The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Which character path should you play first in Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave? If you loved Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Dietrich is a compelling place to begin: he comes from Fódlan, and his story follows a battle-seeking swordsman as he finds bonds with others in Dagda. That makes his route a particularly resonant entry point—not a required order, and not a promise of a direct sequel.
Why Dietrich is a natural starting path for Three Houses fans
Fortune’s Weave takes place in the same world as Three Houses, but in Dagda, a region south of Fódlan, and in a different time period. Nintendo producer Masahiro Higuchi said the game was developed so players could enjoy it as a standalone title, even without familiarity with Three Houses. The connection is meaningful context, not a prerequisite or evidence that this is a direct sequel. Nintendo’s developer interview explains both the setting and the intention.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Fire Emblem: Three Houses | $56.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Nintendo Switch) (European Version) | $72.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes - Switch | $38.45 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Fire Emblem™ Engage - Nintendo Switch | $66.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Fire Emblem: Awakening | $57.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Dietrich makes that link personal. Nintendo describes him as a swordsman from Fódlan who survives a shipwreck and arrives in Dagda. Rather than simply revisiting the old setting, his path follows a character from Fódlan negotiating life in a new place.
Dietrich’s story is about more than fighting
Dietrich enters the Heroic Games because he lives for battle. Intelligent Systems director Toshiyuki Kusakihara calls him “an exceptional swordsman who happens to wash up in Dagda after surviving a shipwreck” and says, “He lives for battle, so when he hears about the Heroic Games, he leaps at the chance to take part.”
#1 Best Overall
- Here, order is maintained by the Church of Seiros from its headquarters at Garreg Mach Monastery, home to the Officers Academy, where you’re invited to teach one of its three mighty houses: The Black Eagles, The Blue Lions, and The Golden Deer.
- Which house will you choose?
- As its professor, you must lead your students in class and in tactical RPG battles wrought with strategic, new twists to overcome.
The more distinctive hook is what that appetite for combat may mean for him. Kusakihara describes Dietrich’s story as “a man with a kind of self-destructive impulse, someone who only feels alive in the midst of battle, and how he comes to discover bonds with others in the land of Dagda.” The contrast between seeking danger and forming connections gives his path a clear character arc, which is why it may appeal to players who value the personal stories behind Three Houses’ battles. The interview supports that broad arc; it does not establish a direct character equivalent to anyone from Three Houses.
How the four paths work—and whether you have to commit
Fortune’s Weave has four protagonist paths. Nintendo says players can follow them in any order, pause one and switch to another, and see their stories converge in the latter half, when recruited characters join toward a shared goal. Dietrich is therefore a strong suggested entry point, not a route you must choose first or follow exclusively. Nintendo’s launch overview describes the path-switching structure.
Rank #2
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Nintendo Life’s September 17, 2026 launch-day guide recommends Dietrich as one good first choice, pointing to his character arc and combat strengths. That is an editorial recommendation, not an official required order; the guide also emphasizes there is no single right answer. If Dietrich’s story interests you, start there. If another protagonist catches your attention, the game’s structure gives you room to change paths.
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Best Value
- IMMERSIVE STORY AND VISUALS:The deep and immersive fantasy storyline is told throughbeautiful 3D visuals and movies.
- DEEP CAST OF CHARACTERS: A massive selection of characters are at your command,withal with a unique personality and background story and different class types and skill sets.
- BONDS GROWN IN BATTLE: Team up characters to strengthen their friendships on the battlefield. The closer they grow, the better these friends and allies will fight together. Some characters can even get married!
- "9.6 out of 10. Fire Emblem Awakening is the most fluid and stunning strategy RPG experience available on a portable, and features the best storytelling and production value of any 3DS game to date" - IGN
- "4.5 out of 4 (Editor's Choice). The best Nintendo 3DS RPG to date" - Gamesradar
Rank #4
- Reawaken as a Divine Dragon and take down a thousand-year-old threat
- Take on turn-based, tactical combat and use Emblem Rings to customize your strategy
- Collect Emblem Rings and use them to summon heroes from past Fire EmblemTM games
- Fire EmblemTM Engage launches on January 20, 2023 alongside Fire Emblem Engage: Divine Edition featuring a steelbook case and art book
Rank #3
- Command Fire Emblem: Three Houses characters like Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude in epic real-time battles
- Play through three distinct storylines set in the Fire Emblem: Three Houses universe, each with a different ending, from the point of view of a new protagonist, Shez.
- Combine the action-packed Warriors-style gameplay with the strategy and style of the Fire Emblem series
- Fight through hordes of enemies with Fire Emblem: Three Houses characters and their distinct abilities
- Use Fire Emblem series mechanics like the weapons triangle, character classes, crests, and battalions to tailor your strategy
What to know before you play
- Platform: Nintendo lists Fortune’s Weave as exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, with a physical edition available. It is not an original Nintendo Switch release. Check Nintendo’s game page for product details.
- Gameplay: The game is a tactical RPG with turn-based grid battles. Positioning, attack reach and unit matchups matter; outside battle, Nintendo highlights city preparation, recruitment, quests, resource gathering and dungeons. These systems provide the setting for Dietrich’s path, but the case for starting with him rests on his character story and Fódlan connection.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
