Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Lances

Master lances in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Learn about lance types, combat arts, and strategic advantages against cavalry for effective frontline combat.

Lances: The Backbone of the Infantry

Lances are a fundamental weapon type in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, favored by many of the game's early-game units and crucial for maintaining a strong frontline. Their balanced stats make them versatile, effective against both cavalry and other infantry units. Mastering lance proficiency unlocks powerful combat arts and advanced classes, making them indispensable for any aspiring tactician.

Lances offer a solid balance of might and hit, making them a reliable choice for most situations. While they might not boast the raw power of axes or the range of bows, their consistent performance and wide availability make them a cornerstone of any army. Early-game units like Dimitri, Sylvain, and Ingrid often start with high lance proficiencies, making them natural front-line fighters. Investing in lance training for your units can lead to significant advantages in combat, especially when facing cavalry units that are weak to them.

Lance Types and Their Properties

The game features several lances, each with distinct characteristics:

  • Iron Lance: The most basic lance, offering reliable damage with decent hit. A staple for early-game combat.
  • Steel Lance: A step up from the Iron Lance, providing increased might at the cost of slightly reduced hit.
  • Silver Lance: A powerful late-game option, boasting high might and good hit. Often a reward from quests or found in shops.
  • Bargain Lance: A unique lance found in the Cindered Shadows DLC, offering a good balance of stats for its availability.
  • Killer Lance: Grants a significant critical hit bonus, excellent for finishing off tough enemies.
  • Brave Lance: Allows the user to attack twice, regardless of their speed, making it excellent for doubling or dealing burst damage.

Combat Arts and Mastery

As units gain proficiency with lances, they unlock powerful Combat Arts:

  • Swift Strike: A quick attack that can deal extra damage if the unit's speed is higher than the enemy's.
  • Lancefaire: A passive ability that increases damage when wielding a lance. Essential for lance-focused units.
  • Piercing Lance: Deals damage and ores enemy defense, making it effective against heavily armored foes.

Strategic Use of Lances

Lances are particularly effective against mounted units, which are common throughout the game. Units wielding lances gain an advantage in combat against cavalry and wyvern riders. When planning your formations, consider placing your lance-wielding units on the front lines to counter these threats and protect your more vulnerable spellcasters or archers. The ability to attack twice with a Brave Lance can also be a game-changer, allowing you to quickly eliminate dangerous enemies before they can act.