13 tips for getting started: weapon traits, weekly training, and exploration
These 13 tips cover weapons, ranges, terrain, difficulty, the four protagonists, weekly activities, recruitment, exploration, fast travel, the calendar, achievements, dungeons, and timed paralogues.
Original video: 13 tips I wish I knew before playing Fortune’s Weave; English gaming outlet GameSpot.
Prepare archers and mages, return to town weekly for training, Temple Service, and Support, and check the calendar before leaving to reserve time for paralogues. The thirteen tips below follow the video's order.
1. Each weapon type has its own trait
There is no weapon triangle in this game. Each weapon type has its own trait:
| Weapon | Innate effect |
|---|---|
| Sword | Follow-up damage becomes 1.2 times normal |
| Lance | Effective against cavalry |
| Axe | Deals at least 5 damage |
| Bow | Effective against flying units |
| Gauntlets | Easier to dodge attacks from weapons other than gauntlets |
Magic has limited uses, but it is excellent against armored enemies. Combat Arts add effects and consume weapon durability. At zero durability, a weapon can still make normal attacks, but its might and hit rate suffer. Cover different weapon roles when recruiting and changing classes. In particular, prepare archers and mages, or flying and armored enemies will become a struggle.
2. Enable enemy ranges and check targeting lines
Press L at the start of every battle to display enemy attack ranges. Purple tiles show where enemies can threaten you on their next action. Before placing someone there, decide whose attacks they will take. If one enemy worries you, move the cursor over it to check its range individually, then use the targeting lines to see who it will attack.
3. Account for terrain when flying over obstacles
Forests increase Avoid, water impedes movement, and flying units can cross ravines and difficult ground. Infantry and fliers travel through the same location very differently. Factor in terrain effects before moving.
4. Start on Hard with Classic mode off
I prefer the combat, so I recommend starting on Hard with Classic mode off while you learn the systems. Early battles are fairly easy, and the difficulty builds later. Classic mode removes fallen characters from future battles. Decide whether you are willing to accept that consequence before choosing it.
To change your settings, use “Descend Again” on the title screen to replay the prologue, switch protagonists, and adjust difficulty. Your most recent save must be in the Obelisk Chamber. Even with cutscenes skipped, the prologue can take about 30 minutes.
5. Choose protagonists for story and exclusive exploration
Leda seeks revenge, 
Theodora pursues expansion, 
Dietrich hunts monsters, and 
Cai wants to rescue his father. Pick the story that interests you most.
Exploration differs too: Theodora recruits battalions, Leda dances for rewards, and Dietrich draws out beasts to fight. Imperial city facilities also open at different paces by route. During free time, enter the Obelisk Chamber from the Pale Raven perch to switch routes. Finish ongoing major story events first. I would alternate between two favorite protagonists to keep things fresh.
6. Train every week and serve on holy days
In the capital, you can train, dine, visit the theater, shop, perform Divine Service, accept quests, repair weapons, and change classes. Many activities reset weekly. Make training a regular habit: each session lets two characters train a chosen proficiency.
| Training day | Cost and discount |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | 300 gold |
| Saturday | Half price, a 50% discount |
Divine Service at temples strengthens Blessings, which can increase Avoid or attack in battle. Each god has a holy day. Check the calendar and visit on the right day for extra benefits. My routine is to explore, do side quests, and clear dungeons in the first half of the week, then train, dine, and meet prospective recruits in the second half.
7. Give a gift, then meet each recruitment requirement
When you meet someone you want to recruit, give them a gift to make them a guest, then check their invitation requirements. You usually need both enough support and Renown, and sometimes a quest as well. Guests can join activities but cannot fight for you yet.
Raise support with meals and gifts. For Renown, prioritize each protagonist’s unique jobs, such as supply deliveries for Theodora and bounty targets for Dietrich. Register the people you want, then meet their requirements one by one. Fill open slots in your party as early as possible.
8. Pack camping supplies before opening new routes
The world map has caves, towns, shops, enemies, and side quests. If a Renown requirement blocks your path, look for another route. Maps bought at markets reveal nearby locations. Prioritize carriages when you see them to unlock fast-travel points and save the trip next time.
Use meat and other ingredients at camps to restore HP and spell uses while exploring. Save ingredients before a long journey. Exploration progress does not carry between protagonists, so you must explore the map again after switching routes. Each route also has different goals and exploration mechanics.
9. Fast travel in the capital takes you to people you have met
Back in Dagsion, press ZR to open the map. You can travel directly to districts, shops, locations, and characters you have met. Fast travel saves a great deal of walking when delivering gifts or doing weekly activities.
10. Check birthdays and competitions before leaving
A day can feel long in town, then pass quickly while you travel outside. Check the calendar often for birthdays and competitions, and set aside time for them. You get reminders for major events, but other activities may not always prompt you. Even if you only want to watch another arena match, check the date before heading out.
11. Exchange achievements for shards and unlock Boons of Salvation
Defeating enemies, winning battles, and completing other tasks builds up achievements. Return to the Pale Raven to exchange them for Karma Shards, then unlock Boons of Salvation. EXP bonuses and shop discounts carry across routes, and you can disable them in the menu. If you plan to play several routes, unlock some early to save effort and money later.
12. Train in dungeons, then take back exits to open routes
Caves and dungeons are good places to clear enemies with characters you want to train. Press the plus button to use Clash and speed things up. Enemy numbers are limited, but if you are not too overleveled, you can still gain plenty of EXP in a short time.
The compass at the top shows the entrance and other exits. If there is a back exit, leave through it; this often opens a new route. In caves without one, focus on clearing enemies and collecting treasure.
13. Expired paralogues cost you their rewards
Paralogues begin unlocking later, and they deserve priority. They award gold and Renown, and may also involve character recruitment and major story events.
Check the deadline whenever a paralogue appears and complete it in time. Missing the deadline can cost you gold, Renown, character stories, and recruitment opportunities together.