Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is the upcoming sequel to both 2017's Fire Emblem: Warriors and 2019's Fire Emblem: Three Houses. It was announced at Nintendo's February Direct with a trailer that highlighted new gameplay and new character designs. The game is set in the same universe as Three Houses, and the player will again choose to side with one of the three house leaders, Dimitri, Edelgard, or Claude. However, the introduction of a new protagonist, Shez, seems set to stir up the narrative.

Three Hopes looks to improve upon its predecessors by combining new gameplay elements and strong plot twists with Warriors' musou-style gameplay and Three Houses' popular setting. While it won't be released until June 24, a free demo is currently available to play up to Chapter 4. For players unfamiliar with the series, these tips and tricks will prove useful in the battles ahead.

RELATED: Fire Emblem - How to Marry Three Houses' Most Difficult to Romance Character

Placing Units Carefully Before Battle Can Help Swing the Tide

Fire Emblem Warriors Three Hopes battle map

Before a battle can even begin, players must organize their units. They can choose several active characters to directly control throughout the mission and several support units who can only be given orders. Each unit type has its own strengths and weaknesses, which can be viewed on the pre-match battle map. Lining units up with opponents they're strong against will ensure the best chance of success. For example, in the map above, it's best to line Felix up on the right-hand side of the map, as he's strongest against those opponents and weak against many on the left side. By planning a battle carefully, the player can swing the tide in their favor throughout the mission.

Equipping the Right Gear Will Give Characters the Upper Hand

Fire Emblem Warriors Three Hopes convoy

Players can obtain new gear in numerous ways, such as via mission rewards or uncovered loot. Players should be constantly checking their convoy, the game's inventory, to make sure that the best equipment is being utilized. Similarly, it should be appropriately distributed to give the biggest benefit. For example, characters will low defensive stats will benefit the most from defensive items such as shields. Checking a character's weapon level is also important in order to effectively use each weapon, as the higher the level, the more consecutive attacks a character can make, dealing more damage. Ensuring each character has enough healing potions and a second weapon (in case of low weapon durability) to protect them throughout the mission is also essential.

RELATED: The 9 Biggest Video Games Releasing in June 2022

Switching Things Up Will Strengthen Each Character

Fire Emblem Warriors Three Hopes Ashe level up

Although it can be tempting to stick with one character to see through each battle, it's not a very effective strategy. Instead, players should focus on utilizing a variety of units to spread XP among the party. The MVP of each mission also receives bonus XP, so heavy use of lower-leveled characters can really help them to scale quickly. Using each character and their combat abilities will also boost these skills. Given the unique qualities of each character and how they're suited to taking on different enemies, it's important not to leave any behind. All will prove vital throughout the game, so using every character and spreading XP is essential for staying ahead of every challenge the game throws at players.

Taking the Time To Interact With Everyone Will Keep Support Levels High

Fire Emblem Warriors Three Hopes character interaction

The Fire Emblem games have long highlighted the importance of developing character relationships and growing bonds between party members. Three Hopes is no different. Between missions, players can chat to, train with and even share tea with other students. Doing so will increase the support points between these characters, which can be decisive in tight battles. For example, students with higher support points will be better able to execute partner combos and act as Adjutants who can fight alongside each other and protect the player. Taking time away from the heat of battle to build these relationships will remain an important aspect of Three Hopes' gameplay.

RELATED: Every Fire Emblem Game on Nintendo Switch Ranked, According to Critics

Staying on the Front Foot Will Earn Big Rewards

Fire Emblem Warriors Three Hopes Dedue

Three Hopes' musou-style gameplay favors fast-paced, real-time attack combinations over Three Houses' more traditional turn-based approach. This type of game requires the player to stay on the front foot throughout, pushing through waves of enemies to reach the bigger goal. Players are rewarded for playing aggressively, as mission rankings are improved by quick completion times and high levels of damage dealt. The higher the mission rankings, the better the rewards, so players should actively try to stay on the front foot and push forward quickly to achieve a better result. Rewards such as gold can in turn be used to buy better equipment or other useful things that can improve the player's chances in later battles.

Three Hopes' gameplay can be difficult to adjust to immediately, especially for those unfamiliar with its style. While at first the various combinations, abilities and orders can seem overwhelming in the heat of battle, they soon become second nature as the player becomes more experienced. However, staying on top of these five areas will help new and veteran players alike come out on top in any battle and unravel what promises to be an intriguing and gripping plot line.