Class-system preview: What to watch in Infantry, mage gauntlets, and chariots

Original video: Class-system discussion! A Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave preview | Bilibili creator Huowen Xiaomou

Compare pre-release weapon access, mobility, and support roles, then examine damage sources, terrain effects, and mastery conditions.

Weapon access establishes early class roles#

Three things in this presentation excite me most: how Infantry will change foot units, what mages can do with gauntlet weapons, and how chariots' straight-line attacks hit multiple targets.

Among beginner classes, Gladiator uses swords, axes, and gauntlets and leans toward Strength. Hunter combines swords and bows with seemingly flexible mobility, while Soldier uses several melee weapons. Ornius Rider introduces a new mount, and Diviner handles black and white magic. Starting characters also include Commoner and Noble, already creating some opening differences.

How might Infantry change movement through terrain?#

The sword-class description mentions not only swords but Infantry. Some classes show Infantry in their training bonuses while others do not, making me wonder what the skill will ultimately provide.

One possibility is more Movement at high proficiency, though a direct Movement bonus would be powerful. Another is reduced movement costs in deserts, swamps, and similar terrain. Beyond which weapons a character holds, I want to know how this subject changes actual positioning.

Can mages fight with Magic-based gauntlets?#

Mages can also use gauntlets, which is interesting. First, though, how is damage calculated? If ordinary gauntlets use Strength, a low-Strength mage will not deal much damage.

The promotion also shows magic gauntlet weapons resembling pistols. If mages can use them to turn Magic into another attack method, that weapon permission has more practical meaning. A hybrid class such as War Monk, able to fight with gauntlets and cast healing spells, becomes especially promising.

Mounted advantages and where chariots end up#

Armor's shield is striking, though I still prefer the look of full heavy plate. Its range of weapons will also affect engagement options.

Chariots appear able to hit multiple enemies in a straight line, an especially appealing attack pattern. At the time, I guessed they might need preparation before charging. What I most want to see next is actual damage and where they stop afterward.

Sword-class Speed and mastery conditions#

The Speed gaps in promotional footage initially made me optimistic about swords. The stats below come from different showcased units, without controlling character, level, or training. A gap of 6 or 12 cannot be treated directly as a class modifier.

More equipped combat arts, Critical, and Ever Vigilant should give sword classes many ways to act.

For spells, Ovate favors black magic, while Bishop favors healing and support. The name Barrier suggests a nearby ally buff; it actually adds 3 Resistance to adjacent allies. Focused Counter adds 10 Hit when attacking second in combat. Read conditions carefully to know where a class belongs and when it should engage.

Movement gaps and class identities#

If cavalry has 6 Movement, infantry 5, and armor 4, the mobility advantage is less pronounced than a gap of several spaces. Under that assumption, weapons, abilities, mounting and dismounting, and terrain access matter more to the choice.

After the presentation, I still want to see how higher-tier pegasi, physical-magic hybrids, and assassination paths develop. The shown classes already offer varied roles. What I most anticipate is new units creating different approaches to battle.