After 36 Years, Nintendo Is Finally Adding Firearms to Fire Emblem

If you have ever grown weary of relying strictly on traditional swords, lances, and arcane spells in the Fire Emblem universe, you are in luck. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is shaking up the formula by introducing firearms to the battlefield—something Marth and the classic heroes could only ever dream of.

This surprising addition was one of the major highlights from the latest Nintendo Direct, which offered enthusiasts an extensive look at the upcoming strategy game for the Nintendo Switch 2. During a comprehensive breakdown of the title’s diverse arsenal, familiar weapons like axes, bows, and gauntlets were showcased alongside an entirely unprecedented class of weaponry: guns.

While discussing the rare armaments hidden throughout the campaign, the presenter spotlighted a character named Anatolia wielding what are officially described as “gauntlets that look like firearms.” Dubbed the “Salamander,” this pistol-like contraption unleashes a concentrated energy projectile capable of obliterating an opposing Thundercloud Knight in a single, decisive blow.

In past franchise entries, gauntlets traditionally favored agility, boosting a unit’s evasion rate while maintaining reliable damage output. Fortune’s Weave boldly reimagines this archetype by substituting physical punches with high-powered ballistic discharges. Move over, Advance Wars—Fire Emblem is casually stepping onto your turf.

As of now, it remains unclear whether the Salamander is a standalone novelty or part of a broader firearm category. Regardless, the sheer absurdity and thrill of equipping tactical firearms in a fantasy tactical RPG is undeniable, and experimenting with these futuristic armaments will undoubtedly be a highlight of the playthrough.

Nintendo’s showcase also brought another delightful and unexpected revelation: elephants. Alongside traditional mounts like pegasi, wyverns, and griffons, commanders can now deploy units via the newly introduced Elephant Rider advanced class. Tip your hat to Super Mario Bros. Wonder, because it truly walked so that Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave could soar.

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is scheduled to launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 17. If you have even a passing interest in tactical role-playing games, watching the complete Nintendo Direct presentation comes highly recommended, as firearms are merely the tip of the iceberg.

Dagda serves as the ancestral homeland for several notable characters from Fire Emblem: Three Houses.

Source: Polygon