Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Axes

Master axes in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Learn about their strengths, weaknesses, types like Killer and Brave Axes, and which units excel with them.

Axes in Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Axes are a staple weapon type in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, renowned for their raw power and ability to inflict significant damage, especially against heavily armored foes. While they may lack the speed and range of other weapon types, their sheer destructive force makes them indispensable for breaking through enemy lines and eliminating high-threat targets. Mastering the use of axes requires careful consideration of their strengths, weaknesses, and the units best suited to wield them.

Axes are primarily wielded by physical combat classes, such as Fighters, Brigands, Warriors, and Knights. They generally boast higher Might (attack power) compared to swords and lances, making them excellent for dealing high damage per hit. However, this power often comes at the cost of lower Hit rates and Speed, meaning axe users may miss more often and are generally slower to attack. This makes them more vulnerable to counter-attacks from faster enemies. Despite these drawbacks, axes possess unique advantages. Many axes have effects that are particularly effective against armored units, allowing them to bypass some of their defensive capabilities. Furthermore, certain powerful axes can be obtained through quests or by defeating specific enemies, offering significant stat boosts and combat advantages. When equipping an axe, consider the unit's Strength stat, as this directly influences the damage dealt. Units with high Strength will get the most mileage out of powerful axes, turning them into true juggernauts. It's also important to consider the weapon's durability, as axes can break after repeated use, requiring replacement or repair.

Types of Axes and Their Properties

Axes vary in power, accuracy, and durability:

  • Iron Axe: A basic, reliable axe with decent Might.
  • Steel Axe: Offers a significant boost in Might over the Iron Axe, but with a lower Hit rate.
  • Silver Axe: A high-tier axe with excellent Might, suitable for late-game units.
  • Killer Axe: Boasts a high critical hit rate, making it ideal for units focused on critical damage.
  • Brave Axe: Allows for two attacks per turn, but with reduced Might.
  • Hammer: Deals bonus damage against armored units, making it a specialized anti-armor weapon.

Units Proficient with Axes

Several classes excel with axes:

  • Fighter/Brigand: Early-game classes that build a strong foundation for axe combat.
  • Warrior: An advanced class that combines axe mastery with bow proficiency.
  • Fortress Knight: While primarily defensive, they can utilize axes for their high Strength.
  • War Cleric: A special class that uses axes for powerful offense alongside healing.

Strategic Considerations for Axes

When using axes, keep these points in mind:

  • Target Weaknesses: Axes are excellent against armored units and high-defense enemies.
  • Positioning: Due to lower Speed and Hit, position axe users carefully to avoid being overwhelmed or missing crucial attacks.
  • Stat Synergy: Pair axes with units that have high Strength to maximize damage output.
  • Combat Arts: Utilize axe-specific combat arts like Mighty Blow or Raging Storm to enhance their effectiveness.

Acquiring Axes

Axes can be obtained through:

  • Shops: Purchased from merchants in the Garreg Mach Monastery or during battles.
  • Enemy Drops: Sometimes dropped by defeated enemies.
  • Quest Rewards: Certain quests or paralogues may offer unique axes as rewards.

Axes are a cornerstone of physical offense in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, providing the raw power needed to overcome formidable challenges and dominate the battlefield.