Initially announced during a Nintendo Direct presentation in February, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes again features a choice between three routes, this time named Crimson Blaze, Azure Gleam, and Golden Wildfire. Each route focuses on one of three feuding factions: the Adrestian Empire, led by Edelgard von Hresvelg, the Kingdom of Faerghus, led by Dimitri Alexander Blaiddyd, and the Leicester Alliance, led by Claude von Riegan. However, previous trailers for the game did potentially hint that the three factions may be able to work together this time, rather than remaining enemies.
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A new trailer, released on April 12, shows off new protagonist Shez, dubbed the “Mysterious Mercenary,” as well as revealing that previous protagonist Byleth may play an antagonist role in Three Hopes. The Japanese-language website for the game revealed more information on Shez, who can be given an alternate name by the player. They are described as a solitary mercenary with no friends or family, who is currently recovering from their humiliating defeat by Byleth, the “Ashen Demon.” Alongside Shez, another new character was revealed: Arval, a strange figure who appears in Shez’s dreams.
The game’s website gives very little information on Arval, even refusing to confirm whether she is real or simply exists within Shez’s head. Arval’s mysterious nature, ability to speak in dreams, and otherworldly design may connect her to the goddess Sothis, who similarly speaks to Byleth within their head and, in Three Houses, allows Byleth to use the time-bending ability Divine Pulse. Arval will likely give Shez a similar ability, as the website describes Three Hopes’ protagonist as miraculously being able to get back up again after their disastrous battle with Byleth.
While the new trailer features Arval only minimally, most likely to keep fans guessing about her mysterious nature, it did reveal several other Three Hopes characters both new and returning. In addition to Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude, their respective retainers Hubert, Dedue, and Hilda were also confirmed to be playable. Other characters appearing in the trailer, but not yet confirmed to be playable, included Mercedes, Lorenz, and Flayn. Monica, an antagonistic non-player character from the original Three Houses, has also seemingly been promoted to playable in Three Hopes, appearing on the battlefield alongside Edelgard and Hubert. It remains to be seen whether Arval will be a fully-fledged playable character or simply support Shez as Sothis does Byleth.
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes releases for Nintendo Switch on June 24.
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