
  • Strategy: Combine with defensive A-skills like Distant Counter or Close Defense 4. B-skills like Quick Riposte or Guard can further enhance their tanking capabilities.

3. Support/Utility Lances (Debuffs & Buffs)

  • Description: These lances provide valuable support to the team by debuffing enemies or buffing allies, often without directly engaging in combat.
  • Key Examples:
    • Arden's Lance (Prf): Grants various effects based on allies' positions, often providing both offensive and defensive buffs.
    • Legion's Axe (Prf, but similar effects exist on lances): Inflicts debuffs on foes within a certain range.
    • Refined Lances: Many standard lances gain unique refined effects, such as Firesweep Lance (prevents counterattacks) or Wo Dao Lance (adds +10 damage to Special activations).
  • Strategy: These lances are best used on units who can safely position themselves to apply their effects. Consider C-skills like Drive Atk or Spur Def/Res to further enhance their support role.

Optimal Skill Inheritance for Lance Units

When inheriting skills for your lance users, consider their base stats, movement type, and intended role. Here are some general recommendations:

A-Slot Skills

  • Offensive: Death Blow 4, Swift Sparrow 3, Atk/Spd Push 4
  • Defensive: Distant Counter, Close Defense 4, Fortress Def/Res 3
  • Mixed: Atk/Def Solo 4, Steady Posture 3

B-Slot Skills

  • Offensive: Desperation 3, Special Spiral 3, Lull Atk/Def 3
  • Defensive: Quick Riposte 3, Guard 3, Null Follow-Up 3
  • Support: Chill Atk/Spd/Def/Res, Sudden Panic

C-Slot Skills

  • Team Buffs: Drive Atk/Spd/Def/Res, Joint Drive Atk/Spd/Def/Res
  • Enemy Debuffs: Panic Ploy, Rouse Atk/Def (for solo units), Oath Skills (for adjacent allies)
  • Movement: Guidance (for fliers), Armored Stride (for armored units)

Remember to always consider the synergy between your chosen lance, the unit's inherent skills, and the rest of your team composition for optimal performance in Fire Emblem Heroes.