Fire Emblem Fates Attack Stance, Guard Stance and Weapon Triangle
Choose between extra actions and protection before committing to an enemy phase.
Edition covered
Nintendo 3DS Birthright, Conquest and Revelation (2015 Japan, 2016 western release). Route differences are labelled. Revelation requires an already-owned download or a Special/Limited Edition cartridge containing it; new 3DS eShop purchases ended in 2023. Cover shown: Birthright.
Use adjacency for Attack Stance
Two unpaired adjacent allies can cooperate through a Dual Strike. The supporting hit has its own accuracy check and reduced damage, so inspect the forecast instead of treating it as guaranteed lethal damage.
| Formation | Main benefit | Cost / limit |
|---|---|---|
| Adjacent unpaired allies | Dual Strike support | Both remain exposed units |
| Paired allies | Stat support and enemy Dual Strike protection | One active unit instead of two |
| Full Guard gauge | Blocks an incoming hit | Requires gauge management |
| Enemy pair | Receives similar defensive benefits | Plan damage without a friendly Dual Strike |
Pair Up for Guard Stance
A paired unit gains support bonuses and blocks enemy Dual Strikes. The shield gauge also builds toward a guarded hit, but the support unit gives up its separate action while paired.
Read the expanded triangle
Fates groups swords with tomes, axes with bows and lances with daggers. Hoshidan weapon equivalents fit the same relationships; the colored advantage indicator helps confirm the matchup.
| Group | Beats | Loses to |
|---|---|---|
| Swords / Katanas and Tomes / Scrolls | Axes / Clubs and Bows / Yumi | Lances / Naginatas and Daggers / Shuriken |
| Axes / Clubs and Bows / Yumi | Lances / Naginatas and Daggers / Shuriken | Swords / Katanas and Tomes / Scrolls |
| Lances / Naginatas and Daggers / Shuriken | Swords / Katanas and Tomes / Scrolls | Axes / Clubs and Bows / Yumi |
| Staves / Rods and special weapons | Read individual rules | Do not force them into the three groups |
Check weapon drawbacks and enemy skills
Weapons generally do not wear out, but stronger weapons can impose penalties. A good displayed attack value can still leave a unit vulnerable to follow-ups, effective damage or a dangerous enemy skill.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Nintendo original manual | www.nintendo.com |
| Nintendo route and edition overview | www.nintendo.com |
| Attack and Guard Stance rules | serenesforest.net |